Downtown Jewel: P.E. Behringer Diamonds Inc.
There's one jewelry store downtown that has outlasted most others over the years. Behringer Diamonds, located on the third floor of the Brisbane Building has been in its current location since 1933! When I asked the owners, Jeanne and Chris about the original location, they weren't quit sure of the exact spot, but they told me that it was somewhere close to wgere their current business is located. This long time, family owned business was established by Pete Behringer and his son Wesley in 1920.
When browsing through the display cases, I was amazed by the assortment of pieces by John Veto, Oscar Heyman, Jabel, A-Link, Lazaro and Diana Bridal. There was also an assortment of children's jewelry, locks, lockets, and watches. One special cabinet had a collection of vintage jewelry in original boxes, photos, and newspaper clippings from years gone by. Need a repair? Or a custom made design? Bring it here. The staff is super friendly very helpful, knowledgeable and can share some great local history with you. Open Monday-Friday from 9-5pm. P.E. Behringer Diamonds, Inc. 331 Brisbane Building, Buffalo, NY 14203, (716) 854-5465
I went to this jeweler today and had the worst experience I've ever had! I brought in a ring I'd bought from eBay. I needed it sized but I wanted to make sure that the gems were real before I had the ring altered. Initially, the male owner refused to look at it, saying that he pays rent in the Brisband Building and wouldn't support online buying. He actually looked down on me for shopping online! After he looked at it, he told that the gems were real, though not of a high quality, and I asked if he did re-sizing there. He said "Yes, but you're going to have to pay for it!" No kidding! I didn't expect to walk in and get something for free. In fact, if he wanted me to pay for him looking at the gems, all he would have had to do is ask! I expected to pay for it. He told me that at his store, I would pay b/w $600-$1,000 for a good sapphire with a tone in his voice that implied I couldn't afford it. I will never go here again.