Great Experience
I bought an engagement ring and wedding band at Americus a couple of months ago. As background, I also visited Jewelry stores at La Cantera (helzburg and Tiffany).
Pros:
1. Outstanding selection - really the largest selection of engagement rings that you're going to find. I didn't realize how nice that was until we went to the smaller stores. It's organized smartly by metal (white gold, gold, platinum) then by style (solitaire, and the other kinds).
2. Sales people - When we first arrived we explained that we were just looking. I feel that sales people usually ignore if they don't think you'll be buying. It wasn't the case here though. Our sales person walked with us the entire 2.5 hours of our visit. Pulled out multiple (like more than 30) rings for my girlfriend to try on and the entire time was relaxed and not pushy. After working with us and seeing what rings we liked, she was able to anticipate and offer suggestions. I didn't feel like I was getting the hard sale or trying to be upsold. In contrast at a couple of other stores, I kept getting the used car salesmen vibe which I hate.
Even after I went back to buy the ring, I asked if I should upgrade the side stones. She told me they were plenty shiny and I don't need to upgrade. It was nice to hear that when you're nervous about to make a big purchase and hope you're buying something nice enough.
Anyway, she explained the 4C's of diamonds (maybe there's 5, I don't remember) and did not try to pressure the most expensive thing on us.
To address the review where they complained about incorrect info on the card....they write the information down right in front of you as you pick out which ring you would like. All I can say is that all my information was correct. The rings have serial numbers that they go by so it helps to just actually show up and point out the ring or know the serial number of the one you want if you're going to call in. It's not like you can call and say, please set aside the shiny one with diamonds that I looked at.
Anyway, I went back later by myself and bought the engagement ring and wedding band. I'm living overseas now so they are keeping it in the safe for free and safekeeping until I'm able to come back. I plan on buying the center diamond later to have it set.
Cons:
Really the only cons I saw is that you have to send your ring in every 6 months for cleaning and maintenance in order to keep your warranty current. You get a freebie grace period if you're late on that 6 months. Really not a big deal if you live in San Antonio, but a little difficult if you don't.
Also, if you buy your center diamond somewhere else then they don't warranty the setting and all. Their prices for diamonds were very competitive so I don't see any reason to buy from a different store and not take the warranty in my case.
Also, just had to address one more thing in the other persons review. I work in medicine and have to deal with the "customer service" side of things with pushy patients and parents. When you are rude to people, it gives them less incentive to be nice to you. After the store explained the policy of not making bands with outside stones the other reviewer gave this response:
"So that was approved by the manager after some arm twisting and loud complaining."
Loud Complaining - Loud complaining about a policy that is already in place is a little ridiculous in a jewelry store in my opinion. Especially before you've even bought the rings. If you wanted something like that, just go somewhere else. Anyway, she still bought her ring there....so...yeah.
Ok, that's all I got. I had a really good experience, had read these reviews before I went and thought I would contribute. I have no affiliation with Americus, I'm in the military, lived in San Antonio for 3 years and now I'm overseas.
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