Sammy's Jewellers, Kalutara, Sri Lanka.

mazzaott

Buyer beware.

In February this year we had a Sri Lankan sapphire set made by Sammy's jewellers who are located on the road leading to the Avani Hotel, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. The sales pitch includes the claim that the items would be worth several times their sales price when back in the UK. This was not the case. The valuer's report says the workmanship is 'poor' and the valuation is around £320 LESS than we paid at Sammy's. Their Samantha Mendis promised in writing to send a further Sri Lankan sapphire ring to make up the difference but despite numerous emails, and tales that a friend was coming to the UK and would post us the item here, but who instead had allegedly gone to the US when nothing arrived, no ring has ever materialised. Sammy's Gems now ignore all emails and correspondence. Buy if you like, but be aware that all is not what it seems nor what you are told. Be prepared to pay over the odds.

dickydonkin

mazzaott wrote: »

Buyer beware.

In February this year we had a Sri Lankan sapphire set made by Sammy's jewellers who are located on the road leading to the Avani Hotel, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. The sales pitch includes the claim that the items would be worth several times their sales price when back in the UK. This was not the case. The valuer's report says the workmanship is 'poor' and the valuation is around £320 LESS than we paid at Sammy's. Their Samantha Mendis promised in writing to send a further Sri Lankan sapphire ring to make up the difference but despite numerous emails, and tales that a friend was coming to the UK and would post us the item here, but who instead had allegedly gone to the US when nothing arrived, no ring has ever materialised. Sammy's Gems now ignore all emails and correspondence. Buy if you like, but be aware that all is not what it seems nor what you are told. Be prepared to pay over the odds.

Oh dear.

You have been well and truly scammed.

Unless you really know your stuff, I would not consider buying relatively expensive jewelery from the likes of Sri Lanka/Thailand etc for the very reasons you have cited.

Even the name of the retailer, 'Sammy's Gems' does not inspire confidence.

Incapuppy

Buyer beware indeed!

TA forums are probably littered with posts like these and it's a shame that perhaps you didn't think to research matters further while you were out there before parting with a considerable amount of money. Lesson learned the hard way, unfortunately for you!

I vaguely recollect that you can send gems/jewellery up to Colombo for an 'official' valuation but I somehow doubt it would be worth the paper it's written on tbh! Having said that I'm sure that genuine jewellers do exist, it's a case of researching the matter thoroughly in advance.

PompeyPete

These scams are in all the Guide Books, and Trip Advisor is littered with cautionary tales.
Still cheaper than getting sucked into a building developers office in Cyprus, Spain or Turkey though!

Pollycat

That's awful, mazzaott.

Was Sammy's a shop that came recommended or did you just decide to buy from them?

Incapuppy is right about discussions on TA and Holidaytruths about jewellers abroad.

I would recommend that you post your comments on the Sri Lanka boards on Tripadvisor and Holidaytruths.

Unfortunately it won't help you but could maybe save somebody else from being ripped off in the same way.

It seems to be a common thing for jewellers to tell potential customers that their jewellery will be worth 2 or 3 times what they've paid.
I've bought quite a lot of jewellery from Sri Lanka and Goa and luckily it's all been valued at more than I paid.

PompeyPete

Kalutara sounds like a great place...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g304136-r74123329-Kalutara_Western_Province.html

...if you don't mind being ripped-off!

Mr_Wang

A friend of mine was telling me just last week he had bought a PS3 for £60 from a local car boot and shock...It didn't work.

Point being people all over the world will take your money and not give a second thought to you or your situation. Don't even get me started on mechanics in the UK....

You have to be completely aware at all times, in any country, even your own.

Pollycat

I've read the link, PompeyPete.

Anyone like to bet that the review by felixrobert (below) was posted by the jeweller Nalin from Feedom Jewellers himself?

I live in UK. I was travel to Sri lanka. We were stay at Royal palm beach Hotel. It is a very nice place. There are many tour guides in that area. They all are cheaters and addicted to drinks. But they are talkative. don't talk with them, be careful. they arrange round tours. they collect money, but never show us right places. please don't go any trip with them.
be careful!.. that guides take foreigners some shopping places ,shops where in Tangerin hotel road. shop owners telling us very expensive prices, because guides get 20% commission in our every perches. without guides prices going down.
some jewellery shops in that area selling synthetic gem stones and base metals jewellery. if you perches any jewellery or gem item please ask them gem corporation certificate.
However we met a professional jeweller. he is Nalin from freedom jewellers. that is very good place and friendly people. modern designs, high quality jewellery, genuine stones and cheap prices.
if you need to buy jewellery contact him.
- FREEDOM JEWELLERS.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Justicia

Pollycat wrote: »

Anyone like to bet that the review by felixrobert (below) was posted by the jeweller Nalin from Feedom Jewellers himself?

...and their only review... Yep!

mcduff16

I have been to Sri Lanka on a few occassions and bought gold jewellery including a blue sapphire ring. I`m afraid that it is a case of knowing the reputable places to go, just like you would here