Thoughts on Dover Jewelry - Designer engagement ring

[aude07]

Hello -

I am new to this forum and I am hoping to benefit from everyone's experience and wisdom in purchasing an engagement rings. I have recently found the "Dream" engagement ring on Dover Jewelry. It is being advertised as a genuine signed piece (ex. Tiffiany), but the site does not mention if the rings comes with its original box or certificate of authenticity (it is not shown in the pictures). I called to inquire about this specific ring and was told that the piece is 'consignment jewelry' - they were not sure, whether it had it official certificate of authenticity - they would have to inquire. I clearly see in the pictures posted on their website that the ring is signed and has a serial number stamped in it (from the writing and stamp, it is clear that the ring is not recent - this was confirmed by the woman I spoke with, the ring is about 20 years old). Having tried on this very engagement ring model, I see that it looks exactly as it should. However, with all the counterfeit these days and without a certificate of authenticity, it is difficult to trust only by seeing a picture of it.

Also, I was told I would not be able to see the ring until full payment. Then, upon receipt, I would have 3 days to inspect and have it appraised. If I was unsatisfied, I could return it for full reimbursement. My concern is that 3 days is a very short period of time and obviously not sufficient to have the ring formally appraised or traced with its serial number to verify its authenticity. I called a reputable jewelry store in my area and they told me that the only thing they could do in 3 days is verify that the diamonds are indeed of the color, cut, clarity, etc. advertised and the condition of the ring. They would try to spot whether it was a genuine signed piece, but could not offer any guarantees.


Thus, not having ever purchased such an important item via the Internet, I am afraid that even though the listed price is much less than what I would be paying in-store (about a 1/3 of the 'professionally appraised value')- it is still a substantial sum of money and I would not like to have the unfortunate surprise of finding out that it is a fake. Even though, they have a 3-day return policy (which, I honestly find VERY short) - I am afraid that having paid out the entire sum of money, having it reimbursed will be difficult.

In your opinion, what should I do? Is this a case of 'if it is too good to be true, then it probably is'?

Also, does anyone have any personal experience in dealing with this store. How is the return policy there?

I thank you for any help or advice that you can give me.

regards,
Aude

 

[stci]

I know Dover since many years but never heard they sell fake. If they have paper I will plonge without any problem.

You could ask to have 7 days to verify the item, I think they can accept. It's not long to verify a number for authenticity (just a phone call) and a jeweler can verify color, clarity and ct size in no time. Don't be afraid, you have time to return the ring if there are problem.

 

[Love Street]

If it has a serial number, and the design house is still around, you could call the design house customer service number and see if they have the serial number in their system. This oculd at least answer the authenticity question (it seems highly unlikely someone would copy and stamp a fake but legit serial number - though stranger things have happened, I'm sure).

For example, my Tiffany engagement ring had a serial number stamped into the inside of the ring. T&Co has an 800 number for customer service. More than once when I've had questions, I have called and given them my ring's serial number and they've found it in their system , complete with original date of purchase and specs (color, clarity, etc).

 

[SB621]

Pesonally I think that they offer a return period at all is suprizing. They are not a typicaly jewerly store- they don't sell new pieces that they make. They are on consignment. I have NEVER heard of a consignment store accepting returns before DJ. I think you need to get rid of the mindset that you purchasing from a regular old jewerly store where all they want to do is please you. At DJ you either buy or don't mind- they don't do all the bells and whistles.

Personally I have 2 pieces from DJ. A eternity ring that I have and a bracelet that is on its way to me. DJ has an excellent reputation and represent their consignment items as best as they can. If they believe it is a real one they will list it. They do their best to be honest with what they put out there. I have never heard of anyone unhappy with their purchase. While I understand you are hesitant with purchasing something without authencity paperwork- well that is the nature of the beast when purchasing on consignment.

 

[kelpie]

I have made one major purchase from them and was very pleased. I kind of had the opposite problem of what you dread...I purchased an unbranded item which turned out to be hallmarked Graff which if true means it was worth maybe 20 times what I paid. They will provide an appraisal with your purchase but if it is a tiffany ring and a substantial amount of money and you believe the brand is what you are paying for, take it to Tiffany to be appraised and authenticated. This takes two weeks, make the time period to authenticate it by the maker a condition of the sale.

 

[LGK]

I've worked with Dover on a number of purchases- a platinum/diamond antique watch, some chandelier earrings, a 2 ct transitional cut ring, and maybe something else I'm forgetting, lol. Anyway, they have always been very easy to work with IMO and their prices on some things are killer. Their descriptions are not always totally accurate, however- I didn't get the sense that they were being intentionally misleading but more that they were not spending a lot of time evaluating each item. For example, the transitional cut diamond I bought from them was described as an I color, but looking at the pic I figured it was more like an M. Indeed, it was an M or N color. But the price was insanely good even with the color discrepancy.

Dover doesn't offer an automatic return policy, but if you ask nicely they will usually give you one. You might ask if they'd do a bit longer than 3 days, it can't hurt anyway.

Anyway, I can't say I have any experience buyign any of their designer pieces, but they are easy to work with and reputable IMO.

 

[aude07]

I apologize for responding so late to everyone, but thank you so much for your responses and help with regard to Dover Jewelry. While I still haven't purchased from them, your views have helped ease my initial skepticism. Ironically, my grand-mother (who happens to be a trained gemologist) had a look at the ring on their website and ended up purchasing another ring for herself Your positive experience with Dover Jewelry made the difference when it came to deciding whether or not to order from them - so thank you again!

 

[luv2sparkle]

I have purchased a couple band rings from Dover and returned them. I wish I had kept them now. But at the time I wasn't sure
of the integrity of the settings and the three days didn't really give me enough time to take them to my favorite jeweler for inspection.
They took the return as per their policy, but the person on the phone gave me the impression they weren't all that happy about it.
But they did it. Then I saw the rings posted back on their website for several hundred dollars more. I guess they sold them for
the higher price so I probably lost a great deal. Oh well.