FF - Clarity enhanced diamond issue - help needed

[BAGA]

Hi all,

Here is my story: I recently purchased a diamond engagement ring. I spent about three months learning about diamonds; I thought I knew enough about clarity, size, color, cut. Then, I went to this guy in NY and bought a diamond that I thought was at a fair price. However, after i paid for everything (in cash), he gave me a receipt with the diamond specs and the following phrase "clarity enhanced" was in the receipt. The EGL certificate also had that as a comment. Before I paid for the diamond, I took it to a Gem Lab (recommended by the jeweler) not too far from the jeweler and he didn''t say anything about Clarity enhanced.I took the diamond to an appraiser the same night just to make sure that I paid the fair price; I was so convinced that I was going to propose the following day and the first question that he asked me was "do you know what the phrase ''fracture filled'' means?" and I said "no" and he started to explain the meaning. I was so shocked. I didn''t know anything about CE diamonds; didn''t even know that it was legal to sell them (especially at such a high price). I went back to the jeweler the following day and obviously there is no refund policy at his store only exchange policy. He lied that he told me about the diamond before the purchase. However, he also said that he can give me another diamond (obviously not the same size). My appraiser asked me to file a complaint which I want to do but on the other hand what if I lose my case? Would I be stuck with a ring that I don''t want? I just needed a decent ring for my girl. The size is important but I prefer better quality. Please I need some advice

Thanks,
BAGA

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/10/2010 1:57:07 PM
Author:BAGA
Hi all,

Here is my story: I recently purchased a diamond engagement ring. I spent about three months learning about diamonds; I thought I knew enough about clarity, size, color, cut. Then, I went to this guy in NY and bought a diamond that I thought was at a fair price. However, after i paid for everything (in cash), he gave me a receipt with the diamond specs and the following phrase 'clarity enhanced' was in the receipt. The EGL certificate also had that as a comment. Before I paid for the diamond, I took it to a Gem Lab (recommended by the jeweler) not too far from the jeweler and he didn't say anything about Clarity enhanced.I took the diamond to an appraiser the same night just to make sure that I paid the fair price; I was so convinced that I was going to propose the following day and the first question that he asked me was 'do you know what the phrase 'fracture filled' means?' and I said 'no' and he started to explain the meaning. I was so shocked. I didn't know anything about CE diamonds; didn't even know that it was legal to sell them (especially at such a high price). I went back to the jeweler the following day and obviously there is no refund policy at his store only exchange policy. He lied that he told me about the diamond before the purchase. However, he also said that he can give me another diamond (obviously not the same size). My appraiser asked me to file a complaint which I want to do but on the other hand what if I lose my case? Would I be stuck with a ring that I don't want? I just needed a decent ring for my girl. The size is important but I prefer better quality. Please I need some advice

Thanks,
BAGA

Hi BAGA and welcome!

I think you need the advice of one of our experts, in a bit of time some of them might be along and be able to give you some advice on what to do.

So sorry to hear about this....How long ago did you buy the diamond? I take it you didn't notice on the EGL report that it said clarity enhanced before you paid for the diamond, or did you not see the report or anything that said the diamond was clarity enhanced prior to the sale? As far as I am aware, and I am being very cautious here as I don't want to advise you wrongly, it is illegal to sell a clarity enhanced diamond without disclosing the fact but I don't know how it would work if you saw the report prior to sale and didn't realize what was said on it concerning the stone being clarity enhanced, if this was in fact the case.

Also what are the details of the diamond concerning the size, colour, clarity and price you paid? Which EGL lab graded the stone such as EGL USA, Israel etc?

 

[denverappraiser]

I’m sorry to hear of your troubles and you’re not going to like my comments. You did several things wrong here (I really will try to give you some helpful advice but a lot of this problem is self-inflicted and it’s important for other readers to know how to avoid repeating your problem).

First, never buy from a dealer with a no refunds policy, no matter how good the price looks.
No Refunds = No Sale.

Second, use a ‘lab’ chosen by you, not by the seller. Far and above the best choices are GIA and AGSL.

Never pay with cash. Use credit cards unless you've already got a relationship with the dealer.

READ the receipt and the paperwork presented to you at the closing. Read the lab reports. Ask them to explain anything you don’t understand. If you still don’t understand or if you still have questions, kill the deal until you figure it out.

Do not choose the dealer based on their claim of low prices alone. There are TONS of diamond dealers out there and this process is a whole lot less painful if you start by choosing the dealer based on who you want to be doing business with rather than choosing the one with the lowest prices for a particular claimed set of specs. The MOST important thing in a dealer is the character of the people behind the counter/keyboard. Everything else flows from that and without it you're screwed from the start.

OK, enough picking on you. Now for the bad news. Basically I think you’re probably stuck with this dealer at this point. They DID notify you of the enhancement through both on the EGL document and the receipt. That pretty much covers their legal responsibility. If you agreed to no refunds and paid in cash, I don’t think you’ve got much of a case with the FTC, JVC or BBB types. The best you can do is to suck up to the dealer nicely and exchange it for something better. You're likely to have better luck by being nice than by threatening. Another alternative is to sell it to someone else who doesn’t mind the CE thing, take the loss (which is likely to be substantial) and start over somewhere else. How much did it cost and what are the specs from the EGL? Can you post a scan of the EGL document?

The good news is that the dealer offered an exchange. They didn't HAVE to do even that. This means that they want to work with you and try to make you happy. You may still be able to salvage this.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Hest88]

Right, this is a hard call and you may just either have to throw yourself on the mercy of the seller or bluster and threaten to see if he''ll blink. The receipt is clear and now it''s just your word against his that he told you during the selection process. It''s a crying shame you didn''t come across an explanation of CE diamonds during your three months of research.

 

[yssie]

What a sorry situation.



First things first - the dealer didn't lie. You had two different opportunities to catch that it was CE before purchase. You didn't - mistakes happen, this is just a costly one. I am curious about your experience with the Gem Lab you took it to (the one the jeweller recommended, obviously they have a deal going..) - what on earth did he talk about for the duration of your meeting, if he managed to omit the very big clarity enhancement issue? Actually, would you post that business here, so future PSers will know whom not to take their gems to? Could be very helpful to someone.



Moving forward - Neil has given you expert thoughts and advice. Play nice, don't accuse him of lying, exchange it for the best stone he has in stock at your budget and propose, live happily ever after and chalk it up to lessons learnt.

 

[denverappraiser]

I agree, I forgot to ask questions about this ‘gem lab’. Spotting enhanced stones isn’t all that difficult and it’s an important topic. Anyone who calls themselves a gem lab should bloody well be able to do it. Who was this company? Can you post their report (did they even give you a report)? You may actually have a valid JVC BBB or even legal complaint against THEM. Did you pay them for this ‘service’?

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/10/2010 3:41:51 PM
Author: denverappraiser
I agree, I forgot to ask questions about this ‘gem lab’. Spotting enhanced stones isn’t all that difficult and it’s an important topic. Anyone who calls themselves a gem lab should bloody well be able to do it. Who was this company? Can you post their report (did they even give you a report)? You may actually have a valid JVC BBB or even legal complaint against THEM. Did you pay them for this ‘service’?

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

I was rereading and going to mention this too, even if this gem lab ' appraiser' routinely deals with customers from this jeweller if they have an arrangement, and this ' appraiser' is used to the jeweller selling CE diamonds but didn't mention it to the client if perhaps they assumed the customer was already aware of the fact, did they give you a report or anything in writing stating that the diamond was treated? If they gave you a written report and they did not make a note that the diamond was enhanced, that could be very useful if this is the case so hold onto this paperwork carefully and make copies. Also did you pay them for this?

 

[BAGA]

Hi all,

Thanks so much for your feedback!
I made the purchase early this week. I actually received the EGL grading report (EGL international) and receipt only after I paid for the ring. They never (verbally) mentioned the phrase "clarity-enhanced". I found out the meaning only when I went to an independent appraiser afterward (later that night). The name of the lab is Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America, Inc.

Baga

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/11/2010 10:04:16 AM
Author: BAGA
Hi all,

Thanks so much for your feedback!
I made the purchase early this week. I actually received the EGL grading report (EGL international) and receipt only after I paid for the ring. They never (verbally) mentioned the phrase 'clarity-enhanced'. I found out the meaning only when I went to an independent appraiser afterward (later that night). The name of the lab is Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America, Inc.

Baga

Hi Baga

We are glad to help. When you got the first inspection from the gem lab your jeweller recommended, did they give you anything in writing that says the diamond is clarity enhanced? If they did not then that might be helpful to your situation.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 2/11/2010 10:04:16 AM
Author: BAGA
Hi all,


Thanks so much for your feedback!

I made the purchase early this week. I actually received the EGL grading report (EGL international) and receipt only after I paid for the ring. They never (verbally) mentioned the phrase 'clarity-enhanced'. I found out the meaning only when I went to an independent appraiser afterward (later that night). The name of the lab is Gemological Appraisal Laboratory of America, Inc.


Baga

Was it these guys? (I ask this because there are a lot of companies with similar names and it's good to be clear who is being discussed)


Just to be clear, the visit to them was before you cemented the deal and you relied on their expert advice to make this purchase. Correct?

Did they put their results in writing? Did they charge you?

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[motownmama]

the legal route might be long, emotionally draining and fruitless (he said/he said). I think you get further with honey than vinegar - try to get the BEST non CE diamond for the $ you spent - be educated and cautious - how about taking someone with you who really knows their stuff.....

 

[BAGA]

Yes. Below is their address:
10 west 47th st NY, NY

I didn't get anything in writing and they charged me. They told me to come back when the diamond has been mounted so that they can double-check that it's the same diamond and give me my "report".

By the way, the clarity-enhanced diamond is a 1.52 carat, E color, SI1 and the price was 6200 (included the setting).

Update:

The Jeweler is telling me that it's a fair deal but that if I really want, he can replace the diamond with a 1.02 carat, F color, SI1, fluorescence = none with a GIA Certification. What do you think?

 

[kenny]

Sorry you fell into the CE trap, but is sounds like you are making progress towards exchanging it for a good diamond.
Please do not fall into the next trap - the poorly cut diamond.
I recommend you be nice and work graciously with this vendor to find the best diamond for your budget.

Before picking a diamond learn about cut.
Cut has more impact on the beauty of a diamond than color or clarity.
IMHO cut is the most important, but least understood, of the 4Cs.
Well cut diamonds have all the facets and angles in just the right place so more light and fire is returned to your eyes, instead of leaking out the bottom.
Most diamonds are not well cut because it grinds away more of the precious rough diamond material, resulting in a lighter diamond from a given piece of rough diamond.
Most buyers care about weight first and know nothing about good cut, so cutters are not motivated to make well-cut diamonds.

At the top of this screen click on KNOWLEDGE then select Advanced Tutorial.
Read about cut, better yet read all the sections.
Knowledge results in getting a better diamond.

At a bare minimum get these 4 specs from the GIA report (buy only GIA or AGS graded stones)
Depth %
Table %
Crown Angle in degrees
Pavilion Angle in degrees

Enter these 4 numbers into the Holloway Cut Advisor tool here

Reject stones that get a score over 2.
Use the Idealscope to further evaluate cut.
If the jeweler does not have an Idealscope buy one.
Either post Idealscope pics here or learn how to evaluate Idealscope images yourself here

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/11/2010 12:16:00 PM
Author: BAGA
Yes. Below is their address:
10 west 47th st NY, NY

I didn't get anything in writing and they charged me. They told me to come back when the diamond has been mounted so that they can double-check that it's the same diamond and give me my 'report'.

By the way, the clarity-enhanced diamond is a 1.52 carat, E color, SI1 and the price was 6200 (included the setting).

Update:

The Jeweler is telling me that it's a fair deal but that if I really want, he can replace the diamond with a 1.02 carat, F color, SI1, fluorescence = none with a GIA Certification. What do you think?

They charged you for a service but didn't give you a report/ receipt or any paperwork documenting their findings/ opinion of the diamond in the first instance?

 

[BAGA]

I do have a receipt but there is nothing there about the specs.

 

[denverappraiser]

I’m still with Kenny; your best course of action is to play nice with the dealer and get a replacement that’s more to your liking. I second the suggestion of educating yourself on cutting for the next round. The tutorials at the top of the page are a good place to start.

As you describe it I think the lab has been, at the least, terribly unprofessional here and they’ve done you a clear disservice. The extent to which you have an actionable complaint against them for damages as a result of their professional conduct is more difficult and possibly one for an attorney if you’re inclined to push it. In my opinion you've got a better case against them than you do against the jeweler (actually, I don't see much substance at all against the jeweler. The only real issues are when they made the required disclosures and possibly their collusion with the lab. Something tells me that they'll disagree that you weren't told during the sales pitch. Their offer to take it back as credit against something else is entirely reasonable and actually better than what you stated was their return policy). The issue with the lab is really is going to depend on the contents and timing of their report and since it was apparently a verbal report only, you’re likely to find it difficult to present a persuasive case.

I apologize for picking on you again but this is another lesson for others reading this story. If you’re going to hire an expert to assist, ALWAYS get it in writing and ALWAYS get it signed.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Dreamer_D]

Yes, ditto the others recommending that you work with the dealer to get the best you can get.

And my tough love for you -- $6200 is a VERY low price to pay for a 1.5ct diamond F/SI1! A non-clarity enhanced diamond in those specs from GIA would cost upwards of $10k, and that is not taking cut into account, which would add many thousands more if it is ideal.

For your money you should be able to get around a 1ct diamond of ideal cut, perhaps lowering color to compensate for the markup that a B&M jeweler will charge compared to online. A Nice G-H SI1 tripple EX by GIA is what I would request, then check the numbers through the HCA and go from there.

 

[Diamond Lover Girl]

Hello Baga,

I am new to this site and just love all the help. I am so sorry what happened to you! I must share my story with you regarding an enhanced diamond.

I am divorced and had my engagement ring finally reset into a righ hand ring. I loved my ring- it is 2 carats and the sparkle is so amazing that it can blind you (LOL) Well, during my marriage and to this day I have recieved nothing but compliments on my ring, that is how much it sparkled. It is very white and clear.

So, when I had my diamond reset is when I found out it was enhanced! At first, I had no idea what that meant until I did some research on it and I just could not believe it! I did feel duped I must tell you, if I had only known I would not have been so upset.

I always wore my ring 24/7- went in the hot tub with it. used regular jewerly cleaner, you name it.. but nothing ever changed the ring. But now that I know I am very careful with it. I have had the diamond for 3 years now and it still sparkles and looks the same as when I got it.

 

[Diamond Lover Girl]

I did want to ask the experts on the enhanced diamond..... I know mine was laser treated... but the material used- it is dangerous? If it does leak, can it be harmful? Just wondering since I used to go in the hot tub with it.

Thank you

 

[denverappraiser]

Fracture filled diamonds are treated with a filler that’s very similar to glass. It’s harmless and actually pretty hard to damage under ‘normal’ wearing conditions. The problem comes with high heat (hundreds of degrees) and serious chemical attacks like strong acids. These aren’t things that you’re likely to come across in your daily life but they are things that a repair jeweler might expose a stone to during fairly traditional jewelry repair and cleaning services. If you’re aware that your stone is treated and you take reasonable care of it, you can expect it to hold up a good long time.

Laser drilling is a treatment where inclusions are drilled out with a laser, just like it sounds. Sometimes acid is injected into the holes to change the color or dissolve the minerals that remain but there''s not any extra material added. There''s nothing to leak out, dangerous or otherwise and you have nothing to worry about from the hot tub.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Diamond Lover Girl]

Thank you so much for your information, that does make me feel better.

It is just amazing there is a market for these diamonds, I was totally clueless about it. I will say I used to visit one jewerly store where I work and he never knew and always said how lucky I was to own such a diamond. He would check the prongs for me and clean it too. I did not find out until I sent it off for the resetting....

Have a wonderful weekend to all.