Tiffany necklace chain stolen by jeweller

McTaggus

Hi There,

I have a gorgeous Tiffany & Co necklace that my husband bought me for our wedding day 10 years ago. I have worn it daily ever since, until I got the chain caught and it snapped.

I took the chain to a local independent jewellers to repair the chain, and my mum picked it up for me when it was ready. The chain is not the original chain I put in for repair, but a cheap fake replacement. It’s missing the designer signature on the clasp, and is 4” longer than my original chain. Before you ask, yes I do know the chain I put in was original and had the pre-requisite markings.

The jeweller is claiming it’s the same chain and that I’m mistaken, but I’m not. They are also saying that unless I have proof that the chain I left in their care is different, then there is nothing they can do.

Any ideas? Where do I stand with this and what can I do if they won’t give me my original chain back (broken or otherwise!)? I’m quite upset by the whole thing and frankly considering calling the police if they keep up this pretence. Can anyone share any words of wisdom to help?

Thank you! 

[Deleted User]

Can you provide evidence of the original? Even if only from photos?

Phoning the police would just be wasting their time, so don't do that.

How much would a replacement chain cost?

McTaggus

I have photos that clearly show the chain length is different given where the new one hangs versus the original.

A replacement chain will cost over £300.

Thanks 

Silvertabby

Try Trading Standards.  It may be that this isn't the first such complaint against this shop.

Otherwise, try an insurance claim - you will probably have to get a police crime report number for this, if the police are willing to accept your complaint.  Do you have a clear photograph of the original chain?

McTaggus

I only have photos of the necklace being worn, unfortunately you can’t make out the chain markings from there though. 

I will try Trading Standards, thank you.

jimbo6977

Was the original new when bought 10 years ago?

If so it should be possible for an expert, or Tiffany themselves, to identify the model and thereby the specification, which can be compared to the item you now have in your possession. 

tacpot12

jimbo6977 said:

Was the original new when bought 10 years ago?

If so it should be possible for an expert, or Tiffany themselves, to identify the model and thereby the specification, which can be compared to the item you now have in your possession. 

This is good advice. 10 years ago is not that long ago, so the specification should be available. 

Also, you should not forget the the standard of proof in a civil case is lower than a criminal case. In civil cases, the case is decided "on the balance of probabilites", not "beyond reasonable doubt" as it would be in a criminal case. 

If you have home insurance, check to see if you have legal expenses cover. If you do, you will have access to a trained solicitor and they may even represent you in court  if they think your case is strong enough (i.e. easy for them to win).

gettingtheresometime

I'm not sure how it matters what Tiffany says about the specification of the chain - the OP could have substituted the chain at any point during the 10 yrs.

If the chain length is longer then it will obviously sit on you differently to the original so have you any photos of you wearing the chain? If you have then I'd be tempted to send them a letter before action letter enclosing photos of you a)wearing the original chain and b)this chain that you now have in your possession.

Then if you still get no joy I'd take them to the small claims court for the cost of a replacement and let an independent person decide.

theoretica

Did you have anything in writing form the jeweller when you dropped it off or email or anything that says 'Tiffany'?  

Also, a receipt or something for the 'repair' - how does it compare with the value of the chain you got back (is it hallmarked sterling or plated?).  Because paying more for a repair than the chain's value would be less usual.

McTaggus

The original was new 10 years ago and the chain has not been replaced, though evidently I can’t prove that.

I do have photos, showing the original had the pendant hung in a completely different place to where the new one hangs - this new one is practically to my belly button, compared to sitting mid-breast bone.

The receipt states Tiffany necklace for repair. The repair cost £15. The chain it has been replaced with is stamped Tiffany, but not using official Tiffany marks and is evidently a fake - it’s such poor quality and the stamp on it is unreadable. Mine had the designers signature near the clasp and T&Co, neither of which are on the chain they have returned to me. The colour is also different.

They have called back today asking me to go in, but that they really don’t think there’s anything they can do unless I can absolutely prove this isn’t the necklace I gave to them. It’s all just a bit gutting! At least I didn’t give them the diamond pendant along with the chain!!!

gettingtheresometime

McTaggus said:

The original was new 10 years ago and the chain has not been replaced, though evidently I can’t prove that.

I do have photos, showing the original had the pendant hung in a completely different place to where the new one hangs - this new one is practically to my belly button, compared to sitting mid-breast bone.

The receipt states Tiffany necklace for repair. The repair cost £15. The chain it has been replaced with is stamped Tiffany, but not using official Tiffany marks and is evidently a fake - it’s such poor quality and the stamp on it is unreadable. Mine had the designers signature near the clasp and T&Co, neither of which are on the chain they have returned to me. The colour is also different.

They have called back today asking me to go in, but that they really don’t think there’s anything they can do unless I can absolutely prove this isn’t the necklace I gave to them. It’s all just a bit gutting! At least I didn’t give them the diamond pendant along with the chain!!!

If the receipt states that it is a Tiffany necklace then that gives you a little more ammunition I would have thought if things go legal. Surely it wouldn't be too difficult to get a report from Tiffany showing the necklace you've got is a fake?