Ring question

Diver2

In December 2010, I bought my (then) girlfriend an engagement ring for £350, this was from a jewellry chain and comprised a series of diamond (in a cluster) in a white gold setting.

On one day in December 2011, one of the diamonds fell out. Not sure when but cue one upset wife and a trip back to the retailer. Ring was sent off to head office and after some debate the ring was replaced. The ring was supplied in March 2012.

Fast foward to December 2012, and (yes you've guessed it) a claw and stone have again fallen out the replacement ring. So we return the ring to the shop. Who again sent it off to head office. The ring was cut off my wife's finger as she had gained weight in 2012 and couldn't get the off (it was tight but would spin around, it just wouldn't go over her finger "joint".

The head office have now looked at the damage and stated that the ring had been damaged by being too tight on her finger.
They want us to pay to have the ring repaired and re-sized.

I have great trouble believing this story and want the ring back to have it independantly inspected by a qualified jeweller to see if there's any truth in this (Does anyone here have an educated opinion?).

However (assuming that my wife's wider finger has indeed not caused the problem), do I have a case for returning the ring as not "suitable for purpose"? Given that "each ring" has lasted a max of 12 months before coming apart? Indeed, the wife has now lost confidence in it, certainly in the ability to wear it daily as you do an enagement ring. I guess at the price I paid I would expect such a ring to last many years without any problem.

Opinions welcome.

Thanks in advance

Andy

meer53

If the ring has become misshapen because of the change in size of your wifes finger, it will distort the setting.

I would say that once your wife realised that the ring didn't fit anymore, then would have been a good time to get it resized by a qualified jeweller.

Can't see you getting anywhere with "not fit for purpose" really as she's worn each ring for 12 months before the stones were lost.