Bought my wife some jewlery and I am ok with what we bought and the purchase price. My main complaint is that when they told me that they were "arranging for credit" for the balance of our purchase I figured they arranged for a loan much like when a car is purchased (by the way they will not accept a check).
What they were really doing was getting me a credit card which I did not want through TD retail. When I found this out I paid the entire balance and closed the account immediately which probably effected my credit score in a negative way. I received a letter from them stating that balance was 0.00 and account was closed this letter was not signed other than customer service department. This is ok I guess but I like to have my communications signed and think that it speaks to the charecter of the company if no one wants to put their name to what they are representing.
I also believe that the cruise lines seem to be in kahoots with these charletans since they "steer" you to them through their shopping host or experts or what have you by telling you that these are the reputable guys and you have to be careful.
In short cruise and enjoy it but don't listen to any of the "shopping" host (the shopping host gets a percentage). Pay for your purchases in cash and be aware if your purchase is over the limit on your card because they will issue you another credit card which you do not want. They will not be up front and tell you this is what they are doing.
I recently enjoyed a cruise and purchased the well-promoted "Crown of Light" diamond at their Belize store. Curious about the deal I made, I have researched my diamond and sale price after returning home. I was horrified at the complaints posted on this site and others. Thankfully, I continued my research and have also found some sites giving good reviews of the Crown Of Light diamonds and feel better about my purchase. But, it is really disheartening to see all the negativity in the beginning of one's search.
Some things I have learned is 1) this "crown of light" diamond cut is patiented by Diamond International. Being the patient holder, that means that the cut is only theirs and can be done by none other. Therefore, they can ask any price they want for the diamond. that is just a fact. 2) It is indeed a fantastic cut and while any other round cut diamond has 57 cuts, the crown of light has 90 cuts. this means more fire and consequently, more beauty. 3) Be choosy in picking an appraiser and use one that they recommend. Your hometown jeweler may downplay the value and uniqueness of your diamond because they want to steer your sells in the future to only them. Or, they may talk down your diamond and convenience you to "trade" your worthless piece of junk for one of their diamonds. Local jewelers may not even be aware or educated as to what a "crown of light" cut is.
Lastly, if you picked out your stone, which you feel is beautiful, and paid a value that you felt it was worth (especially if you haggled for the very best deal), then enjoy your stone and don't let the negativitivy get you down. That's what I''m going to do. Now, diamonds falling out of settings and other issues like that, is a totally different matter. I'm only talking about those who tell you that you were definitely ripped off. Have confidence in your jewelry and enjoy it to the fullest.
Purchased a Corum open Bridges watch for my wife on January 15th 2014. Eleven months later the ($450.00)
watch band broke in half. Watch comes with 2 year warrenty. They refused to honor a replacement of the watch band. Manufacturer (Corum) has a website, but no addressee or phone number.
Our family went on a cruise in mid-August 2014 and purchased nearly $40,000 of jewels from Diamonds International (a US-based jewelry retailer with chain stores at major cruise port) at three different ports with the help of a Carnival Cruise "shopping guide" who assured us he gets no commissions from DI.
We paid for the merchandise using four different credit cards, including two DI cards that the DI store reps started for us. We were initially very happy as the clerks and shopping guide assured us that we got an awesome deal on high quality jewelry, which we discovered was not the case as soon as we visited a jewelry store when we returned home.
What had happened was that after our last purchase, the DI store clerk informed us that the certification and appraisal for some of our diamonds were still located at DI's headquarters in New York and would have to be mailed to our home and that we would receive it within two weeks or less. That was the main reason why we visited a local jewelry store to see if we can get an appraisal for insurance purposes. The jewelry store we visited told us our diamonds were worth about one third of what we paid and that the diamond studs we purchased did not look like they were 1 ct each as DI claimed.
After waiting for the certification and appraisal that DI promised us would arrive at a certain time but did not, we decided to visit another appraiser, this time, a renown indepentent appraiser (one of the most famous in our area). We had to pay hundreds in consulting fees and got an appraisal from that master GIA gemologist. He indicated that our diamonds appeared small to our local jeweler because the surface area appeared less than 1 ct, but most of the weight was probably in the girdle and that it was cut very thick.
We filed a dispute with Diamonds International and eventually received an EGL certification but not their appraisal. After viewing the EGL certification and comparing it with the appraisal from our independent appraiser, we noticed discrepancies such as the grade of the gold mounting. They were not of the same grade. Also, the EGL papers indicated that our diamond was laser drilled. The independent appraiser could not find those lines in our diamond studs, which means they could have been "filled" after being laser drilled. DI could not provide a clear answer as to the exact enhancements the diamonds may have gone through and refuses to acknowledge the discrepancies in the EGL certification and the independent appraiser's.
This is just one of many other concerns we have about my purchase which includes the way receipts were written up, verbal promises made but not upheld, and the fact that we were not given adequate time to read printed terms and conditions, which contradicts with what was said to us at the store and what is listed online.
We've shown good faith to the merchant and have written numerous letters over the span of a month, hoping to resolve this issue without having to involve our credit card companies. Besides providing very few short and vague correspondences, their final offer was to take back the diamond studs and to issue a store credit. Because their stores are located only in New York and other cruise ship destinations, that would be nearly impossible for us to use the store credit as we don't plan on another cruise anytime soon and there are no DI stores in our state.
Because of this incident, we lost confident with all our other purchases with DI and requested to return everything to DI for a full refund. We wanted to mail all the merchandise back ASAP, but DI will only accept returns if they issue an RMA number. We've read horror stories from other customers stating they've returned the items only to lose out on their money and the merchandise. We've already lost out on a lot of money getting the items re-appraised and will probably lose more on return shipping and insurance, but just want this problem resolved as soon as possible.
We filed disputes with the different credit card companies and so far Discover is siding with us, but not surprisingly the DI credit cards said we must contact the merchant. Sadly there is indeed conflict of interest since we assume the credit card company is owned by DI and our case could not be fairly considered. Here is our situation as we see it: The merchant did not pull through on the promises they made, the gems did not fully match their certification papers, and the merchant has ceased responding to our inquiries. We have not stopped trying to contact DI throughout this entire ordeal, but we have gotten NO response back from them over the last two months or more.
Also the GM of Diamonds International lied to our Discover Card Dispute Department by writing in his letter that we have not contacted DI about our concerns. How can he say this when our records clearly shows that we've been emailing at least two DI customer service reps (Fernando and Belle), and even secured a claim number from them?
Needless to say, this entire ordeal has taken up a lot of our time and caused a lot of stress. We won't even attempt to go into the medical issues that this has caused us. We hope that by posting up our story, it'll help raise awareness about the unethical dealings of this company. Everyone with DI seems very nice until after you pay. Their customer service department seems incompetent and uncaring no matter how much you've spent. This is a sad situation because we would have been very loyal customers had we've been taken care of properly and adequately.
I purchased a gemstone from Diamonds International using 6 months same as cash. I paid the balance in full 3 full weeks before the 6 month limit. Now they claim I have a balance of $35, the amount they charge for late payments. This false late charge has invalidated the interest free offer. They claim I owe the $35 late charge and over $800 in interest. I owe neither.
I cant believe some of the reviews i am reading about DI! This is a company that has over 100 stores worldwide and has millions of satisfied guests. They continue to have repeat business and have grown from a single store with 6 showcases in St Thomas in 1988 to a global economic powerhouse contributing to the economy with substantial growth to this day. Sure there are dissatisfied guests az there are with any company...just look at Walmart or any othdr large business for that matter. I can also say that the consumer needs to educate themselves before buying as this seems to be the greatest complaint. People dont listen to what are facts and only see the the jeweler that cant match the price given so they bash the other jeweler when they cant even get a hold of the same product. I have been a jeweler for over 20 years and seen amazing deals come from the islands especially DI! Am I jealous...you bet but i refuse to bash them because they provide value and i have been able to gain additional business by not lowering myself to the others that do bash. Do i see bad deals...yes ...however i am able to also explain how the guest can increase the value of what they purchesed. KAYS, JAREDS, ZALES, all have the same complaints yet they still survive...how is this...like Diamonds International they ultimately have exemplory service overall! Yes it's ashame when you run into a bad salezperson... blame them and not the company!
After reading all the reviews on BBB and RipOff, I absolutely support many of theirs frustrations. I too purchased items worth just under $10,000 and was am having difficulty obtaining a refund. I purchased items in June 2013 from them, a loose stone and a semi-mount ring, which during the purchase, they said they would set it together prior to me leaving their shop (Diamonds International Nassau). Even the cruise ship representative was present that at the time. The manager, Amit, was also present right prior to purchase, approved the purchase, and the purchase transaction was made. Few minutes later, while I was walking away to look at another section, they returned stating that their shop Jewer stated that the loose diamond and the ring would not fit together. The manager offered that I exchange the diamond to another loose stone and that they would give me a good deal. I clearly purchased the two items with their manager's promise to set the two together prior to my leaving the shop. I stated that I am not interested in another diamond or another semi-mount ring. I was told that I could exchange these items at their "many" US locations (which are only in Alaska and New York). I was not offered a refund.
After coming back to US, I tried to see if I could find any semi-mount that would fit my loose stone. After several trials, I was consistently either disappointed by that the semi-mount I liked did not fit the stone, or that they would have to alter the semi-mount to make the stone fit (but this would increase the risk of the stone falling off of the ring). I then requested the Nassua store manager and the main NY Diamonds International company regarding the issue. They have yet to accept my request for refund and declined my claim stating that I have the burden of proof to prove that the two items were sold to me with intention of them being fitted together prior to leaving the Diamonds International Store. Ofcourse, when I inquired if they have a video tap at the store, I was brushed off. My credit card company is giving up because Nassau is on International land (NY headquarters does not matter since purchase was made in Nassau). If it was even 1-2 thousands, one may be able to give up, but a matter in this economy is of $10,000.
I am now trying to find a ring that actually can be used for my wedding with this pending $10,000 that I might have to now take to court because Nassau manager is ignoring my requests of statement from them that they did promise me the ring and stone would be fitted in their own store. If anyone knows a way to obtain the refund, I am happy to learn. I am very much willing to send all of the Diamonds International items to them but they would not accept it without a "reference number" that approves the return. Please help resolve this unfair practice by Diamonds International.
After reading all the reviews on BBB and RipOff, I absolutely support many of theirs frustrations. I too purchased items worth just under $10,000 and was am having difficulty obtaining a refund. I purchased items in June 2013 from them, a loose stone and a semi-mount ring, which during the purchase, they said they would set it together prior to me leaving their shop (Diamonds International Nassau). Even the cruise ship representative was present that at the time. The manager, Amit, was also present right prior to purchase, approved the purchase, and the purchase transaction was made. Few minutes later, while I was walking away to look at another section, they returned stating that their shop Jewer stated that the loose diamond and the ring would not fit together. The manager offered that I exchange the diamond to another loose stone and that they would give me a good deal. I clearly purchased the two items with their manager's promise to set the two together prior to my leaving the shop. I stated that I am not interested in another diamond or another semi-mount ring. I was told that I could exchange these items at their "many" US locations (which are only in Alaska and New York). I was not offered a refund.
After coming back to US, I tried to see if I could find any semi-mount that would fit my loose stone. After several trials, I was consistently either disappointed by that the semi-mount I liked did not fit the stone, or that they would have to alter the semi-mount to make the stone fit (but this would increase the risk of the stone falling off of the ring). I then requested the Nassua store manager and the main NY Diamonds International company regarding the issue. They have yet to accept my request for refund and declined my claim stating that I have the burden of proof to prove that the two items were sold to me with intention of them being fitted together prior to leaving the Diamonds International Store. Ofcourse, when I inquired if they have a video tap at the store, I was brushed off. My credit card company is giving up because Nassau is on International land (NY headquarters does not matter since purchase was made in Nassau). If it was even 1-2 thousands, one may be able to give up, but a matter in this economy is of $10,000.
I am now trying to find a ring that actually can be used for my wedding with this pending $10,000 that I might have to now take to court because Nassau manager is ignoring my requests of statement from them that they did promise me the ring and stone would be fitted in their own store. If anyone knows a way to obtain the refund, I am happy to learn. I am very much willing to send all of the Diamonds International items to them but they would not accept it without a "reference number" that approves the return. Please help resolve this unfair practice by Diamonds International.
Diamonds International Reviews
Bought my wife some jewlery and I am ok with what we bought and the purchase price. My main complaint is that when they told me that they were "arranging for credit" for the balance of our purchase I figured they arranged for a loan much like when a car is purchased (by the way they will not accept a check).
What they were really doing was getting me a credit card which I did not want through TD retail. When I found this out I paid the entire balance and closed the account immediately which probably effected my credit score in a negative way. I received a letter from them stating that balance was 0.00 and account was closed this letter was not signed other than customer service department. This is ok I guess but I like to have my communications signed and think that it speaks to the charecter of the company if no one wants to put their name to what they are representing.
I also believe that the cruise lines seem to be in kahoots with these charletans since they "steer" you to them through their shopping host or experts or what have you by telling you that these are the reputable guys and you have to be careful.
In short cruise and enjoy it but don't listen to any of the "shopping" host (the shopping host gets a percentage). Pay for your purchases in cash and be aware if your purchase is over the limit on your card because they will issue you another credit card which you do not want. They will not be up front and tell you this is what they are doing.
I recently enjoyed a cruise and purchased the well-promoted "Crown of Light" diamond at their Belize store. Curious about the deal I made, I have researched my diamond and sale price after returning home. I was horrified at the complaints posted on this site and others. Thankfully, I continued my research and have also found some sites giving good reviews of the Crown Of Light diamonds and feel better about my purchase. But, it is really disheartening to see all the negativity in the beginning of one's search.
Some things I have learned is 1) this "crown of light" diamond cut is patiented by Diamond International. Being the patient holder, that means that the cut is only theirs and can be done by none other. Therefore, they can ask any price they want for the diamond. that is just a fact. 2) It is indeed a fantastic cut and while any other round cut diamond has 57 cuts, the crown of light has 90 cuts. this means more fire and consequently, more beauty. 3) Be choosy in picking an appraiser and use one that they recommend. Your hometown jeweler may downplay the value and uniqueness of your diamond because they want to steer your sells in the future to only them. Or, they may talk down your diamond and convenience you to "trade" your worthless piece of junk for one of their diamonds. Local jewelers may not even be aware or educated as to what a "crown of light" cut is.
Lastly, if you picked out your stone, which you feel is beautiful, and paid a value that you felt it was worth (especially if you haggled for the very best deal), then enjoy your stone and don't let the negativitivy get you down. That's what I''m going to do. Now, diamonds falling out of settings and other issues like that, is a totally different matter. I'm only talking about those who tell you that you were definitely ripped off. Have confidence in your jewelry and enjoy it to the fullest.
Purchased a Corum open Bridges watch for my wife on January 15th 2014. Eleven months later the ($450.00)
watch band broke in half. Watch comes with 2 year warrenty. They refused to honor a replacement of the watch band. Manufacturer (Corum) has a website, but no addressee or phone number.
Our family went on a cruise in mid-August 2014 and purchased nearly $40,000 of jewels from Diamonds International (a US-based jewelry retailer with chain stores at major cruise port) at three different ports with the help of a Carnival Cruise "shopping guide" who assured us he gets no commissions from DI.
We paid for the merchandise using four different credit cards, including two DI cards that the DI store reps started for us. We were initially very happy as the clerks and shopping guide assured us that we got an awesome deal on high quality jewelry, which we discovered was not the case as soon as we visited a jewelry store when we returned home.
What had happened was that after our last purchase, the DI store clerk informed us that the certification and appraisal for some of our diamonds were still located at DI's headquarters in New York and would have to be mailed to our home and that we would receive it within two weeks or less. That was the main reason why we visited a local jewelry store to see if we can get an appraisal for insurance purposes. The jewelry store we visited told us our diamonds were worth about one third of what we paid and that the diamond studs we purchased did not look like they were 1 ct each as DI claimed.
After waiting for the certification and appraisal that DI promised us would arrive at a certain time but did not, we decided to visit another appraiser, this time, a renown indepentent appraiser (one of the most famous in our area). We had to pay hundreds in consulting fees and got an appraisal from that master GIA gemologist. He indicated that our diamonds appeared small to our local jeweler because the surface area appeared less than 1 ct, but most of the weight was probably in the girdle and that it was cut very thick.
We filed a dispute with Diamonds International and eventually received an EGL certification but not their appraisal. After viewing the EGL certification and comparing it with the appraisal from our independent appraiser, we noticed discrepancies such as the grade of the gold mounting. They were not of the same grade. Also, the EGL papers indicated that our diamond was laser drilled. The independent appraiser could not find those lines in our diamond studs, which means they could have been "filled" after being laser drilled. DI could not provide a clear answer as to the exact enhancements the diamonds may have gone through and refuses to acknowledge the discrepancies in the EGL certification and the independent appraiser's.
This is just one of many other concerns we have about my purchase which includes the way receipts were written up, verbal promises made but not upheld, and the fact that we were not given adequate time to read printed terms and conditions, which contradicts with what was said to us at the store and what is listed online.
We've shown good faith to the merchant and have written numerous letters over the span of a month, hoping to resolve this issue without having to involve our credit card companies. Besides providing very few short and vague correspondences, their final offer was to take back the diamond studs and to issue a store credit. Because their stores are located only in New York and other cruise ship destinations, that would be nearly impossible for us to use the store credit as we don't plan on another cruise anytime soon and there are no DI stores in our state.
Because of this incident, we lost confident with all our other purchases with DI and requested to return everything to DI for a full refund. We wanted to mail all the merchandise back ASAP, but DI will only accept returns if they issue an RMA number. We've read horror stories from other customers stating they've returned the items only to lose out on their money and the merchandise. We've already lost out on a lot of money getting the items re-appraised and will probably lose more on return shipping and insurance, but just want this problem resolved as soon as possible.
We filed disputes with the different credit card companies and so far Discover is siding with us, but not surprisingly the DI credit cards said we must contact the merchant. Sadly there is indeed conflict of interest since we assume the credit card company is owned by DI and our case could not be fairly considered. Here is our situation as we see it: The merchant did not pull through on the promises they made, the gems did not fully match their certification papers, and the merchant has ceased responding to our inquiries. We have not stopped trying to contact DI throughout this entire ordeal, but we have gotten NO response back from them over the last two months or more.
Also the GM of Diamonds International lied to our Discover Card Dispute Department by writing in his letter that we have not contacted DI about our concerns. How can he say this when our records clearly shows that we've been emailing at least two DI customer service reps (Fernando and Belle), and even secured a claim number from them?
Needless to say, this entire ordeal has taken up a lot of our time and caused a lot of stress. We won't even attempt to go into the medical issues that this has caused us. We hope that by posting up our story, it'll help raise awareness about the unethical dealings of this company. Everyone with DI seems very nice until after you pay. Their customer service department seems incompetent and uncaring no matter how much you've spent. This is a sad situation because we would have been very loyal customers had we've been taken care of properly and adequately.
I purchased a gemstone from Diamonds International using 6 months same as cash. I paid the balance in full 3 full weeks before the 6 month limit. Now they claim I have a balance of $35, the amount they charge for late payments. This false late charge has invalidated the interest free offer. They claim I owe the $35 late charge and over $800 in interest. I owe neither.
I cant believe some of the reviews i am reading about DI! This is a company that has over 100 stores worldwide and has millions of satisfied guests. They continue to have repeat business and have grown from a single store with 6 showcases in St Thomas in 1988 to a global economic powerhouse contributing to the economy with substantial growth to this day. Sure there are dissatisfied guests az there are with any company...just look at Walmart or any othdr large business for that matter. I can also say that the consumer needs to educate themselves before buying as this seems to be the greatest complaint. People dont listen to what are facts and only see the the jeweler that cant match the price given so they bash the other jeweler when they cant even get a hold of the same product. I have been a jeweler for over 20 years and seen amazing deals come from the islands especially DI! Am I jealous...you bet but i refuse to bash them because they provide value and i have been able to gain additional business by not lowering myself to the others that do bash. Do i see bad deals...yes ...however i am able to also explain how the guest can increase the value of what they purchesed. KAYS, JAREDS, ZALES, all have the same complaints yet they still survive...how is this...like Diamonds International they ultimately have exemplory service overall! Yes it's ashame when you run into a bad salezperson... blame them and not the company!
After reading all the reviews on BBB and RipOff, I absolutely support many of theirs frustrations. I too purchased items worth just under $10,000 and was am having difficulty obtaining a refund. I purchased items in June 2013 from them, a loose stone and a semi-mount ring, which during the purchase, they said they would set it together prior to me leaving their shop (Diamonds International Nassau). Even the cruise ship representative was present that at the time. The manager, Amit, was also present right prior to purchase, approved the purchase, and the purchase transaction was made. Few minutes later, while I was walking away to look at another section, they returned stating that their shop Jewer stated that the loose diamond and the ring would not fit together. The manager offered that I exchange the diamond to another loose stone and that they would give me a good deal. I clearly purchased the two items with their manager's promise to set the two together prior to my leaving the shop. I stated that I am not interested in another diamond or another semi-mount ring. I was told that I could exchange these items at their "many" US locations (which are only in Alaska and New York). I was not offered a refund.
After coming back to US, I tried to see if I could find any semi-mount that would fit my loose stone. After several trials, I was consistently either disappointed by that the semi-mount I liked did not fit the stone, or that they would have to alter the semi-mount to make the stone fit (but this would increase the risk of the stone falling off of the ring). I then requested the Nassua store manager and the main NY Diamonds International company regarding the issue. They have yet to accept my request for refund and declined my claim stating that I have the burden of proof to prove that the two items were sold to me with intention of them being fitted together prior to leaving the Diamonds International Store. Ofcourse, when I inquired if they have a video tap at the store, I was brushed off. My credit card company is giving up because Nassau is on International land (NY headquarters does not matter since purchase was made in Nassau). If it was even 1-2 thousands, one may be able to give up, but a matter in this economy is of $10,000.
I am now trying to find a ring that actually can be used for my wedding with this pending $10,000 that I might have to now take to court because Nassau manager is ignoring my requests of statement from them that they did promise me the ring and stone would be fitted in their own store. If anyone knows a way to obtain the refund, I am happy to learn. I am very much willing to send all of the Diamonds International items to them but they would not accept it without a "reference number" that approves the return. Please help resolve this unfair practice by Diamonds International.
After reading all the reviews on BBB and RipOff, I absolutely support many of theirs frustrations. I too purchased items worth just under $10,000 and was am having difficulty obtaining a refund. I purchased items in June 2013 from them, a loose stone and a semi-mount ring, which during the purchase, they said they would set it together prior to me leaving their shop (Diamonds International Nassau). Even the cruise ship representative was present that at the time. The manager, Amit, was also present right prior to purchase, approved the purchase, and the purchase transaction was made. Few minutes later, while I was walking away to look at another section, they returned stating that their shop Jewer stated that the loose diamond and the ring would not fit together. The manager offered that I exchange the diamond to another loose stone and that they would give me a good deal. I clearly purchased the two items with their manager's promise to set the two together prior to my leaving the shop. I stated that I am not interested in another diamond or another semi-mount ring. I was told that I could exchange these items at their "many" US locations (which are only in Alaska and New York). I was not offered a refund.
After coming back to US, I tried to see if I could find any semi-mount that would fit my loose stone. After several trials, I was consistently either disappointed by that the semi-mount I liked did not fit the stone, or that they would have to alter the semi-mount to make the stone fit (but this would increase the risk of the stone falling off of the ring). I then requested the Nassua store manager and the main NY Diamonds International company regarding the issue. They have yet to accept my request for refund and declined my claim stating that I have the burden of proof to prove that the two items were sold to me with intention of them being fitted together prior to leaving the Diamonds International Store. Ofcourse, when I inquired if they have a video tap at the store, I was brushed off. My credit card company is giving up because Nassau is on International land (NY headquarters does not matter since purchase was made in Nassau). If it was even 1-2 thousands, one may be able to give up, but a matter in this economy is of $10,000.
I am now trying to find a ring that actually can be used for my wedding with this pending $10,000 that I might have to now take to court because Nassau manager is ignoring my requests of statement from them that they did promise me the ring and stone would be fitted in their own store. If anyone knows a way to obtain the refund, I am happy to learn. I am very much willing to send all of the Diamonds International items to them but they would not accept it without a "reference number" that approves the return. Please help resolve this unfair practice by Diamonds International.