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Frustration over ctw discrepancy - advice?

I hate to ask - how positive are you that they gave you the correct bracelet? Are there more than one that look similar?

I do agree with dreamer, to an extent.
If paying for a impartial evaluation (that the vendor possibly will need to agree to beforehand who it is for them to ‘trust’, will wipe even or out pace what you’d spend on the restock fee
I think then it becomes mind clean in what to spend /save on getting it returned, vs financial.

If it’s a vendor you’ll never be likely to revisit - then credit card nuclear option

What a mess. I’m sorry.
 
Rfisher said:
I hate to ask - how positive are you that they gave you the correct bracelet? Are there more than one that look similar?

I do agree with dreamer, to an extent.
If paying for a impartial evaluation (that the vendor possibly will need to agree to beforehand who it is for them to ‘trust’, will wipe even or out pace what you’d spend on the restock fee
I think then it becomes mind clean in what to spend /save on getting it returned, vs financial.

If it’s a vendor you’ll never be likely to revisit - then credit card nuclear option

What a mess. I’m sorry.
Click to expand...

I at first wondered about a mixup but in the photo they have of the “9ct” there’s a hallmark, and I also counted the stones and the length which all match. So they sent me the same bracelet they advertised. I suppose it’s possible did a mixup with their own inventory before listing. But based on the phone convo I doubt they would admit to that when they get it back if that was the case.
 
I wonder if you are open to emailing or calling them, letting them know you had reached out in good faith because you do like the bracelet but have a genuine belief that the total carat weight is closer to 7 carats, and ask: is there a middle man appraiser the two of you can agree on that you can send the bracelet to, and you will both share that person's cost, and if it is determined 8 carats or heavier you will either keep or return with 3.25% fee and if it is determined less than 8 carats the bracelet cost will be adjusted to correlate to the updated carat weight and you will be able to keep the bracelet with credit given or return bracelet for full refund (no fee)?

FWIW I think the accepted carat weight margin of error for mounted stones is 10-15%, and Israel Rose listings generally includes "approximately" before any carat weight ...
 
marymm said:
I wonder if you are open to emailing or calling them, letting them know you had reached out in good faith because you do like the bracelet but have a genuine belief that the total carat weight is closer to 7 carats, and ask: is there a middle man appraiser the two of you can agree on that you can send the bracelet to, and you will both share that person's cost, and if it is determined 8 carats or heavier you will either keep or return with 3.25% fee and if it is determined less than 8 carats the bracelet cost will be adjusted to correlate to the updated carat weight and you will be able to keep the bracelet with credit given or return bracelet for full refund (no fee)?

FWIW I think the accepted carat weight margin of error for mounted stones is 10-15%, and Israel Rose listings generally includes "approximately" before any carat weight ...
Click to expand...
I like this
But maybe I misread - I thought mreaders math led up to noticeably less than 7.
 
marymm said:
I wonder if you are open to emailing or calling them, letting them know you had reached out in good faith because you do like the bracelet but have a genuine belief that the total carat weight is closer to 7 carats, and ask: is there a middle man appraiser the two of you can agree on that you can send the bracelet to, and you will both share that person's cost, and if it is determined 8 carats or heavier you will either keep or return with 3.25% fee and if it is determined less than 8 carats the bracelet cost will be adjusted to correlate to the updated carat weight and you will be able to keep the bracelet with credit given or return bracelet for full refund (no fee)?

FWIW I think the accepted carat weight margin of error for mounted stones is 10-15%, and Israel Rose listings generally includes "approximately" before any carat weight ...
Click to expand...

After the convo I had with him, I don't think so. Also, my conclusion is 5.20 and I think the max would be 6. They do say approximate but I would say give or take 1 ct not 3.
I will know more today because I am taking it somewhere and I will report back.

ETA - I’m so unhappy with the situation now that as @LilAlex pointed out before - keeping it would now bother me.
 
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Update - took it to the only gemologist in my small town who already said they don't do appraisals unless it's their own stuff (that is so mystifying to me but whatever). I didn't tell him the ctw I suspected or what it was sold to me as. He had one of those presidium tools and measured a few of the larger stones and a few smaller ones and came with the same measurements as me. Said the bigger ones are .25 most likely. He said every stone would have to be .25 to be seven ctw and that it's probably under 6. His eyes popped out when I told him it was sold to me as 9. He was like "absolutely no way".

The frustrating thing is he won't write even a statement bc "they don't do that" and I really want a statement for my cc. But at least I have validation.

It's not worth a 5 hours drive and the expense of the appraisal. If I could get the appraisal here I would do it.

I also went to a Pawn Broker and they used a different tool - one of those gauge things. He didn't look at every single stone either but said he would say about 4ct.

Anyway, at least I have some validation :nono:. Because it is NOT EVEN CLOSE.
 
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Mreader said:
Update - took it to the only gemologist in my small town who already said they don't do appraisals unless it's their own stuff (that is so mystifying to me but whatever). I didn't tell him the ctw I suspected or what it was sold to me as. He had one of those presidium tools and measured a few of the larger stones and a few smaller ones and came with the same measurements as me. Said the bigger ones are .25 most likely. He said every stone would have to be .25 to be seven ctw and that it's probably under 6. His eyes popped out when I told him it was sold to me as 9. He was like "absolutely no way".

The frustrating thing is he won't write even a statement bc "they don't do that" and I really want a statement for my cc. But at least I have validation.

It's not worth a 5 hours drive and the expense of the appraisal. If I could get the appraisal here I would do it.

I also went to a Pawn Broker and they used a different tool - one of those gauge things. He didn't look at every single stone either but said he would say about 4ct.

Anyway, at least I have some validation :nono:. Because it is NOT EVEN CLOSE.
Click to expand...

Yeah I believed your measurements to begin with! But without something in writing for the cc will you be able to proceed with this evidence?

EDIT: maybe the vendor will budge with an email verifying this evidence and the assertion that you will be leaving negative reviews on Yelp, Pricescope etc...
 
If you dispute something with cc
Under not as advertised
And you send it to a PS approved appraiser for verification
What’s the timeline (more like deadline) for starting a cc disputal?
Is there one?
And do you get reimbursed for the appraisal costs too?

At some point the appraisal cost might be palatable or even tasty in this scenario - because all other costs are refunded by cc dispute?
 
Rfisher said:
If you dispute something with cc
Under not as advertised
And you send it to a PS approved appraiser for verification
What’s the timeline (more like deadline) for starting a cc disputal?
Is there one?
And do you get reimbursed for the appraisal costs too?

At some point the appraisal cost might be palatable or even tasty in this scenario - because all other costs are refunded by cc dispute?
Click to expand...

The problem is I only have seven days to return this item so I need to send it back to avoid any further problems with the seller. I think I would have plenty of time with the cc but I don't have time to mail the item off for an appraisal and get it back etc etc. The cc didn't say anything about refunding the appraisal fees so I don't think so.

I will dispute and provide all of the evidence that I can.

I also alerted the seller that I was returning via registered mail and that I implore them to look at this bracelet again upon receipt because it is definitely far below 9 ctw.
 
There is a BIG difference between returning an item because you changed your mind or didn’t like it and therefore being subject to a “restocking fee” and receiving an item that doesn’t match the description as sold to you.
Restocking fees are used as a disincentive to returns, it does cost the seller time, money (some selling costs are refundable) and energy to not sell an item so many, not all, actively discourage returns.
A return where the item doesn’t match the description is completely different.
It is a legal right in most Countries to get your money back if what you received doesn’t match the description of the goods sold.
The bracelet is obviously well short of the stated 9 carats of diamonds.
Do you not have a jeweller who will do appraisals like say for Probate or Insurance purposes? That’s all you need, you don’t need to declare that it’s for a dispute with the seller. Saying that will definitely put people off - they don’t want to get involved basically
Yes, it will cost you but it may the only way to get evidence that supports your claim.
It’s disappointing that the seller hasn’t responded favourably, your assertion is valid by provided measurements and calculated carat weight, circa 6 carats of diamonds is a lot less than the stated 9 carats. I wonder how the seller calculated 9 carats?
 
Bron357 said:
There is a BIG difference between returning an item because you changed your mind or didn’t like it and therefore being subject to a “restocking fee” and receiving an item that doesn’t match the description as sold to you.
Restocking fees are used as a disincentive to returns, it does cost the seller time, money (some selling costs are refundable) and energy to not sell an item so many, not all, actively discourage returns.
A return where the item doesn’t match the description is completely different.
It is a legal right in most Countries to get your money back if what you received doesn’t match the description of the goods sold.
The bracelet is obviously well short of the stated 9 carats of diamonds.
Do you not have a jeweller who will do appraisals like say for Probate or Insurance purposes? That’s all you need, you don’t need to declare that it’s for a dispute with the seller. Saying that will definitely put people off - they don’t want to get involved basically
Yes, it will cost you but it may the only way to get evidence that supports your claim.
It’s disappointing that the seller hasn’t responded favourably, your assertion is valid by provided measurements and calculated carat weight, circa 6 carats of diamonds is a lot less than the stated 9 carats. I wonder how the seller calculated 9 carats?
Click to expand...

The closest appraiser is 2.5 hours away I really just don’t have the time to do this during the work week and by the weekend I’m out of time. The gemologist I visited today does not do appraisals. I didn’t tell him the story until after he told me how many ct weight he thought the bracelet was after doing a couple of measurements with his tool. After that, I asked if he would please just write any sort of statements, but he said that his store doesn’t do appraisals or anything like that. I really don’t understand why but that’s the predicament I am in. I have also wondered how the seller is getting nine karat and the fact that he’s digging his heels in really makes me feel like it’s deceitful rather than just an error. I’m pretty exhausted by the whole thing at this point.
 
Update - when I saw via tracking that the item arrived I contacted the seller who said he had received it but “had not had a chance to look at it yet”. The next day, I got notification of a refund (just a form no reply type email) and thankfully they did not remove the 3%. So I am relieved that the return is complete and they didn’t charge a restock fee.

The item is back on their website though and is still advertised as 9ct. Smh.

In the meantime I have acquired another bracelet and I will eventually post on that one. It needs to be sized.
 
Mreader said:
Update - when I saw via tracking that the item arrived I contacted the seller who said he had received it but “had not had a chance to look at it yet”. The next day, I got notification of a refund (just a form no reply type email) and thankfully they did not remove the 3%. So I am relieved that the return is complete and they didn’t charge a restock fee.

The item is back on their website though and is still advertised as 9ct. Smh.

In the meantime I have acquired another bracelet and I will eventually post on that one. It needs to be sized.
Click to expand...

I'm so glad you're done with this! I obviously wish it hadn't been so stressful, but hopefully you can now just enjoy your new bracelet!
 
Mreader said:
Update - when I saw via tracking that the item arrived I contacted the seller who said he had received it but “had not had a chance to look at it yet”. The next day, I got notification of a refund (just a form no reply type email) and thankfully they did not remove the 3%. So I am relieved that the return is complete and they didn’t charge a restock fee.

The item is back on their website though and is still advertised as 9ct. Smh.

In the meantime I have acquired another bracelet and I will eventually post on that one. It needs to be sized.
Click to expand...

Phew thank goodness for the prompt refund but so dodgy that they relisted it as 9ctw. Its good to know who they are as we will all be wary to buy from them. Enjoy your new bracelet which is way better anyway lol.
 
Mreader said:
Update - when I saw via tracking that the item arrived I contacted the seller who said he had received it but “had not had a chance to look at it yet”. The next day, I got notification of a refund (just a form no reply type email) and thankfully they did not remove the 3%. So I am relieved that the return is complete and they didn’t charge a restock fee.

The item is back on their website though and is still advertised as 9ct. Smh.

In the meantime I have acquired another bracelet and I will eventually post on that one. It needs to be sized.
Click to expand...

Well, that's good news and the fact that they didn't charge the 3% sounds like somewhat of an admission. Can't wait to see your new bracelet.
 
Yes. I agree with @Lookinagain. Not charging the 3% says a lot. Just glad you got your money back!
 
Mreader said:
Update - when I saw via tracking that the item arrived I contacted the seller who said he had received it but “had not had a chance to look at it yet”. The next day, I got notification of a refund (just a form no reply type email) and thankfully they did not remove the 3%. So I am relieved that the return is complete and they didn’t charge a restock fee.

The item is back on their website though and is still advertised as 9ct. Smh.

In the meantime I have acquired another bracelet and I will eventually post on that one. It needs to be sized.
Click to expand...

thank goodness its OVER! Really bad business practice and that bracelet was no where near 9 ct!!
 
Sorry you had such a bad experience. Glad it was resin your favor and thanks for sharing the vendor. It’s helpful to know the good and bad ones. Looking forward to pics of the new one once it’s back from being sized.
 
I'm so glad it worked out for you.
I can't believe they relisted it for the 9ct.
:confused::confused::confused:
 
In looking around, I remembered this is one of the vendors that use enhancing images on their listings. You’ll see duplicate clones of melee with exact same facet pattern impossibly repeated over and over in same ring, pasted into the image.

Glad you didn’t get the restock fee, @Mreader
It’s only right, and super buyer beware to any recommendations from this vendor.
 
Whew. I’m so glad this worked out for you @Mreader
Just reading the thread raised my blood pressure!!!
For what it’s worth, an appraiser- o matter how good- probably wouldn’t have made any difference to a vendor behaving the way you described this one. Smh- how do people like that look at themselves in the mirror.
 
Rfisher said:
In looking around, I remembered this is one of the vendors that use enhancing images on their listings. You’ll see duplicate clones of melee with exact same facet pattern impossibly repeated over and over in same ring, pasted into the image.

Glad you didn’t get the restock fee, @Mreader
It’s only right, and super buyer beware to any recommendations from this vendor.
Click to expand...

Oh wow, I did not know that. I thought their pictures weren’t great because they remind me of catalog pictures from service merchandise ha ha. I had asked for another regular photo before I bought it. I think somebody told me that they were actually on the list of recommended vendors on PS so I wonder if there’s a way to get that removed.
 
Rockdiamond said:
Whew. I’m so glad this worked out for you @Mreader
Just reading the thread raised my blood pressure!!!
For what it’s worth, an appraiser- o matter how good- probably wouldn’t have made any difference to a vendor behaving the way you described this one. Smh- how do people like that look at themselves in the mirror.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I’m glad it worked out too.
 
stracci2000 said:
Hey, I remember Service Merchandise!
They were our 'go to' jewelry store back in the 80s!
I think I still have some things that I bought there!
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Loved looking through the
Catalog especially around the holiday!
 
SparklieBug said:
Completely off-topic here, yet I feel compelled to mention that I love seeing your cat avatar photo back. :kiss2:
Click to expand...

Yes! I actually bumped the avatar picture thread when I found it again. I changed it to the mourning symbol after events in November; it kept bumming me out to look at it though. Then I couldn’t find the cat picture so I put a picture of a ring. I was so happy to finally find the cat picture again!!!
 
stracci2000 said:
Hey, I remember Service Merchandise!
They were our 'go to' jewelry store back in the 80s!
I think I still have some things that I bought there!
Click to expand...



Too funny @stracci2000. I still have the Service Merchandise tiny ruby flower ring. I haven’t worn it since I was 20 but I still have it.


I can’t wait to see your new bracelet @Mreader.
 
Mreader said:
Update - when I saw via tracking that the item arrived I contacted the seller who said he had received it but “had not had a chance to look at it yet”. The next day, I got notification of a refund (just a form no reply type email) and thankfully they did not remove the 3%. So I am relieved that the return is complete and they didn’t charge a restock fee.

The item is back on their website though and is still advertised as 9ct. Smh.

In the meantime I have acquired another bracelet and I will eventually post on that one. It needs to be sized.
Click to expand...

I'm so relieved you got a good resolution. I hope the new bracelet is exactly what you're hoping for!!
 
Lookinagain said:
Well, that's good news and the fact that they didn't charge the 3% sounds like somewhat of an admission. Can't wait to see your new bracelet.
Click to expand...

Just saw this comment Lookin and I agree (with the admission) but that’s why I was hoping the relist would be with the lower ctw
 
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