I purchased a 1 carat diamond bangle bracelet at Diamonds International in Juneau, Alaska, while on a Carnival Cruise in June, 2008. Total amount paid was $4050.00. I received a sales receipt and written appraisal stating the diamond was 1 carat. This store was referred by the "shopping experts" on board. I filled out the necessary paperwork on board the ship guaranteeing my purchase.
After returning home, I took the bracelet to several jewelry stores and was repeatedly told the diamond was only 2/3 to 3/4 of a carat. I immediately called the guarantee company (The PPI Group) and Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival said they were not responsible and could do nothing for me. The PPI Group said they would open a claim and that I would have to get an appraisal from an independent appraiser, one not affiliated with a jewelry store. I also called my Credit Card Company and disputed the purchase. They put a hold on my acct. for the amount of my purchase while the investigation was in progress.
I finally found an independent appraiser (over 50 miles away one way and an hour car ride) who appraised the diamond at best 3/4 of a carat for a $90 fee.
To make a long story short, The PPI Group never opened a claim and Diamonds Int'l never responded to my credit card company during the investigation. After submitting all my paperwork and appraisal to the credit card company, they credited my account for the full purchase price of $4050 after 3 or 4 months. It was only then that Diamonds Int'l responded and then contacted me.
After several months of going back and forth, Diamonds Int'l sent my file to a collection agency. I tried to call the agency (based in Colorado somewhere) and only got a recording. I email them and received no reply. I sent all my paperwork stating what took place and verifying fraud. I never heard from them again.
A woman from Diamonds Int'l has been repeatedly calling and emailing to resolve this case. I asked to speak to owner or higher up and no one would speak to me. They have come down in price to $3000. and I have not decided what to do. I have the bracelet, but I feel Diamonds International is a Rip-off and Fraud. They need to be exposed and made to make restitution to their customers. I have contacted the Better Business Bureau of New York and there are 80 or 90 complaints against them. There are many, many complaints against them on the internet. I just want it over with. It has been over 14 months in the works.
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