Jeweller holding ring to ransom

eloise1405

Hello there,
I recently took my engagement ring into a local jewellers to have it fixed as it had bent and lsened the setting whilst we were moving house. I was told that as it is an anique ring it would need a whole new setting and they would be able to send it away for this. I reluctantly agreed as the shoulders of the ring are very worn. I asked if they could do a colour match as my original ring is the same antique gold colour as my wedding ring and i was told they would do best match.

I went in to collect my ring on Saturday and I was devastated with the result. The ring they have made is completely different to what I expected; way too thick and a completely different colour. I was heartbroken and promptly burst into tears, at which point the manager told me to ‘get things in perspective’.The store then said they would make it thinner but if I wanted any extra work done on it I would have to pay more. I had to leave the store to compose myself.

After discussing what we wanted to do over the weekend, my husband went in to the jewellers to ask for my stone and original ring back. I was so upset with the manager’s treatment of me I really wanted to take my business elsewhere. Now he won’t release either my stone or original ring unless we pay him £175, which I am loathe to pay for poor service and a shoddy job.
What can I do? Can I get my original ring back?

pinkshoes

They should correct the ring as per your requirements with NO EXTRA CHARGE.

Do you have photos of the ring before hand? I'd tell them that you want the ring adjusting to what they were initially supposed to do, and INSIST they do this at their own cost.

If they refuse, then you could "pay under protest", and hand them something in writing (Letter Before Action) saying they've failed to do the work as paid for, then held your ring to ransom unless you paid them for the incorrect work, and unless they either refund the money or make better the ring at their own expense in the next 28 days (give your contact details), then you will have no option but to take them to court for £175.

If you don't hear from them in 28 days, then start court process online.

Firefox1975

You need to be careful here.

basically it will come down to your word against theirs.

At the end of the day, they are the jewellery experts, not you.

I am sure you will getyour ring back, and they will probably attempt to adjust it back to how you first gave it to them. However, they are entitled to charge for any work done to date. Your confusion is not a defense unfortunately. (this isn't a mis sold PPI done for the benefit of the jewellery shop!)

"completely different to what I expected" ? your expectations and the reality of what was achievable are the confusion.

I would imagine their charges will be in the region of around £175.

As sad as it is I don't think you can win this one without some form of sacrifice.