Custom Ring Dispute: Is a 20-25% Diamond Carat Variance Reasonable?
Question
closeup ring sharpened
A jeweler promised to copy "exactly" a ring for me. I took a picture, and when I got the ring I didn't think it was identical. He said mine would be1.25 carats in diamonds (original had 1.2 ct.) His appraisal says 1.00 ct., and he says that's a normal variation. I think 20 to 25% is way too high for error. Am I right? Appraisal says stones are half bezel set. Other jewelers said my picture (not finest quality) shows prong or invisible set. One jeweler took a picture of the copy and said there was porosity which is a result of improper casting. The jeweler who made the ring says that's normal. Is that true? One appraiser said they see that in cheap rings from KMart. True? I paid about $1000 over what comparable rings are in stores here because I felt I was paying extra to have a unique ring copied. Original ring has three layers of stones on either side of my marquise, with the middle row raised. His stones are flat. He says they're raised. I'm going to go to the state's attorney's office, but I need some credible references to support my complaints. Is there a textbook which I can use to show the differences in the settings, whether porosity should be there at all, and what a reasonable percentage margin of error there is when an appraiser measures the diamonds. Would another appraisal be warranted? Any other suggestions? Thanks so much! I'm desperate for help!
AnswerSee an attorney.State orgnizations cant help without an expert Have the attorney contact us if you would like to use our services. You have many questions. In order to answer these questions we need to ask you many questions as well.
You do have a good case.
Arthur DeMello GG (GIA)
http://www.nationalgemologicallaboratory.com
