In 1976, Patricia Friend embarked on an adventure that grew into more than she had ever imagined. The company began as Simply Gold, a store where Pat wanted to offer beautiful jewelry at a fantastic price. Her concept took off and she quickly developed a following throughout the greater New Orleans area. But Pat's concept was not the only thing people loved. They also loved her honesty and passion. While she started with gold jewelry, customer demand soon had her expanding her offerings to include diamonds, gemstones and pearls.
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Services
At Friend and Company, we see jewelry as art. We bring the highest caliber of craftsmanship to every piece we repair. Each of our repair services, from diamond and gem setting, pearl and bead stringing, remounting, ring sizing and beyond, meets the highest standards of workmanship. To guarantee the highest degree of customer satisfaction, we rigorously inspect each item after repair to ensure the quality of the work performed. Our experience ranges from modern pieces to Grandmother Betty's engagement ring.
If you are looking for a truly one of a kind piece, Friend and Company can help. Whether you are longing for an opulent necklace or a simple band, Friend and Company has years of experience designing custom jewelry that ranges from contemporary styles to styles inspired by the past. We help guide you through the creative process from inception to completion and we make it as seamless as possible. The first step is meeting with a member of our design team and working with them to make your vision a reality.
Reviews (30)
J. Pegues
May 30, 2022
Rowan Bienes
May 23, 2022
I am so thrilled with their work, and as long as I live in New Orleans I won't be going to any other jeweler! I brought in my great grandmother's engagement and wedding bands that were passed down to me from my grandmother this year. They were two full ring sizes too large for me, more than 80 years old, and extremely worn as my great grandmother wore them every day for over 70 years.
Another jeweler in another state had even said that they wouldn't be able to do anything with them because they were too worn down. Friend & Company was able to size them absolutely perfectly, and I am so happy. Price was also completely reasonable. They handled my family heirloom with the utmost care and I cannot recommend their services highly enough!
Another jeweler in another state had even said that they wouldn't be able to do anything with them because they were too worn down. Friend & Company was able to size them absolutely perfectly, and I am so happy. Price was also completely reasonable. They handled my family heirloom with the utmost care and I cannot recommend their services highly enough!
Matt C.
May 04, 2022
Mary Lavergne
Apr 29, 2022
Adam Lambert
Mar 31, 2022
Beautiful jewelry and impeccable service! I wanted some pearls to give my wife for our anniversary, but I don't know much about pearls. They do! They patiently gave me a short master course in pearls and showed me some exquisite pieces in several price ranges. With their help, I got the perfect gift! I plan to buy all of my wife's jewelry here!
Rocky Schmidt
Mar 28, 2022
Tyler Williamson
Mar 10, 2022
Peter Nguyen
Dec 16, 2021
Lloyd Falgout
Dec 09, 2021
Joy Roussel
Aug 22, 2021
They go above and beyond at Friend and Company! Not only do they have a stunning collection of jewelry and houseware but amazing service. They came in early and beautifully giftwrapped a present because we were leaving town that day! I would highly recommend them -- they have wonderful and thoughtful gifts for any occasion! We will be returning!
Robert G.
May 23, 2021
Words can't express what kind, professional people we found today at Friend & Company. We were referred by a local friend for a bracelet emergency-couldn't clasp it and couldn't get it off the wrist. Traveling back to LA tomorrow and had visions of TSA ripping the bracelet off the wrist. The very attractive sales associate and the so very competent jeweler had the bracelet restored and us on our way in 5 minutes.
They would not accept payment. We will return to find more treasures in their charming store. The items were stunning and we heard the upstairs held spectacular home items, as well. All my gratitude for true Southern kindness. Don't miss this store if in New Orleans. Hannah Grossman MD
They would not accept payment. We will return to find more treasures in their charming store. The items were stunning and we heard the upstairs held spectacular home items, as well. All my gratitude for true Southern kindness. Don't miss this store if in New Orleans. Hannah Grossman MD
John N.
Feb 27, 2021
Susan Bishop-Wrabel
Feb 23, 2021
The attention paid to each and every customer, including a very minor one such as I, is exemplary. Recently I arrived to pick up a small repair item but the gentleman who would normally have served me was otherwise occupied. Noticing that I was left standing and waiting, the owner of the store personally and most graciously assisted me himself, an extraordinary gesture.
Then I escorted a friend to the second floor tableware department where she wanted to inspect various pieces comprising a certain pattern of dinnerware. My friend made absolutely clear to the sales associate that she would not be purchasing through this store, but that she was just inspecting the pieces in order to place an order through a remote bridal registry.
The sales associate could not have been more helpful and courteous if she were about to be making the largest sale of the year. The atmosphere at Friend & Co is relaxed, professional, and never supercilious. It is a real pleasure to visit and to do business with this establishment.
Then I escorted a friend to the second floor tableware department where she wanted to inspect various pieces comprising a certain pattern of dinnerware. My friend made absolutely clear to the sales associate that she would not be purchasing through this store, but that she was just inspecting the pieces in order to place an order through a remote bridal registry.
The sales associate could not have been more helpful and courteous if she were about to be making the largest sale of the year. The atmosphere at Friend & Co is relaxed, professional, and never supercilious. It is a real pleasure to visit and to do business with this establishment.
Nicole M.
Sep 24, 2020
Akeem A.
Apr 01, 2020
Words are not enough to describe our amazing experience with this GREAT company. From just an ordinary tour of the shop based on previous excellent reviews by other people, to making our dream come true. We were able to get a great bargain on a uniquely made master piece. Mr. Ken and his crew redefined what an excellent customer satisfaction meant.
We worked with Danny, Jenna and Mr. Ken himself and they were all amazing people. In fact, Ken personally went ABOVE AND BEYOND to make sure that we were very happy with every other aspect of our purchase. I am extremely grateful and very SASTISFIED! *NB: This is an unsolicited review. I have no doubt that a trial will convince you even further.
We worked with Danny, Jenna and Mr. Ken himself and they were all amazing people. In fact, Ken personally went ABOVE AND BEYOND to make sure that we were very happy with every other aspect of our purchase. I am extremely grateful and very SASTISFIED! *NB: This is an unsolicited review. I have no doubt that a trial will convince you even further.
Adrienne C.
Jan 19, 2019
Pip M.
Apr 20, 2018
Recently made my first large jewelry purchase of my life, an engagement ring. Friend and Co. were awesome! They took a lot of time to explain the jewelry making process, history of jewelry and precious stones, and explain all my options. It was not just a good jewelry shopping experience, but a great life experience. I could not recommend them more highly.
R. W.
Dec 20, 2017
Samantha H.
Jan 07, 2017
There is something to be said when you see the ring of your dreams on your finger. This Yelp review will not do it justice. Shannen at Friend & Company went above and beyond to give my fiance and me the best care and service. Even under a strict budget, she always gave us her honest opinion and we never felt like she took advantage of us. I doubt I'll ever go to another company. Thank you so much, Shannen. We could not be any happier!
KrisTina H.
Sep 26, 2016
Danielle T.
Dec 05, 2015
Went here to get a watch repaired over a week and a half ago, I still don't have it back, and the watch isn't even repaired. They told me it would cost $325 to fix the watch (I have gotten it fixed before for under $5). They don't do the repairs on-site so I'm still waiting for the watch to be returned to the store so I can get it back. Will not be going here again.
Alexandrea K.
Oct 19, 2015
This business seems like it should be great, but it's not. I was treated like someone who did not matter, even though I was paying just as much as the next person. I have a gold bracelet from my grandmother and it is very sentimental and means a lot to me. Friend & Co. ruined it, without even an apology. I took it in to be repaired because one of the links had snagged.
It was supposed to be ready in 3 weeks. I did not receive a call saying it was repaired, and so 10 days after the finished date, I called them. They claimed it was still being repaired and they would call me when it was finished. 20 minutes later I receive a call saying it was done. Clearly, they had left it to be forgotten, and hurriedly tried to fix it only once I called.
I went to pick it up that day and it was still snagged and lying crooked. I mentioned this to them and they acted surprised. I waited another 20 minutes while the man went to "fix" my precious bracelet. It was returned to me with the gold melted and smushed in one spot. This is horrible and makes me want to cry, and I was still charged full price. They are terrible people.
It was supposed to be ready in 3 weeks. I did not receive a call saying it was repaired, and so 10 days after the finished date, I called them. They claimed it was still being repaired and they would call me when it was finished. 20 minutes later I receive a call saying it was done. Clearly, they had left it to be forgotten, and hurriedly tried to fix it only once I called.
I went to pick it up that day and it was still snagged and lying crooked. I mentioned this to them and they acted surprised. I waited another 20 minutes while the man went to "fix" my precious bracelet. It was returned to me with the gold melted and smushed in one spot. This is horrible and makes me want to cry, and I was still charged full price. They are terrible people.
John T.
May 20, 2015
BLUF: I can't recommend anything more than this place for jewelry especially if you need help or need it done right. If you have read many of my reviews I always refer to my partner as "my lady". August 1st she will be my wife. We got her engagement ring here and both of our wedding bands. The engagement ring was a family treasure from the early 1900s.
We had the stones popped out and reset in the same basic style but modernized. It is amazing and she constantly gets praise on it. David, who works there, walked us through the whole process and put our minds at ease and made it all happen. We couldn't be happier with the ring and our service. We also recently went back and put in orders for her wedding band to be custom made to fit her engagement ring and my wedding bad.
I know nothing about jewelry but again David walked us through everything and I am completely confident in our decisions. August 1st couldn't come soon enough but we'll be ready (at least our hands will be). Awesome products with stellar service. Great people. Great place.
We had the stones popped out and reset in the same basic style but modernized. It is amazing and she constantly gets praise on it. David, who works there, walked us through the whole process and put our minds at ease and made it all happen. We couldn't be happier with the ring and our service. We also recently went back and put in orders for her wedding band to be custom made to fit her engagement ring and my wedding bad.
I know nothing about jewelry but again David walked us through everything and I am completely confident in our decisions. August 1st couldn't come soon enough but we'll be ready (at least our hands will be). Awesome products with stellar service. Great people. Great place.
Lizzie R.
Aug 29, 2014
My fiance bought my engagement ring from Friend & Co. and we are so pleased with both the experience of shopping there, and the quality of the ring. We were a young, casually dressed couple when we walked in to look at rings, but they treated us so well. Then, when I needed to get my ring re sized, Ken offered to keep their store open late and expedite the process. We looked at many other places for a ring, but none of the other stores had the customer service that this one did.
Alvin D.
May 06, 2013
4/5 great customer service. i needed a watch battery replaced and came on down to this place. it's a little set back from the rest of the shops on maple, pretty much across the street from the starbucks. the service was quick and very professional yet still warm. the lady who was helping me then conveniently showed me a vintage cartier watch that was a few tax brackets out of my reach, unfortunately, but i appreciate her trying to share their items (it had only been in the store for 2 days as of that showing). the part that really made me a fan was that even though i just had my battery replaced, she handed me a carry pouch anyways and advised that watches should always have appropriate storage.
T. M.
May 23, 2012
To Ken Friend: Thank you again for your help and outstanding service. You don't know how much it means to me to have someone I can trust when making such large purchases. I don't make a killing in the military but I appreciate nice quality things and you have enabled me to give my wife somethings that would otherwise be well out of my price range. I will be forever greatful and hope that I can somehow repay you again for trating me like family. I look forward to doing business again in the future.
Mark G.
Feb 12, 2012
Saw an engagement setting we liked on their website and visited the store while in town. It had been sold but owner Ken Friend offered to fabricate another. He emailed me a photo once it was done - it was perfect. Ken showed us stones but understood we were settled on the setting but not the stone yet, and didn't pressure us at all (try and get that from your average strip mall jeweler). Friendly (no pun intended), personal and no pressure = top notch experience!
Meg G.
Jun 22, 2011
Best Jeweler in New Orleans! Friendly staff and gorgeous jewelry at the best prices nationwide. No joke! Onsite jeweler to repair any type of jewelry and in a reasonable time frame. Beautiful china, bridal, and baby gifts upstairs too. Private parking lot that's very useful when poping in for a gift.
Melissa E.
Apr 20, 2011
Friend & Company did great jewelry repair work for me a few months ago. It's a little more formal and less family jeweler than I'm used to. They have beautiful pieces. I'm just not in the market for anything so upscale. They do have a private parking lot with a security guard who has to buzz you in. It honestly seems a little awkward. He's friendly enough though. They also have a yellow lab to great you inside, so that makes things more friendly, I guess.
Jen L.
Feb 04, 2009