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Bensons Jewelers Our next jewelry appraisal date is: September 24, 2009 Please call for an appointment, but walk-ins are welcome! Bensons Jewelers was founded by Ben Stein and his sons in 1939. The original jewelry store resided on the 2nd floor of the International Building in Washington, DC for 67 years.
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Reviews (28)
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Norma Saafir
Sep 02, 2021
Honest and fair servicing of watches, in downtown DC. A true rarity!
Katie McMahon
Apr 01, 2021
Ken helped me try to find the perfect ring - a sapphire round ring with diamonds around the stone (birthday gift to myself!). He was so nice and genuine which I really appreciated. I always prefer to shop local especially now. I highly recommend Benson Jewelers.
Michael Haddad
Feb 05, 2021
Our family has purchased from Bensons for years. We love supporting a locally owned and operated jeweler. Ken is very knowledgeable, all the staff are pleasant to work with and there pricing is great.
Ijene L.
Dec 20, 2020
So I visited Benson's because I heard they could change the battery in my Movado and because I couldn't find a Movado store near me. When I checked in, a coupon appeared that said something to the effect of: Free watch battery change if you look around the store. (I'm sure I got that all wrong) But once inside, I bounced up to the counter and asked the jeweler to change my watch battery and he asked if I read the coupon?

I said "I think so".long story short I hadn't read it right but he changed my watch battery for free anyway. I was able to regale the workers with tales of the sea from my Navy deployment days and have a look at the beautiful, and unique pieces they had in the little store while I waited. The owner also helped me try to create a bracelet made of gold frogs, but sadly the size I was looking for wasn't available. Still, the service was nice.

I only held a star because unfortunately, the battery died 1 month later, but it was free so I couldn't be too upset. Oh well. Anyhoo, I would go back. They're sitting in some pretty prime real estate and Saks was just around the corner which is always a plus in my book to keep me coming back by. I recommend them even with the battery dying because they're nice and nice is always on time.;) 4/5 blinged out stars.
Jennifer H.
Aug 23, 2020
Beyond 5 star service. My parents owned a jewelry store for many years of my life so I understand the ins and outs of creating a custom ring. I could not believe my eyes when I saw the finished product. Even after the drawing and simulation they provided it is more amazing than I could even imagine. I highly recommend ken Stein as he is an amazing innovator in custom pieces. I will never go to any other jeweler again. Bensons has my business for life!
Jacob P.
Aug 06, 2020
This was my first time going to Benson's Jewelers and I cannot recommend them enough! Ken is an absolute genius and turned an estate ring into an absolute masterpiece for a reasonable price. The finished ring is in platinum with a 4ct tsavorite in the center and baguette diamonds on either end. After they finished the complete transformation, the appraisal of the ring doubled in value from what I spent on both the ring and redesign. Ken is going to be my go to jeweler from now on and you should look no further for anything you need relating to jewelry!
Sherrie Blankenship
Jul 13, 2020
Mr. Ken Stein, I am the daughter of Amine Blankenship. My mother adored your father and your business. I am coming to pick out my engagement ring with my beau in the next month. There is no other place that I would think to purchase it from. I am now 50. My mother passed in 1989 and I'm sure that she will be with me in spirit as I try them on. Her last gift to me for my high school graduation was a gold engraved Bangle that she purchased from your store.
Rebekah Ginsburg
Jun 05, 2020
I needed to get my engagement ring resized, and Benson's let me come in without an appointment, had it done in two hours, and the ring is perfect. You can't tell it's been modified at all. Dropping it off and picking it up probably took less than 15 minutes combined. The resizing was also very affordable. The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable.
Tara M.
Jun 03, 2020
This is an amazing jeweler in DC. We bought our wedding bands at Bensons and my husband routinely gets watch repairs there. I couldn't recommend them any higher. I am so sorry Bensons was looted and I hope they are able to re-open soon.
Maggie J.
Mar 14, 2020
Like another reviewer, I had to get a ring cut off--they were great about the whole thing and didn't even charge me for the service. Very warm and personable, will be using them to get the ring repaired and any other jewelry needs.
Dave M.
Dec 20, 2019
Fantastic service. Classy and professional. Ken produced a new custom pendant using some small family diamonds and the result was absolutely stunning. On time, on budget. Terrific experience! thanks Ken, you saved Christmas!
Ben Bahn
Nov 17, 2019
Got two gold religious medallions from Benson's and matching chains. I thought the prices were reasonable and the service excellent. They did not have the medallions in stock but they were able to order them and they came in the next day. They also do engravings. Really nice family run store. Would recommend.
Nick H.
Nov 12, 2019
I went to Bensons one day because I needed a battery replaced and also needed to remove a couple links from my watch band. Including my trip to Bensons that day, I have been to a jeweler/watch shop a total of 3 times in my whole life. So my sample size for comparison to other shops is about as tiny as it gets. Just wanted to put that out there first.

That being said, Bensons was an awesome experience. The man who worked my watch was the friendliest guy I've ever met. He eyeballed my watch when I put it on my wrist and guessed that I needed 3 links removed. He then took my watch in the back of the store and came back 5 minutes later with the battery replaced. I placed it on my wrist and it was a perfect fit.

He smiled as he handed me the plastic zip lock bag with my 3 removed links in it and exclaimed "nailed it!" Then he asked me to take the watch off again so he could take it in the back and give it a free cleaning. A couple minutes later he returned the watch to me and I dare say it looked nicer than the day I bought it. I walked out feeling like a brand new man with my fresh watch gleaming on my wrist.

Best of all, I checked in to the shop while I was there and thanks to its partnership with Yelp, I earned myself a free battery for the next time I visit. I'm not looking forward to the next time my watch dies.but when it does, I do look forward to coming back to Bensons to get my battery replaced again. In fact, I am planning to return with all of my watches to have them serviced here.
Joshua F.
Nov 01, 2019
Needed a small diamond on a pave band replaced. Other jewelers said several days or a week. Ken at Bensons had it done on the spot. Efficient service, quality work, great prices. Big thanks to Ken and Mark for their help. They're my go-to jeweler now.
Michael Witczak
Nov 01, 2019
Ken and his team are incredible. I bought an engagement ring from him that came from the manufacturer and when it came back and it looked slightly different than the one in the store. He noticed the differences and made sure to get it right. It is gorgeous! On top of that, I went to shop for a wedding band and we said we wanted one that was available, but needed to be ordered.

We chose to wait for 2 months and would order it closer to the wedding date. I went in today and Ken ordered the ring, in my size, so there would be no wait, without us asking him too. it's the little things that shows someone cares. Incredible customer service. Will continue to use them as my jeweler for everything!
Divya M.
Oct 04, 2019
Matthew at this store is incredibly helpful and is clearly very passionate about his work. I have had a couple watch batteries changed here, but appreciate how friendly and kind he is every time I come. Thanks!
Marie Piayai
Oct 02, 2019
Can't rave enough about Matthew at Benson's Jewelers! I brought a necklace I had as a baby, and he completely re-purposed the broken chain and built me a new necklace, and bonus bracelet! They are so knowledgeable about gold, stones, watches, designing, everything! And you absolutely can not beat their prices. Bensons is willing to work with whatever budget you have!
Marlene Taruris
Aug 19, 2019
I just read the article about the gift certificate from 50 years ago! I just called and spoke to the owner! I told him that he has restored my faith in mankind, especially in today's crazy busy world! He was very humble and simply did "the right thing". Absolutely amazingly awesome! God bless him, his family, friends and his customers!
Katrina B.
Jul 23, 2019
I noticed my diamond was knocked out of place during the middle of the work day and needed to find a reputable jeweler ASAP to fix it and make sure the stone was secure. After doing a quick search on Yelp, I found Bensons nearby. Ken helped me immediately and was able to gently secure it back in place. Thank you, Ken, for saving me from a near freakout!
Peter A.
Jul 01, 2019
I had an awesome experience at Benson's over the weekend. I brought in my wedding band to get it resized and not only were they able to do it within 5-minutes while I waited, but they did it for free! To top it off they were kind and showed exemplary customer service. It really made my day. I would absolutely recommend them for any jewelry needs!
Willie R.
Jun 10, 2019
When I found out this weekend that Treasure Trove has closed down, my heart fell. I have been going there for years for currency exchange and the occasional watch battery replacement. I found my way over to Bensons and whaddya know--Mark and the team from Treasure Trove have moved over there! Dropped in yesterday for a battery replacement. They didn't have the large battery needed for my watch but recommended I go to Walgreens up the street. Just five minutes and five dollars later, I was back with battery in tow, and they quickly replaced it. I'll be back!
Doug Belote
Apr 28, 2019
What amazing service. I dropped my watch off for repair at lunch intending to come back mid-afternoon. Instead I showed up just after 5 and they were closed. No problem, I work nearby and would come again tomorrow. I was halfway down the street when a guy called after me to come back. He opened the shop back up and provided me with my watch. Didn't even charge me for it!

I've been there a few times before for watch servicing and ring cleaning - they do a wonderful job. But you can bet when I make my next jewelry purchase I'm heading there for that. Thank you for the great - small but really big - service!
Kelly OMalley
Mar 01, 2019
I had been looking for a reputable jeweler to remove a link from my watch (after a previous jeweler-NOT Benson's-ruined the band trying to take out a link). I stopped in Benson's and shared my previous bad experience and my concern about trying again. The jeweler was very helpful and successfully removed the link without damage! He was also kind enough to waive the fee for the service, given my previous experience and concern about potentially losing another watch if it didn't work out. Thank you Benson's!
Jimmy W.
Jan 12, 2019
Just visiting DC and my watch battery went out. Found the nearest repair/jeweler. The jeweler had a sudden rush of customers as I arrived so I left my watch with them for an hour. I came back short of an hour and my watch was ready! Decided to use the check in offer and the jeweler sent me on a little reading quest before handing me my watch.least to say it was very entertaining! Spoiler: you have to look around.
Alicia P.
Mar 22, 2018
We recently bought wedding bands from Bensons Jewelers and could not be happier. Ken went above and beyond, working with us to evaluate custom diamond ring options, as well as more traditional bands. Ken and others were communicative, attentive, and committed to helping us find rings that we were excited about. They made a complex process easy, and we look forward to returning in the future.
Aaron J.
May 26, 2017
Denied service. Came in on a recommendation from a co-worker who said she had her jewelry repaired here. I first had a diamond I bought online appraised. Spoke to a man named Ken. He said the appraisal person only comes on twice a month, but he'd take a look. While I was there, I asked if he(Ken) could set a diamond in a ring. Said it would run $100.

Ok cool. I looked at the mounts they had in store, but didn't see anything I was in love with. Found a beautiful mount elsewhere, but they were charging more than double what the guy at Benson's quoted and it would have taken 3 extra weeks since their jeweler was on vacation. I decided to bring the ring and the mount back to Benson's only to be told "I ain't doing that!" "Why didn't you have them do it?" "Not worth it." It's interesting that they can do jewelry repair, but refused to set a diamond. Maybe he was upset I didnt buy the mount from him. Found another jeweler close by who was more than happy to set it for me. Thanks for nothing.
Marie H.
Feb 13, 2017
So I've had my special time piece for four years and the battery went dead. I searched via Yelp and I was able to find this establishment. I called to see if they were still doing the free watch battery replacement if you checked in via Yelp and Mr. Ken was kind and courteous. He stated that he thought that he took that promo off however, if I mentioned it he would still be willing to honor that promo.

I was elated and I proceeded to ask if I needed to make an appointment. Mr. Ken stated that it wasn't necessary. So as I walked in I was prompted greeted by a gentlemen and he examined my watch and I mentioned the fact that I checked in via Yelp and he proceeded to take my watch in the back and he changed my battery. Once done we talked about the crazy weather we've been having in the DMV area. All in all, I was out in less than 10mins. Fast and efficient service. 5
Rohini Singh
Apr 22, 2015
Re-posted from Yelp: Went to get my engagement ring re-sized. The ring is unique and non traditional and the band was 18K gold and had a slightly matte finish. It also was a unique shape, thicker in the back and thinner near the stone. I asked when I dropped it off if they would maintain this and he told me the re-sizing doesn't alter the shape of the ring/thickness of the band.

They did the re-sizing in one day and yes, it was only $50 but totally altered the color and look of the ring. The guy said he didn't notice it although there is clearly a spot that is a completely different color and the thickness of the band is completely altered and uneven. Plus the ring is still too big! They did offer to fix it but I do not want them to continue to mess with the ring, we are already worried they messed with the value by adding something to the gold.

Instead they quickly gave me a refund. We now have to beg the designer to restore the ring to its original state, which could take months and more money. I do not recommend this place if you have a non-traditional engagement ring. They were careless with it and clearly did not appreciate the significant changes they made to it.