Expert: Peter Lumetta - 11/7/2009

Question
I spent $500 last year having the prongs redone on my diamond ring.  One diamond [small] has fallen out of the cluster.  The jewelry store told me they only last about a year if I sleep with the ring on.  I have worn the ring for 35 years with no problem.  Are they screwing with me?

Answer
HI MARY,

PRONGS DON'T LAST FOREVER BUT THEY SURE SHOULD LAST MORE THAN A YEAR OF NORMAL WEAR. WEARING THEM WHEN YOU SLEEP DOES CAUSE A LITTLE EXTRA WEAR BUT NOT ENOUGH TO NOTICE. AFTER ALL YOU WORE IT FOR 35 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS. THEY ARE JERKING YOU AROUND AND DON'T WANT TO FIX IT. EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT YOU WILL REPORT THEM TO THE BBB AND ANY OTHER LOCAL WATCHDOG GROUP. MANY TV STATIONS HAVE CONSUMER PROTECTION PROGRAMS THAT DEAL WITH THINGS LIKE THIS. YOU SHOULD GET A REFUND AND I WOULD HAVE THEM PAY ANOTHER JEWELER TO REPAIR IT. DO THE BEST YOU CAN, FINDING A RELIABLE JEWELER IS DIFFICULT AND GIVING THEM THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT IS O.K. BUT IN THIS CASE YOU ARE RIGHT AND IF THEY WOULD JUST ADMIT IT AND FOCUS ON TAKING CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMER RATHER THAN TRYING TO GET OUT OF A FEW DOLLARS THEY WOULD BE BETTER OFF. THEY OWE YOU. GOOD LUCK

PETER