Misleading Diamond Carat Weight: What Are Your Rights?

Question
I purchased a ring several weeks ago from an upscale department store advertised as 1.98 carats total weight. I had the ring resized through the store. When I got the ring home I realized the three main stones (total of eight diamonds) were actually illusion set making them look bigger. I finally went to a jeweler who told me the total carat weight was possibly 1 carat max. But he said if he did an appraisal (he is in the same mall) they would just discount him and I needed to go to a certified appraiser and he gave me a name.  The department store refused to do anything telling me I had the ring resized. I emailed customer service and got the same answer. I have the receipt, and the picture of the item from the flier all clearly marked 1.98cttw. They told me I need to get it appraised. If I get an appraisal that finds it is not 1.98 cttw what would be my next step? The store of course said they would send the appraisal to the buyers in "New York". Why would the buyers admit they were wrong?  I can't believe I was so stupid.

Answer
HI JOYCE,

SOUNDS LIKE A RUN AROUND TACTIC TO ME. THIS IS THEIR BUSIEST TIME OF YEAR AND THEY ARE TRYING TO PUT YOU OFF AND HOPE YOU WILL JUST LET IT SLIDE. IF I WERE YOU I WOULD GO TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT AND STICK IT TO THEM. THEY DID THE RESIZE THEMSELVES! DO THEY NOT TRUST THEIR OWN JEWELER? GET AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AND MAYBE THEY WON'T TRY TO RIP OFF OTHER CUSTOMERS. A GOOD LAWYER WOULD HAVE FIELDAY WITH THIS. YOU ARE RIGHT AND DON'T TAKE ANY GUFF FROM THEM. GOOD LUCK

PETER