What clients say about Robertson's Antiques in Carmel-by-the-Sea (CA)
I had an amazing experience at Robertson's Antiques. I was greeted immediately upon entering, and was asked if I needed help with finding anything in particular. I didn't, so I wandered the store and loved looking at the curated collections there. So much love has gone into not only sourcing the pieces there but the displays and ambiance as well. I found a beautiful necklace I plan to wear for my wedding and had a great conversation with one of the ladies working there about the history of the piece. Yes, the store is expensive, but in my opinion, the quality of the antiques, variety of options, and experience you get while browsing makes it worth it.
I was in this store for all of three minutes today (8/31/25) before I walked out, and I am glad I did. I have never in my entire life experienced customer service this bad. The old women at the register had an appallingly nasty attitude the moment we stepped inside. No hello, no smile, no “welcome in” whatsoever. I even went out of my own way as the customer to be polite first and ask how her day was going, and still got nothing but a nasty and hostile attitude and stare. My friend asked to see a pearl necklace and she made a comment saying “Just so you know, this isn’t costume jewelry.” Yes, I would hope not!
The store was not busy, so there was zero excuse. For prices this high, you would think they would understand the basics of treating customers with respect. Maybe they were being discriminatory toward younger shoppers, or maybe they assumed we were not serious about buying. We were ready to spend money here and excited to browse, but the employee’s behavior ruined that within seconds.
After seeing other reviews, it is obvious this is not an isolated incident. This kind of treatment is unprofessional and disgusting. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place at all costs, there are plenty of other antique shops in the area that not only carry beautiful items and but the employees are kind and welcoming people.
I visited Robertson Antiques a few times and most recently picked up a set of nesting tables and had a great experience. I've seen other reviews state that the staff is not very friendly but i beg to differ. Yes, they may be older and reserved, but if you are kind and strike up a conversation with them they are wonderful and extremely friendly. I spoke with Mary and Maria (or Marie) at length and they were so helpful and patient. I will definitely come back even if its just to browse or say hello.
Absolutely beautiful offerings! Best for small decorative things, estate jewelry, glassware, lamps, silver, etc. I am a dealer from Palm Beach so the prices did not alarm me though they were elevated for the current market. It is obvious the owner has spent many years collecting and sometimes we, as dealers, buy at the height of a market so must price accordingly. Happens to the best of us! When you deal in one of a kind items getting "a deal" is not always possible. I did purchase a lovely enamel snake pin for which I paid more than I would have liked but it was of such quality and the style was so expressive I could not resist!
Beautiful objects and an incredible collection. So beautifully depressing in terms of the owner's perception of value, reminiscent of the height of the market in the 80s and 90s. You can find many things in this store that are $200- $300 that are $25 to $50 on the internet. You can find comparable 19th century furniture at auction for $400 to $600 That is $2000 to $3,000 inside this store. This shop is So out of touch with today's reality I feel sad for the desperation, the clutching to a time when the market could realize these prices. When the world changes and the older generation does not, I guess you get to the point where we are in this country, and in this store. A time capsule of an idea that no longer exist.
I went to Robertson’s Antiques with a large group of friends. We’re all in our twenties, and don’t have money to spend on antiques. We just looked around and got to talk to the owner and an employee. They were knowledgeable and interesting and kind. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and if I ever visit the area again, I will make a point of going there!
Very beautiful pieces and I enjoyed looking around, however the experience was soured by the attitudes of the 2 ladies working there. It's very unkind to immediately start demeaning the people in your store just because we are young adults (based on what was said). I would completely understand if we were causing problems, however we were quietly admiring the items, as I'm sure a lot of people do. Sorry that you did not like us existing in your store.
We shopped the Wednesday after Easter. The woman merchant was very helpful to get things out of a display case and answer questions. The man merchant was quite knowledgable regarding items he recently had appraised. They have a ton of silver holloware. We will be back!
Rude workers, nice to the white costumers but kept walking behind our group and stalking our moments. Really nice place but not worth it. Come if you want to have a bad day
Honestly this a super cool antique store in the heart of Carmel. They have so many treasures, felt like I could spend all day in here. From Murano chandeliers to amazing China, glassware. I definitely plan to come back and bring my mom!
The Good: Really cool selection of antiques and antique jewelry. Nice sales lady who was very patient and helpful while I tried a bunch of rings on.
The Bad: After a few visits, on 9/9/23 I went into the store and my husband bought me a beautiful aquamarine ring dating from the 1930s. When I asked if the ring came with any sort of certificate stating the specifications of the gem or it's relevant facts, I was told no but that each ring is examined by a gemologist and they have tons of experience with antique rings so they feel confident in telling me what it is (i.e. aquamarine from the 1930s set in rose gold). Ok, fine, no problem. At no point was I ever told the ring was in poor shape and would need additional repairs to make it wearable, or that there was damage to the stone itself. I was told by the sales lady getting it resized would be no problem, and I was led to believe that was the only work it needed. We paid approx $1400. When I got home to Seattle, I brought it to a reputable jeweler that had gemologists on staff to get it resized. The first, Cline Jewelers in Edmonds examined the ring and immediately pointed out the prongs were held on to the stone with glue and that was the only thing keeping it in place. They took a detailed look and noted the basket the gem was sitting in was cracked in multiple places and completely falling apart and would need a totally new setting or the gem would fall out, which will cost me $2300. Also, the stone itself was cracked. I then got a second opinion at Green Lake Jewelers, another very reputable business in Seattle, who repeated the same findings as the first jewelry store. They said it was too risky to work on and not wanting to damage the stone further due to the crack, refused to even reset it. The job is now back with Cline where I'm trying to desperately salvage the ring I fell in love with. Before writing this review, I contacted the owner explaining all of these facts, and how the ring should not have been held out as ready-to-wear and the poor condition should have been disclosed so I could have made an informed decision. He seemed offended that I was implying the ring was sold in poor condition and he told me to bring it back to the shop for him to look at. The problem being 1) I don't live in Carmel, 2) the ring is now being restored at Cline Jewelers and 3) he would have already known the state of the ring if the ring had been examined by their side before it was placed up for sale like I was told it was. So either they don't inspect the condition of the jewelry like they say they do OR they do, they knew, and just didn't care what they are selling. I gave him the phone number for Cline so he could speak to them himself to understand the condition of the ring and how what I was telling the truth. After that I never heard back from him and hence I'm leaving a review to hopefully help other customers.
Buyer beware. The jewelry pieces are beautiful, but you will probably end up paying more than what you spent on the jewelry just trying to repair it... that is if repair is even possible. And if you're buying something for the charm of it being an antique, realize that you might have to reset it in a modern piece to make it wearable. I'd hate for someone else to get their heart set on something there and then have an experience like mine.
Incredibly rude woman behind the register. I would have bought something because the quality of items is great, even if they are pricey. But the woman's disgusting attitude towards us made it certain I would not buy a thing from her. If she was fired, I'm certain sales would skyrocket. Certainly all these reviews about the horrible woman should be enough evidence for the owners. It's too bad, I loved a lot of beautiful items in there.
First off... the furniture here is beautiful and fairly reasonably priced. I was actually interested in a couple of pieces for when I redecorate my condo. The customer service is atrocious, though.
One older female in particular was incredibly rude when I came in with 2 friends to check out their wares. From the instant we came in she was cool in her demeanor compared to how she treated other guests who were dressed no better than us.
It became quickly apparent that she thinks tattoos are vulgar as she made many comments to the other female there about her niece who has tattoos and how these young children don't understand that it isn't going to age well.
Considering that I only started getting this tattooed in my 40s and I was with two younger friends with tattoos, it was quite rude for her to have this conversation, while glancing at us and doing it in just the right volume for us to hear. Quite tacky to be sure.
I'm not quite sure she understands that people with lots of tattoos typically have a lot of disposable income, especially my friends who's specialized tattoo artists costs upwards of $500+/hour.
In other words ... be a little less judgemental and bigoted ladies and you might have made a sale because the looky-loos you were being nice to obviously had no intention of buying, while the tattooed "kids" actually had money and love antiques.
Also super appreciated how the first older lady took her time to escort us out of the shop without saying anything to us at all to make sure we didn't take anything.
Sorry ma'am... after your comments we fully had zero desire to have anything to do with your selection of antiques. Please learn some etiquette and manners because the world is really getting tired of problematic white people. Do better.
The two women who were working had foul mouths and were not interested in assisting me. Their conversation caused me to leave. I always visit this store and have loved my shopping experience!! But I will no longer make the effort
I stopped in on Easter Sunday to browse their expansive collection of antiques and decorative items. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and found the most beautiful Art Deco men’s ring in the case. I had to have it, the two lovely ladies were a delight and I had such a special shopping experience! Thank you Sheila!
I can’t wait to come back.
Lovely people; beautiful quality antiques! Fantastic selection!! Very knowledgeable staff. The way an antique shopping experience should be. We purchased a gorgeous jade filigree bracelet. What an amazing experience!! I would highly recommend this shop to everyone!!
For our anniversary trip to Carmel this weekend we stopped in this lovely antique store, full of real antiques, as opposed to the Kitsch items one may find in some so-called antique shops. We spent an enjoyable time chatting with Nickolas, the affable and knowledgeable owner, and his charming staff and left with some 19th century items, including a gentleman's cane and a stunning Art Nouveau necklace for me. This store is a treasure trove of whimsical and beautiful pieces, from furniture to art, estate jewelry to bibelots of all kinds. The staff is helpful and friendly but low pressure. This will be a regular stop for us. Highly recommended, with something to delight anyone.
If you truly love real antiques then Robertson's will be worth the visit. Specializing in early 1900's lighting, fine art, furniture, china and much more. A very large inventory of the finest antiques. The staff is very friendly and relaxed. Their cute dog Rocket is the official greeter. Located in the heart of Carmel so bring your dog, walk Carmel beach, have lunch at one of the many great restaurants nearby and check this shop out. You will have had a lovely day in Carmel.
