Venus by Maria Tash Inc.

I had always felt this store was a rip off, you want a great piece of fine navel jewelry buy a reasonably priced earing and have it converted to a navel ring at NY Adorned ( buy the post and have two pieces of threading attached on the ends ) - or just by directly from them and save yourself a fortune by Avoiding Venus. Maria Tash and Co will literally tell you anything you want to hear to make a sale. Her icon navel piece shown in this pic was not designed by her or anyone there ...its a fairly common earing that shes reproduced and marketed as her own. As far as my in-shop experience, my friend went to get a piece installed ( bought elsewhere thankfully) I was appalled watching this go down, she was handled repeatedly without gloves her jewelry was tossed into a cold soak and then a USED unpackaged clamp was used to tighten it. Save your money and health and walk the few blocks to NY adorned.

Cons: dirty tools, non sterile jewlery, WAY over priced un-jewlery

Posted 09/12/09

I have been to Maria Tash 3 time. The first two were for the 2nd and 3rd hole in my ears. The last time was for my belly button/naval piercing. My piercing tech was Chris and not only did he do a great job he conducted himself very professionaly. The after care instructions were very clear and I was also told I could come back at any time to get my piercings checked. I have not had any problems with them so far.

Pros: Clean facility, friendly people, know what they are doing

Cons: None

Posted 07/31/09

I've become a frequent flier at the SoHo location. I've had 5 piercings done, from ear piercings, to a navel piercing to a dermal anchor. Over the years, I've returned to have my piercings fixed, changed out, or just to have questions answered. The staff was always knowledgeable, patient, and professional, no matter how old the piercing was. The process was always sterile, even if they're just fixing something (and not just when piercing). The selection of jewelry is vast and any piece in the store would make for a classy addition.

Pros: Professional, sterile, great customer service

Cons: none

Posted 07/23/09

As it was time for me to get a new tattoo, i didnt know where to go since my last experience in a brooklyn shop wasnt so great. i met Chantal and told her i wanted a tattoo but wasnt too sure about what i wanted to get, she got into my mind a bit asked me about what i liked and she drew up one of the most beautiful flowers i have seen. Detailed to perfection and the color scheme was flawless.... and her drawing looked even better inked on my Skin! thank you Soooooo much Chantal i will definitely be back again!

Posted 06/07/09

After reading the glowing reviews I decided to get my nose pierced here. I'm not covered in tattoos or piercings and have often felt intimidated in the past walking into tattoo/piercing places, mostly by a staff who treats you like you have no business being there. From the second I walked into Venus all my nervous energy dissolved. The woman at the counter was incredibly sweet and gracious and helped me pick out a perfect piece of jewelry. Chris did the actual piercing and was amazing. He immediately calmed me and the whole process was quick and (almost) painless. The shop is gorgeous and the staff is first rate. I'd come back in a second and would highly recommend this shop to anyone who is considering a piercing or wants to buy beautiful jewelry.

Pros: Clean, Professional, Beautiful Shop, Great Staff

Posted 05/30/09

I'd wanted to get my navel pierced for a long time, so I did alot of research about where to go and how to heal properly. I found Venus by Maria Tash's website and got drawn in by all the gorgeous jewelry options. I was even more sure I'd picked the right place when I saw the Broadway store. It was so clean and had such an elegant, calming vibe. The staff was so nice, taking the time to help me choose and carefully explaining the aftercare. All the jewelry is real gold, no surgical steel or titanium here, so it was a little more than I expected to spend, but I never expected to find such a beautiful piece of jewelry for my starter piece. It's healing so perfectly, I'm so glad I finally went through with it and found a piercer who knew how to do it right :D

Pros: Gorgeous jewelry, very friendly and helpful

Cons: A little pricey

Posted 04/10/09

I took my 6 year-old daughter for her first (and hopefully last) ear piercing. She had been asking to get them done for some time, so I consented and brought her to Venus. Our piercing specialist, Meg, was amazing. She was patient and sweet with my daughter, who was starting to have second thoughts and was scared and crying. We were there for 45 minutes, and not once did Meg show impatience or annoyance. Once she pierced the first ear, it was so quick and painless that my daughter readily agreed to have the second one done.

The room and eqipment were impeccable; both Meg and the woman at the counter were very informative and gave me detailed after care instructions. Highly recommended.

Pros: highly professional staff, as clean as a doctor's office

Cons: umm..I can't afford much of their jewelry?

Posted 03/14/09

I recently got a VCH piercing (not at Venus by Maria Tash). I loved the piercing but not so much the jewelry the piercer used. It seemed small and a little bit uncomfrotable. I started looking around for good jewelry. While checking out tons of body jewelry stores online, I ran across Venus by Maria Tash! The jewelry is absolutely beautiful! I was VERY impressed!! I immediately called the store to order. I spoke with Megan and let me tell you...she is awesome! I told her that I was pierced with a 16 gauge barbell and it was a bit uncomfortable. She was extremely informative and helped me to pick out the perfect jewelry for my piercing. I ended up ordering two pieces of jewelry from them. She shipped them to me overnight and when I got them, I was thoroughly satisfied! Absolutely beautiful! Because I was going up a gauge, she even included a taper to help with the jewelry change! This is definitely the only place I will ever buy my body jewelry!!

Pros: Beautiful jewelry, Excellent customer service

Cons: NONE

Posted 02/03/09

I made an appointment to see Ronda --she was great. We spoke on the telephone about what I wanted. She was great in giving me a rough price and a good price for the great quality. She was very detail oriented --which was needed for the work I was getting done. She was really a perfectionist --a great quality to have when you are getting something perminent...
I will surely get inked by her again --she has a great eye, and will really help you get the tattoo you want.

If anyone is nervous about getting a tattoo--this shop is perfect. It is really clean, and very professional.

Thanks Ronda

Posted 01/30/09

I have been researching the idea of getting my VCH pierced. I read a lot of reviews for Venus by Maria Tash and so I decided to go to the Broadway location. When I went Maria was there and she was super friendly, polite, professional and not to mention absolutely beautiful. She assured me that it wouldn't hurt and that I would love it. While I was there, one of the piercers named Stephen spoke with me about the VCH piercing. He was there filling in for Meg. He was just as friendly and professional, if not more so, since I spent 3 hours in the store. Even though they were close to closing, they never made me feel like I had to leave or that I was asking too many questions. They were both extremely patient and really cool. I did not get pierced that day, I came back later in the week and Stephen did the piercing. It was virtually painless and the overall experience was very pleasurable. I love it and I'm so glad I did it. The jewelry in the store is amazing, I even found my future engagement ring!!! I can't compliment Venus by Maria Tash enough, I love this place. I would only recommend getting pierced and buying jewelry here.

Pros: Friendly, Customer Service 100%, Jewelry

Cons: Nothing

Posted 11/15/08

I recently got my lip pierced here. This was my first time getting pierced (besides ears) and I cannot imagine it going any better! First off, the jewellery here is amazing. Maria Tash (who graduated from my college =] ) is genius and I wish I was able to afford everything in the shop! Even though I couldn't, I still found a piece I love and is totally my style. My procedure went wonderfully! The piercing room was immaculate and my piercer did such a wonderful job it really did not hurt at all! And that was the part I was so very nerveous about, and everyone there was nothing but comforting and helpful. Best experience ever. I am healing well and loving my new piercing! I could not recommend it more!

Pros: Jewellery, staff, cleanliness, everything.

Cons: Nothing

Posted 10/18/08

I just went here to get my upper cartilage pierced. I wasn't too nervous, but since I've only had my lobes pierced, I wasn't really sure how bad the cartilage would hurt. The woman who pierced me (sorry, her name is slipping my mind right now) was wonderful. She really put me at ease and it honestly didn't hurt at all! Now I want like four more piercings right now, but the only downside is that their jewelry is pretty pricey (my tiny white gold ball flower and push-in were $45). But you really do get what you pay for - their stuff is gorgeous. So if you're skeptical about going into some cheap sketchy place, your nerves are trying to tell you something! Go to Venus instead and you won't regret it!

Pros: immaculate space, quick and friendly service, beautiful jewelry

Cons: none!

Posted 10/16/08

Oh my Gosh!!!! Venus by Maria Tash is the place to got for all your piercings... Wonderful people and the jewelry are made of genuine Gold or Platinum and genuine stones. The piercers are gentle and informative. I got my nose pierced and now will have them do my navel.

Pros: Ambiance, Service, Jewelry,

Cons: None

Posted 08/25/08

Got my VCH done today, I will never go anywhere else to get a piercing!!!!! I was very nervous as this is one of my favorite parts of my body, but I had read so much great stuff about Meg and Maria Tash, and when I called to make the appointment, I knew I chose the right place, Meg put me at ease immediately on the phone. When I went in for my appointment she continued to make me feel completely comfortable, it was a fun experience! The piercing was smooth as silk, and I can't wait to visit again. Gorgeous jewelry as well! There are two different locations I went to the Broadway location.

Pros: Beautiful jewelry, awesome people, pretty piercings....

Posted 08/22/08

Venus by Maria Tash is AMAZING! I went in today and both Maria and Meg were a delight. They were not pushy about buying and the piercing experience was painless and BEAUTIFUL!! After a string of two bad ear piercings--this couldnt have been better. I would highly reccomened this place to anyone looking for beautiful jewlery or a great piercing job. My two girlfriends went as well (one for a nose and one for upper ear) and had a GREAT experience as well! Super clean and professional.

Pros: Clean, beautifuly, friendly, not pushy

Cons: wish i could afford everything :)

Posted 08/16/08

While in NYC for the weekend I happened to walk by & saw the jewlery displayed in the window of 653 Broadway. I do have my navel pierced & thought that maybe I would find something nice & had to check it out. I didn't find anything nice.....I found something beautiful. Though there were many styles/designs to chose from, I was looking for something in particular when it came to the color of diamond. So instead of just saying "this is all we have", Maria actually had a piece customized for me. While talking with Maria & piercer, Meg, I decided to have my right ear cartilage pierced. I went back to the hotel that night & decided that I wanted MORE! So I headed back the next day & had more piercings done by Meg. The other pieces of jewlery I purchased are beautiful as well. I don't feel I can go anywhere else now for my piercings/jewlery purchases. Venus by Maria Tash is the BEST place for piercing/body jewlery. Not only is the store immaculate, but Maria, Meg, & other staff were very professional, yet down to earth. I felt extremely comfortable talking with them about the piercings I wanted & very comfortable being pierced by Meg. I tell everyone I know that if they are going to NYC that they need to stop by Maria Tash. Even if they aren't looking to be pierced they may end up finding something stunning to buy. Or they may be absoulutely captivated & decide they want the experience of being pierced in the BEST place in NYC. I actually went back a few weeks later just to have my left ear cartilage & right tragus pierced. Meg was at their other location on East 4th St. but another piercer (who's name I forgot, sorry) was very professional & good as well. Now I want my left tragus pierced. You can guess what that means.......another trip to NYC (hopefully soon) to see my friends at Venus by Maria Tash!

Pros: clean store, professional & friendly staff & owner, service

Cons: none

Posted 08/13/08

I had a VCH piercing done at Maria Tash on 653 Broadway. I researched numerous places before going. The original draw to the place was the nice website in combination with the fact that there were female piercers there. When I arrived they were very friendly and were more than happy to show me options for the piercing I had requested that were pretty and fit my budget. I felt good about the environment and customer service I received and ended up with a beautiful piercing and jewelry that I am very pleased with. Rob, a male associate, did my piercing even though I had thought I would have a female piercer, I'm glad he did it. He was very pleasant and reassuring and talked to me about everything in advance and again, extremely nice person and experienced piercer. I'm trying to think of what I want pierced next so I can go back!
Note: This is my 3rd piercing including ears, second piercing was a nostral piercing and it hurt sensationally more than the VCH piercing. As a matter of fact I kept waiting for more pain but it was very mild compared to the nostral piercing I had previoulsy done. They are fantastic and I would recommend to anyone interested.

Pros: Clean, helpful, experienced and professional

Cons: A little pricey but after all you do get what you pay for! Worthy of the price.

Posted 07/28/08

I can't say enough about the service and work at Venus. I had 2 custom made navel pieces which turned out to be well above my expectations. It was difficult to find quality navel jewelry until I found Venus on the internet. I live in VA so everything needed to be done over the phone. The main piece I was looking for was a ruby and diamond curved barbell that I couldn't find anywhere. I knew what I wanted but I couldn't find it. When I called the 1st time, I explained to Maria what I was looking for. Maria and the staff created exactly what I was looking for. The clarity and color of the diamond and ruby were excellent. The length of the barbell I requested was a little longer than I really wanted. I called Meg and explained the issue. There was no problem, I mailed the piece back to Venus they shortened it to the perfect size and mailed it back to me. I was so happy with the 1st piece I had a large diamond and saphire clicker made and was just as satisfied with the results.

The staff at Venus are some of the most helpful people you could asked for. Most of my conversations were with Meg (she's a sweetheart to deal with) or Kevin. They were always willing to spend time and answer my questions on both the jewelry and my piercing (this is my 1st piercing so I had many questions). Maria, it was a pleasure working with your establishment, I was sorry when I recieved the clicker and didn't have a reason to call any more. Thank you!

You should add a "meet the staff" link on the web site so those of us outside of NY can see who we're talking to.

Pros: I would say everything starting with customer service, staff, workmanship, quality gemstones and materials

Cons: None

Posted 07/11/08

The service at Venus was excellent. As soon as I walked in I was helped. I knew exactly what type of piercing I wanted so all we had to do was pick jewelry and I couldn't have gone wrong with their selection. My piercer was so professional and relaxing that I could have been getting a dozen pierces and it still wouldn't hurt(that much). Though I thought it was going to be a little expensive from past reviews the pricing for my piercing and stud was actually really good. They even showed me what to buy and how to help heal my piercing. Overall I think Venus is a great place to go and I would recommend them to anyone. I know I'll be going back.

Pros: Friendly and very helpful employees, nice jewelry selection

Cons: None that I can think of

Posted 06/21/08

On Friday I went in for a VCH/HCH piercing. When I walked in there I was happy to see that the place looked clean and professional. I spoke with Meg and she answered any and all of my questions. Before she pierced me we had a consultation and learned I didn?t have the right anatomy for the piercing I wanted. She gave me a couple of alternatives. She explained them in detail and even drew pictures. Together we decided on the right piercing for me. My piercing went smoothly and Meg was extremely patient with me. She had a great sense of humor and was very professional. I couldn?t expect a more smooth or better experience that this. I would definitely recommend any of my friends to her.

Cons: A Little Expensive (But Worth It)

Posted 06/15/08

Excellent, excellent service. This was my second time getting a piercing and my first time getting a 'serious' piercing. I spoke both with Ms. Tash herself and my piercer, Meg, both of whom were very professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and forthcoming regarding what I needed to know about the risks of the piercing that I was getting. I was a bit nervous and Meg took the time to allay my concerns. Before we began, I was instructed as to what to expect regarding aftercare and recovery time. As far as the piercing itself, the instruments were sterilized and/or removed from their wrapping in front of me, gloves were used and changed frequently, and Meg took the time to ensure that the piercing was perfectly centered and kept me fully informed. I couldn't have hoped for a better experience.

Posted 04/02/08

Today I went to 653 Broadway and got my upper cartiledge pierced. Rob was my piercer and he was the most comforting person in the world. He explained to me how clean everything was, and how to keep my piercing clean afterwards. Rob used a needle instead of a gun to decrease the pain. There was NO pain. I am extremely impressed with this place and would recommend it to anyone/everyone. I will be going back in the future.

Pros: Friendly people, very clean!

Cons: a bit pricey.

Posted 03/27/08

I just turned 18 and have already had many bad piercing experiences despite my age. But VENUS is quite possibly the ONLY place I trust with my piercings. When I turned 14, I got my nose pierced at Venus' other location on 4th and A, which was a great choice, but some of the personnel there were not so friendly. When I went there for my friend to get her cartilage pierced, the piercer also had a little trouble.
So one week after my 18th birthday, my dreams of getting my nape pierced came true. Instead of going to the 4th and A location, I decided to try the Broadway location (because of a certain someone named Meg who Ive heard so much about). SO my friends and I ditched out of school and drove into the city and went to Venus the minute it opened in the morning. My friend first got her eyebrow pierced, with (what she said) was absolutely NO pain at all. But before any of the piercing happened, there was a lot of conversation. Meg made me feel comfortable, offered me the most beautiful jewelry, and reassured me that my nape piercing would be fine. She was brutally honest about the healing time (6-18 months!) but also told me that it should sit well.
She measured my neck, marked me up well, and proceeded with the piercing. She spent more time making sure I was ready and comfortable than actually doing the piercing! It was very nice. Yes, it hurt to get it done, and thats something I cant lie about. It looks ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. Perfectly centered, lies perfectly on my neck. My parents arent so thrilled, but I am in love with it. Its what Ive always wanted.

So, the Pros are everything about their professionalism and knowledge of piercings and the only Con is that its pretty expensive.
BUT, you get what you pay for. Pay less for someone who doesn't know a nape piercing from a hole in the ground? Or pay more for great service and beautiful piercings that last?

Easy choice. Go to Venus.

Posted 03/08/08

As someone interested in mody modification as long as Meg has been piercing, I've seen a variety of body piercers over the decade from all over the world. Meg rates among the best. She not only has a great mastery of the field of body modification - from piercing, to scarification, to aftercare, to fixing others mistakes, excellent cleanliness - but the rare talent of great customer service. Meg will offer information and advice simply for your benefit, not out of a desire for a sell. I believe this is why she has developed such a loyal customer base.
Meg consulted with me on piercing options several months before we met in person. She gave me no nonsense answers to my questions with a clear explanation of the rationale behind her answer. She educated me and provided me with resources to help me make informed decisions. Before, during, and after each procedure she remained professional, calm, and supportive.
I'm a person who tends to do great amounts of research before any modifications. Meg supported those endeavors - heck, she's even supporting some academic research of the body modification field that I'm currently involved in.
Since I met her in 2006, Meg has helped me resolve a long-standing issue with a nipple piercing, nursed me through three surface piercings, given me two dermal anchors, and dermal punched my septum. I've seen countless amazing body piercings of all ilk, dermal anchors, large gauge piercings (scalpelled or punched), and scarification pieces come from her gifted hands.
Her work is a testament to the quality of modifications available at Venus by Maria Tash.

Posted 02/18/08

I had been waiting years to find a female piercer to pierce my VCH. I hadn't been able to find someone I was comfortable with locally (i live in Seattle) so I began looking for reputable female piercers whenever I went on vacation. Fortunately for me, I was visiting NYC and had heard glowing reviews of Meg at Venus by Maria Tash. I got in touch with Meg about a week before my trip and we discussed my plans. She had great customer service through the entire process, a quality that I find lacking with the majority of other piercers these days. She even put aside specific jewelry that she thought I would like so I would have a few different choices the day of my appointment.

I showed up at the shop, which was beautifully set up and very clean. i was greeted right away and introduced myself to Meg. She was just as pleasant in person as she was when booking the appointment. She pulled out the jewelry that she had put aside for me and of course, her selection was exactly what I was looking for. We discussed price, settled up and headed to the piercing room to get it over with.

The piercing room was small and immaculate, exactly how I like it. Meg was very calming and had a great bedside manner. I got undressed and she checked out my anatomy. Apparently, I do not have a hood enough for a proper VCH, and so we made a few modifications to the intended plan. Fortunately, I still had anatomy enough to have a modified VCH.

The procedure was quick and relatively painless. She completed the jewelry transfer and I admired her handiwork before I got dressed. I tipped the lady and was on my way.

I would definitely recommend this shop and Meg as a great resource for your next piercing or scarification. I'm glad that I now have a reputable, and low ego shop to visit when I'm in NYC.

Pros: female piercer, beautiful jewelry, excellent customer service without attitude

Cons: location! (i live in Seattle, shop is in NYC)

Posted 02/10/08

I don't usually write reviews, but was compelled after outstanding service at Maria Tash. I had a nipple piercing which had begun to migrate. I love this piercing and would probably have spent a small fortune in trying to save it (note: this piercing was not done at Maria Tash and was a very painful experience). I have been to Maria Tash's for other piercings and figured if anyone could save the piercing, they could. Meagan took one at my piercing and immediately told me it had to go. She explained that it was too far gone and if I did not remove it (even if I changed the jewelry) it would reject and most likely leave a scar. She even walked me through the best way to remove it. There was no nonsense, no sales pitch and she probably saved me from a nasty scar. While there, I decided to have my rook pierced. Again - there was no pressure in choosing jewelry. I was shown expensive and inexpensive choices (all beautiful) with no push to go either way. The piercing itself (done by Meagan) was fast, painless (mostly - after all, I was having my rook pierced) and professional. Incidentally, I chose a diamond and it's stunning. If you are considering a piercing - go to Maria Tash's and ask for Meagan. The piercing room is spotless, the jewelry selection is outstanding and fits all budgets and Meagan is amazing. What more do you need?

Pros: Professional Piercing, Super Clean, Great Selection

Cons: None

Posted 01/26/08

I just wanted to commend Venus by Maria Tash on their ability to create an "experience". I called the Broadway location early this morning to ask a few questions and spoke to Ashley. Not only was she very helpful, but her demeanor reassured me that your establishment was worth my drive in from Eastern Long Island (trust me....VERY Eastern) . As I was driving the 60 mile trip, I was hoping that this would be my final destination in finding superior quality nostril jewelry. Well...both you and your staff definately succeeded. I was greeted by Meg, whom I must tell you...I just LOVE HER!!! I was pierced on Long Island 5 weeks ago and just haven't found any jewelry to meet my expectations....I have ordered everything from $10 pieces to upwards of $300 pieces and unfortunately nothing thrilled me nor fit me correctly. If only I had stumbled upon your website 5 weeks ago, I would have saved me time, money and a lot of anxiety. I arrived hoping to leave with a piece or two that fit properly....and I left purchasing two new diamond pieces and a HUGE smile on my face. Meg was absolutely incredible in her explaination of the pieces and her precise "fitting" talent as well as her knowledge of her "business". I picked her brain again and again on topics such as "what would you suggest for me?" Color? Shape? Size? I am in a business that is "artistry" and "client" based, and I would've probably resorted to humoring someone like myself, but she was understanding and a true professional. Based upon my experience today they have a "life-long" client in me. Meg definately has a new fan.

Lanette
Long Island

Pros: Incredible Quality and Unique Body Jewelry and also other Fine Jewelry

Cons: Absolutely NONE

Posted 07/08/07

marilyn is amazing. i've made her my permanent piercer. if her beauty doesn't ease the whole putting metal through you face/body, then her speed and skills surely will. they enjoy what they do, and it shows.

Pros: great jewelry, pretty faces, kind and knowledgable staff.

Posted 04/14/07

First time there, and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place!! I had my first experience at Venus today, and I am SO impressed. I spoke with Marilyn, who was professional, knowledgeable and very patient. She answered every question with confidence that completely put me at ease. Once she actually placed my "Monroe" piercing, it was quick and as painless as humanly possible. The other plus: the selection of jewelry is amazing!!

Posted 04/07/07

Years ago, I happened upon Venus Modern Body Arts thanks to a recommendation from a reputable company in the body piercing/tattoo industry. I was impressed that Maria?s peers spoke so highly of her talent and business, that I sought her out immediately to purchase a ?jewelry upgrade.?

The nape of my neck was double pierced in college and to this day I still have the two stainless steel ?surface? bars under my skin. What was then two pairs of stainless steel spheres, the part above my skin, has since been replaced with Maria?s fine jewelry. I found that after graduating and moving to New York, I had outgrown the piercing in some ways. I still loved the idea of it, but I wanted jewelry that was becoming of the woman I had grown into-------a professional in the fashion industry and one who had found an adult appreciation for fine jewelry with impeccable design. At the time I purchased two 18K yellow gold double-braided opal ?studs? and two 18K gold double-braided garnet ?studs.? They fit the threading of the surface bars and really softened the look. For five years the compliments have not stopped and soon I?m upgrading to Maria?s 18K rose gold Pave diamond pieces. I?ve enjoyed watching Maria evolve, as I continue to take pleasure in my own evolution. The new boutique, the new designs----Maria?s always keeping it fresh and relevant. Thank you.

Pros: Great selection, fantastic staff

Posted 03/07/07

I had a bad piercing experience there and I also bought a lot of jewelry that I ended up resetting in cups so all that glitters is not gold and I would recommend passing on Venus.
Not recommended.

Posted 12/30/06

I just got home from an amazing afternoon with the girls down at Venus - Ashley, Kellie and even Maria Tash herself and couldn't be happier with my experience! The store is amazing and they offer the most beautiful & unique selection of body jewelry I have seen in my life! The staff was both highly professionaly yet genuinely kind. I had a great sales experience with Ashey - who sold me a beautiful navel ring and I decided to finally get my nostril pierced with a gorgeous diamond flower with Kellie who did a phenomenal job! I felt calm and confident and will definitely return and tell all my friends to go to Venus by Maria Tash for all their jewelry and piercing needs.

Pros: Service, selection, atmosphere

Cons: Not open 24hrs a day!

Posted 08/31/06

I was highly dissatisfied with the customer service - I purchased a very expensive piece of jewelry sold by an inexperienced sales person who offered me a discount not authorized and ultimately not honored by the store. I never would have purchased such expensive jewelry from this store had I known what I was getting into- My entire experience was ruined.

Cons: Terrible customer service

Posted 08/29/06

I got a Prince Albert piercing at Venus last Sunday (I am from Spain so my english is not perfect).

Pros:
-Relaxing atmophere, good music, good ilumination, not angry people or tension, etc.
-People there is polite, not ultra-nice but helpfull and correct.
-In my opinion and comparing with spanish prices it is not very expensive.
-The tecnic of the person that pierced me was good, fast and told everything that was going to happen.

Cons:
-They didn´t open the esterilizatin bags in front of me, everything was already out of the bags when I came into the room for the piercing. This should be a basic procedure in any place like this, as it is in hospitals or dental clinics. Also the person that pierced me came out of the room to call me for the piercing with the gloves on and touching his pants.
-It would be a good detail if they provided the costumers with a cleaning kit, with things like cotton sticks, gauces, tape, etc. It is completely neccesary for the cleaning and unexpensive. I would had apreciate it a lot.

Posted 08/22/06

My four-year-old daughter has had her ears pierced twice. When she was two, we went to a Piercing Pagoda in a mall. All went well, but after nine months we put in a pair of bad earrings, the lobes got infected, and the piercings healed shut. When she turned three, we went to a Claire's Boutique to have the same old earrings put back in the same spot. They put them in at a horribly bad angle, and we took them out before they became permanent. Each piercing involved a spring gun, questionable training, stress, and crying.

We finally got it right at age four when we went to Venus. The place is not at all like the tattoo-and-body-piercing shops I've walked by throughout the city. It was clean, inviting, and professional. Kelly was awesome. She kept the atmosphere stress-free and talked my daughter through each step, explaining what she was doing and describing what would happen next. With the calm atmosphere, social interaction, professionalism, surgical needle and lidocaine, it was less stressful than clipping fingernails after a bath. My daughter didn't even flinch, and she was as happy and excited upon leaving as she was on arrival.

I highly recommend Venus by Maria Tash, and Kelly in particular, for parents who want their kids' ears pierced. Please don't waste time and tears on crappy walk-by piercings at the mall. You'll save no more than 10 or 20 bucks, but they're usually staffed by part-time teenagers who just point and shoot the piercing gun, with little thought beyond the entry point. Do it properly. There are people who take pride in what they do, and do it well. Kelly is one of them. She'll make sure the holes are not only correctly placed in the front, but at the right vertical and horizontal angles, as well (so that studs will be straight and hoop earrings will hang properly when the kids grow up).

It cost us $15 per ear, plus $30 for our particular earrings, and the $60 was money well spent. We went to the right place.

Posted 08/08/06

I saw an ad for Venus by Maria Tash and decided to check it out. I had never had a desire for a piercing, but once I saw the beautiful jewelry that you could get for your navel I had to go see this for myself. This store has the best navel jewelry I have ever seen! You can combine and customize different pieces to create your own designs, and the jewely is super-high quality! This inspired me to get my navel pierced, and Maria did it herself, though all of her staff were obviously highly professional and well-trained. There were so many pieces that I liked, it was very hard to choose just one! I was almost tempted to get something else pierced, but I managed to resist (at least this time). There was also a great array of other kinds of non-piercing jewelry; rings, necklaces, and the like-I saw a manly necklace that even my Honey would like. Overall, I was very impressed. Whether you are pierced or not, there's something for everyone here! Highly recommended!

Posted 06/16/06

I've been going to Venus in the East Village for all my piercings for about 7 years now, and decided it was time to check out the new store in Soho. It's really different from the other store, but they have a bigger selection of jewelry and the salespeople/piercers are still awesome. I got my second conch done by Kelly who was super nice and she did a great job. Even though the vibe at the new store is kinda different, it's a lot fancier, it's still a cool shop and a lot easier to get to by train. I've never had a bad experience at either location and will keep going as long as I'm pierced!

Pros: Easy to get to, Friendly

Posted 06/05/06

I went in to Maria Tash Venus based on the recommendation of a friend and was I impressed! First off the staff was great - they knew their merchandise inside and out and were extremely helpful as I made my selection. The jewelry was absolutely beautiful with many unique pieces to choose from, all reasonably priced and the place was very clean. Maria was there and did my piercing herself. She was so great and put me at such ease that I actually got an ear piercing while I was there as well. I'm a firm believer in getting what you pay for and Maria Tash Venus was well worth every cent. I walked out with 2 cool piercings and beautiful jewelry at a great price. I can't wait to go back!

Pros: reasonable prices, beautiful jewelry, great staff

Posted 06/05/06

I heard about Maria Tash from a friend of mine who was pierced there before. I wanted my nose re-pierced and decided that I'd check it out cause my friend said they were really good. Well, I went there on a Friday night and it was kind of busy but the salespeople told me they'd be with me in a minute so I hung out and checked out the jewelry. When it was my turn the girl who pierced me, I think her name was Kelly, took her time with me and helped me pick out a nosering I really liked and felt happy with. She was really nice and the piercing didn't hurt at all and she gave me some good advice on how to take care of it. The place is really clean too and they have the best noserings in the city. Overall I highly recommend it.

Pros: Sterile, Good customer service, Waiting area

Cons: Busy at night

Posted 06/05/06

A few months ago I got my navel pierced at Venus by Maria Tash. I never really considered doing it before but their jewelry is absolutely breathtaking and I couldn't help myself. Although I was very nervous my piercer, Jeff, was extremely patient with me and took his time with answering all of my questions and helping me select the perfect piece of jewelry. The piercing itself was not anywhere near as traumatizing as I had anticipated and my overall experience was a very pleasant one. I'm looking forward to going back and getting my nose pierced and would recommend Venus by Maria Tash to anyone looking for good service and quality product.

Pros: Clean

Posted 06/05/06

If you are looking for unique, high end, customized jewelry--look no further. Maria Tash, the designer behind Venus, is a visionary creator of unbelievable fine jewelry. She showcases beautiful hand picked stones set in platinum, rose, yellow and white gold, including navel pieces that you will treasure forever. There is nothing like it on the market. She conitnually produces new and innovative designs, so check back often.

Pros: customer service, a good value, unique

Posted 06/01/06

First checked their website impressed. I called and ask for the price of a piercing. (They would not say prices over the phone,which I understand). I went to the store, very nice but The price of their piercing are so high that it is not a joke.

Posted 05/31/06

I visited NYC recently, and as a memento of the trip, my boyfriend convinced me to get an Apadravya piercing. I was skeptical, but when we went in to Venus and I saw their facilities and met their staff, I felt safe. Kellie, who performed my piercing, was incredibly nice and comforting as I was getting poked. Having her so calm really helped to calm me down about the whole thing. Now I love my Apadravya piercing... and so does my boyfriend! He's been checking Venus' website, looking for new jewelry!

Pros: Great staff, Clean, Safe

Cons: Extremely far

Posted 05/23/06

Maria Tash has some of the most amazing and beautifully crafted jewelry in New York.
The studio is spotless and the piercers/salespeople are professional and very helpful in de describing their products. Jewelry ranges from earring to nose and navel jewelry (among others). The navel jewelry is spectacular and reasonably priced (from cubic zirconia to gold and diamonds).
I highly recommend Venus jewelry.

Pros: Excellent selection, Helpful service, Clean studio

Cons: Store opens late

Posted 04/17/06

A classy alternative to the ubiquitous sketchy downtown piercing shacks. The sales staff is very knowledgable and helpful and the products are top notch. I went in for a piercing, and it was performed with an attention to detail orders of magnitude above every other piercing place I've ever been to.

Venus deserves all of the great buzz it gets.

Pros: Professional, Attractive, Sanitary

Posted 03/01/06