Damaged setting - what should I expect from vendor?

[ImpatientOne]

I am just sick! Earlier this year I purchased a shared-prong ering and wedding band from a highly respected PS recommended vendor. I had my center stone set locally and also had the bands soldered as I had read here on PS how shared prong bands would rub together possibly causing the diamonds to chip.

When I received my rings back from the local jeweler, I was very unhappy! The center stone was set crooked and the soldering job was uneven. I decided to send the whole thing back to the original vendor to reset and re-solder as my confidence in the local jeweler was lost.

I contacted the original vendor and told them what I wanted done. The gentleman I spoke to was very accomodating and assured me they would take care of everything. As soon as I mentioned re-soldering, he asked why I had soldered the rings together in the first place. I explained that I had heard that this type of setting, if not soldered, could cause rubbing and possible chipping of the diamonds if the bands were worn together. He assured me that there would be no issues with my bands if they were not soldered and actually encouraged me to leave them unsoldered, citing the fact that my options would be far greater as far as mixing and matching etc.

When I sent my rings back off to this vendor, I included a letter reiterating what all I wanted done. I included a blurb about taking the rings apart and that it was my understanding that per our conversation, there would be no risk of diamond chipping if I were to wear the rings together after they were unsoldered.

Well, I have only had the rings back since mid March, and I took the ring in to get one of the prongs tightened this week. The sales clerk called me over and showed me how almost ALL of the diamonds in the bands were chipped!!!

I would have NEVER had these rings unsoldered if the vendor had not recommended it to me and assured me that there would be no issues.

I have sent an email off to the original vendor, but they have yet to respond. I have a copy of the letter that was sent to them when I sent the rings back, so I will provide them a copy of it if needed.

I guess I am just wanting to know what I should be expecting from the vendor. Is it reasonable for me to expect them to replace my setting or chipped diamonds? Or am I just going to have to chalk this one up to experience and live with chipped diamonds?

Thanks in advance!

 

[marchswallowbird]

Why do you want the setting replaced if the issue is with the diamonds?

 

[ImpatientOne]

I guess they could just replace the chipped diamonds, not necessarily replace the setting. Poor choice of words, sorry!

 

[RxTechRN2b]

If you were assured they would not chip after requestion soldering, and even advised against soldering, then the vendor who stated both of those things to you is indeed responsible for replacing the chipped diamonds. Even non-professionals know that wearing diamonds against diamonds will cause damage! (Can you see the damage without a loupe)?

 

[decodelighted]

Well that is certainly very frustrating. Take away: if it''s not Memoire, get ''em stuck. Though this company *should* stand behind their product, especially if they convinced you to NOT stick ''em together after you specifically requested to have that done ... it doesn''t sound like THEY committed to any resolution in writing. The emails were yours, restating what they said. Not a committment from them about what they *would* do if they were *wrong*. Some assumptions slipped in there & blerg. Mess.

I HOPE they replace the chipped stones & then do the soldering -- all free of charge. But I''d stop short of *expecting* it. If I''m reading the situation correctly: Your gut said stick ''em, you knew many others had had problems, but you believed this one guy -- despite all evidence to the contrary. Seems like joint responsibility to me. Buyer beware.