Listing doesn't match stone..

[Indylady]

I recently purchased a 6mm round emerald. Once I got it, it was smaller than I was expecting, but that happens sometimes. I kept thinking, "Wow, that's 6mm?" Then, I noticed that the vendor marked the box 5.5mm round. I measured the stone, and sure enough, its a 5.5mm round.

The vendor is one that is trusted and suggested on PS. I think it was probably an honest mistake..maybe typing too fast, or maybe guessing, I don't know; and, it is only half a millimeter. BUT--if I'm ordering a pre-cast mount, half a millimeter can make a difference.
Actually, I ordered a stone earlier from the same vendor, and there were a lot of difficulties setting the stone in the mount ordered for it (based on the measurement I gathered from the gem's listing). I wonder if it was because that measurement was off too?

There isn't another one on the site similar enough to mix them up. I double checked the listing, and it says 6mm two times. I'm visiting family for the holidays and its really inconvenient to make a return. I don't really know what I'd be asking for by complaining--but I've bought a few gems from the same vendor and have generally come to trust their inventory and I feel concerned about making more purchases if the measurements are not consistent. What's more baffling is that the box is marked correctly..so I think this is more a mistake than an attempt to deceive.

Do I say something? Should I just 'inform' the vendor?


I hate to be the bearer of awkward news.

 

[LD]

Indy - I would definitely let the vendor know as quite clearly the description doesn't match the gem but I would do this so that you approach this in a "just wanted to let you know ...... thought it was me but have measured the stone ....... a little disappointed that the description doesn't match ....... " etc. As you say, this might have made the difference between trying to fit the stone into a particular setting (although in all honesty, a 5.5 will most probably fit into a 6mm setting). However, it will make a difference in carat weight. Do you have scales so you can weigh the gem (proper gemstones scales)? If not, again, it would be worth speaking to the Vendor. He/she may be prepared to give you a partial refund if you decide to keep it. Just as an aside, if it's lovely I would definitely keep it - especially if the price is fair!

 

[chrono]

The word “complaining” is too strong a description; to me, it is viewed as informing the vendor that listing a gemstone with precise measurements will be beneficial in the long run for the reason you stated. My guess is that he listed it as 6 mm because there is less typing involved than 5.5 mm but you are correct that a precise measurement is much better when it comes to trying to find a setting for it, in particular, when the prospective buyer already has a setting in mind. Are you planning on keeping this emerald? Not that it matters but just out of curiosity. To some, 0.5 mm might be small but in some cases, the difference of 0.5 mm can be noticeable depending on the size of the stone, not to mention the value of the gem will be affected, either upward or downward.

 

[marymm]

I guess I have a different take on this than some of you -- and while I still wouldn't want to "complain" per se, I would be unhappy to have received a 5.5mm when what was advertised and represented and purchased was a 6mm. To me, personally, because I prefer larger mm sizes to begin with, 6mm is the smallest I will consider that I would still wear as a center stone. Below 6mm, for me personally, are sidestones. Even if the carat weight is the same (and I wonder if it is? b/c at 5.5mm, wouldn't it be noticeably deeper compared to a 6mm at the same carat weight?). My point is, if I purchased a 6mm stone and received a 5.5mm stone, I no longer have a center stone. I'm not sure I buy the rationale of "maybe he typed 5.5 b/c it's easier than 6" -- using that same logic, you could end up with a 0.95ct stone when you think you purchased a full carat (this would also disappoint me and I think many people).

If it were me, and a vendor I bought from repeatedly and planned to do in the future, I would want to clear the air, in a respectful and courteous way. I would convey that if mm measurements are part of a listing, they should be accurate as people rely on the information as much as they rely on the price and carat weight posted. Just my 2 cents.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

I personally think that is a significant size difference and I would ask the vendor about it. Does this vendor normally use whole numbers when stating the size of a stone? I don't think you would be complaining at all.

 

[kelpie]

Just ask them. I vendor sent me the wrong stone once, promised to make it up but never did. Didn't feel too shafted because his prices are so low and I had bought many things. Another vendor forgot my stone in the parcel, sent me a bigger one right away to make up and never second guessed my honesty when I said it wasn't in the parcel. Sucks but it happens, it's a mistake I've nearly made. The sooner you let them know the better. They may get the 6mm in the mail to you before you get a chance to mail the 5.5 back. They may even tell you to keep it if they are sweethearts and it's not too $.

 

[kenny]

Well, 5.5 does round up to 6, but I have no idea what precision (number of significant figures) is customarily reported for such stones.

The vendor had better NOT had listed it as 6.0.

 

[Indylady]

LD--You are right that most 5.5mm stones would fit a 6mm mount, but I was planning on having this emerald bezeled with a stock setting..would a 5.5mm stone fit a 6mm bezel?

I don't have scales to weigh the stone--no idea if the carat weight is appropriate for the millimeter measurement. The carat weight is listed as .72 carats. Its a well cut stone and doesn't have a deep belly, but CS's are so hard to ballpark in terms of weight to size ratios.

I think I am keeping it though.

Chrono--I do plan on keeping it. A return is just too much of a hassle though the vendor does have a return policy. However, I am disappointed as I realize a lot of the setting ideas I had for it might seem sillier in a smaller stone.

Mary--I get exactly what you're saying. Part of the reason I was excited for this stone is because it hit the 6mm mark, which makes it easy to find a stock setting and opens up a lot of options since its a nice calibrated size.

Ltlfirecracker--The other listings he has are correct to the tenth. So, 6.3mm, etc. No idea why this would be an exception.

Kelpie--I will definitely email them right away. I hope the vendor is friendly about it.

Kenny--Thank you. It doesn't say 6.0, it only says 6mm. Perhaps that was the tip off?

 

[m76steve]

bottom line-vender sent misrepresented stone-definitely words 2 b said to vender for repl of stone or refund-steve...

 

[Indylady]

I got an apology from the seller; hopefully this won't happen a second time and I do plan to keep working with this vendor.