Gold problem. Questionable jeweller gold-buying methods?

zippadeedooda

I'd welcome another viewpoint, please.
I took some bits of gold (left by a grandparent) in to a jeweller which I had researched beforehand (reviews were good). I had no idea what they were worth or whether they were gold etc. The jeweller went through all the pieces and tested them with a scratch and chemical kit. I felt that they'd tested things thoroughly and I was pleased with the amount - I accepted the cheque. They'd bought the 9 carat gold for about £14-15 per gram. Not that high but I understand that it depends on the items etc. About a week later I received a letter from the jeweller saying that one of the items had turned out not to be gold, "after inspection", and that I should go back to the shop to rectify the matter. On the letter they have put a price higher than what they'd originally offered for the item. Stupidly I didn't ask for an itemised breakdown - I trusted them on the day! At the time of the sale this item was the most valuable out of the lot, so it's not a small sum. Surely "the inspection" on the day of the sale, done by the jeweller with their own testing kit, was the final word and that when they wrote the cheque there and then, that was the end of the transaction? I feel that the best thing to do is to go back to the jeweller and ask for all the pieces back in return for a cheque from me for the full amount. It might get murky if the other pieces have been sold on. It's frustratingly inconvenient: I feel that we're having to sort out their problem that's taken place after the sale. Grateful for any advice. (I have learned my lesson and need to make sure things are much clearer, itemised, etc.).

Keep_pedalling

They are trying it on, ignore the letter. 

zippadeedooda

Keep_pedalling said:

They are trying it on, ignore the letter. 

Bit worried that they have our address! So bad for their reputation, too. Given that they're a shop in a town. It's all a bit worrying!

zippadeedooda

Are we within our rights just to leave it?

DullGreyGuy

What were the terms and conditions of the sale? Were you given any or was there any sign in the shop stating them? A contract would normally be concluded once you've had offer, acceptance and payment however T&Cs can defer it for various reasons (most online shops defer until the goods are sent so they can deal with any accidentally mispriced items and aren't forced to sell a £1,000 TV for £100 when the new starter accidentally miskeys the 10% discount they were told to take off).

It wouldnt be beyond the realms of possibility that such terms allow them a window for more thorough testing to validate the items are what they are claimed to be.