Okay, so I finally got around to checking out Shane Company over in Kansas City. Been hearing their ads for ages, you know, the whole “your friend in the diamond business” thing. Figured I’d see what the fuss was all about myself. I just wanted to share what went down when I popped in there.
My Mission: Just a Simple Look-Around
I wasn’t on a hunt for a massive diamond or anything, trust me. I actually just needed a small repair on a piece I already owned, something simple. I thought, hey, they’re a big name, they must do repairs, right? So I drove over there, piece in hand, expecting a quick drop-off and maybe a browse while I was at it.
Walking in, the place is definitely shiny. Lights everywhere, glass cases, the whole nine yards. It’s got that classic jewelry store vibe, a bit intimidating if you’re not used to it. Someone came up to me almost immediately, super polite, asking if I needed help. Standard stuff.
The Repair Counter Detour
So, I explained I had a repair. They pointed me towards a separate counter, a bit tucked away. Seemed straightforward. I got there, and there was a bit of a line, which, okay, fair enough. When it was my turn, I showed the piece to the person. They took a look, a real close look with one of those little eye-magnifier things.
Then came the questions. “Where did you get this?” “Do you have the original paperwork?” Now, this piece was a gift, pretty old. I didn’t have any of that. I just told them it needed a clasp fixed. Simple. But it felt like I was being quizzed before they’d even say if they could fix it.
- They seemed a bit hesitant ’cause it wasn’t bought from them.
- There was a lot of “well, we’d have to see…”
- They started talking about how their own pieces are made and their warranty. Good for them, but not what I was there for.
It wasn’t like they were rude, not at all. But it was this very careful, very by-the-book process. I felt like I had to prove the jewelry was worthy of their attention or something. They eventually said they could look at it, but it would take a few days just for an estimate, and then longer for the actual repair. And they made sure to mention the cost wouldn’t be cheap because, you know, “quality work.”
What I Ended Up Doing
Honestly, it felt like more hassle than it was worth for a small fix. I got the impression they’d much rather be selling you something new and shiny from their cases than fixing up an old piece from somewhere else. Can’t blame ’em, I guess, that’s where the money is. But the “friend in the business” thing felt a little thin right then.
I ended up just saying, “Okay, thanks, I’ll think about it,” and took my piece back. Walked out feeling a bit like, “Well, that was an experience.” I just wanted a simple fix, not a whole consultation on the merits of buying from Shane Co. versus other places.
So, that’s my little story with Shane Company in Kansas City. They’re definitely a big, professional operation. If you’re buying new, maybe it’s great. For a simple repair on an outside piece? Felt a bit like I was trying to get into an exclusive club without the right membership card. Just my two cents from my little trip over there.
