Ammonite Factory
Ammonite Factory
3.5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
Established in 1987, the Ammonite Factory is licensed to mine for the unique and rare ammolite gemstone. All of our beautiful ammolite products are designed and handcrafted in the workshop within our retail store. Visit us to learn more about Alberta's gemstone and explore our collection of ammonite fossils, dinosaur bones, jewellery and art pieces.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
53 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
14
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
9
MelissaJohnston
Mississauga35 contributions
Jun 2014
I visited the Ammonite Factory today with the sole purpose of purchasing jewelry. I will say the 'factory' part is a little misleading, I would say more like gift shop with some workstations. The jewelry itself was very beautiful, selection was excellent and prices seemed reasonable (keep in mind ammonite is extreamly expensive stuff no matter where you get it). They have a few drawers at the back with much smaller pieces in them from the $50-$150 range. I found one I liked and asked the sales lady Carol if they could place an attachment on it for a pendant. Carol went and asked another sales lady Nora if it could be done and Nora pretty much laughed in her face and said no. From that point of Carol was trying to help me find something I liked while Nora followed me around glaring at me. She made me feel extreamly uncomfortable and unwelcome. I eventually did purchase a small piece, Carol being extreamly helpful and patient. When I went to ring up my purchase I again asked if this piece could be turned into a pendant. When Nora heard this she yelled at me that no they couldn't with this piece. When I inquired as to why she stormed of and got an unfinished piece to show me why it couldn't be done. I'm not in this buisness, I don't know how you make your jewelry, there is no need to be rude. Ultimately I am happy with my purchase BUT had Carol not been helping me I would have left with nothing. Customers are what keeps your buisness alive, poor sales people will drive down sales. If you go in, look for Carol she was very helpful and nice.
Written June 27, 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.
Here at the Ammonite Factory we do appreciate and respect any feedback. Observations of our customer service sales staff are very valuable and not taken lightly; your comments enable us to strive to do more and be better.
To the author of this post - if it were not for customers such as yourself we would not be aware of such events. We apologize profusely for your unfortunate experience. We have discussed this incident with both staff members and have taken appropriate action against the sales staff member in question.
We express our sincere appreciation of your insightful comments and are very grateful that you purchased a piece of our ammolite under such duress. Please come and visit us again and we promise you that your experience will be exceptional. Thank you!
Written July 29, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stevengJ6983WF
Ventura10 contributions
Aug 2017
As a lapidarist and rockhound I regretted not coming here 2 years ago when we were in Banff. I'm fascinated by the ammolite fossils, and made sure to include a visit here this trip.I was hoping to see how the ammonites were processed as a whole piece, but that wasn't available. The info on the tour was interesting to me as a rockhound and the pieces are beautiful as I already knew. The person giving the tour was well informed and pleasant. I wanted to pick out a nice fossil example to purchase and the salesperson was extremely patient and helpful and came up with the perfect specimen for me to take home. I even found a very nice pendant for my partner.
Written September 6, 2017
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.
MariaVin
Winnipeg, Canada256 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Definitely not for bargain hunters. Nice store, friendly staff, but the majority of the stock was very high end.
Written August 22, 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.
darkspires
Edmonton, Canada44 contributions
Jul 2020
This was an excellent, informative and riveting tour that enthralled us. The lady knew her subject and yet could impart the details in a way understandably and enjoyable by everyone. We learned a whole lot of stuff we didn't know and came away with a great understanding and love of the product. I would recommend this activity to everyone of all ages. Time very well spent.
Written July 28, 2020
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.
Thank you so much for your kind comments! We are delighted you enjoyed your visit and learned a lot about our unique products. We hope to welcome you back to the Ammonite Factory in the future!
Best wishes,
Sophie
Ammonite Factory Team
Written September 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
canadatravel1974
2 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Really beautiful jewellery and fossil pieces! The sales person was very well informed. She told us all about the Ammolite mining process and showed us how they make the jewellery. We got to see some things they were currently working on in their workshop too. Definitely worth a visit!
Written October 29, 2020
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.
Thank you for visiting the Ammonite Factory! We are so pleased our sales associates gave you a great experience. We hope to see you again soon.
Best wishes,
Sophie
Ammonite Factory Team
Written November 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TK C
Alberta1 contribution
Aug 2011
We ate lunch early so we could get there when it opened at 12pm on Sunday. Then as soon as we walked in the door, our little girl had to use the washroom. As you likely know, little kids can't hold it so we asked if they have a washroom. "No sorry we don't", was the response from the lady. Really? So we left. We didn't go back.
I understand they don't want dozens of tourists roaming in and out only to use their washroom. However, this place advertises as a tourist attraction with a factory tour offered. If they want people to be there for a while; looking at/purchasing product, they need to have access to a washroom.
The product and factory tour might be amazing, but the service is not.
I understand they don't want dozens of tourists roaming in and out only to use their washroom. However, this place advertises as a tourist attraction with a factory tour offered. If they want people to be there for a while; looking at/purchasing product, they need to have access to a washroom.
The product and factory tour might be amazing, but the service is not.
Written August 16, 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.
rhonda B
Sherwood Park, Canada4 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
We just returned from Canmore and a "tour" of the ammonite factory. This is a joke. We were upset when we found out we had paid 5.00 each plus tax to stand around the outer perimiter of the store while a salesperson talked to us. It is fairly boring. We could have picked up the same information asking questions of the salespeople for free. Several customers were in the store at the time and it made it hard to hear the "tour guide". As well, the sales people were very concerned someone might be on the "tour", who had not paid. There is no refund. After you money is paid you are stuck. The jewellery is very expensive. The salesperson kept emphasizing how ammonite may be mined out in the next ten years or so and we would not be able to buy any if we did not get it now. Glad my kids elected to stay in bed and not come on the "tour." Would have been even more upset if I had to pay for them.
Bottom line, DON'T waste your money on the "tour." If you're interested in the stuff, just go and read all the literature posted on the walls and ask a few questions. Disappointing.
Bottom line, DON'T waste your money on the "tour." If you're interested in the stuff, just go and read all the literature posted on the walls and ask a few questions. Disappointing.
Written September 15, 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.
Hello, we are sorry you had such a disappointing time. There are others that feel differently, however, here at the Ammonite Factory we appreciate all feedback and strive to do better next time.
To enlighten all others reading these posts; our tours are interpretive tours, and our factory is small because we are working on gems and not something large like vehicles. If you are looking for a large factory with machines going and many workers producing gems - this is not what we do here. We have a small staff and a small facility. Often people are surprised, but our tour -which is 30 min or longer- covers details in regards to how the gem is made; historical/geological and paleontology information which is NOT posted on all the walls as mentioned.
This information also is not covered just wandering around the store and talking to store employees unless they are asked a direct specific question.
We do not push the gem, we are not on commission and our tours provide educational information which if you have an interest in gems is quite interesting.
Also, the gem may be mined out in 10 years but we definitely do not emphasize that you have to buy one now, as stockpiles in warehouse may last some years after the mines are depleted of this gem.
In regards to concerns about salespeople worried about others not having paid for the tour that is just to be fair to those that have.
Regards
Written October 20, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Globette-trotter
Montreal, Canada8 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
Pay 5 dollars and we'll tell you how amazing our product is! I understand that they need to pay their real estate but this is a bit of a gimmick. The 'factory' name makes it sound like prices are lower but they are not. Also, many staff members are not that friendly. This is clearly a business venture not focused on customer service. I know someone who purchased a pair of earrings and they are really slow to get back to you for aftersales service.
I don't recommend this tour for tourists unless you have lots of time on your hands to see pretty stones.
I don't recommend this tour for tourists unless you have lots of time on your hands to see pretty stones.
Written April 7, 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.
We do appreciate your observation of our facility and apologize for your unsatisfactory experience. If you are unhappy you are welcome to contact us directly. A jewelry factory is small, and might not be what you expected, but the Ammonite Factory is definitely a factory and a working one at that. That is why we are located in the industrial section of Canmore! If you are lucky you will see one of our artisans working on the gems as you tour our venue.
We value our customer service and fail to see how you could not have been treated in any other way than with the utmost respect. We invite all to come and meet our wonderful staff.
Ammolite is NOT solely our product, as you put in your review, but a creation by nature and geological conditions. Of course, we consider it VERY amazing considering that it is an unusually old prehistoric fossil, and if you talk to any avid fossil or rock collector they will tell you so as well. I am so very sorry that you did not find a naturally occurring rare gem amazing - you are truly one in a million I am sure!
In regards to responses on products after purchase if you lose an earring we do not cover that with a warranty and neither will any other jewelry producer, that is more of an insurance issue. Our lifetime warranty covers workmanship and product defects.
Manager of Public Relations
Written April 29, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leslie L
Canmore, Canada36 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
Ammolite, a gemstone formed by prehistoric ammonites, is found only in south-central Alberta. The Ammonite Factory is the smallest of the companies that prepare jewellery from this rare gemstone. Everything on sale in this factory/studio is made on site. Nothing on sale here is cheap, but the price is better than in the big Banff tourist shops. Most mornings you can catch a tour that explains the origin of the gem and how it's prepared. Well worth a visit.
Written January 27, 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.
wander2
San Gabriel, CA196 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
The factory is relatively small but the tour we took was just fascinating! Learned a lot about the ammonite and the gem ammolite. The shop has some beautiful jewelry pieces and the ammonite fossil pieces. A must see if you are in the area.
Written December 14, 2017
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.
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