resizing issue with trusted pricescope vendor

[Arielle]

What would you do if a trusted pricescope vendor had originally told you that they could resize your wedding band 1/4 size up if needed, but then changed their mind after you shipped the ring back to them, saying that it could damage the ring and they wouldn't be held responsible? The vendor now states that I would need to repay the entire price of the ring, minus the scrap gold and diamonds, if I want it to be the correct size. I chose to go with this vendor because of their great reputation and lifetime warranty. I feel very badly about the situation that they have put me in. I was already at the top of my budget when I bought the ring and feel like I should not have to pay to resize it since it says on their website that they will resize it once for free. Should I call my credit card to cancel the purchase because it was misrepresented? What would you do?

 

[Circe]

To clarify: did they specifically tell you that the setting that you bought was eligible for free resizing, or is this an all-purpose statement on their website? Was your setting a stock piece, or did you order it custom?

If it's a stock setting, I think they should resize it for you as claimed on the website. If it's custom, unless they specifically said that this service included your ring, I'm not sure if they're legally liable. If your setting is a full eternity, I can see how it might be challenging, and might even necessitate remaking the ring in its entirety ... which is what it sounds like they'd be charging you for, the labor.

 

[Arielle]

The piece is a wedding band for my fiance. It is a gold band with 8 small .06 diamonds around it and the design is very beautiful. The vendor specifically told me that it would not be ideal to resize it, since gold would have to be shaved out from the inside, but that it would be possible to resize it up a quarter size. I ordered it custom (actually slightly modified with just slightly larger diamonds) from their site. I had the choice to get the same design from stock from ewedding bands, but went with the pricescope vendor because they assured me that their diamonds were worth it.

After I shipped the band back to resize it, they now say that there is a chance that the diamond culets will be exposed or even broken off during resizing and that they would not be liable for this. I don't want a damaged or too small ring. This piece is extremely important to me because it is my fiance's wedding band.

They want me to pay for a whole new ring, when I could/should? have just ordered the cheaper stock ring from ewedding bands to begin with. That sounds like more than just the labor cost to me- and should I really be paying labor costs when I was told that it could be resized if necessary? I thought that they offered a lifetime warranty. Basically, I thought I could trust them to provide me with a special piece that would signify my love for my fiance and so far I am disappointed.

 

[slg47]

1/4 size is a very small change...are you sure it needs to be resized?

 

[Circe]

If they specifically told you that they could resize this specific piece, then, as they used to say on the playground, no backsies. You have every right to be upset, and if I were you, I'd keep very politely insisting that they keep their word, and eat the cost of correcting it if damage occurs. You were given the wrong information: that doesn't mean you're the one who should have the privilege of paying for it.

 

[Arielle]

Thank you! That is what I feel like too.

A quarter size is also a small amount, but again, it is my fiance's wedding ring, and I want it to be perfect. He says he can manage it, but the first time he picked it up from fedex and told me about it on the phone, he said it was too small (even before he said how beautiful it was or how much he liked it). It takes him forever to get it off his finger and he can't be doing that every time he goes to the gym.

I just feel like for how long I saved up for it and for how important a purchase it is to us, it shouldn't be too much to ask that it is perfect.

 

[Arielle]

This is the stock ring that ewedding bands sells that looks like the ring I bought. Thank you so much everyone for your comments and I'll let you know the resolution.

 

[ame]

Id return it if you can. Its in the return window right? Get your money back and go elsewhere.

 

[Gypsy]

I don't know, maybe I'm weird but I am more understanding with repairs... sometimes a sales person says one thing and then the guy at the bench is like... "well, I could completely ruin the piece by repairing that way, which would make the customer unhappy when they get the ring, OR you can give them the correct information and make them unhappy now. And oh, btw, never do that again."

You are the one who ordered the wrong size to begin with. And it's NOT a sizable ring without ruining the spacing on it. If it's returnable and re-sellable well then okay -- return it to them.

But I don't think they should be stuck giving you a completely new ring in the right size because of that flub... I mean, you made a mistake too. But maybe you can ask to speak with an owner or manager or someone and see if there is another option they can work out with you since their site does say they will size things once for free (are you sure there aren't disclaimers attached to that? Usually there are ... like: "if the design is sizable and can be done safety while protecting the integrity of the piece" or something like that).

 

[MissStepcut]

Are you sure 1/4 size will be enough? Have you had him try on rings in that size at that width? Wider bands feel tighter.

 

[swingirl]

It's hard to imagine that any vendor would say that THAT particular ring could be sized at all. It has a lot of continuous detailing, texture and equal spacing between the stones. Not a good contender for sizing. Not all rings should be messed with. Comments about resizing usually refers to a ring that CAN be safely resized.

The vendor should have warned you that this design was not sizable. Can you return it and order the correct size? But Gyspy is right, it was your error in ordering and not their fault.

 

[CharmyPoo]

In my opinion, that ring is not easily sizable if they want it to look good. They will have to remove metal between every diamond to make it even. Plus .. the milgrain will be messed up. I simply won't resize it. Also, why didn't you just order it in the right size since it is a custom piece?

 

[Arielle]

My fiance had tried on ring sizers in a brick and mortar jewelery store and was told he was 7.5. I guess the sizer must have been too thin as someone suggested. The ring fits it is just very snug. It would be fine if it was not going to be a ring that he is going to wear every day. However, since it is his wedding band I want it to fit correctly.

I specifically asked about sizing when I ordered the ring, since I knew it was custom and there may be special conditions. The vendor told me that it would not be ideal to resize it, but that it could be done by shaving gold out of the inside. If she had said that it would be damaged if it were to be resized, I would have bought the similar ring from the other vendor.

I was told false information and that is my complaint. What would you do in my situation specifically? I have the option of canceling the charges on my credit card, but I want to be fair to the vendor too.

 

[slg47]

can you return the band or not because it is custom?

also, are you sure that 1/4 size would make enough of a difference? I think you have to try on sizes at that particular vendor and in the width you are going to get the band because sizing can vary. for my FI's band we ordered an 8 and a 7.5, and ended up getting a 7 3/4 made because the 8 was too big and the 7.5 was too small.

I would also ask your FI to try the band on at different times of day...it may fit at some times and not at others.

 

[Gypsy]

I would call the vendor and speak with and owner or manager there. I would explain that you were told, BEFORE YOU PURCHASED, that the ring would be sizable up a 1/4 size and see if they will offer you a compromise. If they do offer you a compromise ask them for their sizing rings and have them send you the next two sizes up to make sure you have the right size. However, don't be surprised if they rescind their compromise because you need more than a quarter size up.

That said... I don't think a 1/4 size is going to do it. It's a wide band and I'd be surprised if that's all it needed. You simply ordered the wrong size based on a thin sizing ring.

 

[Gypsy]

I was told false information and that is my complaint. What would you do in my situation specifically? I have the option of canceling the charges on my credit card, but I want to be fair to the vendor too.

I'm not sure you'd win. You don't have it in writing and it might be your word against theirs. Sure they might reverse the charges initially, but they do investigate and I wouldn't be surprised if it ultimately was decided in the vendor's favor as it is custom and not a design that is sizable.

 

[D&T]

1/4 is not going to do it or make a difference for a wide band (at least 1/2 would work). Unfortunately that ring looks to be an eternity band which is the buyer responsibility to ensure that the size should be correct to begin with. If you can return (less maybe slight restocking fee for custom band) and they can resale, then both party wins, but imo I don't think they are liable to give you a whole new ring. If diamonds were falling out, porosity or other defects with the ring, then yes, I can see where the Vendor should remake the ring for you.

 

[Arielle]

If it really comes down to a dispute, I do have it in writing that they said that they could resize the ring. I'd rather not fight with them, but I have an e-mail chain in writing that documents when they received the ring and what they specifically said. I would much rather they resolve the issue by keeping their word.

 

[denverappraiser]

I"m not surprised that there's a problem with sizing that ring and the bench people are a MUCH better source of this information than the sales people. I agree with the above that, if you're within the return window, just send it back and choose something else. This is a stock item and it's still in new unworn condition, right? Have you asked about this option?

I also agree with the above that 1/4 size is a very small alteration. That's within the fluff of the change in your finger size based on what you had for breakfast, what time of day it is, etc. If you're going to get a different ring or mess with retrofitting this one, make sure you know that the results are going to be satisfactory before you get into it.

 

[ame]

She might not have misordered though. I have found several jewelers mandrels to vary WILDLY. In one store I am a size 4. In another a 6.5. There SHOULD be compliance but there's not. So she might have ordered what they were told size-wise and it showed up 1/4 size off bec the mandrel was different.

 

[MissStepcut]

She might not have misordered though. I have found several jewelers mandrels to vary WILDLY. In one store I am a size 4. In another a 6.5. There SHOULD be compliance but there's not. So she might have ordered what they were told size-wise and it showed up 1/4 size off bec the mandrel was different.

That's crazy. I have ordered/tried on several rings in 4.5 and they all fit similarly. Except with bands 3mm+ wide.

 

[NovemberBride]

I am shocked how many people are siding with the vendor here. I am not in the jewelry business and when I ask a vendor a point-blank question and get an answer I take their word for it. Assuming the conversation went as OP suggests and she was specifically told the ring could be sized, that seems to be to have been a condition of purchase and to the extent that the ring is not sizeable, the sale should be voidable.

 

[ame]

She might not have misordered though. I have found several jewelers mandrels to vary WILDLY. In one store I am a size 4. In another a 6.5. There SHOULD be compliance but there's not. So she might have ordered what they were told size-wise and it showed up 1/4 size off bec the mandrel was different.

That's crazy. I have ordered/tried on several rings in 4.5 and they all fit similarly. Except with bands 3mm+ wide.

I agree. These were all rings 2-3mm wide. I was particularly annoyed to notice how much even 1/4 size varied from some places. Oh well. Luckily I don't need to worry much about this anymore.

 

[mrssalvo]

I'd really try to work with them and see if they will let you return and order it in the correct size. It does get a little sticky b/c you did order a certain size and the ring was made it that size so they did fulfill their end of the deal. I honestly wouldn't want them to try and size a ring like that and since they really don't want to either you are better off trying to work some deal with them where you both can be happy.

 

[MissStepcut]

I am shocked how many people are siding with the vendor here. I am not in the jewelry business and when I ask a vendor a point-blank question and get an answer I take their word for it. Assuming the conversation went as OP suggests and she was specifically told the ring could be sized, that seems to be to have been a condition of purchase and to the extent that the ring is not sizeable, the sale should be voidable.

I totally agree that the vendor needs to stand behind their word, I am just concerned if OP pushes the issue and gets her 1/4 size larger (potentially forcing the jeweler to totally remake the ring) it will still not fit. It sounds from her description that it's more than 1/4 sizes too small. If that is the case, responsibility comes back to OP.

 

[RobertLejman_ISA_GG]

I, too, am surprised at how everyone is supporting the vendor. I guess because they are a "trusted" vendor? Can't we know who it is? If the shoe was on the other foot, if it wasn;t a PS vendor, everyone here would be all over them instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt that seems to be happening here. I'm for the consumer, she should get what she wants, and the vendor should eat it in order to keep their "trusted" status. Just sayin'.

 

[slg47]

If the vendor said it could be sized up 1/4 size they should honor that, no question.

The bigger issue and one that we see a lot on PS is that the consumer also has responsibility. Consumers should be careful when ordering custom pieces, especially eternity bands that are difficult to resize. We see this a lot with pave pieces...when purchasing pave consumers should be aware that these pieces require maintenance.

 

[cookies]

Thank you! That is what I feel like too.

A quarter size is also a small amount, but again, it is my fiance's wedding ring, and I want it to be perfect. He says he can manage it, but the first time he picked it up from fedex and told me about it on the phone, he said it was too small (even before he said how beautiful it was or how much he liked it). It takes him forever to get it off his finger and he can't be doing that every time he goes to the gym.

I just feel like for how long I saved up for it and for how important a purchase it is to us, it shouldn't be too much to ask that it is perfect.

If it is really tight right now, 1/4 size up is probably not going to be enough for your fiance, unless he has tried on a similar but 1/4 larger ring, and found it fit well.

The integrity of an eternity ring could potentially be sacrificed during resizing. Even if your jeweler could resize it for you, try not to resize it more than once or twice. You definitely would want to figure out the right size first, by trying on different sizes for a few days. A few minutes wouldn't tell you much as the finger size fluctuates throughout the day (and throughout the year).

 

[denverappraiser]

I, too, am surprised at how everyone is supporting the vendor. I guess because they are a "trusted" vendor? Can't we know who it is? If the shoe was on the other foot, if it wasn;t a PS vendor, everyone here would be all over them instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt that seems to be happening here. I'm for the consumer, she should get what she wants, and the vendor should eat it in order to keep their "trusted" status. Just sayin'.

I don’t think ‘trusted’ status has anything to do with it. If anything it makes it worse because if it’s one of the regulars, you can bet they’re monitoring this thread. There are 2 sides (or more) to every story, and we’ve only heard one.

If the customer was told before the job was started that it could be sized then they clearly should make good on it. Surely they are disputing this claim rather than just refusing to honor it. We’ve not heard from the vendor and probably won’t because of the way the PS rules work. This leaves a specific question for the OP that I don’t think has been answered yet:

Does the vendor agree that the sales person said they could size it?
Another important question: Who is currently in possession of the piece?

A few observations, some of which leads to this feeling of support for the vendor here:

Most custom jobs are done with a ‘no refunds’ sort of policy. Presumably this is the case here. They aren’t being accused of doing a bad job, or even of not doing the job requested. They had nothing to do with sizing the finger and, assuming that it IS the size requested, they’ve done what they said they would.

Sizing that is probably possible but it is a significant chore and it’s not without risks. It may require removing and resetting diamonds, it runs a risk of breaking stones and it runs the risk of being less than 100% perfect at the end, which can lead to future problems. At this point they have a reasonable position that it’s the customers ‘fault’ but the next round would be much more problematic. If they go through the effort to size it up under the name of customer relations and it still doesn’t solve the problem then they’re in a worse position than they are already in. I’m presuming this deal is being done long distance so they’re STILL relying on this unknown 3rd party jeweler to measure properly.

I don’t have a good solution here that seems ‘fair’ to everyone but that doesn’t mean a solution doesn’t exist. The bench department at the manufacturer is the place to start. The options vary depending on what techniques were used to make the piece in the first place. Starting over completely seems like an extreme answer and maybe they can propose something in the middle. If the stones are burnish set they may be able to push them out from the back, size it and reset them. They may be able to make it thinner in the spaces between the diamonds and get a quarter size that way. It may not be an issue for every stone. It’s going to depend on the thickness of the piece and the depth of each and every stone. It’s a complicated question, it requires a skilled benchman to deal with it, and it requires their considered advice based on looking at the actual piece. Pointing fingers in either direction, frankly, seems counterproductive to that.

I see two important and different issues here. Can it be 'fixed'? Who should pay? They're related but not the same. I would actually add a 3rd question. Is sizing it up 1/4 of a size actually going to make it satisfactory, even if it turns out to be possible?

 

[Laila619]

I am shocked how many people are siding with the vendor here. I am not in the jewelry business and when I ask a vendor a point-blank question and get an answer I take their word for it. Assuming the conversation went as OP suggests and she was specifically told the ring could be sized, that seems to be to have been a condition of purchase and to the extent that the ring is not sizeable, the sale should be voidable.

Yep.

However, I don't think I'd even want it sized, because they'd be shaving gold off. I'd rather start over with a brand new band in a 1/2 size or so bigger.