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Boston's Best Jewelry Stores

Whether you're shopping for a nice piece of jewelry or for the nicest piece of jewelry of all, an engagement ring, it's a big purchase. From all the different stones to settings to budgets, there are a lot of things to consider when buying jewelry for any occasion. Buying from a reputable, knowledgeable jeweler can make the experience one to remember. These tried-and-true Boston jewelers have customers raving about the selection and service. Try them yourself and see the difference between buying from a local Boston jeweler and shopping at a mall store.

Joseph Gann Jewelers
387 Washington St., 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 426-4932
www.josephgann.com

From its humble start doing watch repair, Joseph Gann Jewelers was able to survive through the Great Depression and the last 80-plus years by building a reputation built on customer service and quality. Since then, the shop has expanded from watch and jewelry repair to a full-service jeweler offering a wide selection. From watches to diamond engagement rings, you're sure to find something special at Joseph Gann Jewelers. And if diamonds are what you're looking for, you'll be happy to know that Joseph Gann has one of the finest selections of loose diamonds in Boston. Even better, it takes special care to make sure its diamonds are conflict-free gems.

Related: Ask the Expert: Boston's Most Stylish Places to Get Married

Persona Jewelry+
Hotel Commonwealth
504 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 266-3003
www.personastyle.com

Like every jeweler on this list, Persona Jewelry+ features a great selection of jewelry. What really makes it stand out is its custom jewelry design. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding band set or just a unique piece of everyday jewelry, Persona Jewelry+ is the place to shop. It is extremely flexible and works with customers to deliver exactly what they want, exactly when they need it. Many clients mention the store's willingness to create a custom piece of jewelry on a much tighter-than-normal schedule while still producing high-quality results.

Leon Ohanian & Sons Jewelers
387 Washington St., Suite 703
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 426-0558
www.ohanianjewelers.com

Leon Ohanian started as a family business and continues to be one to this day. It carries on that tradition of family to its clients. You can expect to walk through the doors and feel instantly comfortable during the jewelry buying experience. Beyond friendliness, the staff is also extremely knowledgeable about each and every piece in its stores. If you're a first-time diamond buyer or an experienced buyer who hates shopping in jewelry stores, Leon Ohanian will surprise you with how quickly it puts you at ease.

Laura Preshong Jewelry
558 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 236-7660
www.laurapreshong.com

Love the sparkle of diamonds but hate everything else that goes with them? Laura Preshong Jewelry is Boston's premier eco-friendly and socially responsible jewelry store. Its gem selection is ethical and it even features recycled metals for its settings. Get diamonds that you can feel good about wearing. But if you think that the store's sole focus is on socially conscious gems, think again. You'll find the same kind of high-quality merchandise and wide range of style that you'll find at a more traditional jeweler.

Related: Boston's Best Stores With a Cause

BRAG: Boston Ring and Gem
333 Washington St., 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 720-2724
www.bostonringandgem.com

Ask about jewelry shopping in Boston and BRAG's name will come up again and again. Yes, this family-owned business has incredible service. And yes, it has an even more incredible selection. Sure, they can also customize just about anything for you. But the real reason to shop here for your jewelry needs is the atmosphere. Feel free to browse quietly by yourself or to ask a million questions requiring detailed, knowledgeable answers. Either way, you'll get the experience you want. And even more importantly, you'll get no upselling and no pushy sales people.

Renee Mallett is the author of several books about art, culture, and New England. She was the owner and director of an art gallery and has written about arts and entertainment on a national level for several print and online journals. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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