17 replies to this topic

[Yuri]

I was wondering has anyone ever had the wrong ring returned after sizing?

[davidelevi]

That would be very unusual, but it can happen. I've had one earring returned when two were handed in (only one needed repair), but pointing out the missing earring and a bit of searching produced the other earring and an apology in a matter of 30 seconds.

[diamondsbylauren]

HI All!
Yuri,
Do you suspect that you may have gotten back a different ring than you gave to a jeweler?

[Yuri]

diamondsbylauren, on Tuesday, Sep 22 2009, 11:52 PM, said:

HI All!
Yuri,
Do you suspect that you may have gotten back a different ring than you gave to a jeweler?

Yes I do, in fact I know because, 1. My ring was new and I only had it less than three months, 2. I also studied the diamond daily as I loved it so much. The one returned to me is the same setting, but it is all scratched and half the band is worn down and the stone has large carbon gobs in it! I took it back and they decided to repair the band. Went back and spoke to a more experience sales person who tried to get out of it saying they will replace the stone, when I said that was unacceptable she said they would sent it back the the appraisers to see if it is the same ring. When inquiring a week later she said they decided to have it repaired and it is ready to be picked up. I told her that too was unacceptable and asked numerous times why said did that as we agreed to sent it to the appraisers. When I told her she covering up the evidence she said she and the goldsmith decided the ring was not done properly and that they should repair it. I told her I wanted a new ring and they agreed to order a new one with an appraisal of slightly higher value. I feel they are not owning up to the fact that the ring got either switched by mistake or on purpose at the store or at the goldsmiths, I do not know. I am not impressed with this jeweler and will never make a purchase there again.

[denverappraiser]

It sounds like the jeweler at least agrees that they screwed up your ring and possibly that the lost the stone as well. Other than a well deserved apology I’m not sure what else you expect of them beyond replacing the piece with a new one that's equal or better and although I agree that they don’t seem to be handling this particularly well they could be MUCH worse. I do have a specific suggestion though. Choose a different appraiser to decide if the new ring is comparable or better than the previous one. You want someone who is working for YOU, not THEM. It doesn’t matter who their chosen appraiser is, even if it’s me; if the jeweler is the client than it’s not an independent opinion. You should be the one who chooses the appraiser, you should be the one who pays them so they don't even know who the jeweler is and then the jeweler should reimburse you for the fee. If you can, choose someone who is not a competitive selling jeweler. The most important section of the appraisal for your situation is the description by the way, not the value conclusion. Saying that they'll provide you with an 'appraisal' featuring a slightly higher value conclusion tells you next to nothing about what you'll be receiving.

Neil

Edited by denverappraiser, 09 October 2009 - 05:53 AM.

[diamondsbylauren]

Yuri, on Tuesday, Sep 29 2009, 09:08 AM, said:

diamondsbylauren, on Tuesday, Sep 22 2009, 11:52 PM, said:

HI All!
Yuri,
Do you suspect that you may have gotten back a different ring than you gave to a jeweler?

Yes I do, in fact I know because, 1. My ring was new and I only had it less than three months, 2. I also studied the diamond daily as I loved it so much. The one returned to me is the same setting, but it is all scratched and half the band is worn down and the stone has large carbon gobs in it! I took it back and they decided to repair the band. Went back and spoke to a more experience sales person who tried to get out of it saying they will replace the stone, when I said that was unacceptable she said they would sent it back the the appraisers to see if it is the same ring. When inquiring a week later she said they decided to have it repaired and it is ready to be picked up. I told her that too was unacceptable and asked numerous times why said did that as we agreed to sent it to the appraisers. When I told her she covering up the evidence she said she and the goldsmith decided the ring was not done properly and that they should repair it. I told her I wanted a new ring and they agreed to order a new one with an appraisal of slightly higher value. I feel they are not owning up to the fact that the ring got either switched by mistake or on purpose at the store or at the goldsmiths, I do not know. I am not impressed with this jeweler and will never make a purchase there again.

Hi all!
Yuri, I could not agree more with Neil's excellent advice.
If you're comfortable discussing this more specifically, approximately how much did you pay for the ring three months ago?

I ask because understanding the scope of this is important to give you the proper advice.

[Yuri]

diamondsbylauren, on Tuesday, Sep 29 2009, 06:52 PM, said:

Yuri, on Tuesday, Sep 29 2009, 09:08 AM, said:

diamondsbylauren, on Tuesday, Sep 22 2009, 11:52 PM, said:

HI All!
Yuri,
Do you suspect that you may have gotten back a different ring than you gave to a jeweler?

Yes I do, in fact I know because, 1. My ring was new and I only had it less than three months, 2. I also studied the diamond daily as I loved it so much. The one returned to me is the same setting, but it is all scratched and half the band is worn down and the stone has large carbon gobs in it! I took it back and they decided to repair the band. Went back and spoke to a more experience sales person who tried to get out of it saying they will replace the stone, when I said that was unacceptable she said they would sent it back the the appraisers to see if it is the same ring. When inquiring a week later she said they decided to have it repaired and it is ready to be picked up. I told her that too was unacceptable and asked numerous times why said did that as we agreed to sent it to the appraisers. When I told her she covering up the evidence she said she and the goldsmith decided the ring was not done properly and that they should repair it. I told her I wanted a new ring and they agreed to order a new one with an appraisal of slightly higher value. I feel they are not owning up to the fact that the ring got either switched by mistake or on purpose at the store or at the goldsmiths, I do not know. I am not impressed with this jeweler and will never make a purchase there again.

Hi all!
Yuri, I could not agree more with Neil's excellent advice.
If you're comfortable discussing this more specifically, approximately how much did you pay for the ring three months ago?

I ask because understanding the scope of this is important to give you the proper advice.

Hi
I paid about 1700. plus the trade in. The spec's are the same except it's a very good cut vs a good cut. Talk to them today and the appraisal should be in tomorrow. I think the problem is the setting is so popular that they are easy to mix up. That being said I think they should be far more careful when sending rings that have the same setting. They have called the appraiser to send out a copy of the appraisal as the store in another city has not sent the appraisal. (mall store). I have seen the ring but I refuse to pick it up till the appraisal come in.
Thanks for the advice. if it does not come soon I will take Neil's advice.

[diamondsbylauren]

Yuri,
I would take Neil's advice immediately.
You need a second opinion here- from someone working for you..
$1700 is not a huge amount of money when it comes to diamonds, but it's enough to make one take notice for sure.
The difference between "good" cut and "very good" cut is basically just someone's opinion- given as though it's a fact.
GIA and AGSL do issue "cut grades" - however, I do not believe that's what was referred to in your conversations with the store.

Personally, I do not think it would be out of line for you to suggest either a refund in full- or allowing you to pick a new ring for the same price.
If you did that, make sure to get it independently checked out before and after they do any work on it.

I'm not loving what this store is putting you through honestly.

[Yuri]

denverappraiser, on Tuesday, Sep 29 2009, 11:47 AM, said:

It sounds like the jeweler at least agrees that they screwed up your ring and possibly that the lost the stone as well. Other than a well deserved apology I’m not sure what else you expect of them beyond replacing the piece with a new one that's equal or better but I agree that they don’t seem to be handling this well. I do have a specific suggestion though. Choose a different appraiser to decide if the new ring is comparable or better than the previous one. You want someone who is working for YOU, not THEM. It doesn’t matter who their chosen appraiser is, even if it’s me; if the jeweler is the client than it’s not an independent opinion. You should be the one who chooses the appraiser, you should be the one who pays them so they don't even know who the jeweler is and then the jeweler should reimburse you for the fee. If you can, choose someone who is not a competitive selling jeweler. The most important section of the appraisal for your situation is the description by the way, not the value conclusion. Saying that they'll provide you with an 'appraisal' featuring a slightly higher value conclusion tells you next to nothing about what you'll be receiving.

Neil

Hi All
Sorry for the delay, computer problems. The jeweler has let me pick out a new ring, but not without denying that they made a mistake. The attitude was that it was me, if it had not been for the young sales lady that sold it to me in the first place that said she knew that my ring did not look old and worn and the the stone was almost eye clean, I'm not sure what they would have done. I now have a new ring and it does look as good or nicer than the first one and it is eye clean. They gave me an appraisal with it (small city and all the jewelers send to same appraiser) and because I was happy with the new ring I excepted it.

My question been does this happen a lot or is this just carelessness on the jewelers part, by the way I do not think the goldsmith switched the stone as the ring looked old and well worn.

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice.

Yuri

[Yuri]

diamondsbylauren, on Wednesday, Sep 30 2009, 06:35 PM, said:

Yuri,
I would take Neil's advice immediately.
You need a second opinion here- from someone working for you..
$1700 is not a huge amount of money when it comes to diamonds, but it's enough to make one take notice for sure.
The difference between "good" cut and "very good" cut is basically just someone's opinion- given as though it's a fact.
GIA and AGSL do issue "cut grades" - however, I do not believe that's what was referred to in your conversations with the store.

Personally, I do not think it would be out of line for you to suggest either a refund in full- or allowing you to pick a new ring for the same price.
If you did that, make sure to get it independently checked out before and after they do any work on it.

I'm not loving what this store is putting you through honestly.

Thanks as you can see from my answer to Neil post I already have a new ring. By the way this ring was a trade in, the ring would have been $5000. without the trade in.

In the end I am happy but it will be a long time before I bring my ring in for any work again. What good is the insurance if the store is sloppy or someone along the way.

Thanks again for all the comments.

[diamondsbylauren]

Yuri, on Monday, Oct 5 2009, 02:23 PM, said:

denverappraiser, on Tuesday, Sep 29 2009, 11:47 AM, said:

It sounds like the jeweler at least agrees that they screwed up your ring and possibly that the lost the stone as well. Other than a well deserved apology I’m not sure what else you expect of them beyond replacing the piece with a new one that's equal or better but I agree that they don’t seem to be handling this well. I do have a specific suggestion though. Choose a different appraiser to decide if the new ring is comparable or better than the previous one. You want someone who is working for YOU, not THEM. It doesn’t matter who their chosen appraiser is, even if it’s me; if the jeweler is the client than it’s not an independent opinion. You should be the one who chooses the appraiser, you should be the one who pays them so they don't even know who the jeweler is and then the jeweler should reimburse you for the fee. If you can, choose someone who is not a competitive selling jeweler. The most important section of the appraisal for your situation is the description by the way, not the value conclusion. Saying that they'll provide you with an 'appraisal' featuring a slightly higher value conclusion tells you next to nothing about what you'll be receiving.

Neil

Hi All
Sorry for the delay, computer problems. The jeweler has let me pick out a new ring, but not without denying that they made a mistake. The attitude was that it was me, if it had not been for the young sales lady that sold it to me in the first place that said she knew that my ring did not look old and worn and the the stone was almost eye clean, I'm not sure what they would have done. I now have a new ring and it does look as good or nicer than the first one and it is eye clean. They gave me an appraisal with it (small city and all the jewelers send to same appraiser) and because I was happy with the new ring I excepted it.

My question been does this happen a lot or is this just carelessness on the jewelers part, by the way I do not think the goldsmith switched the stone as the ring looked old and well worn.

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice.

Yuri

Hi Yuri,
IMO it's quite rare for a jeweler to make such a mistake.
Clearly, if a jeweler made such mistakes commonly, they would not be in business all that long!

What happened in your case is very serious. I'm thrilled you came out well in the end, but the story really gives rise to the suggestion you never allow that jeweler to touch your ring again.

[Yuri]

diamondsbylauren, on Monday, Oct 5 2009, 04:00 PM, said:

Yuri, on Monday, Oct 5 2009, 02:23 PM, said:

denverappraiser, on Tuesday, Sep 29 2009, 11:47 AM, said:

It sounds like the jeweler at least agrees that they screwed up your ring and possibly that the lost the stone as well. Other than a well deserved apology I’m not sure what else you expect of them beyond replacing the piece with a new one that's equal or better but I agree that they don’t seem to be handling this well. I do have a specific suggestion though. Choose a different appraiser to decide if the new ring is comparable or better than the previous one. You want someone who is working for YOU, not THEM. It doesn’t matter who their chosen appraiser is, even if it’s me; if the jeweler is the client than it’s not an independent opinion. You should be the one who chooses the appraiser, you should be the one who pays them so they don't even know who the jeweler is and then the jeweler should reimburse you for the fee. If you can, choose someone who is not a competitive selling jeweler. The most important section of the appraisal for your situation is the description by the way, not the value conclusion. Saying that they'll provide you with an 'appraisal' featuring a slightly higher value conclusion tells you next to nothing about what you'll be receiving.

Neil

Hi All
Sorry for the delay, computer problems. The jeweler has let me pick out a new ring, but not without denying that they made a mistake. The attitude was that it was me, if it had not been for the young sales lady that sold it to me in the first place that said she knew that my ring did not look old and worn and the the stone was almost eye clean, I'm not sure what they would have done. I now have a new ring and it does look as good or nicer than the first one and it is eye clean. They gave me an appraisal with it (small city and all the jewelers send to same appraiser) and because I was happy with the new ring I excepted it.

My question been does this happen a lot or is this just carelessness on the jewelers part, by the way I do not think the goldsmith switched the stone as the ring looked old and well worn.

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice.

Yuri

Hi Yuri,
IMO it's quite rare for a jeweler to make such a mistake.
Clearly, if a jeweler made such mistakes commonly, they would not be in business all that long!

What happened in your case is very serious. I'm thrilled you came out well in the end, but the story really gives rise to the suggestion you never allow that jeweler to touch your ring again.

You are so right, I'll take it to another of their stores in another city.
Thanks for the advice.

[denverappraiser]

I'm glad to hear you're happy. If you decided to get it looked at and appraised, I again suggest you choose an appraiser who isn't working for them or, alternatively, just be happy with what you've got. A second opinion from the same people who provided the first is of little value.

Neil

[diamondsbylauren]

I agree with Neil....Personally, if it was me, I would not feel comfortable giving anything to ANY of the stores of this company.

Using an "appraiser" the way they are is deceptive - it makes it sound as though you're getting a second opinion, when you're not.
Such practices give me concern about the company's policies as whole.

[Yuri]

denverappraiser, on Monday, Oct 5 2009, 07:28 PM, said:

I'm glad to hear you're happy. If you decided to get it looked at and appraised, I again suggest you choose an appraiser who isn't working for them or, alternatively, just be happy with what you've got. A second opinion from the same people who provided the first is of little value.

Neil

Yes Neil and David
You are both so right and yes I am happy with what I've got, just hope I never need it sized again. I paid extra for the life time warranty but what good is it to me now as I will not allow them to touch me ring.

Edited by Yuri, 06 October 2009 - 02:55 PM.

[SPW]

Mistakes can happen and occassionally do. It's all very easy to believe that, as a paying customer, the jeweller who has made the mistake it attempting to palm you off with an inferior product. However, it is far more likely that it's a genuine mistake and they will do try everything to remedy the situation.

[Yuri]

SPW, on Friday, Oct 9 2009, 08:31 AM, said:

Mistakes can happen and occassionally do. It's all very easy to believe that, as a paying customer, the jeweller who has made the mistake it attempting to palm you off with an inferior product. However, it is far more likely that it's a genuine mistake and they will do try everything to remedy the situation.

Yes I totally agree that it could have been an genuine mistake, but the first time I went back to talk to the jeweler there was no apology(except from the young sales lady and there has been no apology from the manager) and I was not sure they were going to replace my ring. All has turned out well and I am happy with my ring. It's the appraisal that some here feel is unfair and down the road I will have it appraised elsewhere if I can find an other appraiser in our rather small town.

[diamondsbylauren]

SPW, on Friday, Oct 9 2009, 08:31 AM, said:

Mistakes can happen and occassionally do. It's all very easy to believe that, as a paying customer, the jeweller who has made the mistake it attempting to palm you off with an inferior product. However, it is far more likely that it's a genuine mistake and they will do try everything to remedy the situation.

Hi All!

Simon, mistakes do happen- but wouldn't you agree this one was rather important?
I feel like this company handled this poorly.