Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Jewelry Destination in Alexandria, VA
Today's Cargo has been a trusted name in Alexandria's jewelry industry since 1973. Founded by Gladys Irvin at a flea market card table, our journey from humble beginnings to a beloved Old Town institution reflects our commitment to quality and customer care. We specialize in fine jewelry, estate pieces, and unique gifts sourced globally, including pearls from Japan, Italian gold, and handmade jewelry from Mexico and Thailand. Our services extend beyond sales to include custom design, repairs, appraisals, and ear piercing, all performed with expertise by our experienced team. We prioritize transparency, with visible pricing and a welcoming atmosphere that treats every customer like family.Our philosophy of reinvesting in inventory ensures fresh selections that keep clients returning. Led by owner Donna McIntyre and store manager Carla Clarke, we combine decades of industry knowledge with personalized service to meet diverse jewelry needs. Whether you're seeking a special occasion piece or heirloom restoration, our team provides expert guidance and creative solutions. We pride ourselves on competitive pricing, particularly compared to other local jewelers, while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship. Our dedication to customer satisfaction has earned us generations of loyal patrons who value our integrity and passion for jewelry.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Repair
Watch Repair
Pearl Restringing
Jewelry Appraisals
Ear Piercing
Bead Stringing
Gold Buying
Gift Wrapping
Jewelry Engraving
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We've served Alexandria's jewelry needs since 1973 with expert craftsmanship.
- Our team includes a GIA Graduate Gemologist for professional appraisals.
- We offer custom jewelry design using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology.
- We provide comprehensive repair services for all jewelry types and metals.
- Our staff maintains transparent pricing with visible tags on all merchandise.
What people say
Genuine and helpful staff
Excellent customer service
Stunning custom work
Knowledgeable and patient
Competitive pricing
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Our CAD/CAM studio transforms your ideas into reality through computer renderings and wax models. With 2-3 week turnaround times, we create custom pieces using gold, platinum, and gemstones. Our process includes collaborative design sessions and final approval before casting.
Jewelry Repair
We handle all repair types including ring sizing, prong replacement, and chain soldering in metals from base metal to 18K gold. Most repairs complete in 2-3 weeks with estimates provided upfront. Special orders may require additional time.
Jewelry Appraisals
Conducted by a GIA Graduate Gemologist, our appraisals include gem identification and market value analysis. Appointments require 30+ minutes with reports delivered 2-3 weeks after evaluation. Services cover single items to complete collections.
Watch Repair
Basic repairs like battery changes complete while you wait. Overhauls and crystal replacements handled by our specialist with 2-3 week turnaround. We service both vintage and modern timepieces with care.
Pearl Restringing
Professional restringing and redesign services for pearl and bead jewelry. We offer magnetic clasps and matching beads with 2-week turnaround. Our experts ensure secure, beautiful results for delicate pieces.
People
Donna McIntyre
Owner
With over 40 years in the business since joining in 1976, Donna leads Today's Cargo with expertise in jewelry sourcing and customer service. She personally curates global inventory selections and oversees all appraisal services.
Carla Clarke
Store Manager
As part-time owner and store manager, Carla brings extensive jewelry knowledge and customer care experience. She specializes in custom design consultations and has been with the company for decades.
Questions
What services does Today's Cargo offer besides jewelry sales?
We provide custom design, repairs, appraisals, watch maintenance, pearl restringing, ear piercing, and jewelry engraving services.
How can I schedule a custom jewelry design appointment?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss your ideas and schedule a consultation with our design team.
What's the typical jewelry repair turnaround time?
Most repairs complete in 2-3 weeks, with estimates provided before work begins.
Do you offer jewelry appraisals?
Yes, conducted by our GIA Graduate Gemologist with appointments available weekdays.
Are your prices competitive with online retailers?
We consistently offer better value than online competitors while providing personalized service and physical examination of pieces.
Can you help find specific jewelry items not in stock?
Our jewelry concierge service locates desired items or suggests comparable alternatives from our inventory.
Reviews (7)
Melissa Dyette
May 31, 2022
Report
We had our wedding bands custom made at Today's Cargo! We are so pleased with what they were able to do and were so helpful and patient throughout the process! Best decision ever to go with them!
Garrett L.
Mar 28, 2022
Report
Late leaving a review, but Carla and the folks at Today's Cargo were great for me. I needed an engagement ring special ordered with a quick turn around and they made it happen. Very helpful throughout the process and loved the finished product. My fiance also came here to get my ring after and was happy with his service too, we can't recommend TC enough!
Crista J.
Aug 23, 2021
Report
So pleased with the customer service and overall experience at Today's Cargo. We had my daughter's ears pierced today, she picked cute little pearl studs and Lisa made the whole process a wonderful experience. My daughter was beyond happy and couldn't believe it didn't hurt at all. Thank you very much, as a mom I appreciated such an intervention happened without tears or bad mood after. Will recommend this service to all my mom friends.
Lacey Eigel
May 28, 2021
Report
Today's Cargo helped my husband design his custom wedding band for our big day! Carla, their ring expert, was patient and knowledgeable. She even searched for a vintage wedding band to compliment my engagement ring. This shop Went above and beyond to help my husband create the band of his dreams. They even sent it off twice to get engraved after we postponed our original date due to COVID. I cannot recommend them enough. They're a great local establishment to support.
Thomas Gibson
Jan 06, 2021
Report
After walking into another local jewelry store where I received a cold welcome, this particular establishment greeted me warmly. Carla and staff pleasantly guided me through a ring purchase for Valentine's Day and the service received was far and above expectations. Not only did I find a high quality ring, they thanked me for my military service. I have since returned for services to include a pearl replacement for a locket and a subsequent jewelry cleaning. Time and time again, Today's Cargo has provided me with amazing service. Please stop in when visiting Old Town Alexandria and support this model small business. Thank you, Carla!
Kiersten H.
May 29, 2020
Report
Update: I'm revising this review at five stars as management corrected the issue I mentioned below. The new stone looks brilliant and beautiful. Thank you Carla. This store has a really nice selection and great staff. I would give it 5 stars, but unfortunately I noticed something wrong with my two rings that I had them resize. They were both natural blue topaz rings. The size was just right, but both blue topaz gems turned grey.
One of them has a very faint blue tint and the other is so grey, it almost looks like the stone fell out of it. All other jewelry repairs have been great and items I have purchased are of good quality.
One of them has a very faint blue tint and the other is so grey, it almost looks like the stone fell out of it. All other jewelry repairs have been great and items I have purchased are of good quality.
Jeremy Blaine
May 15, 2020
Report
Today's Cargo (and more importantly) Carla were wonderful! We had a relaxed, informative, and delightful experience. We never felt pressured, rather we felt like we were having a conversation with an old friend. We would shop again even though we plan on never having to;)
