Claire ThompsonWorking in the arts, I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to come up with the most creative and memorable gifts. For my mom’s birthday, I wanted to give her something fancy and personalized. So I thought, I couldn’t possibly go wrong with gold jewelry.
I thought everything would be nice and easy, but then I had to deal with shops with overpriced estimates, unresponsive jewelers, and mass-produced designs—I almost designed, cast, and assembled one myself!
It’s lucky I didn’t have to go that far, though. Eventually, I reached some promising goldsmiths in Columbus with designs worth exploring. So whether you’re a gift shopper, collector, or repair seeker, you can check out a review of my top picks below.
1. William Weidinger
Address: 1458 W 5th Ave
Phone: +1 614 481 8866, [email protected], Contact Form
William Weidinger is family-owned by Bill and Andy, who make jewelry using precious metals and rare gemstones.
These goldsmiths in Columbus don’t have salespeople, marketers, or mass-produced items, which I believe is charming in its own right. For me, this means they must be super careful and dedicated to each original, handmade design.
With Bill’s extensive experience and contacts in the diamond and colored stone marketplace, I assume that’s why he sources lots of beautiful gemstones.
And if you have doubts about ring sizes, I appreciate that many of their rings follow an in-house sizing system. This way, I bet you’ll likely find something that truly fits.
I also noticed that most rings on sale on their website are about a woman’s 6 ¾. Still, I find it handy that they can size them up to 1 ½ sizes larger or smaller than their stock size at no charge.
It’s convenient for me that they offer a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. This doesn’t cover normal wear or loss, though. Plus, only this store can modify, resize, or repair your item, so you can keep your warranty.
But since they don’t mass-produce their products, I think they probably don’t have a big inventory for quick purchases.
Patient, Educated, and Truly Dedicated
“I don’t think that I can put into words how wonderful Andy and Bill have been in the process of making my dream engagement ring. From start to finish, they were so patient, educated and truly dedicated to making sure every detail was exactly what I envisioned. I am so grateful for this experience and for my beautiful ring. If you’re looking for jewelers who are not only talented but truly invested in their clients, I cannot recommend Weidinger Jewelry enough.”
-Ms. Paige Brechtel, Google Review
Extremely Passionate
“I can’t say enough about how excellent our experience has been with Bill and Andy. They helped me design a gorgeous engagement ring for my fiancé and wedding band for myself. They’re extremely passionate about what they do, and they even travel around the world to find incredible gemstones! Everything is designed and made meticulously by hand in-house. The designs are gorgeous, the quality is unmatched, and you can walk away knowing that the piece you purchased is one of a kind and was made by true artisans.”
-Mr. Sean Voiers, Google Review
2. Ramos & Strapp Goldsmiths
Address: 726 N High St
Phone: +1 614 654 4653, [email protected], Schedule Appointment
Business hours:
- Mon, Wed-Fri: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sat: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Tue, Sun: Closed
Ramos & Strapp Goldsmiths is best known for its custom jewelry—everything is made in-house from design to end with fine materials and great craftsmanship.
I especially love how this company maximizes technology for precision and efficiency. Its team uses computer-aided designs and 3D printing to make adjustments and turn your vision into a reality.
Moreover, design consultations can be held in person or on Zoom, which I reckon shows the team’s flexibility. You’ll also be given a prompt and accurate estimate from the get-go to save time.
The whole process also typically takes about 2 to 6 weeks, which I believe is pretty standard. Still, this depends on the inventory and materials needed.
It’s handy for me that repairs like quick fixes and restorations are available too. Its artisans have over 20 years of experience, so I feel they’re well-equipped to handle most issues. This includes ring resizing, prong re-tipping, chain soldering, and cleaning.
On top of that, you can sell your jewelry here! Just bring your items to their location so they can sort through them. They’ll make you a cash offer based on weight and market price.
If interested, you can easily schedule through their user-friendly online booking system. Of course, I think this may limit walk-ins, so it’s best to make an appointment before visiting.
5 Stars
“Went in for a ring size change and there were def some hicups. First I would recommend heading in closer to 1pm instead of noon. But after everything they made it right and so they get the 5 stars. Thanks Ramos & Strapp!”
-Ms. Jackie Gleason, Google Review
Very Kind and Professional
“True gentlemen & professionals. Walked by and went in to fix my grandfather’s ring. They were very kind and professional. And home to the most loving chihuahua you will ever meet, the great Rocco!!!! Will be my go to from now on.”
-Mr. Alberto Montalvo, Google Review
3. Jeff Johnson & Co
Address: 5025 Arlington Centre Blvd #130, Hamilton Capital
Phone: +1 614 459 8890, [email protected]
Business hours (available by appointment):
- Tue-Sat: 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Sun-Mon: Closed
Jeff Johnson & Co has the winning team—a lead jewelry artisan, sales specialist, and goldsmith in Columbus to ensure you get exceptional designs and craftsmanship.
What I really like about them is how collaborative they are. From the initial appointment, they’ll try to get to know you by understanding your likes and dislikes, as well as the meaning you intend your piece to have once created.
I also respect their thorough process, which has been used for generations. For this, they use either state-of-the-art computer design programs or hand-carved wax modeling.
This store’s exclusive creations in its showroom are also available for online purchase. I love that each piece has a detailed description of its materials and measurements, so you’ll really understand what you’re getting.
It’s also a plus that this store is set in a premium location within Hamilton Capital. I reckon its serene setting can improve the client experience as well.
That said, I feel its small operation and appointment-only setup can lead to longer wait times during busy periods and limit spontaneous visits.
A+ Experience In Every Way
“I am so pleased with the design experience I had with Tamara at Jeff Johnson and Company. She listened and understood the history of the pieces I was bringing in to be re-crafted. She offered design suggestions about the final piece, and was transparent about pricing along the way. A+ experience in every way.”
-Ms. Julie Guthrie, Google Review
Just Superb
“My experience with Jeff Johnson Jewelers could not have been better. Carol’s knowledge and skill coupled with her attentiveness to my goal for designing my ring made all the difference! I will be returning to Jeff Johnson for all my jewelry needs from now on. Just superb!!!❤️”
-Ms. Laurie Marsh, Google Review
4. Alexanders Jewelers
Address: 689 N High St
Phone: +1 614 233 6666, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Tue–Sat: 11:00am – 6:00pm
- Sun–Mon: Closed
Need a memorable luxury timepiece you can pass on? With Alexanders Jewelers, I adore that the only limit to your personalized piece is your imagination.
I’m impressed that this store has a master goldsmith in Columbus with more than 25 years of experience, so I feel he can really help bring your vision to life.
Besides custom designs, this comfy boutique also offers watches, jewelry, and even repairs. I believe these services make it a one-stop shop for gift seekers.
I also think its one-year warranty for all new merchandise is pretty handy. This protects clients against defects in workmanship, manufacturing, and design.
And if you love its services, I appreciate its Rewards Club. With this, you can get at least 5% back on every full-price purchase, as well as extra points when you refer family and friends. The points never expire, too! Great for repeat purchases, in my opinion.
Just keep in mind that this shop is busier during weekends and sale events. I suggest visiting on weekdays to be sure.
Top-Tier Customer Service
“Gabriele was a pleasure to work. She helped my husband and I with the perfect ring for me. Her customer service skills and follow up are top tier. Any future needs I will be coming back.”
-Ms. Dominica Pounds, Google Review
Very Honest and Great Turnaround
“Was introduced to Alexander through my dad and I’m so glad! I bought a beautiful watch and they also fixed an older watch that was my grandmothers. They have an amazing selection, very honest and great turn around time for when I needed my watch repaired. Thank you!!”
-Ms. Kelsey Smith, Google Review
5. Koulian Jewelers
Address: 861 N High St
Phone: +1 614 817 1772, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Tue-Sat: 11:00am – 4:30pm
- Sun-Mon: Closed
Koulian Jewelers specializes in creating many kinds of jewelry, which I reckon showcases its flexibility. You can have rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more created here.
Other than that, I admire that it carries many top designer brands, so you’ll have many options. This includes Swarovski, Diamond Emotions, Divine & Co, Roman + Jules, and Facet Barcelona.
I also think it’s helpful that this company’s repair services are quite comprehensive. The team can assist you with anything, from cleaning and tightening to repairing breaks and resizing. Everything would be done on-site for transparency as well.
It’s convenient that jewelry appraisals are offered here too! The team is experienced in understanding both a piece’s value and history, so I feel they’ll provide you with reasonable prices.
Nonetheless, a client told me about being treated unprofessionally by the staff once. While this seems to be an isolated case, I still think the shop can do better to avoid this type of conflict in the future.
Very Efficient
“I replaced my battery in my Raymond Weil watch and could not (for the life of me) get the back to snap in place. I called Koulian Jewlers and the owner offered to help me. I arrived to the shop and was immediately welcomed in. Within a minute or two my watch was back in service. I offered to pay something for his time, but he said it was no charge. I really appreciated that. Thank you!”
-Mr. Kevin Boyne, Google Review
The Best
“Alec is the best and very helpful. Very happy with the service and prices. Purchased an engagement ring and wedding bands at Koulian and have nothing but good things to say.”
-Mr. Sean Connaughton, Google Review
