Disappointed with my first eBay China setting purchase

[jerichoheart]

Hi everyone!

Well, I received my first ever setting from an eBay seller in China. The ring is beautiful, but not what I expected....It is sized perfectly, engraved perfectly, and I think it will fit the sapphire perfectly. BUT, I believe it is missing around 28 pave diamonds...which is a lot.

Can anyone tell me how many diamonds they believe are in this pic below?

I *thought* there were 10 diamonds on each side of the split shank on each side = 40 diamonds. Mine have 4 on each side which = 16. There are two "empty" spots on each split shank = 8 empty places where it looks like diamonds were supposed to go, but didn't...or they fell out (I looked in the box, though and there weren't any loose diamonds).

Even though the picture is of a setting for a stone that is 7 x 9, I paid extra for customization to have the setting fit a 9 x 12.5 stone. Since I was paying extra for a larger setting, I assumed there would be more diamonds -- not quite a few LESS.

The halo I thought in the pic had 28 diamonds (and it is much smaller than the halo I had customized), and mine has only 24 diamonds.

Not sure what to do. What do you all think?

These are pics from the eBay item I purchased...I will try to post pics of my ring in the morning as the sun has gone down and the lighting is poor now.

Thanks so much for your help and advice...really confused as to what to do. I like the ring okay, but I would have LOVED the ring if it had been made the way it looked in the pic.

 

[diamondhearts]

I would just suggest that you return it since so many diamonds are missing unless the seller is willing to replace it with a another one that would work better for you .

 

[jerichoheart]

Well, I emailed them and this was their response:

"Dear buyer, the ring diamond size is bigger than this ring, it is good quality for you, thanks for coming."

No idea what that means. So, I wrote them back and told them how many diamonds were missing and that I am disappointed. Waiting for a response.

Also, on the paper they sent me with the ring it says: Changxing Jewelers. Is that Ian.b04?

 

[CharmedOne]

I'm sorry you setting purchase from china didn't work out for you. If you purchased it from eBay, you have to wait 4 days before you can file a case to get a refund. They just updated their policy but I think it's still four days. Just make sure you send any correspondence with the seller through eBay messages. Unfortunately with purchases overseas, you have to be as blunt as possible. Like: I receive this ring today and the setting is missing several diamonds. I am very unhappy with this ring and I want a full refund. This ring is a SNAD (significantly not as described) and I would like to return it ASAP. I do not want a replacement. I want a full refund.

I know saying you want a refund several times may sound redundant but they will ignore it if they think they can get away with. Plus eBay has access to the messages sent through their system and will use them to determine the outcome of the case if they need to intervene. Sometimes they try to offer you some of you money back to keep the ring but alot of times repairing the damage is way more trouble than its worth. The reason why I suggest getting a full refund is because eBay allows you 45 days to settle a case. I you want to exchange it, you lose time sending it back, then them replacing it and sending you a new one (which will probably be damaged too) It's just worth the headache IMO. Unfortunately if it goes past the 45 days, ebay's system will automatically close the case and it may not be in your favor, since you would still be waiting to receive the replacement. I know people who have received an empty box back and there is no way to prove you didn't receive it. That's why I say getting a refund would be you best option, unless you really like it and feel you want to keep it.

Sorry to be so long winded. I just don't like to see anybody get taken on eBay. Because quite a bit of the "14K" from china isn't even really 14K and I'd hate to see you lose your money.

 

[Starzin]

Jericho it would really help if you could post some pics of what you did receive so that folk can compare. It gives a better basis for advice and those who have had settings from China can advise the best way to approach the communications.

40 is a lot of diamonds to be missing!

However I think one of the things you could do is send an email with two pics:
1) what you ordered
2) what you received

Note that I've heard some of the PSers say that their English is poor in most cases, so keep you sentences short and simple and even put arrows on the pics. I don't know who you ordered your setting from but I believe some of the Chinese vendors used on this forum would have no problem putting this right once the error was recognised.

The weekend is usually quiet on PS so some of the Chinese setting experts may not be along until Monday. HTH.

 

[CharmedOne]

I do apologies if my advice sounded harsh. I have had a few bad experiences with purchases from china and it probably wasn't a fair thing to say. In my case, I have had sellers just completely disappear. One day you purchase from them and the next day "they are not a registered user". So I'm sorry once again. These were my personal issues and your seller may very well be reputable.

 

[Enerchi]

Sorry you aren't happy with the setting, Jerichoheart. Please do post what you received, so we can compare- thats good advice from Starzin above.

I also agree with CharmedOne, that if you decide to return for refund - be blunt, use short sentences and be SPECIFIC about what you want. Repeat it if needed.

I had an issue with a seller and it was a lot of very polite replies, but they were either intentionally avoiding answering my questions and resolution solution or they simply did not "get it" - IDK, but it was super frustrating. Eventually - about 2-3 weeks before I had made progress- an agreement was reached and I returned the setting and got a refund. So, it can work out, just be VERY clear about what you want and keep repeating it! Good luck!

 

[jerichoheart]

Pics of my setting. What do you all think?

 

[Enerchi]

gee, could be my old eyes, but I don't think it looks too bad, compared to the original on their site photo. You mentioned stones missing? I guess I can't see that in these photos.

When you look at it again, are you still feeling annoyed or feeling better about it? There is something to be said when it comes to gut reactions because it will influence your enjoyment of the whole ring. You don't want to have to keep something if it is just "ok" and still pay more money to set the stone and never enjoy wearing it.

What are you thinking now???

 

[jerichoheart]

A few more. The last pic shows it best...where there are two notches close to the base of the ring...the two notches are where two diamonds should have been (8 total because it is that way on all parts of the split shank), but instead there are just "cuts." They say they used 28 fewer diamonds because they used bigger diamonds. What do you all think?

There should be ten on each split shank, but instead there are only 4. I'm beginning to think it might be better that way, though, because the split shank is so delicate that if it went further down with more diamonds the ring would not be sturdy or practical.So maybe they designed it for what they knew best for what would hold up/last over time. I guess I paid for a certain number of diamonds and therefore was expecting a certain number...but perhaps it worked out for best?

 

[Enerchi]

Definitely larger diamonds - that is obvious. I think the 'cuts' are to keep the continuity of the design going, under the head.

Is the total carat weight similar to the posted setting?

 

[T L]

My experience with these ebay sellers is that if you don't like it, then you have no other recourse then sending it back. The customer service is not what you would expect from a higher end jeweler where they'll sometimes remake it for you (and even many higher end jewelers won't do that).

They were probably trying to save money by adding more metal instead of actual diamonds. I will say that at least it doesn't look light on the metal.

I have a similar setting I used for a spinel. Here it is if you want to compare the metal to diamond ratio. I won it on auction for a low price, and although, it is light on the diamonds like yours, and I didn't resize the head, it is weighty, and I like it for what it is. The setting itself is rose gold, but they used a lot of white plating to make up for the smaller and very separated diamonds.

 

[ieatbugs]

It sounds to me like they calibrate the diamonds in the setting to the ring size, and since yours was a smaller size there are fewer and smaller diamonds.


As someone who works in ergonomics and design, I can say with confidence: This is a good thing and is consistent with a well thought out, properly scaled and executed design, rather than one that was copied and expanded slightly to accommodate larger sizes.

I would want them to be more appropriately matched to the size of the setting rather than have the shank just grow/shrink and the diamond size and quantity remain the same.

Think about this in regards to clothing...a well tailored suit in a size 4 wouldn't be well tailored if you just doubled the dimensions and called it a size 8, would it?

Well, I emailed them and this was their response:

"Dear buyer, the ring diamond size is bigger than this ring, it is good quality for you, thanks for coming."

No idea what that means. So, I wrote them back and told them how many diamonds were missing and that I am disappointed. Waiting for a response.

Also, on the paper they sent me with the ring it says: Changxing Jewelers. Is that Ian.b04?

 

[Fly Girl]

I think it looks pretty good. There are fewer, but larger, diamonds, which is what I think they were trying to say in their response to you.

I agree with the other posters that it is what it is. Don't try to tweek it. Either keep it as is, or return it for a refund. I've done both with Chinese settings, and personally, this one would be a keeper.

 

[chrono]

From the initial post, I expected to see empty holes where there should be diamonds. Seeing your pictures helps a lot. In making it bigger, the vendor spaced it out and put a bit more metal. It looks decently made for the price. I doubt he can (and will) remake the ring to look exactly like the original picture. If unhappy with it, your only recourse is to claim a full refund.

 

[LD]

You're centre stone is bigger than the standard setting - therefore the ring shank/halo etc will be bigger. If they had used smaller stones the ring would have ended up looking disproportionate. So long as the colour/clarity is as stated I would keep it. There's no way you could have more diamonds on the split shank because they will go under the finger - there's no point to that as they won't be seen and will potentially affect the integrity of the ring.

One of the things that's probably surprised you is because your centre stone is so much larger than the standard mount the split shank is far less noticeable. Unfortunately this will happen.

If you like the quality of the setting/diamonds - keep it! It looks lovely!

 

[LD]

Sorry - I've just found this and thought it might help your thought process ..............

The first picture is of a setting from LOGR that fits an 8x6 oval. I wanted it customised for a 12x10 (I think) an as you can see it's quite different. I've lost the airspace between the two halos and the actual basket for the gemstone. Also the diamonds are much bigger in my setting. IF they had made it and kept the airspace and the bit for the basket inside, I wouldn't have been able to close my fingers!!!! It's a big ring as it is and any bigger would have been dangerous!

What LOGR don't do is warn you in advance of the changes they have to make. I guess they either assume you'll understand OR their English isn't good enough to communicate the differences. When I opened the package I thought they had sent me the wrong ring until I sat back and thought about it. Anyway I love it and my Paraiba looks very pretty in it so it's a keeper!

Hope that helps

 

[velouriaL]

Yeah, I totally see what you're saying and totally understand if you're annoying that the ring was not as described. I think everyone is right that they just didn't or couldn't communicate the result the modifications would have. I say, if you like it and you got a good deal, keep it. If the changes are going to annoy you or if you feel you paid too much for what you got, send it back. Starting fresh, would you buy *this* ring for the price you paid for if you'd never seen the original? Are you the type of person who gets used to things and even learns to like them? Or are you the type who talks yourself into being okay with things only have the resent grow (yes, some of us passive-agressive attitudes toward inanimate objects lol)? I personally think it's pretty, and i would probably keep it if the ring isn't meant to be extra-special (in which case, I would probably go for another genre of vendor).

 

[Starzin]

I agree with Enerchi that the cuts or "notches" below the diamonds on the shank are part of the design rather than where diamonds "fell out".

I guess I paid for a certain number of diamonds and therefore was expecting a certain number...but perhaps it worked out for best?

Actually, you didn't pay for the number of diamonds, you paid for tcw (sometimes ctw) - total carat weight of the diamonds in the ring. Plus the extra gold required to make the setting bigger. If you look at the vendor listings, you will see that they all state this. In your case they adjusted the size of the diamonds and their setting which resulted in fewer number of diamonds for, I'm assuming, approximate matching tcw. For instance the vendor saying "bigger diamonds better for you". Sometimes a setting with many diamonds means they are actually something in the order of half of one point each (100points=1 carat) if they doubled the size of the diamond to 1 point, then you would end up with half the number of diamonds for equal tcw.

The diamonds also appear well matched i.e. no "dead" spots where the diamonds are of much lesser quality (frozen spit). As others also pointed out, they change some things to keep structural and design integrity but only you can decide if it worked out for the best.

Chrono probably said it most succinctly:

From the initial post, I expected to see empty holes where there should be diamonds. Seeing your pictures helps a lot. In making it bigger, the vendor spaced it out and put a bit more metal. It looks decently made for the price. I doubt he can (and will) remake the ring to look exactly like the original picture. If unhappy with it, your only recourse is to claim a full refund.

 

[jerichoheart]

Thank you all so much for your honest opinions, help, and advice! I greatly appreciate it and it helped tremendously -- especially the photos some of you shared! I went from disappointment to now appreciating their expertise in design and jewelry. I should have trusted their experience in design. Even if they didn't give me exactly what I wanted, they gave me something that was well-constructed, sturdy, and a design that was needed to last a long time. What I was wanting was not practical -- it might have worked for the smaller stone setting, but mine was much larger.

Once I took out of my mind what I had pictured in my head and was expecting and just looked at the setting as it is -- I realized it is beautiful. For those of you who were asking, the tcw was supposed to be .34 carats and the gold weight was 3.5 -- that was for the original design, so I have no idea what my ring tcw is or gold weight. Not having purchased any of their settings before, I had nothing to compare it too so could not tell if the diamonds were larger than the standard ones. Thank you all for jumping in with your experience and saying that they are larger!

I agree with what you all said -- I think if they had communicated to me that the design would not be identical and would have fewer diamonds but larger diamonds, I would've been a bit more prepared. I was just expecting one thing in my mind, and received something else.

That being said -- I see exactly what you all are saying. As one of you pointed out, the ring I ordered I had customized to size 5, and the original picture is for a size 6.5, so that would definitely alter the appearance and I should have taken that into consideration. And, exactly what y'all said -- if the pave/melee went down further on the shank it would compromise the durability of the ring. Obviously, the jewelers knew better and gave me what I needed and perhaps not what I had originally desired...now that I see the wisdom in this, I'm grateful they did what they did and did not compromise the structure of the ring.

And just to further show the error of my ways: I saw some semi-mounts similar to mine in a jewelry store today and they were well over $1,000+, so I got incredible value and quality for the price I paid. My stone fits perfectly, it is beautifully engraved, arrived quickly, and the seller was wonderful to work with -- for a custom piece it was a steal.

Thank you all again for your help, and for helping me understand why they altered the design the way they did, and why it was actually in my best interest! Can't tell you how much I appreciate this board and all of your feedback. Thank you!!

 

[Starzin]

Once I took out of my mind what I had pictured in my head and was expecting and just looked at the setting as it is -- I realized it is beautiful.

"All's well that ends well" then Enjoy your ring and come back with more pics when you have the gem set!

 

[txgreeneyes]

Can you post a picture of your LOGR setting with the Paraiba Tourmaline?

So I may properly drool over my keyboard..

 

[Enerchi]

I'm glad you feel so much better about the setting now, Jerichoheart!!! It is true when we order something, we really do have a picture in our minds eye and are expecting that EXACT thing when it arrives. I think in this case, its true, they probably did make a better ring for you, more structurally sound and with larger diamonds - woo hoo!!


So glad you are happy about it! Can't wait to see it set - do come back and post pics, please!!

 

[autumngems]

What was the name of the seller?

 

[jerichoheart]

Thank you all! I am having it set on Wed. -- very excited!

The ebay seller's name is diamondjewelry8. I THINK it's one of Ian.b04's stores, but I could be wrong...It is definitely not LOGR.
Here's his store:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/diamondjewelry8/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

I just checked my PayPal, and he actually refunded me $40 after I sent him the e-mail about being disappointed. Now I feel awful. Does anyone know if it's possible to refuse a refund?

 

[Starzin]

I just checked my PayPal, and he actually refunded me $40 after I sent him the e-mail about being disappointed. Now I feel awful. Does anyone know if it's possible to refuse a refund?

No idea!

 

[Fly Girl]

You are better at bargaining than you thought you were. Tell him you'll keep the setting, and keep the $40 as well.

 

[periwinklegirl]

Maybe just leave him really nice feedback?

 

[chrono]

You are better at bargaining than you thought you were. Tell him you'll keep the setting, and keep the $40 as well.

Ditto. Use it towards getting it set. Oh, and yes, a positive feedback.

 

[Enerchi]

Today's the day! I can't wait to see the pics of the set stone in this setting!!! And so glad they gave you a good will refund. Def use it towards the setting fee. Don't feel badly about accepting the refund - they did make you a lovely ring, but it wasn't what you were expecting. If they didn't clarify that, this is a generous offer on their part to keep you a happy customer. Accept graciously and send positive feedback on their website!

Hope you post pics right away!!!