Craftsmanship issues - how to approach?

[skeeeo]

We've just received out glamour pics of the ordered engagement ring. The ring is currently in shipping.

Honestly, we are disappointed. The ring is a designer brand that was sourced by a reputable (pricescope) seller. I'm not too sure who put it all together and I don't really care. The total purchase price was paid to the reputable seller.

What would you do in our circumstance?

Basically, the ring is slightly different to the pictures shown. While it may be the case that the modifications had to be done in order to accommodate the diamond size we purchased, we would have appreciated if we were asked whether they should modify the setting or whether we would consider something else.

Also, purely based on the pictures, the ring doesn't look symmetrical!

Has anyone been in a similar situation and how did you deal with it?

I honestly hope it is just the pictures that are distorting the ring but I don't think it is, especially with the 2 extra metal bars on the setting that aren't in the retail picture. I haven't posted any pics yet or named names because I want to see it in person first before I judge.

 

[sonnyjane]

Regarding the first issue, I guess I'd have to see what you ordered vs. what you got to see what happened. Could be an honest mistake on their part, etc. The only way to know is to ask.

Regarding the asymmetry, I definitely had to deal with that. I bought from a B&M (pre-Pricescope lol) and while the setting was great when I saw it without my stone, after they mounted it, the head was crooked and one of the prongs was very bent. To be honest, I'm surprised the even presented it to me that way because it looked really bad. I told them immediately and they fixed it right away, free of charge. I'd imagine the same would happen for you without any problems if you send it back , especially if it is a reputable place and you're within your warranty.

I've learned, when dealing with jewelry and everything else in life, that you should never accept something you're not happy with. Speak up, and speak up immediately.

 

[kenny]

Did you tell the vendor yet?

Isn't that one purpose of glamor shots, to get your approval prior to shipping?

 

[slg47]

yeah I would check with the vendor, since you already have the photos?

 

[skeeeo]

I haven't contacted the vendor yet as I want to see it in person before really judging and making any complaints. Also doesn't help that we are in Australia and the item is coming from the USA. Hopefully the vendor will cover the shipping costs if we do have to send it back.

Thanks for the responses, we will definitely raise our concerns with the vendor.

 

[Gypsy]

I would talk to the vendor and give them a heads up that this might potentially be an issue. That way they will have a faster reaction time if something is wrong.

If I thought there was an issue with a piece I had coming, I'd let the vendor know immediately... if it ends up I am wrong, then everyone is happy. But if it ends up I am right at least I know exactly what the next steps are and so does the vendor.

Also, knowing what the next steps are helps with the dissappointment of having a piece in your hand you are unhappy with. Otherwise you just sit there and stew over it and are even angrier when you contact the vendor. Not a good situation for anyone.

 

[denverappraiser]

It's a bit late now so you don't really have much choice in terms of what to do at this point. Wait and see and hope for the best. It may just be a matter of bad photography. For the benefit of future shoppers, it would have been MUCH better to voice your concern before they shipped, especially since the shipping involves long distances and a trip through customs. I wish you all the best with it. Let us know how it comes out.

Just so I understand, this is a copy of a designer piece, not the original work of the designer being sold by one of their retailers, right?

 

[Gypsy]

Neil, it sounded to me like they got the stone and the setting from different vendors and that the setting was designer, but modified from the picture of the item they saw when they ordered. I assumed that the diamond vendor was the one who set the diamond into the designer (not copy) setting and that they may have not noticed the modification made by the designer to the setting and sent the completed (and possibly lopsided) ring out to the customer.

I agree that with overseas purchases especially it is a good idea to specify that you want glamour shots BEFORE shipment and that you want to give specific authorization to ship. If may mean a day or two of delay. But it would be worth it, IMO.