If you have ever flipped through a glossy catalog that arrived in your mailbox and found yourself circling gold bangles or gemstone rings, you likely already know Ross-Simons. For decades, they have been the “department store in your mailbox,” offering everything from affordable sterling silver treats to high-end estate jewelry.
But in an era of slick, direct-to-consumer brands like Blue Nile or Mejuri, does this heritage retailer still hold up? If you are looking for a massive selection of gifts and unique vintage finds without paying Tiffany prices, Ross-Simons is a goldmine. However, if you are expecting heavy, heirloom-weight gold for bargain-bin prices, you need to manage your expectations before you click “buy.”
My Experience With Ross-Simons
I grew up seeing Ross-Simons catalogs on my mother’s coffee table, so ordering from them felt a bit nostalgic.
I decided to test them out for a birthday gift—specifically, a pair of 14kt yellow gold hoop earrings and a “gold over silver” gemstone bracelet.
The website felt endless; the sheer volume of inventory is overwhelming, ranging from $30 trinkets to $30,000 diamond necklaces.
When the package arrived, the presentation was classic.
The items came in their signature boxes, which felt decent—better than a plastic baggie, but not exactly luxury velvet. The first thing I noticed when I opened the box for the earrings was the scale. Online, they looked substantial and thick. In my hand, they were incredibly lightweight. They were real gold, yes, but hollow and delicate. They looked beautiful on, catching the light perfectly, but I was terrified I might dent them if I squeezed too hard.
The bracelet was a different story. It was from their “vermeil” (gold over sterling silver) line. Visually, it was stunning—bright, polished, and colorful. However, the clasp was a point of frustration. It was a tiny lobster claw that was difficult to maneuver, and it felt a bit stiff. After wearing it for a few weeks, I noticed the “gold” color started to look a little pale on the inside of the wrist where it rubbed against my desk. It wasn’t tarnished, just… fading.
That said, the ordering process was smooth, and shipping was surprisingly fast. I didn’t have to deal with customer service for a return, but the paperwork included in the box made the return policy look clear, albeit a bit old-school (you often have to call for a return number). Overall, my experience was positive, provided I accepted the jewelry for what it was: accessible, fashionable accessories rather than heavy investment pieces.
Also Read: My Thought on 14k And 18k Yellow Gold Color
Pros Of Ross-Simons
- The “Estate” Collection is a Hidden Gem: This is arguably the best reason to shop at Ross-Simons. Unlike most modern retailers that only sell brand-new mass-produced items, Ross-Simons has a massive, curated collection of “Estate Jewelry.” These are pre-owned, vintage, and antique pieces that have been inspected and refurbished. You can find Art Deco diamond rings, heavy retro gold chains, and unique brooches that you simply cannot find elsewhere. It is the closest thing to thrift-store hunting without the risk of buying a fake, as they verify the materials.
- Massive Variety and Price Range: Whether you have $50 or $5,000, there is something here for you. They bridge the gap between “fast fashion” jewelry and high-end luxury. If you want a trendy paperclip chain but don’t want to spend $800 on solid gold, they have a $100 silver version that looks nearly identical. This tiered pricing structure allows you to experiment with trends without a massive financial commitment.
- Frequent Sales and Discounts: Ross-Simons operates on a “high-low” pricing model. They are almost always running a sale, offering 20%, 30%, or even 50% off select categories. If you are patient and sign up for their newsletter (or get the catalog), you can score significant deals. It makes the “retail price” feel a bit inflated, but the “sale price” usually represents excellent value compared to mall jewelers.
- Legitimacy and Longevity: In a world of dropshipping scams and Instagram ads selling fake gold, Ross-Simons is a safe harbor. They have been in business since 1952. When they say something is 14kt gold or 0.50 carats of diamonds, it is. They offer certificates of authenticity for their higher-end items. You don’t have to worry about your credit card info being stolen or the company disappearing overnight.
- 30-Day “No Risk” Guarantee: Their return policy is solid. You have 30 days to decide if you like the item. If you don’t, you can return it for a full refund (minus shipping). For buying jewelry online, where you can’t feel the weight or see the sparkle, this safety net is essential.
Cons Of Ross-Simons
- “Objects in Mirror Are Smaller Than They Appear”: The most common complaint—and one I experienced—is that the photos can be misleading regarding size. Macrophotography makes a tiny 2mm gemstone look like a boulder. A “thick” gold hoop might actually be a thin, hollow tube. You absolutely must read the specifications. Get a ruler out and measure what “3/8 inch wide” actually looks like, or you will likely be disappointed when you open the box.
- Gold-Over-Silver Durability: A large portion of their affordable inventory is “18kt Gold Over Sterling Silver” (Vermeil). While this allows them to sell big, bold looks for cheap, the plating will eventually wear off. If you wear a vermeil ring every day to wash your hands, it will be silver within six months. This isn’t necessarily a defect, but it is a limitation of the material that disappointed customers often mistake for “poor quality.”
- Old-School Return Friction: While they have a good return policy, the process isn’t as seamless as Amazon or modern startups. You often need to obtain a “Return Reference Number” (RR#) by contacting customer service before mailing it back. Some users find this extra step annoying, and if you forget to write the number on the box, it can delay your refund.
- Shipping Can Be Hit or Miss: While my shipping was fast, browsing reviews reveals a pattern of shipping complaints. Some items are drop-shipped from manufacturers or are on “backorder” without being clearly marked, leading to weeks of waiting. Additionally, tracking updates can sometimes be sparse compared to the step-by-step notifications we are used to from other major retailers.
Also Read: 16 Gauge Vs. 18 Gauge Piercing: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Maintenance Tips For Ross-Simons Jewelry
- Check the Prongs Immediately: Especially for their gemstone rings and tennis bracelets, check the setting as soon as you get it. Run the jewelry lightly over a thin cloth; if it snags, a prong might be loose. Because they sell mass-produced items, occasionally a stone isn’t seated perfectly. Catching this early prevents you from losing a ruby two months down the line.
- Treat Vermeil Like Silk: If you buy the “Gold Over Silver” pieces, do not shower, swim, or apply lotion while wearing them. Chemicals and friction are the enemies of gold plating. To keep that gold layer intact for years, wipe the piece down with a soft, dry cloth after wearing it to remove skin oils, and store it in a pouch away from other metal jewelry that could scratch it.
- Store Estate Pieces Carefully: If you buy vintage items, remember they are old. The glues or settings used 50 years ago might be more fragile. Do not put estate jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner. Clean them gently with a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap and warm water only.
- Keep the Paperwork: If you buy a significant piece (like a diamond ring or an expensive estate necklace), keep the receipt and any certificates in a safe place. Ross-Simons has a trade-up policy for certain items, and having your original documentation smooths out any future repairs or exchanges.
Comparison with Other Brands
- Ross-Simons vs. Blue Nile / James Allen: If you are buying an engagement ring, go to Blue Nile or James Allen. Their diamond certification (GIA/AGS), detailed 360-degree imaging, and “build your own ring” tools are vastly superior to Ross-Simons. Ross-Simons is better for fashion jewelry, birthday gifts, and colored gemstones. You go to Blue Nile for the diamond; you go to Ross-Simons for the fun gold bracelet.
- Ross-Simons vs. Macy’s / JCPenney: Ross-Simons essentially competes with the fine jewelry counter at these department stores. The advantage of Ross-Simons is the sheer breadth of inventory. A department store might have 50 gold rings in the case; Ross-Simons has 5,000 online. However, department stores allow you to see the item in person before buying, which solves the “size disappointment” issue. Price-wise, they are very similar, often trading blows on sales.
- Ross-Simons vs. Etsy: For vintage and estate jewelry, Etsy is the main competitor. Etsy offers a more personal connection with sellers and often lower prices for similar vintage pieces. However, Etsy is the “Wild West”—you have to trust that the seller knows what they are doing. Ross-Simons offers a corporate guarantee that the vintage Rolex or Art Deco brooch is authentic. You pay a premium at Ross-Simons for that peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, but you must read the description. They sell solid 14kt and 18kt gold, but they also sell a vast amount of “Gold Over Sterling Silver” (Vermeil) and gold-plated costume jewelry. If the price seems too good to be true for a chunky gold bracelet (e.g., $150), it is almost certainly gold over silver, not solid gold. Look for “14kt Yellow Gold” versus “18kt Gold Over Silver” in the product title.
“Estate” simply means pre-owned. It doesn’t necessarily mean it came from a dead person’s will, though it can. It includes vintage (20+ years old) and antique (100+ years old) pieces, as well as modern pre-owned items. Ross-Simons employs gemologists to inspect, clean, and restore these pieces before selling them. It is an eco-friendly way to buy high-quality jewelry with unique history.
They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for returns within 30 days. For long-term wear, they don’t have a universal “lifetime warranty” that covers wear and tear like some premium brands. However, they do offer repair services for a fee, and many customers report they are reasonable about fixing manufacturing defects if you catch them early.
This is a common frustration. Because they manage a massive catalog and sometimes drop-ship items, their inventory system isn’t always real-time. If you are buying a gift for a specific date, call their customer service to confirm the item is actually sitting in their warehouse before you place the order.
Conclusion
Ross-Simons is a reliable, legitimate institution in the jewelry world that excels at variety and accessibility. It is the perfect place to buy a graduation gift, a fun pair of hoop earrings, or a unique vintage cocktail ring. The “Estate” section alone is worth a browse for any jewelry lover. However, it requires a discerning eye: pay close attention to measurements, understand the difference between solid gold and plated, and manage your expectations regarding the “heft” of the lower-priced items. If you do that, you will find treasures here that you’ll wear for years.