Extremely upset with jeweler over Tacori ring

[Kylie]

I posted a few days ago about my ongoing problems with my Tacori ring and my jeweler not returning calls to me. Finally after over three weeks he sends me an email, he doesn''t even have the nerve to call me. I found out by Tacori that my rings are still in California. I am infuriated right now, very upset and I don''t know what to do!! This is his email:

Theresa,
I have been trying my best to help find a way to resolve this and help you
get the best possible resolution to your problem.
Unfortunately, your impatience with this matter coupled with your
threatening email and your going behind my back to Tacori and to other
employees of Orin Jewelers has brought me to wits end.
Tacori has directly told me that there is nothing wrong with your ring. I
have been working with them on other options as far as credits to your ring
and what else we can do for you here at Orin Jewelers to possibly get you
into a new ring. They have records of us previously remaking this ring for
you and the problems you have but what you are calling "damage" is NORMAL
WEAR and Tacori will not refund nor remake the ring.
These past weeks have been very busy with the Northville Victorian Festival,
the passing of my mother-in-law, as well as many other things. Now, it is
not unusual for these things to take time to figure out, and there are other
options I have been working on to help you which are NOT REQUIRED of me but
because of what we do here and wanting to have the highest customer service
I wanted to help you out the best I could.

You now only have 2 choices:

1. We return your ring as is.

2. Tacori has offered to refurbish you ring at no charge.

There is your resolution. If you don''t like it, feel free to take any legal
actions you would like to take.

I will be awaiting your decision.

Okay, I keep losing stones and everytime they are replaced they buff away the miligrain on the ring. That is normal wear??????

 

[Kylie]

Here is a copy of my "threatening" email I sent to him:

Orin,
I am writing this email to attempt to gain some form of closure to my
situation with my wedding ring purchased from your establishment. I have
persistently and politely asked you to follow up with me about the
progress made with Tacori pertaining to my ring. Your lack of
communication and professionalism has been very disappointing. You have
had custody of my ring for three weeks now, yet I have no idea what
the current situation is. I am therefore requesting you to bring this
matter to a close as soon as possible. I would either like my ring
"restored" to its original condition or a brand new setting, I want this
matter resolved immediately.

 

[FireGoddess]

I would reply to him stating the following, in writing (continue this paper trail):

1. I would beg to differ that I have been impatient in ANY way. You have had my ring for 3 weeks and not once have you updated me on the situation whatsoever. My calls to you to get ANY information during this time period have gone completely unanswered. This is not acceptable for someone in the business of SERVICE.

2. I suggest you reread the email I sent to you, recopied below. In NO WAY have I threatened you directly, OR implicitly. I have a right to convey my annoyance on this matter to you, in writing, particularly since you have had MY property for three weeks and have not answered ONE PHONE CALL with regards to its status.

3. I wouldn't have had to CONTACT Tacori ("behind your back" as you ridiculously claim) to find out about my ring if you had answered EVEN ONE of my phone calls.

4. Stones falling out of a setting is NOT normal wear. Having the stones replaced but the milgraining buffed away and not replaced is NOT returning the ring to me in its original condition.
----------------------------------------
At this point, if I were you, I would get Tacori to refurbish the ring for you IF that means they are willing to make it look EXACTLY like the picture of the ring looks. That is, diamonds replaced, milgrain replaced, etc.

I am sorry to hear about this. It sounds like part of the problem is Tacori's workmanship on this ring, if the stones are falling out for no reason and not because you have been particularly hard on the ring.

ETA: How often HAVE the diamonds been falling out?

 

[devientdrow]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:04:26 PM
Author: FireGoddess
I would reply to him stating the following, in writing (continue this paper trail):

1. I would beg to differ that I have been impatient in ANY way. You have had my ring for 3 weeks and not once have you updated me on the situation whatsoever. My calls to you to get ANY information during this time period have gone completely unanswered. This is not acceptable for someone in the business of SERVICE.

2. I suggest you reread the email I sent to you, recopied below. In NO WAY have I threatened you directly, OR implicitly. I have a right to convey my annoyance on this matter to you, in writing, particularly since you have had MY property for three weeks and have not answered ONE PHONE CALL with regards to its status.

3. I wouldn''t have had to CONTACT Tacori (''behind your back'' as you ridiculously claim) to find out about my ring if you had answered EVEN ONE of my phone calls.

4. Stones falling out of a setting is NOT normal wear. Having the stones replaced but the milgraining buffed away and not replaced is NOT returning the ring to me in its original condition.
----------------------------------------
At this point, if I were you, I would get Tacori to refurbish the ring for you IF that means they are willing to make it look EXACTLY like the picture of the ring looks. That is, diamonds replaced, milgrain replaced, etc.

I am sorry to hear about this. It sounds like part of the problem is Tacori''s workmanship on this ring, if the stones are falling out for no reason and not because you have been particularly hard on the ring.

Those points are well stated FG!!!!

 

[Beacon]

Nah, I wouldn''t respond like this. Don''t let them set the agenda and talk about whether you "threatened" them or not. That is immaterial to the matter at hand.

Do you want either of the options presented? Do you have a different option you want implemented? Tell them what you want them to do specifically. Put it in writing, keep it unemotional, give them a time frame of 30 days.

If they do not perform, take it to small claims court and request money damages or specific performance of a remedy. Do not threaten to sue them, direct them to what you want.

Maybe this particular setting is just no good and you should request a new one with a new style that hopefully will not break down.

Good luck with your frustrating situation.

 

[mrssalvo]

I agree with what FG said. I would probably also go ahead and allow Tacori to refurish the ring but state that it should come back good as new, you should have it appraised by an independant appraiser so you can get their unbias thoughts on the workmanship level and tell them you expect a refund either from him or Tacori in exchange for the rings back.

I also agree that multiple stones randomly falling out is not normal wear and tear, but a sign of poor craftmenship.

 

[Kylie]

oops

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:17:39 PM
Author: Beacon
Nah, I wouldn''t respond like this. Don''t let them set the agenda and talk about whether you ''threatened'' them or not. That is immaterial to the matter at hand.

Yeah, I just like to address points that have been thrown at me.

It''s not letting them set the agenda in my opinion...it''s addressing accusations made at me. It may be immaterial to the ring, but it is material to a potential lawsuit or court action later...which personally if it were me I''d like to avoid if at all possible!

Part of me also thinks that face to face, calm conversations are the best way to deal with things. But the jeweler has made some accusations and the tone of his email is rather confrontational. That''s why I suggest the paper trail. No he said/she said later on. I can see why the jeweler is upset too....I''m sure this is stressful to him and he''s not the one who made the ring! But that''s no excuse for not keeping the customer informed. Definitely make sure that Tacori''s refurbishing makes that ring look like new! And MrsSalvo''s idea about the independent appraisal is a good one.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:21:17 PM
Author: mrssalvo
I also agree that multiple stones randomly falling out is not normal wear and tear, but a sign of poor craftmenship.

Ya know .. I always wonder about this. If something is faulty, but they won''t admit it or replace it ... what do you do?

I just had to trade in a car that Land Rover won''t admit has major problems. Kept getting it fixed while it was in warranty, but the warranty ended in May. Then it''s "on me". Didn''t seem to be much of a way to win ... so I just took the hit & got a different car ... even though the car wasn''t very old & I had intended to have it for many more years. At a certain point - ya kinda take your losses.

If Tacori hasn''t been able to fix the problems with this ring & actually keeps messing it up everytime they try ... what''s the jeweler OR the customer to do really?

At what point does it become ridiculous to try to get blood from a stone? It''s infuriating, but are you really going to go to small claims court against a jewelry store? Was there a warranty or a warranty in writing or just an "implied" warranty from purchasing through them? Could you possibly recoup more than you''d lose fighting the case?

I''m sorry to say it, but I kinda think you should just choose a new wedding ring & keep this one for posterity in a jewerly box somewhere.

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:26:27 PM
Author: Kylie
What do you think he means by ''return the ring as is'', does he mean with my center?? That is not an option

In what condition did you send it to them? What was exactly wrong with it at the time? My understanding was that it would be returned without them doing anything to it if you chose this option. Otherwise, they''d ''refurbish'' it, whatever that means (and I''d find out before agreeing to it).

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:26:27 PM
Author: Kylie
What do you think he means by ''return the ring as is'', does he mean with my center?? That is not an option

I believe he means he will return the ring to you AS IS, with nothing more being "fixed".

 

[Kylie]

My jeweler was suppose to send my ring to Tacori to have a diamond replaced that had fell out when the jeweler cleaned it. I found out 2 days later that the jeweler worked on the ring and did not send it to Tacori, when I got the ring back the miligrain had been buffed away and it was completely shiney on one side of the ring. He suggested it be sent to Tacori for "evaulation" but now they are both claiming that the missing miligrain is because of "normal" wear.

Yes I do want to pursue this because these rings were not cheap the setting alone without the center stone was over $8000

 

[TravelingGal]

$8000 for a setting and this is the kind of service you get??????

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:29:18 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 9/21/2006 2:21:17 PM

Author: mrssalvo

I also agree that multiple stones randomly falling out is not normal wear and tear, but a sign of poor craftmenship.

Ya know .. I always wonder about this. If something is faulty, but they won''t admit it or replace it ... what do you do?

I don''t know deco. I have thought about it a lot on my setting search. I even asked Bill Pearlman about it when I was thinking about the Michael b. I expressed my concern about potential pave problems etc. and he basically said he is there to take care of the customer. I took that to mean that if I had a *lemon* setting that somehow either Bill or michael b would take care of it. We just don''t hear these types of things with other designers and I don''t know why. Do they make a superior product or is their PR better that they do what''s necessary to keep the customer happy. I know Tacori has made gorgeous rings, punchie''s remake, laney''s, tacori e-rings etc. so if kylie''s is a *lemon* for some reason, why not just make it right? I also think having an independant appraiser can be helpful b/c I do believe there is probably a line b/t acceptable and overly picky. I know i''m overly picky when it comes to my e-ring beyond what is probably acceptable so having a 3rd party might help see where exactly that line is.

I agree that the time and cost of going to small claims court may not be worth it and that''s up to kylie to decide what she wants as her outcome.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:44:32 PM
Author: Kylie


Yes I do want to pursue this because these rings were not cheap the setting alone without the center stone was over $8000

i would definitely pursue this for 8k...

 

[devientdrow]

I have had ongoing problem with my Tacori ring, mostly with losing the small stones. Everytime I get my ring back from being repaired something else is wrong with it. The last time I got it back the miligrain pattern on one side of the ring was completely buffed smooth, there was also a little chunk of platinum missing near one of the prongs. They had also trimmed the prongs on one side of the ring to clean up what my jeweler referred to as "flashing", so now the prongs are much shorter on one side of the ring than the other. When I first brought this up to my jeweler his response was "Well noboby else can see it", this makes me so mad, I can - isn''t that all that matters??

After I brought my concerns up to him again he told me he would call Tacori and get back with me in a few days, after 2.5 weeks he finally returned my phone calls. In the meantime, I had been emailing directly with Tacori and they had been fairly helpful. I emailed them on August 30th and they were very rude and told me that I had deal with my jeweler only. My jeweler then sent me a email saying he didn''t appreciate me emailing Tacori, blah, blah.... I had already dropped my rings off to my jeweler also on August 30th before the rude email. My jeweler said the rings were being sent to Tacori for "evaluation". So now, I STILL have not heard anything from my jeweler. I emailed him for an update on Friday and he sent an email saying he would call Tacori and get back to me, I never heard back from him. So here I am, I have no clue what is going on with my rings, they have had them almost 3 weeks now. My jeweler is not being helpful, I feel like they are avoiding me. What do I do now? My jeweler is making me feel as though I am wasting his time and his lack of response to this is not helping. I feel sick over this, I can''t believe I am losing sleep over a ring!!!!

I am sure he sees hundreds of rings a day, I however only see this one and I want it in its original condition. My jeweler told me that is what happens when you have handmade quality jeweler, it shows wear and takes more maintenance than on non-designer ring. This sounds ridiculous to me, why did my dh pay all this money then??? Thanks for letting me vent, any advice you have would be great
---------------------------------

Kylie this is your original post. I reposted it on here because after re reading it I had some thoughts. Ok, so according to your original post the last time you got your ring back from your jeweler it had the milligraining and prong issues. You expressed displeasure to your jeweler, he then blew you off and said that he would send it to Tacori. So does this mean he did the original work on it?

So he sends it off to Tacori and never gets back to you on any of the issues. In the email you said he just sent to you he says that Tacori thinks nothing is wrong with your ring that isn''t normal wear. Do you think that since your jeweler did the work (and the mess ups) that he''s communicating with Tacori and telling them that certain things were there before he worked on it? ect ect?

It just seems wierd to me that they would start off, per your first post, communicating with you in a fairly helpful manner and then AFTER speaking to your jeweler, give you the cold shoulder.

Maybe you could get in touch with Tacori again and tell them that you are having issues with your jeweler and would prefer dealing directly with them. I know this might suck, but maybe there is another jeweler in your area that carries Tacori that you can ask their opinon?

I LOVE Tacori designs but all the horror stories makes me scared

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Is there another jeweler where you live who carries Tacori?

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:53:43 PM
Author: mrssalvo

Date: 9/21/2006 2:44:32 PM
Author: Kylie


Yes I do want to pursue this because these rings were not cheap the setting alone without the center stone was over $8000

i would definitely pursue this for 8k...

Absolutely. For 8K I wouldn''t just chalk it up to experience and pick another setting. I''d even get my boxing gloves out if that''s what it took. That''s an amount of money to fight for what you paid for!

I''m seeing 2 problems here....Tacori (we have heard the horror stories) and your jeweler (sounds like a piece of work, telling you ''nobody else can see the problems''....they ain''t wearing the ring! Ugh.)

Again - what is involved in Tacori refurbishing the ring? They have offered to do that for free. Will that restore the stones, and MILGRAIN to new-condition???

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I really hate to say this, and I don''t remember if I posted in the other thread or not. But in my extensive setting seach, I went to three or four jewelers that carried Tacori. I truly love the designs. The first one let me try on rings and never said a word about problems. The second one was fed up with various issues with Tacori and was selling their Tacori samples at a discount. I was tempted to buy one of the sets, except the head was too small for my diamond and the wedding ring was eternity and a full size too large. I loved it, though. When I went to the third jeweler, he told me that while Tacori rings were works of art, they did not hold up well at all, especially the ones with pave or open work like the scallop designs. He told me that girls would come in after a year with flattened prong tips, for example. He told me he didn''t think they''d stay in business unless something changed. He said part of the problem is that they use 95% platinum which is easy to work with, but it is soft and easily damaged. After hearing this, I definitely ruled out the scallop setting that I loved at the other jeweler.
We''ve heard many stories on here of Tacori and other platinum rings getting out of a round shape, losing pave, etc.
So what your jeweler is telling you is pretty much true...the problems your rings have is pretty much from normal wear. So jewelers are in a bind if they want to carry Tacori. A certain percentage of the rings are going to have problems. Many people do not realize they don''t hold up well, and the jewelers may not even realize it when they first sign up with Tacori. We''ve seen so many negative threads on here about Tacori rings that most here would be hesitant to buy one, I''m afraid. I do think some designs are more durable than others...I think Tacori E-ring (a member of this forum) has had minimal problems with her Tacori, except for losing melee which have been replaced by her jeweler. Of course, others have had that problem with pave settings in general, so it''s not just Tacori. The jeweler told me that 90% platinum is stronger and more durable, but it isn''t used much because it requires more labor to work with since it is harder. (So I personally decided I simply wouldn''t buy platinum unless it was 90%, and not many brands are made in 90% platinum today.)

So if this was me, I''d try to salvage the relationship with your jeweler because you are likely to have more maintenance issues with your setting in the future, and this is a Tacori quality issue, not so much your jeweler''s fault (other than for carrying the brand). I''d let Tacori refurbish the ring for now. I feel very badly for you to have such an expensive setting that is really too expensive to just ditch and start over. But I hope others learn from your experience so they can avoid the heartache and trouble you''re going through. I''m very sorry and truly hope the refurbishing will restore your ring. But just treat it as very fragile after that if you want to preserve it. Is your ring the one with the scallop or crescent designs on the sides by chance?

 

[devientdrow]

Date: 9/21/2006 6:16:38 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I really hate to say this, and I don''t remember if I posted in the other thread or not. But in my extensive setting seach, I went to three or four jewelers that carried Tacori. I truly love the designs. The first one let me try on rings and never said a word about problems. The second one was fed up with various issues with Tacori and was selling their Tacori samples at a discount. I was tempted to buy one of the sets, except the head was too small for my diamond and the wedding ring was eternity and a full size too large. I loved it, though. When I went to the third jeweler, he told me that while Tacori rings were works of art, they did not hold up well at all, especially the ones with pave or open work like the scallop designs. He told me that girls would come in after a year with flattened prong tips, for example. He told me he didn''t think they''d stay in business unless something changed. He said part of the problem is that they use 95% platinum which is easy to work with, but it is soft and easily damaged. After hearing this, I definitely ruled out the scallop setting that I loved at the other jeweler.
We''ve heard many stories on here of Tacori and other platinum rings getting out of a round shape, losing pave, etc.
So what your jeweler is telling you is pretty much true...the problems your rings have is pretty much from normal wear. So jewelers are in a bind if they want to carry Tacori. A certain percentage of the rings are going to have problems. Many people do not realize they don''t hold up well, and the jewelers may not even realize it when they first sign up with Tacori. We''ve seen so many negative threads on here about Tacori rings that most here would be hesitant to buy one, I''m afraid. I do think some designs are more durable than others...I think Tacori E-ring (a member of this forum) has had minimal problems with her Tacori, except for losing melee which have been replaced by her jeweler. Of course, others have had that problem with pave settings in general, so it''s not just Tacori. The jeweler told me that 90% platinum is stronger and more durable, but it isn''t used much because it requires more labor to work with since it is harder. (So I personally decided I simply wouldn''t buy platinum unless it was 90%, and not many brands are made in 90% platinum today.)

So if this was me, I''d try to salvage the relationship with your jeweler because you are likely to have more maintenance issues with your setting in the future, and this is a Tacori quality issue, not so much your jeweler''s fault (other than for carrying the brand). I''d let Tacori refurbish the ring for now. I feel very badly for you to have such an expensive setting that is really too expensive to just ditch and start over. But I hope others learn from your experience so they can avoid the heartache and trouble you''re going through. I''m very sorry and truly hope the refurbishing will restore your ring. But just treat it as very fragile after that if you want to preserve it. Is your ring the one with the scallop or crescent designs on the sides by chance?

Maybe it''s just me but I''d probably have a hard time being nice to that jeweler. Besides I didn''t get the idea that this was all a Tacori quality issue. I gathered that she had a problem with the Tacori ring but when her jeweler attempted to fix it, HE made more mistakes on it and then it became an issue on who was going to fix it. I may be wrong though But thats what I gathered.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I know..I only meant that she might need him to send it back again later, so it may be a problem to end the relationshop altogether. I very, very seriously doubt that another jeweler will want to take on Tacori problems from a customer who was not theirs.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:04:26 PM
Author: FireGoddess
I would reply to him stating the following, in writing (continue this paper trail):

I disagree LOL I think all of those things are what you might LIKE to say, but you typically get more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Yes, he is running a business and he has a responsibility to his clients, but as a human and a husband he also has a responsibility to his wife and the passing of her mother. I doubt he''s had a very good 3 weeks either. Doesn''t excuse it, but it might be better to extend condolences, reassure him you are not threatening him, and coax him to help you.

As much (temporary) joy it may bring you to let him have it, I don''t think you need to go there, ever. You can be polite and kind and patient and then you can politely and quietly call your lawyer without going off on him.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 9/21/2006 2:04:26 PM
Author: FireGoddess
----------------------------------------
At this point, if I were you, I would get Tacori to refurbish the ring for you IF that means they are willing to make it look EXACTLY like the picture of the ring looks. That is, diamonds replaced, milgrain replaced, etc.

I might also ask his permission to deal with tacori directly and state it in such a way as to help relieve some of the stresses on his plate right now.

"I truly mean it as no slight to you, but it might be easier if I delt directly with Tacori on the issues regarding the ring. I''m sorry about the passing of your mother in law and I don''t wish to burden you with any additional stress at this time. Please accept my condolences. I do not mean to come across as threatening and I apologize if that is how I seemed. I love my ring desperately and want it to look just as beautiful as it did the day I got it. If you can help me with this, that would be great! But I am happy to take it up with Tacori directly, not as a slight to you, if it could perhaps more efficently bring me to my goal and eliminate some of the stress you might be feeling over this."

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 9/21/2006 7:36:20 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I very, very seriously doubt that another jeweler will want to take on Tacori problems from a customer who was not theirs.

EXACTLY! Why in heavens would they take on someone else''s service issue? THEY didn''t make any of the original profit?? Even if Tacori actually doesn''t charge for the repairs .. just the manpower/stress etc in sending it back & forth & dealing with an ALREADY unhappy customer. Plus I suspect folks in the biz know all too well about these issues.

I''m sorry it''s such an expensive mistake - but that''s what this sounds like to me.

ps -- it''s kinda ironic that some folks were openly BADMOUTHING 900 platinum a while back ... and the pendulum has now swung on back the other way.

 

[Ellen]

Kylie, I don''t have any advice, I just wanted to say I''m really sorry this happened.

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 9/21/2006 8:41:11 PM
Author: Cehrabehra

I might also ask his permission to deal with tacori directly and state it in such a way as to help relieve some of the stresses on his plate right now.

''I truly mean it as no slight to you, but it might be easier if I delt directly with Tacori on the issues regarding the ring. I''m sorry about the passing of your mother in law and I don''t wish to burden you with any additional stress at this time. Please accept my condolences. I do not mean to come across as threatening and I apologize if that is how I seemed. I love my ring desperately and want it to look just as beautiful as it did the day I got it. If you can help me with this, that would be great! But I am happy to take it up with Tacori directly, not as a slight to you, if it could perhaps more efficently bring me to my goal and eliminate some of the stress you might be feeling over this.''

Sounds like you''ve never dealt with a jeweler who didn''t return your calls for 3 weeks.

No, but seriously - I''m all for being nice - people have their own cr@p going on all the time, but this guy has not exactly been *courteous*. Not returning any of her phone calls? Telling her to live with the imperfections because no one else will notice?? I think there''s a time and place for honey, and it''s passed. Not that she can''t be kind, but she does need to be firm and not kiss his arse.

She''s not asking him for the sun, moon, and stars - she''s asking him to deal with her issue in a timely manner and keep her informed. He''s not doing the benchwork himself - he''s orchestrating the interaction....and apparently not very well.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 9/21/2006 8:47:56 PM
Author: decodelighted

Date: 9/21/2006 7:36:20 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I very, very seriously doubt that another jeweler will want to take on Tacori problems from a customer who was not theirs.

EXACTLY! Why in heavens would they take on someone else''s service issue? THEY didn''t make any of the original profit?? Even if Tacori actually doesn''t charge for the repairs .. just the manpower/stress etc in sending it back & forth & dealing with an ALREADY unhappy customer. Plus I suspect folks in the biz know all too well about these issues.

I''m sorry it''s such an expensive mistake - but that''s what this sounds like to me.

ps -- it''s kinda ironic that some folks were openly BADMOUTHING 900 platinum a while back ... and the pendulum has now swung on back the other way.

I have been trying to figure this platinum thing out for months. Mark Morrell uses 90% which made me wonder about the value of 90 vs. 95%. I have also seen well-meaning people suggest that 95% was "better" because it was more "pure" platinum. But this jeweler told me that the platinum today (95%) is "not your grandmother''s platinum". The 90% was more common in the past and held up quite well..not the bad scratching and dings that today''s platinum shows. I hate to say this, but I don''t think all jewelers disclose this info about platinum because the 95% is mostly what they have available to sell, and many people are coming in requesting platinum because they want "the best". But then they are disappointed when the ring doesn''t hold up well.

 

[Kylie]

Date: 9/21/2006 7:20:52 PM
Author: devientdrow

Date: 9/21/2006 6:16:38 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I really hate to say this, and I don''t remember if I posted in the other thread or not. But in my extensive setting seach, I went to three or four jewelers that carried Tacori. I truly love the designs. The first one let me try on rings and never said a word about problems. The second one was fed up with various issues with Tacori and was selling their Tacori samples at a discount. I was tempted to buy one of the sets, except the head was too small for my diamond and the wedding ring was eternity and a full size too large. I loved it, though. When I went to the third jeweler, he told me that while Tacori rings were works of art, they did not hold up well at all, especially the ones with pave or open work like the scallop designs. He told me that girls would come in after a year with flattened prong tips, for example. He told me he didn''t think they''d stay in business unless something changed. He said part of the problem is that they use 95% platinum which is easy to work with, but it is soft and easily damaged. After hearing this, I definitely ruled out the scallop setting that I loved at the other jeweler.
We''ve heard many stories on here of Tacori and other platinum rings getting out of a round shape, losing pave, etc.
So what your jeweler is telling you is pretty much true...the problems your rings have is pretty much from normal wear. So jewelers are in a bind if they want to carry Tacori. A certain percentage of the rings are going to have problems. Many people do not realize they don''t hold up well, and the jewelers may not even realize it when they first sign up with Tacori. We''ve seen so many negative threads on here about Tacori rings that most here would be hesitant to buy one, I''m afraid. I do think some designs are more durable than others...I think Tacori E-ring (a member of this forum) has had minimal problems with her Tacori, except for losing melee which have been replaced by her jeweler. Of course, others have had that problem with pave settings in general, so it''s not just Tacori. The jeweler told me that 90% platinum is stronger and more durable, but it isn''t used much because it requires more labor to work with since it is harder. (So I personally decided I simply wouldn''t buy platinum unless it was 90%, and not many brands are made in 90% platinum today.)

So if this was me, I''d try to salvage the relationship with your jeweler because you are likely to have more maintenance issues with your setting in the future, and this is a Tacori quality issue, not so much your jeweler''s fault (other than for carrying the brand). I''d let Tacori refurbish the ring for now. I feel very badly for you to have such an expensive setting that is really too expensive to just ditch and start over. But I hope others learn from your experience so they can avoid the heartache and trouble you''re going through. I''m very sorry and truly hope the refurbishing will restore your ring. But just treat it as very fragile after that if you want to preserve it. Is your ring the one with the scallop or crescent designs on the sides by chance?

Maybe it''s just me but I''d probably have a hard time being nice to that jeweler. Besides I didn''t get the idea that this was all a Tacori quality issue. I gathered that she had a problem with the Tacori ring but when her jeweler attempted to fix it, HE made more mistakes on it and then it became an issue on who was going to fix it. I may be wrong though But thats what I gathered.

You are correct, my jeweler made more mistakes on the ring when he attempted to fix it. Although Tacori has fixed it in the past and sent it back to me with "more issues" as well. They sent it back to me once with 2 diamonds missing!!! Tacori didn''t catch it and my jeweler didn''t either, I noticed it right away. Also, I didn''t send my jeweler a really polite email before this last one I sent him (I was replying to another rude one he had sent me). I had no way of knowing his mother-in-law passed away and I did offer my condolences. I am not trying to be mean but I still feel it doesn''t excuse his behavior, he still has a business to run, he should have appointed someone else to help me if he was unable to.

 

[Kylie]

He just sent me another email.

You have 2 choices. That is all I am willing to do at this point and have
complete backing from Tacori.
Please make a choice. I will either have your ring sent back from Tacori as
is and you can pick it up immediately or you may have Tacori refurbish (not
replace) your existing ring.
Please do not discuss this with anyone else from Orin Jewelers as there is
nothing they can do for you at this point.
I will not argue with who called who and at what time calls where made, but
I do know that I was working for YOU and in your favor this entire time.
I would appreciate your next email to be a choice of the two options and in
which time I receive the ring back I will notify you of its return.


I give up I can''t deal with this man, I didn''t even reply to his rude one and he sends me another email. I did try to call him but they told me he was gone for the day, I found out he wasn''t gone. I don''t understand why he can''t talk, everything has to be done through email. I am going to contact Tacori and see if they can send my ring directly to me. I am so frustrated at this point I just want them sent to me so I can be done with this whole situation.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Kylie - I have read your story and this is just terrible. This last message seems to be the straw that''s breaking the camel''s back, but PLEASE don''t be hasty in asking just to get your ring back. If you do that I think your options in terms of resolution and getting your ring fixed will be closed. The suggestion of trying to work directly with Tacori is, in my opinion, the best one. They may not know what has transpired between you and your jeweler, or may only be getting his version of the events, but I bet if you contact them with a full and well chronicled story they will work with you. Of course you are free to do whatever you want, and I certainly understand your frustration and desire to just get the ring back but I would hate to see you close the doors on any options without taking a moment to think it fully through.