- Report: #235720
Complaint Review: Carnival Cruise Lines And Diamonds International
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| Carnival Cruise Lines And Diamonds International 38 West 48 St. Seventh Floor
Miami And New York, NY, Florida U.S.A. |
|
Carnival Cruise Lines And Diamonds International liars, ripoff, con artists, ruined what was supposed to be the happiest time of my life Miami Florida And New York
*Consumer Suggestion: Industry Insider (( link))
*UPDATE EX-employee responds: No fraudulence involved according to report by MSNBC.
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My boyfriend and I were getting engaged so we decided to go to Diamonds International in St. Thomas after Carnival Cruise Lines highly recommended them. We spoke with Andrew Tachauer, the Supper Shopper on the Carnival Valor. He informed us that we had nothing to worry about when shopping at Diamonds International. He stated that Diamonds International is Carnival's "#1 recommendation for diamonds." Mr. Tachauer told us that we were guaranteed to get the best price there and that if anything went wrong we would be helped by Carnival or by just contacting Diamonds International directly. After being on Carnival several times, we trusted Carnival's and Mr. Tachauer's recommendation and purchased an engagement ring with the matching band that came with it at the Diamonds International in St. Thomas. The ring was damaged during the sizing. I spotted that the diamond was chipped when we got back on board and took it to the port shopping desk. Mr. Tachauer recommended that I go to the Diamonds International in St. Maarten, the next port, where we would be arriving the next day. We worked directly with the store's manager, Anil. They "upgraded" the ring to the same style but said it was a better color, which it ended up being a worse one, and charged us an additional $495 which I agreed to thinking I was getting better rings. Upon arriving home in New York I had an appraisal performed by a certified gemologist whose sole purpose is to give gem appraisals in a laboratory. It turns out that Diamonds International totally misrepresented the rings' values and attributes. The independent appraiser said that the set was worth at most $1,900. Diamonds International's appraisal was for $3,495 and they said that the diamonds were all SI2. The independent appraiser deemed the diamonds to all be I2 to I3 and they contained numerous holes in them. The independent appraiser informed me that the only valid piece of information by Diamonds International was that the ring was 14 karat gold and that I was scammed. Diamonds International will only offer a store credit or to replace only the side stones in my ring. The main diamond on top of the engagement ring is an I3...the worst you can get. We even went to their headquarters in New York City and all we saw was a tiny window at the end of a hallway. That's their headquarters. They wanted nothing to do with us. Carnival refered us to the company that handles all of their shopping recommendations, PPI. As a frequent customer of Carnival, I trusted their recommendation and trusted that if anything went wrong I would be helped. Carnival and PPI wanted nothing to do with us and could care less. Please avoid Diamonds International!
Susan
Valley Stream, New York
U.S.A.
Susan
Valley Stream, New York
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 02/12/2007 04:13 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Carnival-Cruise-Lines-And-Diamonds-International/Miami-And-New-York-NY-Florida/Carnival-Cruise-Lines-And-Diamonds-International-liars-ripoff-con-artists-ruined-what-w-235720. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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AUTHOR: Darren - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, May 05, 2007
Hi Susan,
Here is a link to a recent report made by MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8661995/
It is truly unfortunate that you are feeling stressed and hurt about such an important piece of jewelry. I hope that I can help put you at peace with this response.
As with Art Work, the true value of a Diamond is what someone is willing to pay for that Diamond. The appraised value of your Diamond is actually what you paid for it and that is what you should have insured it for.
(Try telling that to companies like Diamonds International who provide over-inflated, "feel good" appraisals for an extra charge on every purchase.)
Any other outside appraisal is merely an educated guess and could vary greatly from appraiser to appraiser.
(The usual reason for this is that companies like DI grossly overinflate prices and then values on the appraisal documents. If a consumer goes to a QUALIFIED (GIA educated and appraisal trained) and INDEPENDENT (does not buy or sell jewelry) appraiser, the value stated is usually correct based on that local market.)
Also, beware of the motives of the appraiser that undervalued your Diamond by that much. Occasionally, a Diamond retailer will Off Appraise a Diamond in an effort to win your business. They will under appraise your Diamond in an attempt to win your blind faith and make you distrust your original retailer.
(That is why one should take purchases from DI or anybody really to an independent and qualified jewelry appraiser for an objective valuation and NOT to a retailer.)
They go for repeat business and instead erode the integrity of the whole industry.
(Their are many people in our industry that erode it's integrity...seen some of the ebay auctions and stated values that are put in these auctions? It's criminal!)
Now, if you were looking for a higher appraisal so you could get a higher insurance pay-off should your Diamond go missing, be careful because that can backfire for you. Here is how it was explained in the MSNBC article;
_________________
Kelly Mxxxxx paid $8,200 for her ring but was convinced it was really worth $15,000 based on an inflated appraisal from her jeweler. And so she paid the insurance premiums based on that assumed $15,000 value.
(This is what typically happens when you get an appraisal from a retailer like DI and many others...it is important that you seek an objective opinion of value.)
But when she lost the ring, the insurance company said it would replace the ring or give her a check for what it would cost them to replace it $8,900.
Five years, I've been paying these inflated premiums and it makes me angry, because I should have the ring insured for what it's worth, she says.
(good example Chris...i see this every day!)
________________
If Carnival and Diamonds International put any faith in this second appraisal, Diamonds International would have acted immediately.
(Not true...this company is all about saving face and being right whether they are or not.)
I have seen honest mistakes happen and I have seen them quickly rectified. Nothing is gained by losing a guests respect over a $4000 jewelry purchase by either company.
(Yet it happens fairly often)
I suggest getting another appraisal from a reputable source to put your mind at ease.
(Like a QUALIFIED and INDEPENDENT appraiser that does not buy or sell jewelry)
And, the next time, only buy a Diamond (from anywhere) that come with a third party appraisal from GIA or IGL included in the price.
(GIA(Gem Trade Laboratory) does NOT appraise jewelry...they will provide, for a cost, a GRADING REPORT on LOOSE stones. They do not value jewelry. Typically...labs that do offer valuations(EGL(UGL), IGI, NGL, IGL, etc.) are the same folks that overinflate and missgrade gems and jewelry.)
You may be given the illusion of paying a bit more for your Diamond but a certificate of authenticity is priceless.
(Lab paperwork is VERY important as long as it is correct and unbiased and in no way influenced by the store selling the item)
As for the long hallway with the small window; you can certainly understand the need for safety precautions. That window is bullet proof and behind those doors are so many Diamonds and Colored gemstones it is breathtaking. I have had the pleasure of taking a tour and was impressed by the quality assurances that are in place.
(sounds like you have stock in the company)
Susan, the only thing I get out of this post is the hope that one day you will be happy with your purchase.
(Why? seriously...you taking the time to write this long defense of this company makes me wonder what your real motivation is.)
I would like nothing more than to put your mind at ease and for you to be able to go back to that original feeling you had when you first bought that Diamond.
(You must have some stake in this the way you repeat how concerned you are with this strangers welfare and feelings)
You were not scammed by Diamonds International
(How do you know?!!!??)
and it is unfortunate that this person told you that you were -- that you believe him.
Why? Maybe this person was correct?
There are stores that will rip you off in St. Martin and Diamonds International is not one of them. I rest my reputation on it.
Why do you rest your reputation on it? What is your reputation? What do you do? What qualifications do you have to make such a sure judgement and "rest your reputation on it"?
Namaste,
Chris - Delta, British Columbia
Canada
Here is a link to a recent report made by MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8661995/
It is truly unfortunate that you are feeling stressed and hurt about such an important piece of jewelry. I hope that I can help put you at peace with this response.
As with Art Work, the true value of a Diamond is what someone is willing to pay for that Diamond. The appraised value of your Diamond is actually what you paid for it and that is what you should have insured it for.
(Try telling that to companies like Diamonds International who provide over-inflated, "feel good" appraisals for an extra charge on every purchase.)
Any other outside appraisal is merely an educated guess and could vary greatly from appraiser to appraiser.
(The usual reason for this is that companies like DI grossly overinflate prices and then values on the appraisal documents. If a consumer goes to a QUALIFIED (GIA educated and appraisal trained) and INDEPENDENT (does not buy or sell jewelry) appraiser, the value stated is usually correct based on that local market.)
Also, beware of the motives of the appraiser that undervalued your Diamond by that much. Occasionally, a Diamond retailer will Off Appraise a Diamond in an effort to win your business. They will under appraise your Diamond in an attempt to win your blind faith and make you distrust your original retailer.
(That is why one should take purchases from DI or anybody really to an independent and qualified jewelry appraiser for an objective valuation and NOT to a retailer.)
They go for repeat business and instead erode the integrity of the whole industry.
(Their are many people in our industry that erode it's integrity...seen some of the ebay auctions and stated values that are put in these auctions? It's criminal!)
Now, if you were looking for a higher appraisal so you could get a higher insurance pay-off should your Diamond go missing, be careful because that can backfire for you. Here is how it was explained in the MSNBC article;
_________________
Kelly Mxxxxx paid $8,200 for her ring but was convinced it was really worth $15,000 based on an inflated appraisal from her jeweler. And so she paid the insurance premiums based on that assumed $15,000 value.
(This is what typically happens when you get an appraisal from a retailer like DI and many others...it is important that you seek an objective opinion of value.)
But when she lost the ring, the insurance company said it would replace the ring or give her a check for what it would cost them to replace it $8,900.
Five years, I've been paying these inflated premiums and it makes me angry, because I should have the ring insured for what it's worth, she says.
(good example Chris...i see this every day!)
________________
If Carnival and Diamonds International put any faith in this second appraisal, Diamonds International would have acted immediately.
(Not true...this company is all about saving face and being right whether they are or not.)
I have seen honest mistakes happen and I have seen them quickly rectified. Nothing is gained by losing a guests respect over a $4000 jewelry purchase by either company.
(Yet it happens fairly often)
I suggest getting another appraisal from a reputable source to put your mind at ease.
(Like a QUALIFIED and INDEPENDENT appraiser that does not buy or sell jewelry)
And, the next time, only buy a Diamond (from anywhere) that come with a third party appraisal from GIA or IGL included in the price.
(GIA(Gem Trade Laboratory) does NOT appraise jewelry...they will provide, for a cost, a GRADING REPORT on LOOSE stones. They do not value jewelry. Typically...labs that do offer valuations(EGL(UGL), IGI, NGL, IGL, etc.) are the same folks that overinflate and missgrade gems and jewelry.)
You may be given the illusion of paying a bit more for your Diamond but a certificate of authenticity is priceless.
(Lab paperwork is VERY important as long as it is correct and unbiased and in no way influenced by the store selling the item)
As for the long hallway with the small window; you can certainly understand the need for safety precautions. That window is bullet proof and behind those doors are so many Diamonds and Colored gemstones it is breathtaking. I have had the pleasure of taking a tour and was impressed by the quality assurances that are in place.
(sounds like you have stock in the company)
Susan, the only thing I get out of this post is the hope that one day you will be happy with your purchase.
(Why? seriously...you taking the time to write this long defense of this company makes me wonder what your real motivation is.)
I would like nothing more than to put your mind at ease and for you to be able to go back to that original feeling you had when you first bought that Diamond.
(You must have some stake in this the way you repeat how concerned you are with this strangers welfare and feelings)
You were not scammed by Diamonds International
(How do you know?!!!??)
and it is unfortunate that this person told you that you were -- that you believe him.
Why? Maybe this person was correct?
There are stores that will rip you off in St. Martin and Diamonds International is not one of them. I rest my reputation on it.
Why do you rest your reputation on it? What is your reputation? What do you do? What qualifications do you have to make such a sure judgement and "rest your reputation on it"?
Namaste,
Chris - Delta, British Columbia
Canada
Respond to this report!
What's this? #2 UPDATE EX-employee responds
No fraudulence involved according to report by MSNBC.
AUTHOR: Chris - (Canada)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, April 19, 2007
Hi Susan,
Here is a link to a recent report made by MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8661995/
It is truly unfortunate that you are feeling stressed and hurt about such an important piece of jewelry. I hope that I can help put you at peace with this response.
As with Art Work, the true value of a Diamond is what someone is willing to pay for that Diamond. The appraised value of your Diamond is actually what you paid for it and that is what you should have insured it for. Any other outside appraisal is merely an educated guess and could vary greatly from appraiser to appraiser. Also, beware of the motives of the appraiser that undervalued your Diamond by that much. Occasionally, a Diamond retailer will Off Appraise a Diamond in an effort to win your business. They will under appraise your Diamond in an attempt to win your blind faith and make you distrust your original retailer. They go for repeat business and instead erode the integrity of the whole industry.
Now, if you were looking for a higher appraisal so you could get a higher insurance pay-off should your Diamond go missing, be careful because that can backfire for you. Here is how it was explained in the MSNBC article;
_________________
Kelly McDermott paid $8,200 for her ring but was convinced it was really worth $15,000 based on an inflated appraisal from her jeweler. And so she paid the insurance premiums based on that assumed $15,000 value.
But when she lost the ring, the insurance company said it would replace the ring or give her a check for what it would cost them to replace it $8,900.
Five years, I've been paying these inflated premiums and it makes me angry, because I should have the ring insured for what it's worth, she says.
________________
If Carnival and Diamonds International put any faith in this second appraisal, Diamonds International would have acted immediately. I have seen honest mistakes happen and I have seen them quickly rectified. Nothing is gained by losing a guests respect over a $4000 jewelry purchase by either company. I suggest getting another appraisal from a reputable source to put your mind at ease. And, the next time, only buy a Diamond (from anywhere) that come with a third party appraisal from GIA or IGL included in the price. You may be given the illusion of paying a bit more for your Diamond but a certificate of authenticity is priceless.
As for the long hallway with the small window; you can certainly understand the need for safety precautions. That window is bullet proof and behind those doors are so many Diamonds and Colored gemstones it is breathtaking. I have had the pleasure of taking a tour and was impressed by the quality assurances that are in place.
Susan, the only thing I get out of this post is the hope that one day you will be happy with your purchase. I would like nothing more than to put your mind at ease and for you to be able to go back to that original feeling you had when you first bought that Diamond.
You were not scammed by Diamonds International and it is unfortunate that this person told you that you were -- that you believe him. There are stores that will rip you off in St. Martin and Diamonds International is not one of them. I rest my reputation on it.
Namaste,
Chris
Here is a link to a recent report made by MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8661995/
It is truly unfortunate that you are feeling stressed and hurt about such an important piece of jewelry. I hope that I can help put you at peace with this response.
As with Art Work, the true value of a Diamond is what someone is willing to pay for that Diamond. The appraised value of your Diamond is actually what you paid for it and that is what you should have insured it for. Any other outside appraisal is merely an educated guess and could vary greatly from appraiser to appraiser. Also, beware of the motives of the appraiser that undervalued your Diamond by that much. Occasionally, a Diamond retailer will Off Appraise a Diamond in an effort to win your business. They will under appraise your Diamond in an attempt to win your blind faith and make you distrust your original retailer. They go for repeat business and instead erode the integrity of the whole industry.
Now, if you were looking for a higher appraisal so you could get a higher insurance pay-off should your Diamond go missing, be careful because that can backfire for you. Here is how it was explained in the MSNBC article;
_________________
Kelly McDermott paid $8,200 for her ring but was convinced it was really worth $15,000 based on an inflated appraisal from her jeweler. And so she paid the insurance premiums based on that assumed $15,000 value.
But when she lost the ring, the insurance company said it would replace the ring or give her a check for what it would cost them to replace it $8,900.
Five years, I've been paying these inflated premiums and it makes me angry, because I should have the ring insured for what it's worth, she says.
________________
If Carnival and Diamonds International put any faith in this second appraisal, Diamonds International would have acted immediately. I have seen honest mistakes happen and I have seen them quickly rectified. Nothing is gained by losing a guests respect over a $4000 jewelry purchase by either company. I suggest getting another appraisal from a reputable source to put your mind at ease. And, the next time, only buy a Diamond (from anywhere) that come with a third party appraisal from GIA or IGL included in the price. You may be given the illusion of paying a bit more for your Diamond but a certificate of authenticity is priceless.
As for the long hallway with the small window; you can certainly understand the need for safety precautions. That window is bullet proof and behind those doors are so many Diamonds and Colored gemstones it is breathtaking. I have had the pleasure of taking a tour and was impressed by the quality assurances that are in place.
Susan, the only thing I get out of this post is the hope that one day you will be happy with your purchase. I would like nothing more than to put your mind at ease and for you to be able to go back to that original feeling you had when you first bought that Diamond.
You were not scammed by Diamonds International and it is unfortunate that this person told you that you were -- that you believe him. There are stores that will rip you off in St. Martin and Diamonds International is not one of them. I rest my reputation on it.
Namaste,
Chris
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