Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1

    Arrow Jeweler Damaged Engagement Ring and Won't Refund Money

    My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: California.

    My fiance purchased a ring from a certain jeweler worth $2,300. The ring first needed to be sized and when we dropped it off they, the jeweler, (1) admitted that they forgot to write down whether or not my fiance paid for the ring size but demanded $20 anyway, then when I picked it up they (2) forgot to polish it, which meant I needed to come back the next day. Next day I noticed that (3) they had scratched the band causing a diamond to become loose. They admitted to damaging it but I had to be very firm with getting them to fix what they did to my ring. They tried to say I need to get used to gold being a soft medal. What?!? And that they couldn't fix too closely because it would soften the gold and cause the diamonds and band to become too unstable. My ring was damaged. They fixed it to the best of their ability and weeks later the center stone became loose. I took it in and the following week when i picked it up they had (3) internally fractured the center stone and (4) ruined the setting. They denied it at first, and then the jeweler came out and admitted that what happened was a result of too much concentrated heat in one location.

    Basically, we have lost our trust with this jeweler and are simply asking for our money back. They can keep the ring, we just want a fresh start with a new jeweler. They say they can't break the contract as this was a custom designed ring. Didn't they break it when they continuously damaged the ring? It says nothing about what happens if the jeweler keeps decreasing the value of the ring. They've offered to replace the center stone but what about the band and the side diamonds? We are willing to go through the Better Business Bureau, Call 3 - Kurtis Mong, or even small claims court. We just want our money back. What does the law say about something like this?
    THANK YOU!!!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Jeweler Damaged Engagement Ring and Won't Refund Money

    What are they offering you, if anything?

    Information on small claims court is here.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Jeweler Damaged Engagement Ring and Won't Refund Money

    Thank you so much for your response!

    They are offering to replace the centerstone. But they have damaged the band, causing the side diamonds to become loose. They've also admitted that the design to begin with "perhaps isn't as stable as it appears to be" and that they would need to change the original design. We argued about why they would sell us a 'faulty' design in the first place, and then they went back on their word and said that maybe it will be ok and they wouldn't have to change anything. I don't want to be wearing an unstable ring where the diamonds could fall out any moment.

    Regardless, they have damaged the band, the centerstone and the setting. On top of it all, every thing that has happened, I have noticed with my naked eye almost immediately after they release it into my hands. They claim that they have 3 different QA/QC Checkers before it's released. How is that possible? These are clearly seen without a jeweler's magnifying glass, and they can't even see the damages through one.

    They contiune to decrease the value of the ring, the sentimental value of when my fiance proposed, and our trust is gone. We'll take our money back, they can have the ring, replace the stone and re-sell it and we can start new with someone else.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Jeweler Damaged Engagement Ring and Won't Refund Money

    I can appreciate why you want that outcome; it's the one I would want, as well. Unfortunately, I suspect it's an outcome they will not agree to - that is, you will probably have to take them to court.

    Do they presently still possess the ring? Have you taken any pictures to document its condition and defects?

  5. #5

    Default Re: Jeweler Damaged Engagement Ring and Won't Refund Money

    I have the ring in my possession. I do also have before and after photos.

    How do I go about this? Do I go in there and tell them I want to take them to court and see what they do, or should I just go ahead and send a letter?

    Any advice would be helpful. I've never taken anyone to court before and really didn't want to go that route.

    Thanks so much for your help! It is greatly appreciated!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Key West, FL
    Posts
    2,350

    Default Re: Jeweler Damaged Engagement Ring and Won't Refund Money

    Unfortunately, a court is probably not going to take your word over a jeweler about the ring. If the damage, etc. is obvious and the judge can see it, then you have a good chance. If not, then you will need an expert witness, i.e. another jeweler that is willing to testify on your bahalf. As the plaintiff, the burden of proof is on you.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Theft and Larceny: Can Parents Take Your Engagement Ring
    By Taylor- in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 07-18-2011, 08:03 PM
  2. Theft and Larceny: Stolen Engagement Ring
    By MBNG in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-26-2011, 09:18 PM
  3. Property Rights: Engagement Ring Return
    By senglund in forum Marriage, Cohabitation and Civil Unions
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 06-28-2010, 09:45 AM
  4. Property Rights: Can you Sell Your Engagement Ring After Breaking Up
    By cheatedon2 in forum Marriage, Cohabitation and Civil Unions
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 06-03-2009, 09:25 AM
  5. Property Rights: Engagement Ring After Breaking Engagement
    By K25alpha in forum Marriage, Cohabitation and Civil Unions
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-15-2008, 10:46 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources