Got my e-ring from a pricescope dealer :-(

[WinkHPD]

Wow! I shared one story of what happened when I am out of town and now I am the bad guy. Of course I am responsible for it and I have made it right already. As a matter of fact when I am out of town I normally do shut down my business, I kept it open that Friday just so that the delivery could be made to the client who was coming in. The alternative to trying to have a Thursday afternoon sale delivered by my assistant on Friday was telling my client, "Sorry, come in on Monday, just tell her that you missed her anniversary 'cause Wink is out of town."

It was not an excuse, just a comment of what happened and how it could have happened to any one. If it had been Donald Trump I would still have left town and if his reaction was as understanding as yours I would gladly have given him back his money and been happy to see him go.

I was not attempting to make excuses for the vendor involved here, I have no idea who it was, I only offered scenarios as to how it could have happened and I certainly expect that the vendor will fix it or get blasted as he should.

You make it sound so easy to rush out and hire more employees, but at the margins currently allowed in the jewelry business that is much easier said than done. My accountant and I were just discussing this the other day that I am in that gray area where I am too busy not to hire another employee and not quite making enough money to afford one. His suggestion is to raise prices, I am sure that would fly well in today's information overload world. Even were I to desire to do so, there is a dearth of good quality jewelry people in Boise that are looking for work. This is NOT New York or LA. As I also said in my post, we have tons of happy clients with a few who were not pleased, and I have never denied that they did not have reason to be unhappy. I made no claims to being perfect and still stand by my applause for the young man for being patient. Woe unto the vendor if he does not fix it or refund it immediately!

Wink

 

[Shay37]

Gee whiz, break out the tar and feathers why don't ya. I think that the person involved in the situation needed some advice and some of his questions about SI2's answered. It is the weekend, and nothing can be done about this situation until Monday anyway. I think that most of us here have no problem with letting this be resolved anonymously. I think that the vendor should be allowed a chance to fix the problem without having his or her name put in a NEON sign here on Pricescope. Having seen the workmanship on this ring (pics), I completely agree that a new ring needs to be fabricated. Let's wait to see how this is handled before calling for a resignation, assasination (character, of course), public flogging, boycott, etc. Good luck with the resolution, Shibbel. I have no doubt it will be handled to your satisfaction.

Shay

 

[Superidealist]

----------------
On 5/15/2004 10:06:54 AM shibbel wrote:

I was told my setting would "look exactly" like the Blue Nile setting.
----------------

This tale is exactly why I believe it often pays to spend a little more in the first place and get what you want.

I hope this works out to your satisfaction.

 

[noobie]

shibbel

I’ll share some of my recent experiences that are somewhat similar to yours.Hopefully they may help.

Regarding the black crystal inclusion, I bought a diamond with a black crystal in about the same place.You can see the decision making process and close up pictures of the crystal here in this thread here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/anothe-h-a-to-comment-on-please.13687/

The people on this forum help me decide on the diamond and I ended up buying sight unseen even though the black blob looked so bad.It’s smaller than yours since it’s a “VS2” crystal.After setting, you can’t see it at all and when I brought it back to the appraiser, it would have graded mounted as VVS1 or VVS2.So I ended up with a much higher apparent clarity than I bought.It looks like you could do the same with your stone.It’s beautiful and if the black is covered it may look like a VS stone mounted.

Now regarding the mount, I ended up having one made.The final results turned out extremely well, which you can read here:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-completed-a-ring-project-and-experience-with-quest.14860/

I say final result, because it was made twice, something I didn’t mention in the original post, since it was mostly my fault.Now the reason it was made twice is somewhat related to reason given in Wink’s post.When I first contacted Quest by phone they told me about 4 days to make a ring.This was based a simple cast tiffany style piece or basket piece.I asked for the design you see which is a custom hand worked piece and then asked them to make it in 3 or 4 days, which I know now, was totally unreasonable.They were so accomodating that instead of telling me I was an unrealistic idiot like they should of, they actually tried.Now this is a medium size shop with about 5 or 6 bench jewelers (owners still work pieces) and a steady flow of work, not a tiny place one-man place.

Well the first one turned out like the picture attached here (not quite finished).If I had of gone ballistic as sfanta123155 and finerthings recommend I would have ended up with a bunch of loose diamonds and no ring and back to square one.These guys could tell I wasn’t happy with the first one and volunteered to remake the ring without me even asking.Any additional commercial consideration was never brought up. It took another two weeks (which is quite fast for a custom piece) and now I am totally happy.I found a great custom jeweler!

I guess my message here to you is the same as lops, Shay’s, Wink’s and Rhino’s.Work with the vendor and give them a chance to make good.Bashing them and starting a war before they act is not constructive.Now that being said, I don’t think you should accept anything less than a complete remake or a refund. And yes, I do believe they should cover shipping as well.You are justified in being frustrated that it was sent out to you in that condition.

I know it’s frustrating now, but keep with it and you’ll end up with the beautiful ring your fiancé deserves.

Good luck.

First Attempt

/idealbb/files/DSCN43.jpg

Final Result

/idealbb/files/DSC169.JPG

 

[WinkHPD]

Nooby,

Thank you for sharing your good result with us. One of the things we did here for quality control was start telling people "NO" when they wanted something done that we do not get many calls for. We don't do the hand engraving jobs like Tacori, they are not our thing. We also started telling people in a hurry that it takes longer than that, sorry. (With the exception of my Thursday for Friday deal with an old high school chum on a simple trade up for a bigger diamond deal that 'should" have not been a problem... I really HATE rush jobs!)

Sometimes it is hard to tell people no, sometimes it is the best thing to do. I am very glad for you that your jeweler made up for his first effort and made you the ring you wanted, and I congratulate you for your patience. It is obvious that he did what he wished had happened the first time.

Wink

 

[strmrdr]

----------------
On 5/16/2004 5:37:49 PM Wink wrote:

Nooby,


Thank you for sharing your good result with us. One of the things we did here for quality control was start telling people 'NO' when they wanted something done that we do not get many calls for. We don't do the hand engraving jobs like Tacori, they are not our thing. We also started telling people in a hurry that it takes longer than that, sorry. (With the exception of my Thursday for Friday deal with an old high school chum on a simple trade up for a bigger diamond deal that 'should' have not been a problem... I really HATE rush jobs!)


Sometimes it is hard to tell people no, sometimes it is the best thing to do. I am very glad for you that your jeweler made up for his first effort and made you the ring you wanted, and I congratulate you for your patience. It is obvious that he did what he wished had happened the first time.


Wink----------------

I wish my boss would learn that lesson.
Iv put in some long days trying to get messed up ideas to work because he wont tell a client that it cant be done that way or that quick.
It just isnt the jewlery industry that suffers from the unwillingness to say no and possible leave a buck on the table.

 

[Skyblue]

Shibbel

I am sorry for your disappointment and frustration. It is understandable that you would want to vent your feelings and I doubly commend you for keeping your cool regarding the vendor's identity. Bashing someone online tends to be forever and much more far-reaching vs. an in-store "discussion".

It would be absolutely unfair at this point to reveal the vendor prior to having a discussion with them. I agree that the ring quality would not be to most consumer's standards; however, everyone deserves an opportunity to make the situation right. I definitely believe as others have stated that how they now handle this will reveal much more about the vendor's character.

Good luck ..

 

[finerthings]

When I wrote....
"I think if this ring where sold at a well known store, you all would be bashing the store to shreds. Why not in this case?...because this forum is biased and protects internet dealers. There's something wrong here.".............

I did not imply that bashing was the right method of solving the situation, I was referring to the double standard that is shown here at Pricescope towards all Pricescope internet vendors. I am implying that this, to me, is highly suspicious.

 

[strmrdr]

----------------
On 5/16/2004 9:00:04 PM finerthings wrote:

When I wrote....

'I think if this ring where sold at a well known store, you all would be bashing the store to shreds. Why not in this case?...because this forum is biased and protects internet dealers. There's something wrong here.'.............


I did not imply that bashing was the right method of solving the situation, I was referring to the double standard that is shown here at Pricescope towards all Pricescope internet vendors. I am implying that this, to me, is highly suspicious.

----------------

Wal-mart is having a sale on tin-foil yours must be wearing a little thin.

Frankly sometimes it goes a little far bashing the vendors of all types when they mess up.
Its how they respond when something does get messed up that counts.
No matter how good you are or how many pains you take something is going to mess up at times!
Its not just in the jewlery industry either.
Im in the computer field and its happened to me.
Get a new computer in burn it in for 24 hours everything works fine deliver it and something has stopped working when you go to fire it up after installing it.
Usualy it will happen while the client is looking over your shoulder too!
It will happen no matter the brand or how good the computer is or how carefull one is, sometimes stuff just happens.
Its how the vendor deals with it when it does that counts!

 

[finerthings]

...."Wal-mart is having a sale on tin-foil yours must be wearing a little thin.".....

What is that intended to mean?

 

[shibbel]

As all of you can imagine, i've been pretty shocked all this weekend. I finally just now got to look at the included GIA report, and it kind of makes me uneasy. As you can see below, there's a lot of inclusions. I can only see the crystal shown on the edge. Although, I don't have a trained eye. My point in this post is to get some more opinions on this stones value. In other words...could I do better for $3,800?

 

[squirerad]

Just put in your parameters in the PS search engine and also visited several online vendors (mainly Whiteflash, Superbcert, Blue Nile, DCD) and I did not find a 1 ct H/I SI1/2 near what you paid for yours, so the $3800 does sound like an awesome deal. There were ideal cuts around $3800 but none near the Ex polish/Ex symmetry that yours had (although these are only a portion of the cut parameters); most were VG/G polish and symmetry. One close stone I found is a .88 ct G/SI2 from DCD (http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/diamond_detail.cfm?did=6908671) although its a bit smaller but is around $3000.

JMHO, but if I were you I would keep your stone knowing that $3800 is a great deal.

squire

 

[aljdewey]

----------------
On 5/16/2004 9:00:04 PM finerthings wrote:





When I wrote....
'I think if this ring where sold at a well known store, you all would be bashing the store to shreds. Why not in this case?...because this forum is biased and protects internet dealers. There's something wrong here.'.............

I did not imply that bashing was the right method of solving the situation, I was referring to the double standard that is shown here at Pricescope towards all Pricescope internet vendors. I am implying that this, to me, is highly suspicious.

----------------

Really? A double standard? Clearly you haven't been here very long.

I have.....and I can tell you that the same tone (give the vendor a chance to make it right) is applied evenly to offline vendors as well as online. Businesses are run by humans, and humans are fallible. I don't expect vendors to be perfect, but I do expect them to be responsive when there is something to correct. It is ALWAYS best to approach *any* vendor and give a chance at resolution before calling out the hounds.

If you feel, though, that the PS community is so biased toward protecting internet vendors, then why are you here?

 

[elmo]

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On 5/17/2004 8:12:04 AM aljdewey wrote:

Really? A double standard? Clearly you haven't been here very long.
----------------

Someone who hasn't been here very long after reading all the testimonials might get the idea that problems never happen

.

Shibbel, if the plot and the inclusions bother you, you should be shopping for VS1 not SI2

. The plot is only a map, it doesn't really tell you how the inclusions look. I'm not a pro but the plot itself doesn't look bad for SI2. If it was me, I'd want to see this under a scope myself and have an expert advise me...there are a couple of good-sized crystals on the left side that I'd wonder about, whether they break the surface or are on the girdle. Same with the feathers on the back. Are there any additional comments listed on the report?

 

[noobie]

----------------
On 5/17/2004 12:07:06 AM shibbel wrote:





In other words...could I do better for $3,800?


----------------

shibbel,

It's hard for anyone to answer that without seeing it and then it's still a matter of personal preference. It seems that you got a good price for the diamond. Does it look good to you? If you cover the black crystal, is it eye clean?

For me, and this is only my opinion, if the feathers did not present a durability risk and it performed well and was eye clean, I'd keep it and get the mounting situation cleared up. You never know with diamonds, you may find one you'd be happier with tomorrow, it may take three months.

Good luck

 

[aljdewey]

----------------
On 5/17/2004 8:42:16 AM elmo wrote:




Someone who hasn't been here very long after reading all the testimonials might get the idea that problems never happen

.----------------

There is a difference, Elmo, between 'problems never happen' and 'problems seldom happen'. If someone gets the idea from reading the testimonials that problems never happen, perhaps he'd be better informed if he expanded their reading selections beyond the testimonials. Perhaps he would get a more complete picture then.

There was a thread in which a customer expressed disappointment with DCD....and Jim came here and fessed up promptly. There was a thread in which a customer was disappointed with a setting from WF....and had it resolved right away. There was a customer who was disappointed in his experience with GOG. There was a thread about inability to get responses to emails for Tradeshop. Those are just instances that I recall off the top of my head without even going looking.

I also recall a few instances where folks came here asking advice on problems with B&M jewelers and were given similar advice....try to work it out with them first, etc., before taking the gloves off. But I guess those posts are easy to ignore if one *wants* to believe bias toward online vendors exists, right?

It is a testament to all of the vendors here, though, that problems are indeed seldom. The overall customer satisfaction reflected in the testimonials isn't just doled out because folks here have nothing better to do....it's because those vendors have EARNED the accolades by meeting or exceeding expectations *most* of the time.

 

[verticalhorizon]

When I am researching purchases on Amazon, I will always look at the poor reviews before the good, then try to weigh the good ones versus the bad ones and the similarities of the claims.

Also it is indeed more important how a vendor deals with a dissatisfied customer rather than solely focus on the intial experience.

 

[finerthings]

I apologise for being so antagonistic, you're right I haven't been around long enough to pass judgement across the board like I did in my earlier post. I guess I am just too wary of internet scams and such. I really am impressed with the discussions here, and the knowledge and level headedness of the participants. I will make more effort to behave myself.

 

[CaptAubrey]

----------------
On 5/16/2004 9:00:04 PM finerthings wrote:





When I wrote....
'I think if this ring where sold at a well known store, you all would be bashing the store to shreds. Why not in this case?...because this forum is biased and protects internet dealers. There's something wrong here.'.............

I did not imply that bashing was the right method of solving the situation, I was referring to the double standard that is shown here at Pricescope towards all Pricescope internet vendors. I am implying that this, to me, is highly suspicious.

----------------

go read the archives. there are plenty of threads bashing ps vendors, often where the buyer "outed" the vendor with his first post, before even contacting the vendor with his concerns. i can think of several long, ugly threads that were spawned by such posts; i won't link them in the interest of not resurrecting such nastiness but you can find them if you look.

 

[finerthings]

----------------
On 5/17/2004 1:01:36 PM CaptAubrey wrote:




----------------

go read the archives. there are plenty of threads bashing ps vendors, often where the buyer 'outed' the vendor with his first post, before even contacting the vendor with his concerns. i can think of several long, ugly threads that were spawned by such posts; i won't link them in the interest of not resurrecting such nastiness but you can find them if you look. ----------------[/quote]




Yep, you're right there are plenty of bashing threads directed towards B&M stores. Again, 1,000 lashes to me.

I agree that outing the vendor before he has a chance to rectify things is completely wrong no matter where you buy the ring.

 

[shibbel]

I called the vendor early this morning. I was told he "was not at his desk". I have yet to get a call back. I just rushed home, right now, instead of eating luch to see the wedding band. At this point, i'm asking God "why me?".

 

[Mexi]

So sorry to hear and see this, Shibbel. Has the vendor read this thread? I hope you get a response SOON!!

Your wedding band is no better than the ering.

 

[diamond demon]

I am having some trouble deciding what I feel here.

On one hand, I agree that no one should bash any company until that company has been contacted and their response heard.

On the other hand, as a consumer I want to know all the good, the bad, and the ugly...no sugar coating. I would like to think that this forum is for the education of the consumer. Therefore, knowledge is a good thing and the company should be exposed for even doing such shoddy workmanship. When and how they respond should also be posted.

If I received a ring in that condition, I personally would lose confidence in dealing with that company...no matter what they say or how they fix it.

Like I said, mixed feelings.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

----------------
.

Like I said, mixed feelings.----------------

I have mixed feelings, as well. . .it surprises me that "outing" the vendor is even an issue as any person with half a brain can figure out who the vendor is all on their own.

 

[Mexi]

Ok... so... for TWO items to pass quality control in that conditon is not a good sign...

At this point, I would be screaming into that phone and demanding my money back...

 

[noobie]

----------------
On 5/17/2004 2:01:21 PM Mexi wrote:





Ok... so... for TWO items to pass quality control in that conditon is not a good sign...

At this point, I would be screaming into that phone and demanding my money back...

----------------

I would tend to agree with this after seeing the second ring. Did you get a chance to look at samples of his work before you ordered? I hope you paid with a credit card.

 

[WinkHPD]

----------------
On 5/17/2004 1:57:42 PM MichelleCarmen wrote:

----------------
.

Like I said, mixed feelings.----------------

I have mixed feelings, as well. . .it surprises me that 'outing' the vendor is even an issue as any person with half a brain can figure out who the vendor is all on their own.

----------------

I am new enough here that I do not have a clue,...

I really am, I meant to send this as a private message and can not figure out how to delete it so am changing it.

Sorry.

Wink

 

[verticalhorizon]

I, too, cannot tell by what's written who the 'offending vendor' is. I'm all for letting the vendor and the client work things out before 'outing' them. However, if the vendor should not come through, then it's fair for them to voice their grievances.

As in epinions.com and amazon.com, etc., future clients reading these threads have to weigh the good and bad to formulate a good decision.

 

[Iceman]

Man you have had a bad couple of weeks with the internet.

First you find a great deal on a beautiful diamond priced at I think $3,300. I must say it was because I owned the diamond and several others like it, but yet it was on some of the lists posted with vendors here, go figure. What is real on the internet?

I emailed you and explained what was going on and that I felt bad for you and the diamond was headed to Florida.
Then you would think that if those are the diamonds I buy, you would have asked me for one just like it at that price, you didn’t and I didn’t offer. I never ask for the sale. I’m as scared of internet clients as you are of the internet.

Are you sure this is GIA graded? It looks like the black spot can be seen from the top? Prong over the problem and it does not go away. Other labs you expect that from but not GIA I would double check to see it is the right cert and stone?

I would send it back get a full refund, if that’s the kind of product they produce then do you want them to fix it? Just thinking out loud forget I said that

I would say that I could help, but I don’t give advice and then try to sell, that’s tacky

What is nice about Todd, Wink and myself, it’s a smaller operation and there is better quality control. Ask them to give you an offer

Take care, best of luck

 

[winyan]

I'm another who has no clue who the vendor could be, nor do I want to know unless the purchasee feels like his/her problem hasn't been satisfied.

win