Re: Complaint ID #***
" background-">Dear Sir/Madam:
This letter responds to the review submitted by Mr*** *** to the Revdex.com on August 9, 2015, regarding his experience with replacement of a broken diamond through Diamond BoutiqueMost importantly, we are truly sorry that Mr*** had a disappointing experience with Diamond Boutique after a fifteen-year relationshipWe strive each and every day to ensure all of our clients have a rewarding experience and we are truly dismayed to hear otherwiseWith respect to the situation with Mr***’s broken diamond, we would like to first present some background information to help elucidate both parties’ positionsMr*** purchased a gentleman’s diamond ring from Diamond Boutique on March 31, (a copy of the receipt is enclosed), not on August 5, as Mr*** claims in his complaintUpon sale of any item of jewelry, Diamond Boutique informs our clients about jewelry insurance and the importance of obtaining insurance to protect pieces against loss, theft, damage and mysterious disappearanceIn addition, we provide clients with a brochure from *** *** Insurance (a copy of which is enclosed)*** *** has specialized in insuring jewelry since and provides comprehensive coverage that homeowners and renters insurance may not coverUpon purchase of his diamond ring, Mr*** was also provided with an appraisal of his piece for purposes of insurance replacement, dated April 11, (a copy of which is enclosed)On the appraisal, it specifically states, “These estimated retail replacement values are provided as a service by Diamond Boutique to assist our clients in meeting the requirements necessary to obtain insurance against damage and loss.”
Following the purchase of his ring, Diamond Boutique did not have any communication with Mr*** regarding his diamond ring, until April 30, 2013, when Mr*** contacted Diamond Boutique regarding the damage to his diamond(Mr*** states in his complaint that the problem first occurred on November 27, 2014, which is untrue given that we have email communication from Mr*** on April 30, 2013, complaining of the broken diamondIn addition, Mr*** states that he spoke with Diamond Boutique on November 5, 2014, which is another untruthful assertion is given that he states that the problem first occurred on November 27, The only communication Diamond Boutique had with Mr*** is documented in the April 30, 2013, email whereupon Mr*** reported the broken diamond and the oral conversation thereafter whereupon Diamond Boutique declined to replace the diamond.) At that time, Mr*** was informed that Diamond Boutique does not warrant diamonds against chipping, scratching or breaking and, unfortunately, we could not provide a replacementThereafter, we did not hear from Mr*** directly and it was not until we received this complaint lodged with the Revdex.com that we indirectly heard from Mr***.In Mr***’s complaint, he states that he is dismayed that Diamond Boutique does not provide a warrantyWhile we can understand Mr***’s frustration that Diamond Boutique does not provide a warranty against such diamond breakage, the policies that a business institutes and provides is a business’s prerogative and there is no state or federal law that requires jewelers to provide such warrantiesIn addition, jewelers who do provide a warranty for replacement of diamonds do so based on many conditions, to which a search of jewelry policies on the Internet can attestFor example, the standard jewelry warranty provides that should a client’s diamond chip, crack or break from its original setting, a jeweler may replace the diamond at their discretion given certain conditions are met, such as:
the ring is in good condition;
documented inspections are required, i.e., the client must have brought the ring in for inspection at least once every six to twelve months per year;
and all necessary repairs and servicing must have been performed by the original jeweler and any handling performed by any jeweler other than the original jeweler voids the warrantyBy way of example, *** ***, a well-known jewelry retailer, has a warranty that provides:
At ***, we are proud to offer our clients Protection Against Loss: if your original diamond (carat to carat) chips, cracks or separates from its original *** ring mounting, and your ring is in good condition in the opinion of *** and you have brought in your ring for inspection every calendar year to quality for this benefit, *** will replace your lost diamo2nd free of charge once during the life of your *** ring Again, this benefit applies on the condition that you have brought your ring in to any *** location for inspection by a *** representative every calendar year to qualifyAll repairs recommended as a result of these inspections must be completed by our *** Studio to maintain this benefitSpecial order diamonds aIC excluded from this replacement benefit(***)
One is hard-pressed to find a policy by any jeweler that provides a lifetime replacement of diamonds absent any one of the above set forth conditionsTherefore, diamond replacement policies are not absolute and unrestricted but are contingent and are qualified with certain provisos.
During the ten years from when Mr*** purchased his diamond and when he notified Diamond Boutique of the breakage, he had not returned to Diamond Boutique for any cleaning, inspections or repairsMoreover, we have no knowledge whether Mr***’s ring has been repaired, cleaned, serviced or handled in any way by any jeweler other than Diamond BoutiqueMr***’s complaint further states that, “Buyer beware, diamond [sic] aren’t forever at the Diamond Boutique in Del Mar, CA.” One of the greatest misconceptions about diamonds is the belief that “Diamonds are Forever” has a literal connotationMany believe that diamonds are the hardest substance known to man and, therefore, are indestructible and cannot chip or breakThe industry is replete with information regarding the fact that diamonds are not indestructible, that they are susceptible to chipping, cracking and breakageA very instructive and informative article entitled Diamond TLC: Diamonds are not Indestructible is written by *** ***(***) To provide a full understanding of the fact that diamonds are indeed capable of breakage, we have presented this article in its entirety:
Diamonds are the hardest substance known to manThey are also uniquely resistant to heat and scratching. Yet a surprising fact to some is that diamonds are not indestructible Diamonds can chip or crack, if subjected to a sharp blow or knock. Diamonds are even more prone to chip/cracks at the girdle. Every major jeweler speaks about diamonds chipping or cracking, as it unfortunately does occur. It is distressing to chip or crack your diamond, so always do your due diligence by not wearing your diamond(s) when performing active work or play It is always recommended to have your precious gems insuredAfter all, this is exactly what insurance is for! Most homeowners and tenants insurance have riders that cover jewelryThey will replace the diamond and/or have the original diamond recutAgain, we highly recommend that you contact your insurance company to protect your diamond(s) AS QUOTED BY THE *** *** ** *** (***): “Toughness: Any stone, including a diamond, will break if it’s hit hard enough in the right place. Toughness is a measure of how well a gem can survive an impact and resist breaking, chipping, or cracking A cutter can cleave a diamond by hitting it sharply in the cleavage directionBut even after cutting, a hard blow can still cleave a diamondThis can happen during the setting process, or even when it’s being worn.”
AS QUOTED FROM A DIAMOND CUTTER ON *** *** ***: "Resistance to breaking and resistance to scratching are two different thingsWood, for example, is generally very soft and easy to scratch but pretty strong when it comes to breakagePine is easy to scratch with your fingernail but buildings made from it can last a lifetime and beyondGlass is at the other extremeUnder circumstances it doesn’t scratch all that easily but it can be terribly fragileDiamonds fall in betweenAlthough they are nearly impossible to scratch under wear, they can chip with just the right impact.”
Most people are naturally concerned with what they can do to minimize their risks, even when they’re insured or under warrantyTo some extent, it helps to be just plain lucky but chips generally happen when the edge of the stone is knocked against something hardGranite countertops, porcelain sinks and other jewelry items with diamonds in them are the most common culpritsWhen you’re wearing your jewelry be careful about these surfaces and, when you’re not wearing a piece, put it in a soft bag or compartment in your jewelry box to prevent knocking things against one anotherBe careful about putting it in your pocket or purse where it can knock against other thingsHave it checked periodically by a professional."
AS QUOTED BY THE *** *** ** *** (***): “There is no such thing as perfect toughnessAny gem will break if it’s hit hard enoughDiamonds are very tough, but remember that a diamond cutter can cleave (crack) a diamond by giving it a sharp blow in the right directionThe same thing can happen if a diamond accidentally receives a severe knock or drops onto a hard surfaceLess severe damage, in the form of chipping, can also occur.” [Emphasis added.]
As this article explicitly states, diamonds do break and it is not such a rare or unusual phenomenonIt is simply common sense that diamonds do in fact breakA rough, natural, raw diamond is irregular shaped and asymmetricalIn order to render a rough diamond marketable, it must be cutThe image below illustrates a raw diamond on the left and a cut, round brilliant diamond on the right, which is ready for consumers to purchaseIf a diamond were not capable of being cut or breaking, a diamond cutter would not be able to produce such beautiful shapes as a round, princess, oval, asscher, emerald, heart, cushion, radiant, marquise, pear, baguette, trillion or multitude of other shapes that consumers loveMr*** states in his complaint, “Buyer beware, Diamonds] aren’t forever at the Diamond Boutique in Del Mar, CA.” This statement has been disingenuously used out of contextAccording to the *** *** ** *** (***), “A Diamond is Forever’ is one of the world’s best-known advertising slogansIt has many different meaningsIt refers to diamond’s timeless appealIt refers to diamond’s icy beauty.” (***) This slogan has a metaphorical meaning, and can have a literal meaning if a diamond is taken care of in the appropriate mannerThe slogan also “refers to diamond’s durabilityOne result of the diamond formation process is its incredible durability.” (***) Again, per the ***:
Durability is a gemstone’s ability to withstand wear, heat, and chemicalsDurability consists of three properties: hardness, toughness, and stabilityHardness means how well a gemstone resists scratches and abrasionToughness describes how well a gemstone resists breaking and chippingStability means how well a diamond resists chemicals and temperature changes Any stone, including a diamond, will break if it’s hit hard enough in the right place. Toughness is a measure of how well a gem can survive an impact and resist breaking, chipping, or cracking[Emphasis added.]
The *** further states the importance of wearing a diamond with care:
But even a diamond isn't indestructibleIt can be chipped by a sharp blow or become loose in its setting and fall outA diamond should be worn with care(***)
Source after source after source debunks the myth that diamonds are literally forever Diamonds do not have a shelf lifeIf you kept a diamond for a hundred years, it would still have the same brilliance and sparkle as it had when you bought itWhile they may be the hardest stones on Earth, diamonds are still prone to cracking, chipping and other kinds of physical damageApart from the diamond, the setting also requires routine maintenance due to wear and tear(http:// beyond4cs.com/care-and- maintenance/) [Emphasis added.]
Therefore, that very popular adage that a “Diamond is Forever” has a literal connotation only insofar as the consumer takes the necessary care to ensure its proper care and maintenance, including the setting that houses and should protect the diamondWhen Mr*** purchased the diamond in 2003, the diamond was free of any chips, scratches or breakageOver the course of ten years, Mr*** used his ring, as he should, and it was, therefore, subjected to the expected wear and tearDuring this time, Mr*** did not visit Diamond Boutique for any inspections, repairs or servicingIn April 2013, Mr*** contacted Diamond Boutique stating that his diamond had brokenHe emailed a picture of his ring that evidenced the chip (a copy of which is enclosed)At that time, Diamond Boutique informed Mr*** that we would not replace his broken diamondGiven the ten years of problem-free use without any repairs or servicing (to the best of our knowledge), this is also not a situation of a manufacturing defectMr***’s diamond is set in a semi-bezel settingBezel settings are one of the most secure and safest ways in which to set a diamond The main advantage of the bezel setting is that it is very protective of the gemstone, and this is particularly important with some stones that have become popular due to their lesser hardnessBezel settings help to protect these softer stones, particularly if they are set in rings(***)
One of the best things about a bezel setting is that it is very secure and holds the stone tight, not allowing it to loosen or fall offThe metal band (the bezel) covers the especially vulnerable edge of the gemstone, protecting it from damageUnlike prong settings, bezel settings don’t have parts that can snag your clothes or other objects(***)
Diamond Boutique’s gemologist has reviewed the picture of Mr***’s ring and it is apparent that the broken diamond is caused by a sharp blow or knock or the ring was dropped at just the right angleAfter wearing and using this ring for ten years, this diamond did not just chip or break on its ownBased on the photo provided by Mr***, there is evidence that shows an indentation and/or an impact to the gold at the breakage point of the diamond that is inconsistent with wear and tear, indicating a severe impactThe bezel may have been worn down through years of wear and tear and was in need of repair, which is precisely the reason why jewelers advise consumers to have their pieces checked by a jeweler every six to twelve months and, absent such an inspection, any warranty is voidGold wears down through years of use and, at some point, may require a rebuilding of the metal that holds the stones in place to ensure their security and ability to protect the diamond within the settingUpon purchasing his ring, Diamond Boutique explained the importance of jewelry insurance to Mr*** and provided him with a brochure from *** ***Diamond Boutique also provided Mr*** with an appraisal for purposes of insurance replacementAt that point, the impetus is on the consumer to protect his valuable investment INSURE YOUR RING
They're two of your most prized possessions, so you should keep your engagement ring and wedding band as shiny and sparkly as possibleHere is everything you need to do to keep your engagement and wedding rings safe and in good condition so you all can live happily ever afterConsidering your engagement ring's sentimental -- and monetary -- value, you'll want to make sure it lasts a lifetime (if not several)First, insure the ring: Add a jewelry rider to your homeowner's or renter's insurance, or take out a separate policy with a specialty insurer like *** ***Familiarize yourself with the fine print; some policies will cover theft but not “mysterious disappearance,” and others may not reimburse repair costs, says *** ***, director of personal lines marketing at *** *** ***) [Emphasis added.]
Upon purchasing an automobile, a driver immediately obtains insurance and cannot return to the retailer ten years thereafter to assert damage to his vehicleThe same is true for home insurance and many other types of insurance that protect a person’s valuable belongings and investmentsAt some point, a consumer must take responsibility for the valuable items they purchase, especially when all the information and resources they need have been provided to them and are at their disposal at the point of purchaseThe retailer cannot afford to be the insurance company as well for consumers, which is precisely why insurance companies existDiamond Boutique is proud to be a member of the American Gem Society (AGS), the country's preeminent and most respected jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protectionEntrance into this premier organization is limited to only the top 5% of jewelry retailers, designers, appraisers and suppliers in North America, including Canada and MexicoThe AGS’s mission statement provides:
The American Gem Society is a non-profit trade association of fine jewelry professionals dedicated to setting, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behavior through education,
accreditation, re-certification of its membership, gemological standards and gemological researchThe Society is committed to providing educational products to inform and protect the consumer and to contributing to the betterment of the trade by creating industry standards to protect the jewelry-buying public and the fine jewelry industry dS whole(***)
Furthermore, the AGS makes a pledge to consumers:
The American Gem Society (AGS) was created with one mission in mind: to protect you, the consumerOur members adhere to the highest standards of business practices and ethics so that you can buy with confidence from
jewelers you can trustAGS Standards not only comply with governing laws, but go beyond that, to ensure that you are buying from jewelers who have the knowledge and skill to help you make the most informed buying decision
(***)
As a member of the AGS, Diamond Boutique is held to the highest ethical standards and practices in the jewelry industryDiamond Boutique has done its due diligence in all its transactions with Mr***We have provided him with all the information he needed to protect his investment, including information about the significance of jewelry replacement insurance, information about *** *** Insurance, which could have provided him with adequate insurance coverage to protect his ring and all other jewelry items, and an appraisal for purposes of obtaining insuranceMr*** was never told that Diamond Boutique provides a warranty on broken diamondsAt the point of purchase, he was an informed consumer and, thereafter, the responsibility was Mr***’s to protect his valuable purchaseHindsight is 20/but it still merits stating that Mr*** could have had his ring regularly inspected and serviced to determine if it required repairs and he could have obtained insurance through *** *** or through his homeowners or renters insuranceIt truly is unfortunate that Mr*** has broken his diamond but Diamond Boutique professionally, ethically and legally did all it was required to do with respect to the transaction with Mr***
Very respectfully yours,
*** ***
Enclosures
Re: Complaint ID #***
" background-">Dear Sir/Madam:
This letter responds to the review submitted by Mr*** *** to the Revdex.com on August 9, 2015, regarding his experience with replacement of a broken diamond through Diamond BoutiqueMost importantly, we are truly sorry that Mr*** had a disappointing experience with Diamond Boutique after a fifteen-year relationshipWe strive each and every day to ensure all of our clients have a rewarding experience and we are truly dismayed to hear otherwiseWith respect to the situation with Mr***’s broken diamond, we would like to first present some background information to help elucidate both parties’ positionsMr*** purchased a gentleman’s diamond ring from Diamond Boutique on March 31, (a copy of the receipt is enclosed), not on August 5, as Mr*** claims in his complaintUpon sale of any item of jewelry, Diamond Boutique informs our clients about jewelry insurance and the importance of obtaining insurance to protect pieces against loss, theft, damage and mysterious disappearanceIn addition, we provide clients with a brochure from *** *** Insurance (a copy of which is enclosed)*** *** has specialized in insuring jewelry since and provides comprehensive coverage that homeowners and renters insurance may not coverUpon purchase of his diamond ring, Mr*** was also provided with an appraisal of his piece for purposes of insurance replacement, dated April 11, (a copy of which is enclosed)On the appraisal, it specifically states, “These estimated retail replacement values are provided as a service by Diamond Boutique to assist our clients in meeting the requirements necessary to obtain insurance against damage and loss.”
Following the purchase of his ring, Diamond Boutique did not have any communication with Mr*** regarding his diamond ring, until April 30, 2013, when Mr*** contacted Diamond Boutique regarding the damage to his diamond(Mr*** states in his complaint that the problem first occurred on November 27, 2014, which is untrue given that we have email communication from Mr*** on April 30, 2013, complaining of the broken diamondIn addition, Mr*** states that he spoke with Diamond Boutique on November 5, 2014, which is another untruthful assertion is given that he states that the problem first occurred on November 27, The only communication Diamond Boutique had with Mr*** is documented in the April 30, 2013, email whereupon Mr*** reported the broken diamond and the oral conversation thereafter whereupon Diamond Boutique declined to replace the diamond.) At that time, Mr*** was informed that Diamond Boutique does not warrant diamonds against chipping, scratching or breaking and, unfortunately, we could not provide a replacementThereafter, we did not hear from Mr*** directly and it was not until we received this complaint lodged with the Revdex.com that we indirectly heard from Mr***.In Mr***’s complaint, he states that he is dismayed that Diamond Boutique does not provide a warrantyWhile we can understand Mr***’s frustration that Diamond Boutique does not provide a warranty against such diamond breakage, the policies that a business institutes and provides is a business’s prerogative and there is no state or federal law that requires jewelers to provide such warrantiesIn addition, jewelers who do provide a warranty for replacement of diamonds do so based on many conditions, to which a search of jewelry policies on the Internet can attestFor example, the standard jewelry warranty provides that should a client’s diamond chip, crack or break from its original setting, a jeweler may replace the diamond at their discretion given certain conditions are met, such as:
the ring is in good condition;
documented inspections are required, i.e., the client must have brought the ring in for inspection at least once every six to twelve months per year;
and all necessary repairs and servicing must have been performed by the original jeweler and any handling performed by any jeweler other than the original jeweler voids the warrantyBy way of example, *** ***, a well-known jewelry retailer, has a warranty that provides:
At ***, we are proud to offer our clients Protection Against Loss: if your original diamond (carat to carat) chips, cracks or separates from its original *** ring mounting, and your ring is in good condition in the opinion of *** and you have brought in your ring for inspection every calendar year to quality for this benefit, *** will replace your lost diamo2nd free of charge once during the life of your *** ring Again, this benefit applies on the condition that you have brought your ring in to any *** location for inspection by a *** representative every calendar year to qualifyAll repairs recommended as a result of these inspections must be completed by our *** Studio to maintain this benefitSpecial order diamonds aIC excluded from this replacement benefit(***)
One is hard-pressed to find a policy by any jeweler that provides a lifetime replacement of diamonds absent any one of the above set forth conditionsTherefore, diamond replacement policies are not absolute and unrestricted but are contingent and are qualified with certain provisos.
During the ten years from when Mr*** purchased his diamond and when he notified Diamond Boutique of the breakage, he had not returned to Diamond Boutique for any cleaning, inspections or repairsMoreover, we have no knowledge whether Mr***’s ring has been repaired, cleaned, serviced or handled in any way by any jeweler other than Diamond BoutiqueMr***’s complaint further states that, “Buyer beware, diamond [sic] aren’t forever at the Diamond Boutique in Del Mar, CA.” One of the greatest misconceptions about diamonds is the belief that “Diamonds are Forever” has a literal connotationMany believe that diamonds are the hardest substance known to man and, therefore, are indestructible and cannot chip or breakThe industry is replete with information regarding the fact that diamonds are not indestructible, that they are susceptible to chipping, cracking and breakageA very instructive and informative article entitled Diamond TLC: Diamonds are not Indestructible is written by *** ***(***) To provide a full understanding of the fact that diamonds are indeed capable of breakage, we have presented this article in its entirety:
Diamonds are the hardest substance known to manThey are also uniquely resistant to heat and scratching. Yet a surprising fact to some is that diamonds are not indestructible Diamonds can chip or crack, if subjected to a sharp blow or knock. Diamonds are even more prone to chip/cracks at the girdle. Every major jeweler speaks about diamonds chipping or cracking, as it unfortunately does occur. It is distressing to chip or crack your diamond, so always do your due diligence by not wearing your diamond(s) when performing active work or play It is always recommended to have your precious gems insuredAfter all, this is exactly what insurance is for! Most homeowners and tenants insurance have riders that cover jewelryThey will replace the diamond and/or have the original diamond recutAgain, we highly recommend that you contact your insurance company to protect your diamond(s) AS QUOTED BY THE *** *** ** *** (***): “Toughness: Any stone, including a diamond, will break if it’s hit hard enough in the right place. Toughness is a measure of how well a gem can survive an impact and resist breaking, chipping, or cracking A cutter can cleave a diamond by hitting it sharply in the cleavage directionBut even after cutting, a hard blow can still cleave a diamondThis can happen during the setting process, or even when it’s being worn.”
AS QUOTED FROM A DIAMOND CUTTER ON *** *** ***: "Resistance to breaking and resistance to scratching are two different thingsWood, for example, is generally very soft and easy to scratch but pretty strong when it comes to breakagePine is easy to scratch with your fingernail but buildings made from it can last a lifetime and beyondGlass is at the other extremeUnder circumstances it doesn’t scratch all that easily but it can be terribly fragileDiamonds fall in betweenAlthough they are nearly impossible to scratch under wear, they can chip with just the right impact.”
Most people are naturally concerned with what they can do to minimize their risks, even when they’re insured or under warrantyTo some extent, it helps to be just plain lucky but chips generally happen when the edge of the stone is knocked against something hardGranite countertops, porcelain sinks and other jewelry items with diamonds in them are the most common culpritsWhen you’re wearing your jewelry be careful about these surfaces and, when you’re not wearing a piece, put it in a soft bag or compartment in your jewelry box to prevent knocking things against one anotherBe careful about putting it in your pocket or purse where it can knock against other thingsHave it checked periodically by a professional."
AS QUOTED BY THE *** *** ** *** (***): “There is no such thing as perfect toughnessAny gem will break if it’s hit hard enoughDiamonds are very tough, but remember that a diamond cutter can cleave (crack) a diamond by giving it a sharp blow in the right directionThe same thing can happen if a diamond accidentally receives a severe knock or drops onto a hard surfaceLess severe damage, in the form of chipping, can also occur.” [Emphasis added.]
As this article explicitly states, diamonds do break and it is not such a rare or unusual phenomenonIt is simply common sense that diamonds do in fact breakA rough, natural, raw diamond is irregular shaped and asymmetricalIn order to render a rough diamond marketable, it must be cutThe image below illustrates a raw diamond on the left and a cut, round brilliant diamond on the right, which is ready for consumers to purchaseIf a diamond were not capable of being cut or breaking, a diamond cutter would not be able to produce such beautiful shapes as a round, princess, oval, asscher, emerald, heart, cushion, radiant, marquise, pear, baguette, trillion or multitude of other shapes that consumers loveMr*** states in his complaint, “Buyer beware, Diamonds] aren’t forever at the Diamond Boutique in Del Mar, CA.” This statement has been disingenuously used out of contextAccording to the *** *** ** *** (***), “A Diamond is Forever’ is one of the world’s best-known advertising slogansIt has many different meaningsIt refers to diamond’s timeless appealIt refers to diamond’s icy beauty.” (***) This slogan has a metaphorical meaning, and can have a literal meaning if a diamond is taken care of in the appropriate mannerThe slogan also “refers to diamond’s durabilityOne result of the diamond formation process is its incredible durability.” (***) Again, per the ***:
Durability is a gemstone’s ability to withstand wear, heat, and chemicalsDurability consists of three properties: hardness, toughness, and stabilityHardness means how well a gemstone resists scratches and abrasionToughness describes how well a gemstone resists breaking and chippingStability means how well a diamond resists chemicals and temperature changes Any stone, including a diamond, will break if it’s hit hard enough in the right place. Toughness is a measure of how well a gem can survive an impact and resist breaking, chipping, or cracking[Emphasis added.]
The *** further states the importance of wearing a diamond with care:
But even a diamond isn't indestructibleIt can be chipped by a sharp blow or become loose in its setting and fall outA diamond should be worn with care(***)
Source after source after source debunks the myth that diamonds are literally forever Diamonds do not have a shelf lifeIf you kept a diamond for a hundred years, it would still have the same brilliance and sparkle as it had when you bought itWhile they may be the hardest stones on Earth, diamonds are still prone to cracking, chipping and other kinds of physical damageApart from the diamond, the setting also requires routine maintenance due to wear and tear(http:// beyond4cs.com/care-and- maintenance/) [Emphasis added.]
Therefore, that very popular adage that a “Diamond is Forever” has a literal connotation only insofar as the consumer takes the necessary care to ensure its proper care and maintenance, including the setting that houses and should protect the diamondWhen Mr*** purchased the diamond in 2003, the diamond was free of any chips, scratches or breakageOver the course of ten years, Mr*** used his ring, as he should, and it was, therefore, subjected to the expected wear and tearDuring this time, Mr*** did not visit Diamond Boutique for any inspections, repairs or servicingIn April 2013, Mr*** contacted Diamond Boutique stating that his diamond had brokenHe emailed a picture of his ring that evidenced the chip (a copy of which is enclosed)At that time, Diamond Boutique informed Mr*** that we would not replace his broken diamondGiven the ten years of problem-free use without any repairs or servicing (to the best of our knowledge), this is also not a situation of a manufacturing defectMr***’s diamond is set in a semi-bezel settingBezel settings are one of the most secure and safest ways in which to set a diamond The main advantage of the bezel setting is that it is very protective of the gemstone, and this is particularly important with some stones that have become popular due to their lesser hardnessBezel settings help to protect these softer stones, particularly if they are set in rings(***)
One of the best things about a bezel setting is that it is very secure and holds the stone tight, not allowing it to loosen or fall offThe metal band (the bezel) covers the especially vulnerable edge of the gemstone, protecting it from damageUnlike prong settings, bezel settings don’t have parts that can snag your clothes or other objects(***)
Diamond Boutique’s gemologist has reviewed the picture of Mr***’s ring and it is apparent that the broken diamond is caused by a sharp blow or knock or the ring was dropped at just the right angleAfter wearing and using this ring for ten years, this diamond did not just chip or break on its ownBased on the photo provided by Mr***, there is evidence that shows an indentation and/or an impact to the gold at the breakage point of the diamond that is inconsistent with wear and tear, indicating a severe impactThe bezel may have been worn down through years of wear and tear and was in need of repair, which is precisely the reason why jewelers advise consumers to have their pieces checked by a jeweler every six to twelve months and, absent such an inspection, any warranty is voidGold wears down through years of use and, at some point, may require a rebuilding of the metal that holds the stones in place to ensure their security and ability to protect the diamond within the settingUpon purchasing his ring, Diamond Boutique explained the importance of jewelry insurance to Mr*** and provided him with a brochure from *** ***Diamond Boutique also provided Mr*** with an appraisal for purposes of insurance replacementAt that point, the impetus is on the consumer to protect his valuable investment INSURE YOUR RING
They're two of your most prized possessions, so you should keep your engagement ring and wedding band as shiny and sparkly as possibleHere is everything you need to do to keep your engagement and wedding rings safe and in good condition so you all can live happily ever afterConsidering your engagement ring's sentimental -- and monetary -- value, you'll want to make sure it lasts a lifetime (if not several)First, insure the ring: Add a jewelry rider to your homeowner's or renter's insurance, or take out a separate policy with a specialty insurer like *** ***Familiarize yourself with the fine print; some policies will cover theft but not “mysterious disappearance,” and others may not reimburse repair costs, says *** ***, director of personal lines marketing at *** *** ***) [Emphasis added.]
Upon purchasing an automobile, a driver immediately obtains insurance and cannot return to the retailer ten years thereafter to assert damage to his vehicleThe same is true for home insurance and many other types of insurance that protect a person’s valuable belongings and investmentsAt some point, a consumer must take responsibility for the valuable items they purchase, especially when all the information and resources they need have been provided to them and are at their disposal at the point of purchaseThe retailer cannot afford to be the insurance company as well for consumers, which is precisely why insurance companies existDiamond Boutique is proud to be a member of the American Gem Society (AGS), the country's preeminent and most respected jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protectionEntrance into this premier organization is limited to only the top 5% of jewelry retailers, designers, appraisers and suppliers in North America, including Canada and MexicoThe AGS’s mission statement provides:
The American Gem Society is a non-profit trade association of fine jewelry professionals dedicated to setting, maintaining and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behavior through education,
accreditation, re-certification of its membership, gemological standards and gemological researchThe Society is committed to providing educational products to inform and protect the consumer and to contributing to the betterment of the trade by creating industry standards to protect the jewelry-buying public and the fine jewelry industry dS whole(***)
Furthermore, the AGS makes a pledge to consumers:
The American Gem Society (AGS) was created with one mission in mind: to protect you, the consumerOur members adhere to the highest standards of business practices and ethics so that you can buy with confidence from
jewelers you can trustAGS Standards not only comply with governing laws, but go beyond that, to ensure that you are buying from jewelers who have the knowledge and skill to help you make the most informed buying decision
(***)
As a member of the AGS, Diamond Boutique is held to the highest ethical standards and practices in the jewelry industryDiamond Boutique has done its due diligence in all its transactions with Mr***We have provided him with all the information he needed to protect his investment, including information about the significance of jewelry replacement insurance, information about *** *** Insurance, which could have provided him with adequate insurance coverage to protect his ring and all other jewelry items, and an appraisal for purposes of obtaining insuranceMr*** was never told that Diamond Boutique provides a warranty on broken diamondsAt the point of purchase, he was an informed consumer and, thereafter, the responsibility was Mr***’s to protect his valuable purchaseHindsight is 20/but it still merits stating that Mr*** could have had his ring regularly inspected and serviced to determine if it required repairs and he could have obtained insurance through *** *** or through his homeowners or renters insuranceIt truly is unfortunate that Mr*** has broken his diamond but Diamond Boutique professionally, ethically and legally did all it was required to do with respect to the transaction with Mr***
Very respectfully yours,
*** ***
Enclosures