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

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

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