Gem Auction TV, Gems Plus G, Inc. Fraud and misrepresentation, failure to issue refund after 4 months or return jewelry; admitted company having cash problems, lied about refund Torrance California

In October of 2008 my husband purchased 3 pieces of jewelry from Gem Auction TV for a total price of $3865.10. These piece were comically appraised at 50+ times these values. Their stated and published policy is 75% cash refund or 100% house credit, valid for 6 months.

We called Gems plus G and informed them we wished to return the jewelry. They said "No problem, just make sure you insure it." We returned it by UPS Ground, requesting a cash refund, and they acknowledged receipt by phone.

After MANY phone calls where "Dan" was "waiting for authorization," "waiting for accounting," "going to talk to Mr. G," lots of excuses, he admitted last week (3/9/2009 or 3/10/2009) that they didn't have the cash to return to us, but had sold 2 out of the 3 pieces of jewelry and couldn't return that, either.

Dan offered auction CREDIT and gave my husband the TV times so we could find replacement pieces of jewelry. My husband called in to bid on a piece of jewelry tonight and was told his account was closed and the telephone operator hung up on him! Yet they continue to state the same refund policy for new bidders, BUT THEY DON'T REFUND.

After almost 5 months of false promises we realize they never intended to refund our money, and are now stunned that they are lying about making an attempt to honor their obligation with credit.

Should we call the FTC or State Attorney General? What about Customs, as they import all their stones and may be dishonest about their value? What about the TV channel that broadcasts this show?

Margo s.
Davis, California
U.S.A.