Sold a defective piece of jewelry, What to do???

[baxterb]

I bought a setting from a jeweler based on the hearts on fire transcend mounting. They sent a hearts on fire setting to a 'casting company' to have made. I bought the diamond and had it set in this mounting. I proposed, she said yes and then a week later I asked to see the ring.

When she took it off I instantly saw that it looked like a football and then notice diamonds were missing from the band toward the middle on each side. Keep in mind my fiance is an accountant not a construction worker and has only had the ring for a two weeks at this time.

I went to the store asking they refund my money for the setting not the diamond and they immediately said they could not do this they could fix this setting or make a new one. He brought the ring out with it reshaped and two additional diamonds missing and said that she could at least wear it for now until we could get it permanently fixed. I have little faith in this jewelry company and would rather the money be refunded but they will not because it is a custom piece of jewelry.

I contacted jewelers mutual and they do not cover defective settings but will replace the diamonds for me.

Any suggestions on my next move?

 

[JulieN]

It is normal to attempt to fix it/make it over instead of a refund for custom pieces. Perhaps the construction was defective. Perhaps your fiancee is much harder on her hands than she realizes. The fact is, a thin, pave halo is more delicate than thicker, plain settings.

 

[GirlyGirl]

If you paid for it with a credit card, dispute the charge.

It sounds like they are working with you though. If they can fix it to your liking, let them try.

 

[Gypsy]

I'd have it appraised by an excellent appraiser. If it's a manufacturing defect then they can testify to that and you can get your money back either by taking it to them and threatening the BBB, going through your CC company, or through small claims court. BUT-- you need something that says there is a problem. If there is no problem with the manufacturing then-- you are stuck with it and should just continue to work with them to get it repaired. Or you can get a better quality setting somewhere else.

 

[Christina...]

I'd have it appraised by an excellent appraiser. If it's a manufacturing defect then they can testify to that and you can get your money back either by taking it to them and threatening the BBB, going through your CC company, or through small claims court. BUT-- you need something that says there is a problem. If there is no problem with the manufacturing then-- you are stuck with it and should just continue to work with them to get it repaired. Or you can get a better quality setting somewhere else.

excellent advice! I would do exactly as Gypsy has suggested and have an appraiser examine the ring. If there isn't a manufacturing error then I would want the entire ring recast though, not just re-shaped and reset with new melee.

 

[Gypsy]

excellent appraiser, incidentally means independent. Under the Resources button above you can see if there are any near you. If there aren't and you are in the US I'd send it to Neil Beaty, David Wolfe, or Jeff Averbrooke, or Old Miner (can't recall his name, and I've met the lovely man, someone help me-- JBEG sends their stones to him for appraisals).

 

[MyDiamondSparkles]

Old Miner is Dave Atlas www.datlas.com He's very knowledgeable and a joy to work with.

 

[baxterb]

This is why I love pricescope...Excellent advice and I will post a follow up when I hopefully get this resolved.