Hello All,
A few months ago I began searching for the perfect Demantoid e-ring. This forum was a great help and resource for information. Concerned about internet dealers, this site helped me find one that I felt was reputable. However, one always worries about being able to return an item especially from an oversees vendor. Feeling confident though, I purchased a Demantoid from Ed Bristol at Wildfishgems. I received the gem yesterday at 3:30 pm central time via FedEx. I must say that my initial reaction of the stone was "OK". I did not fall head over heals for the gem, but it was not bad either. It certainly sparkled as advertised. I wanted to have it inspected. So, I immediately took the stone to a jeweler for appraisal. In horror, I found that the stone has the slightest chip on its side, and it did not have horsetail inclusions. I am now attempting to send the stone back to Wildfishgems, but the phone number for returns does not work. Additionally, I have not received a return email from Ed. Also, according to his return policy, I quote:
Return Policy
If for any reason you decide not to keep your merchandise, you can return it to us within 7 (Seven) days of delivery for a full refund of the purchase price. You will have to carry the costs of transport from you to the address given in written form to you by Wild Fish.
Instructions on how to return the item will be sent in an email detailing the return process. You must also contact Wild Fish in order to receive a return authorization number before making your shipment - packages that do not have a proper authorization code can not be accepted.
Items must be returned in the same condition as they were sent. We can only process your request after we have inspected the returned item and verified that its condition is undamaged. Damaged goods due to client negligence will not be accepted. Any wear or damage in a gemstone is likely to result in minute changes that can dramatically affect the value of the gemstone. For this reason, we cannot accept any gemstone in return that has been mounted, polished, chipped, fractured, dropped or altered in any way whatsoever. We strongly recommend that you do not mount your gemstone until after the inspection period is over as to avoid any mishaps and that it be kept in an insured, safe place while in your possession. During the inspection period, you are completely liable for the item. All returned items must be in the original box, with all original packing materials and intact original lab certificates.
I do hope that I didn't get scammed. I think that I may have, but in order to have some transparency I am posting this on the forum to somewhat document events. I truly hope that I did't just take one for the team.
I will attempt to update this forum with scans of all document received and photos of the stone. I will also be posting a FedEx tracking number assuming I get a return address. I will keep you all informed as best I can. I hope for the best, but I have a sick feeling in my stomach...
Any suggestions?
Sincerely,
Shea
A few months ago I began searching for the perfect Demantoid e-ring. This forum was a great help and resource for information. Concerned about internet dealers, this site helped me find one that I felt was reputable. However, one always worries about being able to return an item especially from an oversees vendor. Feeling confident though, I purchased a Demantoid from Ed Bristol at Wildfishgems. I received the gem yesterday at 3:30 pm central time via FedEx. I must say that my initial reaction of the stone was "OK". I did not fall head over heals for the gem, but it was not bad either. It certainly sparkled as advertised. I wanted to have it inspected. So, I immediately took the stone to a jeweler for appraisal. In horror, I found that the stone has the slightest chip on its side, and it did not have horsetail inclusions. I am now attempting to send the stone back to Wildfishgems, but the phone number for returns does not work. Additionally, I have not received a return email from Ed. Also, according to his return policy, I quote:
Return Policy
If for any reason you decide not to keep your merchandise, you can return it to us within 7 (Seven) days of delivery for a full refund of the purchase price. You will have to carry the costs of transport from you to the address given in written form to you by Wild Fish.
Instructions on how to return the item will be sent in an email detailing the return process. You must also contact Wild Fish in order to receive a return authorization number before making your shipment - packages that do not have a proper authorization code can not be accepted.
Items must be returned in the same condition as they were sent. We can only process your request after we have inspected the returned item and verified that its condition is undamaged. Damaged goods due to client negligence will not be accepted. Any wear or damage in a gemstone is likely to result in minute changes that can dramatically affect the value of the gemstone. For this reason, we cannot accept any gemstone in return that has been mounted, polished, chipped, fractured, dropped or altered in any way whatsoever. We strongly recommend that you do not mount your gemstone until after the inspection period is over as to avoid any mishaps and that it be kept in an insured, safe place while in your possession. During the inspection period, you are completely liable for the item. All returned items must be in the original box, with all original packing materials and intact original lab certificates.
I do hope that I didn't get scammed. I think that I may have, but in order to have some transparency I am posting this on the forum to somewhat document events. I truly hope that I did't just take one for the team.
I will attempt to update this forum with scans of all document received and photos of the stone. I will also be posting a FedEx tracking number assuming I get a return address. I will keep you all informed as best I can. I hope for the best, but I have a sick feeling in my stomach...
Any suggestions?
Sincerely,
Shea
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