Wedding band too thin after resize

[justdeb__]

Hi all! We just bought my wedding band this weekend in the jewelry district in LA. Initially, it seemed like we got a fair deal for a half eternity band in 14k white gold. We got it sized onsite but when we went back to pick it up, I noticed the bottom of the band looked extremely thin. I mentioned this to the guy that sold us the ring but he insisted the resize was done correctly and this was how it was supposed to look. After some back and forth, me saying it didn't look quite right, him insisting it was fine, I begrudgingly accepted it and left.

At this point, I'm willing to call it a "loss" if it turns out we got ripped off, but I wanted to get PSer's opinions as to what's considered "too thin". I'm worried the band may not hold up to daily wear and tear for more than a few years. Can this be repaired by a reputable jeweler? If so, how much can I expect this to cost?

EDIT: In the 2nd picture, right below the pave, the metal looks a bit dull. It looks like the polish/rhodium got worn off by whatever tool they used during the resize.

 

[SimoneDi]

This doesn’t look ok.. they simply stretched the metal and did not resize properly. I would try to return the band. If the jeweler doesn’t accept, you can open a case with your CC, if you paid with CC.
Shame that you didn’t come across David Klass who is also located in LA and can make you a fabulous band!

 

[justdeb__]

@SimoneDi - That's what I thought also! I was also thinking they shaved off too much metal and collected the shavings to recoup the "discount". I really do not want to go back to them and I'm considering contacting my credit card company to file a claim.

 

[BlingDreams]

Too thin. It should be uniform in thickness around the band. They went the cheap route and stretched it instead of cutting and adding metal.

 

[justdeb__]

Too thin. It should be uniform in thickness around the band. They went the cheap route and stretched it instead of cutting and adding metal.

Is this repairable? Assuming I am unable to file a claim through my credit card company. The merchant has a "no returns" policy (that should've been the first red flag ).

 

[leukolenos]

Yikes. Yes it definitely looks like a poor job. Is it just me, or does it look slightly out of round?

I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this. I would still press them to make it right, and if they still refuse I would file with the credit card company. I don’t see why you couldn’t.

 

[justdeb__]

Yikes. Yes it definitely looks like a poor job. Is it just me, or does it look slightly out of round?

I thought the same but wasn’t sure if it was just my eyes fooling me! I may not know jewelry, but good to know I’m not just being nit picky in thinking something is outta wack. I’ll contact my CC company and see where to go from there. The jeweler is refusing to remake it and acting as if I don’t know better

 

[BlingDreams]

Is this repairable? Assuming I am unable to file a claim through my credit card company. The merchant has a "no returns" policy (that should've been the first red flag ).

I’d file through your cc company and then take it to a reputable jeweler to repair. It should be possible.

 

[leukolenos]

I thought the same but wasn’t sure if it was just my eyes fooling me! I may not know jewelry, but good to know I’m not just being nit picky in thinking something is outta wack. I’ll contact my CC company and see where to go from there. The jeweler is refusing to remake it and acting as if I don’t know better

You are absolutely not being nitpicky. I could see where you might have difficulty if it was a simple return dispute, however it is their fault since they damaged the goods you paid for.

Let us know how it turns out- good luck!

 

[Bron357]

Yes, that a cheap job. They have only “beaten out” the existing gold, that’s why it’s so thin now. A proper resizing, more than half a size, should entail the addition of extra gold. I’d get a refund of the resizing charge and go elsewhere.
It’s not a problem, a proper goldsmith / jeweller can add or substract gold to a setting almost invisibly. The only issue can be, depending on their positioning, is your hallmarks or an inside engraving can “”disappear”, though they always try and avoid that.

 

[Bonfire]

Shame on them for trying to convince YOU that what you are seeing (their hack-job workmanship) is invalid! Accept nothing less than your money refunded and don’t let them make another attempt at repair. A disgruntled customer is not in their best interest so they should refund the cost. A skilled bench can restore your band. Good luck!

 

[justdeb__]

Shame on them for trying to convince YOU that what you are seeing (their hack-job workmanship) is invalid! Accept nothing less than your money refunded and don’t let them make another attempt at repair. A disgruntled customer is not in their best interest so they should refund the cost. A skilled bench can restore your band. Good luck!

They didn’t charge me for the resize. In fact, he acted as if he was doing me a favor by resizing for free. We bought the ring from him but of course, it was much larger than my actual 4.5 ring size. Had I known what a hack job the resizing was going to be, I would’ve just purchased the ring and resized elsewhere

 

[GliderPoss]

Yeah that's a shoddy resize job for sure.... Definitely get it redone elsewhere & get your refund!

 

[RX1990]

Any chance you mind sharing the jeweler that did this in the LA jewelry district? Only ask since I am likely going to be spending a lot of money on an engagement ring at one of the more well known ones in the coming week. Thanks.

 

[justdeb__]

Any chance you mind sharing the jeweler that did this in the LA jewelry district? Only ask since I am likely going to be spending a lot of money on an engagement ring at one of the more well known ones in the coming week. Thanks.

I won’t publicly say which merchant, but I will be more than happy to PM you. I will say however, it was one of the jewelers on the bottom floor of Fox Jewelry Plaza on 608 Hill St. After my experience this weekend, I will probably never make a purchase from the jewelry district without a personal referral from someone I know. Too many wolves hungry for a sale. I made the mistake of not doing my due diligence this time around

 

[justdeb__]

Here’s a few more pictures I took at home of the ring to help bolster my dispute with my CC company. I realized that the first set of pictures didn’t do the the shoddy job any justice

 

[RX1990]

No problem. Totally understand. Based on what you said, doesn't apply to me anyway. I'm working with one across the street that received multiple outstanding personal referrals. Have only had good experiences with them thus far. Happy to share if you're interested.

 

[justdeb__]

No problem. Totally understand. Based on what you said, doesn't apply to me anyway. I'm working with one across the street that received multiple outstanding personal referrals. Have only had good experiences with them thus far. Happy to share if you're interested.

Yes please!

 

[RX1990]

Capri Jewelry. I believe they focus more on diamond sales but if you're in the area they're surely worth checking out.

 

[LLJsmom]

I wouldn't let him touch it again. Sorry this happened!

 

[rockysalamander]

Can you clarify if the sized it down or up? As a 4.5, I assume they sized it down. That means they likely did cut the shank and solder in a new piece. Then, had to re-round the ring. So, I think they did not stretch the metal, simply used a piece that was too thin. The other issue is that it looks like pave and it should not have been sized down much at all. So, keep a careful eye on the diamonds.

 

[justdeb__]

Can you clarify if the sized it down or up? As a 4.5, I assume they sized it down. That means they likely did cut the shank and solder in a new piece. Then, had to re-round the ring. So, I think they did not stretch the metal, simply used a piece that was too thin. The other issue is that it looks like pave and it should not have been sized down much at all. So, keep a careful eye on the diamonds.

Hi Rocky! It was a resize. The original ring was a 6 or 6.5, I presume. It was much too large for me when I was trying on.

 

[WillyDiamond]

JustDeb---before you put a claim in on your CC, I would think you have to return the ring, just give it to him and walk away, if he does not give you credit, and your CC company does not side with you, it is a total loss. It is plain ugly, one of the worst jobs I have ever seen.

One another note, you have been around on this forum for a few weeks now. The reason why people come here, among many reasons, is to find a reputable jeweler and not let this happen to them. Why did you not use DK or another PS recommended vendor?

 

[justdeb__]

One another note, you have been around on this forum for a few weeks now. The reason why people come here, among many reasons, is to find a reputable jeweler and not let this happen to them. Why did you not use DK or another PS recommended vendor?

The reason we didn’t select another PS vendor locally was because we were in a bit of a time crunch. We actually eloped 2 weeks ago in Hawaii. Now that we’re back home, we needed to tell the family and needed a WB to show for

If we had the time, I would’ve much preferred to wait on the WB.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Deb, I am feeling sorry for you, hate when these jewelers rip you off. He probably knew you were in a rush, and took advantage. I hope it is not too much of a financial burden. No one likes to get ripped off, but I hope this is the worst thing that happens to you guys, I like to put these things in perspective, could be a lot of worse things to happen to us.
On another happy note, Congratulations on your marriage!!!!!

 

[justdeb__]

Deb, I am feeling sorry for you, hate when these jewelers rip you off. He probably knew you were in a rush, and took advantage. I hope it is not too much of a financial burden. No one likes to get ripped off, but I hope this is the worst thing that happens to you guys, I like to put these things in perspective, could be a lot of worse things to happen to us.
On another happy note, Congratulations on your marriage!!!!!

Thank you Willy! I appreciate the sentiment. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t a huge financial burden. Just more of an annoyance since I now have to look at this band daily. Once we have the time, we’ll be looking to replace this WB with one from a more reputable jeweler. I plan to file a partial claim through Chase (as it was an option), rather than full. I would just like to get back the cost to repair this shoddy resize and use it as a stacking ring in the future. Any idea how much a repair could cost roughly?

 

[Bonfire]

I would probably chalk this off as a learning experience. Sizing a diamond band down 2 sizes is not or should not be recommended. Personally I would reach out to David Klass. He can either refurbish your band or make you a new one similar. Congratulations on your marriage! You’ll laugh about this one day.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

get back the cost to repair this shoddy resize

I'm sorry this happened to you. Horrible workmanship and brazenly blaming the customer :roll
I'm afraid that repair is not the way to go with this. As many others have said: 2 sizes down is about the limit to safely resize most simple designs. Pavé pieces much less. Now that the damage is done, another simple repair attempt might make things worse . I'd be worried about the security of all stones.

I suspect a truly excellent bench might be able to fix this, but it would likely be as expensive as a new piece. If you are really emotionally attached to the ring, this might be a solution, otherwise I'd file a claim for the whole ring and start over.

 

[WillyDiamond]

2nd the motion to call DK in LA.

 

[Austina]

It really does look shoddy, and shame on them for telling you it’s fine. They’ve messed it up and they should make it right.

Hopefully you won’t be out of pocket and can get it all sorted.

As a side note, once it has all been sorted out, maybe think about leaving a review of your experience on Yelp (?) to warn others.