Certificate issue

[retro1690]

I purchased a loose diamond for my fiance''s engagement ring about 3 weeks ago. The day I purchased it, the jeweler couldnt find the certificate for it, I still dont have it 3 weeks later. Should I be worried that the diamond isnt what he says it was. I talked to him today, he stated that if he cant find it, he''ll have the factory print up another one, is that something he can do? I need advice on what I should do, I did pay with my AMEX and can always dispute the authenticity of the product and probably get a partial refund. I really cant take the diamond back, as I gave it to my fiance the same day I bought it and wouldnt want to rip it off her finger. Someone with jewelry expertise out there please let me know if what he is telling me is true, if not im going to file a dispute with my credit card company.


Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[stone-cold11]

Did you get it independently appraised?

 

[Regular Guy]

A naive opinion...if he already doesn''t know your feelings about not returning the diamonds, don''t let on. Regardless...if you should learn it''s substantially (depending on the degree) not what was represented to you...you really should return it. I''d make nice on deadlines with your seller, get agreement on evidence of certification, and when an agreeable date comes & goes (that should be consistent with deadlines that are workable for your credit card company...you should research that first) without the sought after papers, then complain, and either return it by agreement for a full refund, or dispute with the credit card agency.

 

[denverappraiser]

This is a slightly fishy story and you should definitely pay attention to your filing deadlines with AmEx. I think you have quite a while but ask them. Many jewelers have a return period of anywhere from 10-30 days where you can get a refund without quibble and, if this applies you should note this as an important date. I think you could argue that they have yet to make the full delivery but it’s worth having this discussion BEFORE the date runs out if this even applies.

Most labs are prepared to issue a duplicate or replacement document for clients who have lost their paperwork but it’s necessary to know the number off of the report, which usually will be recorded either on an appraisal or a photocopy of the report itself (or both). Without this information it’s unlikely he’ll be able to come up with a copy and, if he’s got this, he at least should be able to provide you with a photocopy to tide you over until the original can be either located or reproduced.

Any idea what lab we’re talking about?

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Jewelry Appraisals in Denver

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Date: 9/26/2008 1:29:23 PM
Author: denverappraiser
This is a slightly fishy story and you should definitely pay attention to your filing deadlines with AmEx. I think you have quite a while but ask them. Many jewelers have a return period of anywhere from 10-30 days where you can get a refund without quibble and, if this applies you should note this as an important date. I think you could argue that they have yet to make the full delivery but it’s worth having this discussion BEFORE the date runs out if this even applies.

Most labs are prepared to issue a duplicate or replacement document for clients who have lost their paperwork but it’s necessary to know the number off of the report, which usually will be recorded either on an appraisal or a photocopy of the report itself (or both). Without this information it’s unlikely he’ll be able to come up with a copy and, if he’s got this, he at least should be able to provide you with a photocopy to tide you over until the original can be either located or reproduced.

Any idea what lab we’re talking about?

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Jewelry Appraisals in Denver

Great point all around...I would definitely be a bit skeptical here.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

Unfortunately, some retail jewelers are organized and others are not. Documents can and do
get misplaced. I know of a jeweler that has small bags of diamond grading reports on the floor.
Again, this is the exception, not the rule.
Take precautions with AMEX (like Neil said).
Wait a few more days for the report to appear.

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[neatfreak]

Neil gave great advice. I''d harass the jeweler for the report, and/or get it appraised independently. Something doesn''t smell right.

 

[CharmyPoo]

What lab is the diamond certified with? If it is GIA, at least you can get the number and pull up some of the specs available online. I think the vendors also has access to a database that gets them a scanned copy? This way you can get the diamond appraised to prove it is the same as the certificate. Don''t you need it appraised anyways before it is insured?

 

[honey22]

I would certainly get it appraised, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty he hasn''t given you what you bought - ie. a diamond with accompanying certificate, so you have a right to get your money back in full. If you are unsure of this jeweller I would get your money back and then come here and we can find you another great stone.

If you do end up with the cert after all, I would strong urge you to get it appraised. It just doesn''t sit right with me, something seems off here.

 

[retro1690]

I am going to call the credit card company today and get the ball rolling, once he sees a chargeback, maybe that''ll put the fire to him and he''ll get me my certificate, if not Ill save myself $6000.

 

[Regular Guy]

Sounds smart...to get the ball rolling. But...let us know what happens. I can''t see that the next step in this process would be for your store to just see a charge back, while you''re still in possession of the goods.

 

[retro1690]

So i placed my dispute and lo and behold I get a call today, that he has my certificate. He says he had to order another one from the lab. It is a UGL certificate all laminated. Where can I check the certificate number to make sure its legit? Is UGL a good lab or are there better ones out there?

 

[dbsdiamonds]

Good luck with the UGL cert. Might want to go to www.ags.org and find an accredited gemologist in your area for a verfiication opinion. From there you may be happy or not. All depends on what you got at what price.

Marty
CEO/Pres
Diamond Brokerage Service, Inc
www.dbsdiamonds.com

 

[oldmancoyote]

The UGL cert may be legit - that does not mean it''s reliable. UGL has a fairly ugly reputation (pun intended). Get the stone checked by an indipendent appraiser worth his/her salt.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 9/30/2008 6:13:13 PM
Author: retro1690
So i placed my dispute and lo and behold I get a call today, that he has my certificate. He says he had to order another one from the lab. It is a UGL certificate all laminated. Where can I check the certificate number to make sure its legit? Is UGL a good lab or are there better ones out there?

hi retro, as others have stated, its possible you have stepped in mud here. UGL is not very reliable - you should look for GIA or AGS certified stones when buying.
I would strongly recommend you take it to an independent appraiser (meaning one not selling or connected to selling jewellery). You will find tried and tested ones at the top of this page under the "resources" tab.
Please do this asap and make sure you are clear on the terms of your return agreement with your jeweller.

Please let us know how it goes, and if need be people here can assist you in finding a very high quality stone for a good price.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 10/1/2008 5:00:53 AM
Author: arjunajane

hi retro, as others have stated, its possible you have stepped in mud here....

Yes, I think these are just different kettles of fish.

In the first case, your diamond didn''t come with a promised certificate, and this problem seems to be rectified.

Asking now a different question, concerning whether your diamond is what you would like it to be...is the sort of question you would prefer to ask before you a) make the purchase decision and b) give it to your girl.

Consider marking it up to education, and providing your future wife the benefit of your newfound knowledge.

Many blokes do come on here to get help with buying, and then leave. Consider sticking around, as a few of us have. There is a lot to learn.