1. Bashinski Fine Gems and Jewelry, Inc.
Sector: Jewelry Store / Fine Jeweler
Services: Fine jewelry sales (rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings), engagement rings, wedding bands, custom jewelry design, bespoke jewelry creation, diamond sales (GIA certified), colored gemstones, jewelry appraisals, jewelry repair, gold and silver buying.
Founded: Over 45 years ago
About: Bashinski Fine Gems and Jewelry began over 45 years ago on Spring Street in Macon, initially buying and selling gold and silver before expanding into fine jewelry and custom design. Stephen Bashinski has developed a reputation for exceptional custom jewelry creation, crafting bespoke pieces from customers’ existing jewelry or designing entirely new pieces to specification. The business has earned a loyal following through knowledgeable service, quality merchandise, and willingness to work with customers on unique projects. Reviews consistently highlight the staff’s expertise, friendliness, and dedication to customer satisfaction. Bashinski handles projects ranging from transforming inherited jewelry into new wearable pieces to creating matching wedding rings for couples.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: https://www.bashinski.com
Hours: Business hours.
2. REEDS Jewelers (Shoppes at River Crossing)
Sector: Jewelry Store / National Chain
Services: Engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewelry, luxury watches, jewelry repair, watch repair (Swiss watch repair available), watch battery replacement, gold buying, jewelry care plans, GIA-certified diamond experts on staff.
Founded: Over 75 years (company-wide)
About: REEDS Jewelers operates at The Shoppes at River Crossing in Macon as part of a family jeweler chain with over 75 years of history. The store offers a curated selection of engagement rings, luxury watches, and fine jewelry from various designers and brands. On-site services include jewelry repair for various types including bracelet repairs, ring repairs, and stone replacement. Watch services include Swiss watch repair, battery replacement, and strap repair. GIA-certified diamond experts provide guidance for diamond purchases. REEDS offers jewelry and watch care plans extending service beyond initial purchase. The REEDS credit card provides 3% back in rewards on purchases.
Address: 5080 Riverside Drive Suite 112, Macon, GA 31210 (The Shoppes at River Crossing)
Contact: (478) 476-9621 | https://www.reeds.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Sunday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
3. Forever Diamonds
Sector: Jewelry Store
Services: Engagement rings, wedding bands, bridal jewelry, lab grown diamonds, natural diamonds, watches, custom jewelry, jewelry repair, jewelry appraisal, jewelry resizing.
About: Forever Diamonds operates jewelry stores in both Macon and Warner Robins, serving Middle Georgia customers with bridal jewelry and diamond sales. The Macon location is at the Shoppes at River Crossing while the Warner Robins store is at Galleria Mall. Forever Diamonds offers both natural and lab grown diamond options, providing choices at different price points. Services include jewelry repair, appraisal, and resizing. Purchase options include financing through Progressive Leasing, Acima Credit, and Snap Finance, making jewelry purchases accessible through payment plans.
Address: Shoppes at River Crossing, Macon, GA (and Galleria Mall, Warner Robins)
Contact: https://forever-diamondsusa.com
Hours: Contact for current hours.
4. Baker John Goldsmith
Sector: Jewelry Store / Custom Jeweler
Services: Custom jewelry design, goldsmith services, jewelry repair, engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewelry.
About: Baker John Goldsmith operates in Macon providing custom jewelry and goldsmith services. The business has earned positive customer reviews for quality work and service. As a goldsmith, Baker John offers skilled metalwork for custom jewelry creation and repairs requiring specialized craftsmanship beyond basic jewelry store capabilities.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: Contact for information
Hours: Business hours.
5. C R Rader Jewelers
Sector: Jewelry Store
Services: Fine jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, jewelry repair, watch services.
About: C R Rader Jewelers (also known as Rader C. R. Co.) operates as a jewelry retailer in Macon serving the local community with fine jewelry and related services. The store provides jewelry options for various occasions and budgets.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: Contact for information
Hours: Business hours.
About Macon, GA
Macon-Bibb County serves as the commercial center of Middle Georgia, positioned at the intersection of Interstate 75 and Interstate 16 approximately 85 miles south of Atlanta. The consolidated city-county encompasses approximately 157,000 residents.
The jewelry sector in Macon includes both national chain retailers at the Shoppes at River Crossing and independent local jewelers offering custom design services. Bashinski Fine Gems and Jewelry exemplifies the locally-owned jeweler providing personalized service, custom creation, and jewelry transformation services unavailable at chain stores. The closure of Cortes Jewelers in late 2024 after 42 years illustrates succession challenges facing family-owned retail businesses. REEDS Jewelers provides national brand presence with local service, including on-site repair and Swiss watch service capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a jewelry store is reputable?
Research jewelers through online reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and personal recommendations. Reputable jewelers provide detailed documentation for significant purchases including diamond certifications (GIA, IGI, or AGS), metal purity stamps, and written appraisals. Ask about return policies, warranties, and repair services before purchasing. Local independent jewelers like Bashinski often provide more personalized service than chain stores.
What should I know about buying diamonds?
Understand the 4Cs: Cut (how well the diamond reflects light), Color (absence of color, graded D-Z), Clarity (absence of inclusions and blemishes), and Carat (weight). Cut quality most affects appearance and sparkle. Request GIA, IGI, or AGS certification for diamonds over 0.5 carats. Compare diamonds in person under proper lighting. Consider lab-grown diamonds for budget-friendly options with identical physical properties to natural diamonds.
What’s the difference between buying from a local jeweler versus a chain store?
Local independent jewelers typically offer personalized service, custom design capabilities, and expertise developed over decades in the community. Chain stores offer brand recognition, standardized pricing, national warranty service, and broader inventory selection. Local jewelers may offer better value on custom work while chains may have more competitive pricing on standard items. Consider what services matter most for your purchase.
How much should I spend on an engagement ring?
Ignore outdated “rules” like two or three months’ salary. Spend what fits your budget without creating financial stress. Quality matters more than size. A well-cut smaller diamond appears more brilliant than a poorly-cut larger one. Consider your partner’s preferences and lifestyle. Lab-grown diamonds offer significant savings with identical appearance. Many jewelers offer financing, but avoid debt for jewelry purchases when possible.
How often should jewelry be professionally cleaned and inspected?
Have fine jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every six to twelve months. Professional inspection can identify loose stones, worn prongs, or damaged settings before pieces are lost or damaged further. Most jewelers offer complimentary cleaning for items purchased from them. Between professional cleanings, gentle home cleaning with mild soap and soft brush maintains appearance.