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Sterns
Claimed Business
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Rated in:
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
Based on recent customer reviews, Sterns is facing significant customer experience challenges across multiple themes. Customers describe persistent issues with product durability, especially rings and chains discolouring or breaking shortly after purchase, alongside frustrating returns and refund processes. While a handful of named consultants receive heartfelt praise, the dominant sentiment reflects disappointment with after-sales handling, communication delays, and perceived disregard for consumer protection rights.
TrustIndex
2.4
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Based on recent customer reviews, Sterns is facing significant customer dissatisfaction across multiple service touchpoints. Customers report persistent issues with jewellery quality including peeling, discolouration, and stones falling out shortly after purchase. Refund and repair processes are described as adversarial and slow, while staff interactions are frequently called unprofessional. A small number of positive reviews highlight standout consultants delivering exceptional service.
The most common complaint about Sterns, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Product Quality & Value. Customers repeatedly describe rings, chains, and watches peeling, discolouring, bending, or breaking within weeks of purchase. Diamonds fall out of wedding rings, sterling silver tarnishes rapidly, and gold-plated items are sold as solid gold. Product Quality and Value (1.0) reflects a systemic durability and authenticity crisis.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Im deeply disappointed by yours service i ordered a ring online it got delivered today. When i open the package the ring looked used had stretch’s all over. I thought i would let the slide but when i noticed one cubic is missing i lost it. Im really disappointed at sterns💔💔💔💔
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Im deeply disappointed by yours service i ordered a ring online it got delivered today. When i open the package the ring looked used had stretch’s all over. I thought i would let the slide but when i noticed one cubic is missing i lost it. Im really disappointed at sterns💔💔💔💔
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I previously wrote very bad reviews, but this time was the complete opposite, many thanks to Faith at Sterns Centurion, she really takes pride in what she does, excellent service at Sterns Centurion !
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
My fiancé bought my engagement ring at sterns on the 27th December the beginning of April I noticed my ring started peeling and changing colour when I took it back they said they will send it in for evaluation.. 2 weeks later I received no call or any form of communication when I called them today on the 8th may 2026 they told me my ring came back and there is nothing wrong they polished it ??? POLISHED?? AND I SHOULD WEAR CLOVES ?? THAT IS BULL**** IF YOU ASK ME selling us **** quality rings and still have the nerve to tell me I have to wear cloves there is nothing wrong with my ring ? I am so angry I dont even want another ring in replacement I want my ****en money back
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
My fiancé bought my engagement ring at sterns on the 27th December the beginning of April I noticed my ring started peeling and changing colour when I took it back they said they will send it in for evaluation.. 2 weeks later I received no call or any form of communication when I called them today on the 8th may 2026 they told me my ring came back and there is nothing wrong they polished it ??? POLISHED?? AND I SHOULD WEAR CLOVES ?? THAT IS BULL**** IF YOU ASK ME selling us **** quality rings and still have the nerve to tell me I have to wear cloves there is nothing wrong with my ring ? I am so angry I dont even want another ring in replacement I want my ****en money back
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I called 086 083 4834 regarding a ring I purchased, for which I require a valuation certificate for insurance purposes. During the call, I spoke with a senior consultant named Megan. I was placed on hold for the majority of the call. When I requested to speak with a manager, I was either placed on hold again or transferred to another department, after which the call was disconnected. As a long-standing TFG customer, I find this level of service unacceptable.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I called 086 083 4834 regarding a ring I purchased, for which I require a valuation certificate for insurance purposes. During the call, I spoke with a senior consultant named Megan. I was placed on hold for the majority of the call. When I requested to speak with a manager, I was either placed on hold again or transferred to another department, after which the call was disconnected. As a long-standing TFG customer, I find this level of service unacceptable.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
My 9ct wedding ring is peeling off, tell me how is this possible? Took it back yesterday and I couldn't get a proper report of what the issue is because it looks **** to me. How can a 9ct peel off and change color after using it for less than 6 months? Expensive for nothing - this is really frustrating.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
My 9ct wedding ring is peeling off, tell me how is this possible? Took it back yesterday and I couldn't get a proper report of what the issue is because it looks **** to me. How can a 9ct peel off and change color after using it for less than 6 months? Expensive for nothing - this is really frustrating.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
So I purchased a chain with a 21st key for my daughter @ STERNS VANGATE MALL BRANCH. Not knowing my husband purchased same gift at a different branch. Today I went to exchange the gift and I was assisted by a gentleman who then needed assistance from management. The assistant manager with the name XOLISWA was there. SHE WAS UNPROFESSIONAL/ RUDE AND DEFINITELY HAD NO IDEA HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION even though she is in a management position. I paid with my bank card and that is known as a cash purchase however she told me they do not have cash and I can come back the next day because she is busy. I asked her how can I pay R150 uber there again if I am coming from Strandfontein. She told me that was non of her business. I waited in that store for a hour as that gentleman who is a staff member ran from 1 Foshini group store to another to get help of doing my refund of R769. When I said I am going to write this review and approach the ombudsman Xoliswa the manager got annoyed and then called head office who said that they can refund me to my bank card but the money will only be available in 7 to 14 working days. I then asked how can that be because when I paid for the item they did not wait 14 days I paid them immediately and I demand my money back immediately. She told me that she don't care what I want and I can write my stupid report as she don't have the money to refund me and I must just come back when she has the money. NOW HOW DOES STERNS / THE FOSHINI GROUP NOT HAVE THE STAFF TO HANDLE IT PROFESIONALLY. HOW DO SUCH A BIG BRAND WITH MANY BRANCHES IN 1 MALL NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO GIVE ME MY R769. ALSO NOT TO FORGET I NEED TO UBER BACK THERE WHICH MEANS I WILL BE SPENDING MORE MONEY TO GET THERE THAN MY REFUND ITSELF. I AM DISSAPOINTED IN THIS AND I WILL BE CONTACTING THE OMBUDSMAN REGARDING THIS. I FEEL THAT XOLISWA AND THE STERNS GROUP SHOULD TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE UNPROFESSIONALISM TOWARDS ME AS A CONSUMER . PLEASE ADVISE HOW I CAN DEAL WITH THIS LEGALLY REGARDING MY EXPENSES PAID FOR GOI G THERE AND MY NON REFUND.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
So I purchased a chain with a 21st key for my daughter @ STERNS VANGATE MALL BRANCH. Not knowing my husband purchased same gift at a different branch. Today I went to exchange the gift and I was assisted by a gentleman who then needed assistance from management. The assistant manager with the name XOLISWA was there. SHE WAS UNPROFESSIONAL/ RUDE AND DEFINITELY HAD NO IDEA HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION even though she is in a management position. I paid with my bank card and that is known as a cash purchase however she told me they do not have cash and I can come back the next day because she is busy. I asked her how can I pay R150 uber there again if I am coming from Strandfontein. She told me that was non of her business. I waited in that store for a hour as that gentleman who is a staff member ran from 1 Foshini group store to another to get help of doing my refund of R769. When I said I am going to write this review and approach the ombudsman Xoliswa the manager got annoyed and then called head office who said that they can refund me to my bank card but the money will only be available in 7 to 14 working days. I then asked how can that be because when I paid for the item they did not wait 14 days I paid them immediately and I demand my money back immediately. She told me that she don't care what I want and I can write my stupid report as she don't have the money to refund me and I must just come back when she has the money. NOW HOW DOES STERNS / THE FOSHINI GROUP NOT HAVE THE STAFF TO HANDLE IT PROFESIONALLY. HOW DO SUCH A BIG BRAND WITH MANY BRANCHES IN 1 MALL NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO GIVE ME MY R769. ALSO NOT TO FORGET I NEED TO UBER BACK THERE WHICH MEANS I WILL BE SPENDING MORE MONEY TO GET THERE THAN MY REFUND ITSELF. I AM DISSAPOINTED IN THIS AND I WILL BE CONTACTING THE OMBUDSMAN REGARDING THIS. I FEEL THAT XOLISWA AND THE STERNS GROUP SHOULD TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THERE UNPROFESSIONALISM TOWARDS ME AS A CONSUMER . PLEASE ADVISE HOW I CAN DEAL WITH THIS LEGALLY REGARDING MY EXPENSES PAID FOR GOI G THERE AND MY NON REFUND.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am disappointed in Sterns Middelburg. I received a Tempo watch for Christmas in December, which I wore for only two weeks when one of the diamonds fell out. I also noticed that the time on the watch was incorrect. We took the watch back to the store, where they initially wanted us to pay for the replacement of the diamond. We felt this was a Tempo fault and strongly stated that we were not liable for the cost of the repair. They then agreed to send the watch in for repair, both to replace the diamond and to correct the time. Six weeks later, I was contacted to collect the watch. However, when I arrived, they had contacted me by mistake, as the watch still needed to be sent in for the time correction. After another four weeks, I was informed that I could collect the watch, but once again, the time had still not been corrected. This resulted in yet another four weeks wasted. It is now exactly six weeks later, and I still do not have the watch. In the end, I have not had the watch since Christmas and paid for a product that was faulty from the start.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am disappointed in Sterns Middelburg. I received a Tempo watch for Christmas in December, which I wore for only two weeks when one of the diamonds fell out. I also noticed that the time on the watch was incorrect. We took the watch back to the store, where they initially wanted us to pay for the replacement of the diamond. We felt this was a Tempo fault and strongly stated that we were not liable for the cost of the repair. They then agreed to send the watch in for repair, both to replace the diamond and to correct the time. Six weeks later, I was contacted to collect the watch. However, when I arrived, they had contacted me by mistake, as the watch still needed to be sent in for the time correction. After another four weeks, I was informed that I could collect the watch, but once again, the time had still not been corrected. This resulted in yet another four weeks wasted. It is now exactly six weeks later, and I still do not have the watch. In the end, I have not had the watch since Christmas and paid for a product that was faulty from the start.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I just paid off my chain about a week ago, in that time I was sick this whole week and on Good Friday 2026, my chain broke - luckily just before I got into the shower ... On 04/04/2026, I went back to Sterns Centurion to find out if they could assist, by fixing it ... this is key, I wanted them to assist by fixing it, not getting a new one or an exchange, fixing it ... Before we go any further, my best friends mum works at another jewellery store in Centurion, so be very careful how you try and bull**** your way out of this, or how you try and justify your staffs terrible service ... The person who assisted me, Hector, looked at the chain saw that the link was missing, we agreed that the long link was missing, it's anyone's guess how this happened because I was sick for the whole week ... He took it to a lady at the back, she didn't have a name badge on, they were conversing in another language, after they both inspected the chain, she sent Hector back to do her dirty work ... Hector tells me that they can't do anything, this is caused by customer negligence, even if they send it in, stainless steel chains have thick links and won't break, they will send it back and say it's customer negligence ... Man I lost my ****, are you ****ing for real ? A jewellery store that can't put a ****ing link into a chain ? I was really about to cause a scene but nobody was in store, there was no manager, or if the lady at the back was the manager, she hung Hector out to dry ! I asked him, how the **** can't you guys repair a chain ? He said that it would have to be for my own cost, however there is a problem with this : - 1 it is still within 6 months, it is not yet 22 April 2026 as I bought it on 22 November 2025; - if he said that it will get back because they can't do anything, what the **** do I need to pay for ? At this point, I told him to give my ****ing chain back and I got the **** out of that store ! 1. I question if this chain is actually Sterling Silver : how the **** did the link come loose ? 2. It's a ****ing R500.00 chain - if I have to send this in for 1 link to be replaced or the existing links to just be joined, how much will you actually charge ? 3. If they didn't know what to do, why didn't they just take down my details, or give me the store managers details to look into the matter further ? 4. The back of the receipt states that if it is still within 6 months, the item will be repaired or replaced : I am not asking for a replacement, I am asking for a repair : it states **** all about Sterling Silver not being able to be repaired !!! I am really keen to hear how your staff will defend themselves for spinning this yarn - you can't treat your customers this way ! How do we get to a solution from hear Sterns, please advise ...
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I just paid off my chain about a week ago, in that time I was sick this whole week and on Good Friday 2026, my chain broke - luckily just before I got into the shower ... On 04/04/2026, I went back to Sterns Centurion to find out if they could assist, by fixing it ... this is key, I wanted them to assist by fixing it, not getting a new one or an exchange, fixing it ... Before we go any further, my best friends mum works at another jewellery store in Centurion, so be very careful how you try and bull**** your way out of this, or how you try and justify your staffs terrible service ... The person who assisted me, Hector, looked at the chain saw that the link was missing, we agreed that the long link was missing, it's anyone's guess how this happened because I was sick for the whole week ... He took it to a lady at the back, she didn't have a name badge on, they were conversing in another language, after they both inspected the chain, she sent Hector back to do her dirty work ... Hector tells me that they can't do anything, this is caused by customer negligence, even if they send it in, stainless steel chains have thick links and won't break, they will send it back and say it's customer negligence ... Man I lost my ****, are you ****ing for real ? A jewellery store that can't put a ****ing link into a chain ? I was really about to cause a scene but nobody was in store, there was no manager, or if the lady at the back was the manager, she hung Hector out to dry ! I asked him, how the **** can't you guys repair a chain ? He said that it would have to be for my own cost, however there is a problem with this : - 1 it is still within 6 months, it is not yet 22 April 2026 as I bought it on 22 November 2025; - if he said that it will get back because they can't do anything, what the **** do I need to pay for ? At this point, I told him to give my ****ing chain back and I got the **** out of that store ! 1. I question if this chain is actually Sterling Silver : how the **** did the link come loose ? 2. It's a ****ing R500.00 chain - if I have to send this in for 1 link to be replaced or the existing links to just be joined, how much will you actually charge ? 3. If they didn't know what to do, why didn't they just take down my details, or give me the store managers details to look into the matter further ? 4. The back of the receipt states that if it is still within 6 months, the item will be repaired or replaced : I am not asking for a replacement, I am asking for a repair : it states **** all about Sterling Silver not being able to be repaired !!! I am really keen to hear how your staff will defend themselves for spinning this yarn - you can't treat your customers this way ! How do we get to a solution from hear Sterns, please advise ...
Sterns has a TrustIndex of 2.4 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 54 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Sterns across 1,089 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →