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H.Stern Workshop Tour
H.Stern Workshop Tour
4.5
Factory Tours
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About
Founded in 1945, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, HStern has become one of the world's pre-eminent fine jewelry houses, present today in approximately 30 countries. The secrets of the enchanting process of jewelry making can be experienced on a unique journey through HStern’s ateliers housed at the company’s headquarters in the heart of Ipanema. The meticulous handwork of artisans, their longstanding expertise, the delicate creative process and innovative manufacturing techniques are observed during the visit; starting from the precise selection and cutting of the gemstones to the final polishing of jewels. At the end of this exclusive tour, you can see the result of HStern’s intricate work in exceptional jewels made with Brazilian gemstones. With your visit to the headquarters you will have exclusive access to premium jewels that can only be acquired in Rio de Janeiro. HStern offers free transportation to the visit.
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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H.Stern Workshop Tour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
388 reviews
Excellent
241
Very good
95
Average
31
Poor
15
Terrible
6
rlszoey
56 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
First, I want to correct an error in someone else's previous post:
You do not have to be "invited" to go to this exhibit. Anyone can go and they have a website where you can sign up to visit. They will arrange to have you picked up and brought over for free and then drop you off later for free. Here is the link: www (dot) hstern (dot) net (slash) hsterninrio (slash) gemological-tour (dot) asp
Second, If you plan to make a purchase, I recommend bringing a large purse or a backpack to put your purchase(s) in rather than walking out with just the white H. Stern gift bag. This just helps make you less of a target.
Back to the actual review. As I mentioned in the title, I remember coming here once as a child with my parents and grandparents and how neat it was as a kid to see all the different stones and to watch the people behind the glass actually cutting stones and setting jewelry. I must say I still thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. For starters, unlike many exhibits where you are supposed to see the inner-workings of what-have-you and then no one is actually there doing anything, just a lot of empty equipment, at this H. Stern exhibit there were people at every station actually doing what was described. From sorting gems to drawing designs to cutting & polishing and setting jewelry. The audio tour itself seems to go rather quick, but follow along and listen and when the tape is over, just back track and take your time to enjoy all the jewels on display and watch the craftsmen at work. No one minds and it is perfectly acceptable.
At the end of the tour a gentleman invited us to follow him downstairs to their showroom. He showed us their vault with it's see-through walls (pretty fun to peer inside) and asked if we were interested in looking at some of their jewelry. Take note, the staff members we met were not pushy and were in fact quite gracious. I am confident that had I said, "no, thank you," they would have happily directed me to the next level. As it was though, we did want to shop. This was a lovely experience. We sat down at one of the private tables, they offered us an extensive selection of beverages (of course) and were very patient as I tried to decide between two pairs of earrings.
We made our purchase and proceeded on to the last level. This part looks more like a normal jewelry store, except it showcases more of their brilliant designs. We were asked if there was anything we'd like to look at in particular and after explaining that we'd already made our purchases upstairs we were told to let them know if we needed anything and left alone. The following room seemed to house more of their fancier stuff, particularly the collection with Diane von Furstenberg. The staff was really nice here, seeming to understand most of us cannot afford these pieces, but they let me try on anything I wanted just for fun - even a $250,000 diamond bracelet! The last room has keepsakes and mementos. To be honest, if you have the time, wait and go to the Hippie Fair at Praça do General Osório on Sunday to get these kind of things at a much better price.
Afterwards, we wanted to walk to the beach for a bit, so they gave us two passes to show them when we came back to prove that we had been there so that we could get our free ride back.
Overall, it was a fun way to spend the afternoon.
You do not have to be "invited" to go to this exhibit. Anyone can go and they have a website where you can sign up to visit. They will arrange to have you picked up and brought over for free and then drop you off later for free. Here is the link: www (dot) hstern (dot) net (slash) hsterninrio (slash) gemological-tour (dot) asp
Second, If you plan to make a purchase, I recommend bringing a large purse or a backpack to put your purchase(s) in rather than walking out with just the white H. Stern gift bag. This just helps make you less of a target.
Back to the actual review. As I mentioned in the title, I remember coming here once as a child with my parents and grandparents and how neat it was as a kid to see all the different stones and to watch the people behind the glass actually cutting stones and setting jewelry. I must say I still thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. For starters, unlike many exhibits where you are supposed to see the inner-workings of what-have-you and then no one is actually there doing anything, just a lot of empty equipment, at this H. Stern exhibit there were people at every station actually doing what was described. From sorting gems to drawing designs to cutting & polishing and setting jewelry. The audio tour itself seems to go rather quick, but follow along and listen and when the tape is over, just back track and take your time to enjoy all the jewels on display and watch the craftsmen at work. No one minds and it is perfectly acceptable.
At the end of the tour a gentleman invited us to follow him downstairs to their showroom. He showed us their vault with it's see-through walls (pretty fun to peer inside) and asked if we were interested in looking at some of their jewelry. Take note, the staff members we met were not pushy and were in fact quite gracious. I am confident that had I said, "no, thank you," they would have happily directed me to the next level. As it was though, we did want to shop. This was a lovely experience. We sat down at one of the private tables, they offered us an extensive selection of beverages (of course) and were very patient as I tried to decide between two pairs of earrings.
We made our purchase and proceeded on to the last level. This part looks more like a normal jewelry store, except it showcases more of their brilliant designs. We were asked if there was anything we'd like to look at in particular and after explaining that we'd already made our purchases upstairs we were told to let them know if we needed anything and left alone. The following room seemed to house more of their fancier stuff, particularly the collection with Diane von Furstenberg. The staff was really nice here, seeming to understand most of us cannot afford these pieces, but they let me try on anything I wanted just for fun - even a $250,000 diamond bracelet! The last room has keepsakes and mementos. To be honest, if you have the time, wait and go to the Hippie Fair at Praça do General Osório on Sunday to get these kind of things at a much better price.
Afterwards, we wanted to walk to the beach for a bit, so they gave us two passes to show them when we came back to prove that we had been there so that we could get our free ride back.
Overall, it was a fun way to spend the afternoon.
Written March 10, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MAMS31
Brasilia, DF15 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
An opportunity to learn about gemology and jewelry. The gift shop has interesting souvenirs, at good price.
Written March 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb Al
Washington, MI213 contributions
Jul 2011 • Couples
We went to the 'big 3' in Rio. This is the best - deserves the reputation it has. The museum was really interesting. The prices and selection were far superior to the other sellers. Won't bother with the others next time, will head straight to H. Stern.
Written May 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mareelee
Perth, Australia7 contributions
Apr 2012 • Business
We went on the tour and had no idea that at the end we would be escorted off, given champayne, sandwiches, seated at a table and hit with the hard sell of all on offer at H Stern
I found the whole experience very pushy and the sales person was just about getting a sale.
The jewellery they had was beautiful but was spoilt by the way they went about it. It also disappointment me that they had our passport numbers. We were in a group for this experience and someone described it as Seals being clubbed. Well done H Stern...
My wonderful husband decided to buy me a bracelet which is amazing but am still gob smacked by how they go about business and trick you into the showroom
As we left you need to walk through another showroom which displays all the pieces H Stern have to sell. This showroom had a big variety and I would recomend if you get caught up in the hard sell seated sale ask to see this showroom as you can view, try etc without someone bringing you boxes of jewels at very pricey $$$$ that the sales persons wants to sell
Would never go again
I found the whole experience very pushy and the sales person was just about getting a sale.
The jewellery they had was beautiful but was spoilt by the way they went about it. It also disappointment me that they had our passport numbers. We were in a group for this experience and someone described it as Seals being clubbed. Well done H Stern...
My wonderful husband decided to buy me a bracelet which is amazing but am still gob smacked by how they go about business and trick you into the showroom
As we left you need to walk through another showroom which displays all the pieces H Stern have to sell. This showroom had a big variety and I would recomend if you get caught up in the hard sell seated sale ask to see this showroom as you can view, try etc without someone bringing you boxes of jewels at very pricey $$$$ that the sales persons wants to sell
Would never go again
Written May 16, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bridget Cerny J
Glen Carbon, Illinois, United States1 contribution
May 2012 • Couples
First, I gotta say that I never did go on the "tour" that was offered. My husband had meetings to attend and I was not going to roam around Rio without him. BUT, the salesperson at the train station in town as well as the one in my hotel insisted on giving me passes to go. I looked at some of the jewelry in my hotel. To me it was big rocks held together by a piece of gold....just big and clunky without much thought or detail. YUK.. I saw a pair of simple Emerald earrings with six (6) small stones and no diamonds....they were over $10,000.00 US>>>>really??? And citrine and amethyst are cheap gems....but not there.....
The tour might have been interesting, but I didn't want to chance them holding me captive to a high pressure sale!!!
From my experience, jewelry in its country of origin tends to be MUCH higher where it is mined...no deals here....run away!!!
The tour might have been interesting, but I didn't want to chance them holding me captive to a high pressure sale!!!
From my experience, jewelry in its country of origin tends to be MUCH higher where it is mined...no deals here....run away!!!
Written May 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear,
It is a pity you could not visit our Guided Tour. It is a great opportunity to learn about Brazilian Gems. And to watch closely every step of the process of making a jewel.
You would learn more about the elements that gives rarity to a stone. You must have seen very good quality emeralds in your hotel. Even a diamond can be cheap and not rare if its quality is poor.
If you have an opportunity to visit us, please, contact me. It would be a pleasure to welcome you and show you our facilities.
You definitely do not need to buy to visit us. Our visitors are invited to see some jewel closely. You can simply ask for your ride back to your hotel after this great experience.
My contact is:
amanda.machado@hstern.com.br
Written January 21, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sy-nj
NJ86 contributions
Aug 2011 • Friends
If you're lucky enough to get invited to the H.Stern "Museum", that means your'e staying at one of the nicer hotels in Rio: Marriott, Sheraton etc. Otherwise, tough luck because this "Museum" is not open to the public and by invitation only. The Marriott had an H.Stern desk in the lobby and the representative, though very gracious, made sure that no one passed her desk without getting invited to visit. In fact, stay a night, and in the morning you'll find an invitation to the museum on your door (even if you've already gotten an invite). Considering H.Stern is a Brazilian company and Brazil is a mecca for gemstones, the "Museum" was very disappointing. A beautiful set up and very exclusive feel, but when pressed for time, not worth the layover. It wasn't a museum so much as a private shop with one room set up with display cases describing the different gems found in Brazil. The display cases include samples of the stones both in their natural form and polished, so it is quite impressive to see these, but take the memory home only because they don't allow photos! Security is kinda crazy (and bureaucratic!): You get a paper ticket to get on a private, unmarked minivan even though the H.Stern representative walks you to the van. Once you get to the store (Musum), you sign in and they give you a lanyard with a colored tag- colors indicate what language you speak. You get escorted to the main floor of the store (Museum) where language matched guides meet you and take you into the main room. They walk with you and move you from window to window display case. We had 5 people and they assigned 2 guides to us. The guides were very professional but ultimately were weak on info re: the process of mining and gems other than the ones in the case. (But at least the admitted they didn't know). The guides don't like you moving freely around (or backing up to a window you've already passed) and when the 5 of us split up in 4 different directions, they were like sheep herders, trying to guide us back together. It took all of 20 minutes to make it around the room including reading all of the signs, asking questions and staring admiringly into the displays. THAT is the "Museum" experience. After that, it was all sell-sell-sell. They don't tell you when you leave the main room that they're taking you to their selling floor. You go down stairs and it looks like you're going to see stones being processed or made into jewelry but instead, you get ushered int a glass enclosed room, offered coffee and water and then left to wait while the reps bring you jewelry pieces they "think you'll like". Our female rep was slick- she came back with pieces and asked stuff like "Wouldn't you like a souvenir from Brazil you can give to your children? Don't you deserve a piece like this? Maybe this could be your Christmas gift?" etc. etc. The male guide was dashing, suave and not pushy, but asked if there was something we were interested in seeing- and accepted our 'No, thank you". It will serve you well to tell them right after you leave the display case room that you don't want to see their private collection- it'll save you time but not get you away from the jewlery because AFTER the private selling rooms, you get taken to their general sales floor which is set up like any large jewelry showroom. Lots of gorgeous pieces, much more affordable prices and no "guides". After the showroom you pass through the gift shop (more selling!) and then hand in your lanyards and hop back onto the mini van. The absolute greatest thing was the minivan which will pick up/drop you off almost ANYWHERE in Rio. You could be in Pau de Azucar and have the van pick you up to take you to the museum and then to the hotel. True, you either have to be leaving the museum or arriving there, but with some planning, you could also be enjoying this perk!
Written September 20, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralf H
Lima, Peru1 contribution
Nov 2013 • Solo
the tour was ok, interesting and all. but in the end their prices are over the top.
a gold ring with a few small brilliants on the side and a quarz on top for more then $4000?
the materials used are worth maximum $400.
I can honestly say they are not better then some good pieces from svarovski, certainly quarz is way more prone to damage, while svarovski is tougher then quarz ,and if natural stone or produced stone who cares in the end? it is not like a quarz is a special crystal.
for people that absolutely love the look of H stern and do not care of the actual worth they get for their money it might be a good purchase but for anyone who might at some point want to consider jewelry as an investment diamonds will be prettier, and svarovski a lot cheaper.
all in all an interesting tour but for those prices not in my wildest dreams, there is absolutely nothing. not the materials used nor the design which is rather plain that warrants a markup over material cost of 1000%
a gold ring with a few small brilliants on the side and a quarz on top for more then $4000?
the materials used are worth maximum $400.
I can honestly say they are not better then some good pieces from svarovski, certainly quarz is way more prone to damage, while svarovski is tougher then quarz ,and if natural stone or produced stone who cares in the end? it is not like a quarz is a special crystal.
for people that absolutely love the look of H stern and do not care of the actual worth they get for their money it might be a good purchase but for anyone who might at some point want to consider jewelry as an investment diamonds will be prettier, and svarovski a lot cheaper.
all in all an interesting tour but for those prices not in my wildest dreams, there is absolutely nothing. not the materials used nor the design which is rather plain that warrants a markup over material cost of 1000%
Written January 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicomaus
Boston, MA117 contributions
Sep 2011 • Family
While the 15 minute "guided tour" through the "museum" is somewhat interesting and informative, it is really nothing more than a front for the store. Once done with the tour you are taken to a very high pressure sales environment (ever buy a car?). It seems that you can probably get good deals here (world headquarters, no tax for foreigners) but if you are not interested in buying say 'no' quickly and firmly. Note--they will pay for your cab ride back to your hotel so you could actually go on the quick tour just to get a free ride.
Written November 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TinabethTravels
New York City, NY209 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
My husband and I were just there on Friday and used their free pick up and drop off service -- we stayed in an apartment rental in Copacabana -- and thought this would be a nice way to get to Ipanema and see the factory/museum/store as well. The tour is brief -- about 15 minutes -- and then you are escorted by an employee who personally shows you different pieces of jewelry. There was no pressure to buy -- we felt that we could have simply said we were not interested and walked away --- we are usually pretty thrifty people (free ride to Ipanema and back, stayed in a rental instead of a hotel...) but many of the pieces were beautiful and I ended up buying a sapphire watch which I had never seen before -- it was well/fairly priced and in the States I'm sure it costs a lot more and its an investment that I don't believe will lose its value!
FYI -- There are 2 more showrooms to see before you exit and we placed our purchase in a locker they had given us there while we toured Ipanema on our own and when we came back to the headquarters -- we got a free ride back to our rental! If you have absolutely no interest in jewelry or the process of creating it -- this is not for you. If you are looking for cheap deals -- its is also not for you. If you have some interest in jewelry and/or are looking for a free ride to Ipanema and back -- totally worth it!
FYI -- There are 2 more showrooms to see before you exit and we placed our purchase in a locker they had given us there while we toured Ipanema on our own and when we came back to the headquarters -- we got a free ride back to our rental! If you have absolutely no interest in jewelry or the process of creating it -- this is not for you. If you are looking for cheap deals -- its is also not for you. If you have some interest in jewelry and/or are looking for a free ride to Ipanema and back -- totally worth it!
Written February 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
u01chf2
Aberdeen, UK8 contributions
The hotels/jeweller organise free transport to and from the factory/shop. Interesting tour followed by a 'sales pitch' I suppose. You get to try on beautiful jewellery and don't have to buy.
There is a reduced section after the sale room.
All of the gold is from Brazil and most of the stones are too. The jewellery is priced well, especially considering they're one of the biggest jewellers in the world. If you're not from Brazil, you won't pay tax! A real souvenir you'll keep and treasure
There is a reduced section after the sale room.
All of the gold is from Brazil and most of the stones are too. The jewellery is priced well, especially considering they're one of the biggest jewellers in the world. If you're not from Brazil, you won't pay tax! A real souvenir you'll keep and treasure
Written February 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saficat
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Do they offer a shuttle service from Sheraton Hotel to H Sterns and do they sell other items as well as jewelry?
Alexandra W
1 contribution
Hello. How does your mining impact the rainforest? And, what do you do as a company to help it and your environmental footprint?
eventyr24
Napier, New Zealand1 contribution
You need to ask the company not me as a visitor to them.
verovitale
Argentina86 contributions
Hola. somos un grupo de amigas que llegamos en crucero desde Argentina en marzo. como tenemos que hacer para ir a visitar el lugar? muchas gracias por respondernos
Ana_Luiza_Goulart
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Hola,
Nuestra Sede está ubicada en la Calle Garcia D'Ávila 113, Ipanema y será un placer recibirlas ahí.
No dude en comunicarse con nosotros a través de nuestro correo electrónico para reservar su visita.
Saludos
Oscar R
Mexico City, Mexico43 contributions
Hola, tengo una reserva para mañana pero no me han confirmado a que hora pasan por mi, he mandado varios correos pero nada.
viviana322
Capital Federal District, Argentina108 contributions
no se que responderte, son muy amables y responsables, puede haber habido un error. gracias
Oscar R
Mexico City, Mexico43 contributions
Hola, quisiera preguntarte cual es la hora de recoleccion de la gente, ya que tengo un evento por la noche, pero no quiero dejar de hacer el recorrido por los talleres
Ana_Luiza_Goulart
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Gracias por su interés.
Informamos que el horario de funcionamento del recorrido es:
De lunes a viernes: desde las 9 de la mañana hasta las 6 de la noche
Sábado: desde las 9 de la mañana hasta las 5 de la tarde. Horario especial debido a las Olimpiadas.
Comunicamos que H. Stern cuenta con representantes en diferentes hoteles que también pueden ayudarle.
Esperamos darle la bienvenida pronto.