Derek Simpson Goldsmith

We stopped in at this jewelry store during the «Flights of Fancy» wine tasting/​retail event. We originally were just stepping in for our wine sample, but ended up staying much longer to look at the gorgeous jewelry. We spoke with the manager, Gene, for some time. He was really nice and interested in our experience with the «Flights» event, and we had a really nice chat. He didn’t push us to buy anything (which I really appreciated!!) and genuinely was interested in just getting to know my husband and I. I had such a positive experience visting this store, I won’t hesitate to return! If you’re ever on Chapel St. stop in and have a look around!

If you want the usual, go elsewhere. Derek is a craftsman and has unique, beautiful pieces of exceptional quality and value. He will work with you and accommodate any changes you would like — I think I can call myself a regular customer so I have come to trust his style and eye.
You get to work with the actual artist/​craftsman — it simply doesn’t get any better. They are also very nice people…

My husband designed my engagement ring (from a family stone I already had) and decided to have the setting custom-​made by Derek Simpson. Working with Gene and Derek went so well, and we were both immensely satisfied with the final result. We were excited to also get our wedding bands made by Derek, using the same materials as my engagement ring. We chose very simple bands and absolutely love them! The service we received from Gene and Lisa was impeccable, especially considering that we never lived in New Haven while we worked with them, but everywhere from Virginia, New York, and Quebec! I definitely recommend Derek Simpson Goldsmith!

I always find nice things to buy here! Reasonable prices and quality jewelry.

I am writing this review because I think Derek Simpson Goldsmith has that wonderful combination of high quality, unique pieces and exceptional customer service that makes it the perfect place to purchase fine jewelry. My older son decided to look there for an engagement ring about a year or so ago, and his experience with both Gene, the manager, and Derek himself, left him with his self respect and confidence in tact, because they were so gracious in dealing with a young man with a very modest budget after just having finished grad school. My other son purchased a lovely necklace for his girlfriend this past Christmas, and again, even though it was not a large purchase, he was also treated as if he were buying something much more expensive.
This welcoming attitude of Derek and Gene will make my sons think of this jeweler as their «go-​to» store (especially when they have more money!) and I thank them for their commitment to this quality and service.

I would highly recommend Derek Simpson Goldsmith to anyone who is looking for beautifully made, high-​quality fine jewelry. My fiancé and I worked with Derek and his awesome manager Gene to create my custom engagement ring over the period of several weeks. Derek is an incredibly talented goldsmith and seems to put his heart and soul into all the work he does. We could tell that he did not cut any corners when producing his stunning work. We had very specific ideas in mind for the ring and went to their store with several photographs of antique and art deco rings, along with complicated requests. They were very supportive of all our ideas. Derek and Gene helped us pick out the perfect sapphire, then Derek did a sketch in front of us of the ring. He made a model out of silver that he then changed based on my feedback, and finally made the final product out of white gold. We had asked for milgrain and an engraved design on the band too, and Derek was able to get that done for us. I couldn’t be happier with the final result, it is absolutely stunning. Since getting my ring I have also just stopped by to chat since they are such lovely people and fun to hang out with!
We had a bad experience with a jeweler in Portland prior to this and were a bit wary of ring shopping, but this was truly a fantastic experience. My fiancé and I are planning on going back there for our wedding bands.

If you want an unusual gift for that special someone or just have no clue what to get for any occasion PLEASE go to Derek Simpson. They never disappoint! Each and every time I go there I am WOWED by something new. The customer service alone guarantees they will be there for another 30 years.

The fellow who works here was really great. I was looking for something special for my birthday (my boyfriend doesn’t want to pick things out so he sends me to find what I want) and he was really helpful. I ended up getting something from another shop that was better-​suited to me, but not before we had cooked up an idea for blue moonstone earrings that will have me thinking about other ways I can get a Derek Simpson piece until I figure out a way to pull it off.

Gene was really something. He showed us lots of interesting rings, and sorted out the questions — no matter how ignorant sounding — for us. I’m a guy and I felt a bit nervous walking in, but ended up loving a soft square rounded wedding ring made from green gold.
All of the jewelry had prices, and this makes things easier when you’re a bit nervous about asking, «…and how much does this cost but don’t say it too loud in front of my girlfriend because I don’t want her to think I’m cheap.»
Lots of selections, and the prices seemed reasonable. He also wrote down what we liked, and pointed out a photo book he had handy with other styles.

So pleased today, I’ve always loved this store as they do cool custom work, but now I have another reason… They stand behind it. A small stud broke on my wife’s earrings and they fixed it for no charge. Rock on.

I fell in love with a ring at Derek Simpson. It just was so beautiful and I loved it… My fiancé knew how I felt about the ring and he proposed to me with it. Its beautiful and I get compliments on it every day… but what makes the whole experience is that Gene, the stores manager, is so kind and welcoming. I work on Chapel Street and walk by all the time. I know my patronage is appreciated and we plan on having our wedding bands done by Derek as well. Its a small, customer service driven store. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a special piece… not just one of a million that you can get at any of the larger box jewelry stores. Definitely worth a visit!

I haven’t given a 5 star rating in quite a while, but these guys completely deserve it for going out of their way and beyond my expectations.
Me: «Can you design and make a custom piece for me?»
DSG: «Yes.»
Me: «Delicately using parts of a family heirloom? «
DSG: «Yes «
Me: «In the next 2 weeks?»
DSG: «Yes, but it will be tough.» *During the holiday season
Me: «What about sooner?»
DSG: «Yes»
This is what good customer service sounds like. And guess what? It was done even sooner because their casting schedule lined up just right.
That’s just about their customer service. Their inventory is also amazing. I have bought other beautiful pieces from the showroom floor also. But what they created for me was more amazing that I could have expected. Plus, SHE loved it too.
If you want to support a local New Haven craftsman and artist, go to Derek Simpson!

Derek Simpson’s jewelry is truly outstanding. I purchased my husband’s wedding ring here, and Derek was able to make a ring for him that was both classy and distinctive. It was a pleasure to work with both Derek and his salesman, neither of whom were pushy for a moment despite my indecision. Best of all, the prices for these beautiful pieces are only slightly higher than those of similar but less wonderful items in the area. It is truly a high value store.

If I were a rich woman who was into buying jewelry, Derek Simpson would be my local haunt.
Derek’s a nice guy, if maybe a little brusque. The work is excellent, his service is excellent, and he knows his stuff.
One of my most cherished possessions is a ring I designed that Derek Simpson made for me. I wore it every day for ten years, and the stone (a garnet) began to chip. I took the ring back in and asked if anything could be done to help. «I think there’s nothing to do except maybe replace the stone, if that’s possible,» I said. Derek agreed that the stone wouldn’t be worth trying to save. But he provided me with a new stone, which is lovely, and I have continued to wear the ring every day.

I die a little inside everytime I pass by Derek Simpson’s because I looove unusual jewelry. And all of his jewelry is one-​of-​a-​kind, very well made and absolutely gorgeous. Now not everything suits my taste, but it’s refreshing to look at jewelry that required thought, love and major skill.