Any Jewelers here? Bought "Moissanite" on Ebay, g
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free skin care · Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:36 pm

I purchased a ring from an Ebay seller who listed the ring as 14k with a center stone of a 3.25 ct Emerald-cut Moissanite with a total of eight side stones totaling 0.50ct. I took the ring to get sized today and the jeweler informed me that they could not size it because the ring is made of silver and the heat will damage the CZ. I then asked specifically if there is anyway it could be a Moissanite and the jeweler said definitely not.

The seller insisted she has worn this for 8 years and claims she will refund me the money if I send it back insured for my purchase price and if the stones have not been switched. I'm afraid that I will leave my Ebay dispute open to more problems if I do return it because I would have no way of proving she sent me CZs and silver. She can always claim I switched the stones on her- I'm at a total loss of what do do. She claims she paid $4000 in 1993 for this ring.

I'm willing to take it to a second jeweler for a second opinion. I'm already embarrassed by the experience at the first jeweler. I don't know much when it comes to how one would test for a CZ vs a Moissanite. Could a simple glance be definitive? What I'm trying to ask is the likelyhood that jeweler could mistaken a Moissanite for a CZ...and if anyone could give me advice on how to proceed, I would very much appreciate it.

free skin care · Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:17 pm

I'm not a jeweler, but have read a ton on Moissanite over the years.

Moissanite tests as a diamond when used with a regular diamond tester...CZ's do not. If he did not test your stone twice, he most likely followed this protocol below, or has 2-in-1 tester.

Quote:

A method of distinguishing diamonds from moissanite must be used. There are several different methods available now, so it is necessary to test a stone in several places using a moissanite tester.

A conventional diamond tester must always be used first. This will show without any doubt that the stone is either a simulant or diamond/moissanite. Once a stone can be proven to be a regular simulant, there is no reason to further test it on a moissanite tester.

http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/diamond-moissanite-test.html

If you really want to cover yourself, you may have to pay for an appraisal (about $45) with a pic taken by the jeweler to substantiate your claim BEFORE you mail it back. But that all depends on how much you paid for it...a 3.25ct M is typically not cheap, so it may be worth it to ensure you get your money back. The pic is the only way you can remotely illustrate that the stones are the same ones, and the jeweler's statement of CZ and silver says the rest. No seller in their right mind would dare keep your money after that (provided that they really did send you garbage and knew it).

What was her refund policy?

Did her pics show the 14k symbol?

BTW, I would consider calling the new ebay number 1-866-643-3720 before you do anything. I used them recently and they credited my account for something that was not accurately represented within 10 mins. Shock

I didn't even have to return it (but it was only $35...I only called because seller refused to return my emails). I was VERY impressed at the level of service.

free skin care · Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:34 pm

I just looked at the auction...she allowed 3 days to let her know that you are going to return it (and mail it).

Has that much time passed since you received it?

BTW, my sister recently listed an authentic Chanel purse that had been used ONCE. She sold it and offered a 7 day return policy. A MONTH later the buyer said she wanted to return it because she didn't like the way the leather smelled. Shock

She filed a dispute, and Ebay took the money out of my sister's account. The purse showed back up...the buyer had used the CRAP out of it for a month and it was no longer in like new condition. And it smelled like new Chanel leather always smells (which is barely noticeable, actually). Oh, and she wanted my sister to refund her shipping. Rolling Eyes

The moral behind that story is that if you paid with Paypal, you have a very good chance of getting your money back.

free skin care · Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:56 pm

Thank you for the very helpful reply. I will try the Ebay number the first chance I get. This is a wonderful tip! The policy states that the item has to be returned within 3 days. Unfortunately, because of the shipping time it will take between US and Canada, in addition to the time my jeweler held it to resize (overnight) the 3 days will be up before the ring reaches the destination. (I received it Tuesday and it is now Thursday)

Furthermore, the seller alluded that she will only refund me my money if the stones are returned to her as Moissanite. This is impossible if it was never the case to begin with.

I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt but the jeweler had no reason to tell me the ring is silver (even though it was advertised as gold) and lose out on business unless he looked down upon simulants... The ring is really pretty in person but not what I paid for.

Thanks for relaying the story about your poor sister Sad

Do you know if the unethical buyer shipped the purse back directly to her, or did she ship it to a third party for inspection? I'm asking because I'm apprehensive about shipping the ring back before any documentation in case I get accused for switching stones.

free skin care · Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:59 pm

I forgot to add that the original jewelers stamp has been scratched out so that I couldn't make it out. The seller told me she removed her initials from the ring so I could make it my own.

free skin care · Fri May 01, 2009 11:01 pm

angelina wrote:

Thank you for the very helpful reply. I will try the Ebay number the first chance I get. This is a wonderful tip! The policy states that the item has to be returned within 3 days. Unfortunately, because of the shipping time it will take between US and Canada, in addition to the time my jeweler held it to resize (overnight) the 3 days will be up before the ring reaches the destination. (I received it Tuesday and it is now Thursday)

Furthermore, the seller alluded that she will only refund me my money if the stones are returned to her as Moissanite. This is impossible if it was never the case to begin with.

I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt but the jeweler had no reason to tell me the ring is silver (even though it was advertised as gold) and lose out on business unless he looked down upon simulants... The ring is really pretty in person but not what I paid for.

Thanks for relaying the story about your poor sister Sad

Do you know if the unethical buyer shipped the purse back directly to her, or did she ship it to a third party for inspection? I'm asking because I'm apprehensive about shipping the ring back before any documentation in case I get accused for switching stones.

She shipped it directly to my sister, per Paypal's directions.

This BS about scratching out her initials is absolutely ridiculous. She was busted, she knows it, and she is trying to scare you into not returning it. Plus, she is probably mad that you left a negative follow up comment that is visible on her feedback section...never do that until AFTER you get your money back. Then you can say whatever you want. Bad Grin

I would call that ebay number asap (they are open on Sat and Sun), or open a paypal dispute asap. It's probably the only way you are going to get your money back, and you will not have to deal with her directly anymore. Make you sure you specify all her restrictions in your complaint, that she said she scratched out the supposed initials (which was probably the sterling mark), and that all communications between you and the seller are available for review by Paypal. (hopefully you have copies of everything you sent to her) You will most likely be out your payment if you don't.

BTW, I thought the auction ad was really over the edge...you can just picture some old lady sitting there selling her jewelry which meant soooo much to her. The only thing she left off was that it was given to her by her dear, dear, departed husband who is now with the angels in Heaven. Rolling Eyes

I initially was thinking maybe SHE had been mislead during HER purchase of the ring until you mentioned the initials stuff...NO ONE scratches out initials...it's too much work!!!

free skin care · Sat May 02, 2009 8:37 am

The jeweler will know his stuff and I agree the seller is trying to not have it returned. My son's fiance has a moisonite and the jeweler told her when he was sizing it there is no way to confuse the two. CZ weighs less, has a glassier appearance and looks cheaper comparing the two side by side.
I have one too and I was comparing it to that and allonite? at the time, you can tell.
Also the silver would turn, I would think.
She was hoping you wouldn't know.

free skin care · Sat May 02, 2009 11:17 am

angelina wrote:

Furthermore, the seller alluded that she will only refund me my money if the stones are returned to her as Moissanite. This is impossible if it was never the case to begin with.

Something just hit me...unless she has the original C&C paperwork or an appraisal stating that it is Moissanite, SHE does not have proof that she sent you Moissanite to begin with.

free skin care · Mon May 04, 2009 12:02 pm

The lady emailed me and told me she found receipts (even though she didn't include it in the email) and said there was some Russian company who began selling moissanite in 1991 (My research tells me otherwise) Moisssanite wasn't commercially available until 1998. It's story after story. I've escalated my claim and just provided tracking for the return package. Here is the latest correspondence:

# Buyer: I received item: 190299795888 (listed as a 14k, Moissanite ring) on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. Right away, I noticed that the standard Jeweler's stamp used to indicate the component of metals used has been scratched out. I remember the seller mentioning that she had her initials scratched out so I could put my own on so I shrugged it off. I took this ring to a jeweler for resizing and was informed that the process is not recommended because the ring is made of silver and there is a high risk that the heat would damage the Cubic Zirconias. When I messaged the seller through the Ebay messaging centre to inform her that the jeweler had told me the ring is silver, her reply was: "I DO NOT HAVE THE ORIGINAL CARD OR CERTIFICATE. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE WHITE GOLD"At this point, I decided to ask the jeweler a second time if the stones could possibly be Moissanite and was told they are "definitely Cubic Zirconia."I relayed this information back to the seller and she claims she "paid over $4000 for the ring" and added "it was purchased in the altomonte springs mall at the Moissiante store in 1993..." In doing my due diligence, I found that Moissanite was not commercially available until 1998,It is is within the realm of possibility that the seller thought she was selling what she advertised so I feel badly about having to file a claim but I did not receive what I paid for and would like a full refund. The seller told me she would refund me my money, less shipping if I sent the ring back to her as a Moissanite, however this is impossible to do if it was never a Moissanite to begin with. (I find it very strange that a jeweler would set Moissanites in silver but this is a moot point now.)

# 5/1/2009 03:26 PDT - Seller: I understand your frustration as I was reading your email I called ebay and they were the ones made the comment that the switching of stones happens all the time. As for me to make a profound accusaition toward you or me, let me back that up by saying that isnt the case at all. I am feeling bad about this too. but putting myself in your shoes would be mad if this happened to me. I believe that you need to send the ring back, and I will be in the dust so to speak. Dont have any other way of putting it. I did go to the jeweler and had them clean it and buffed. They remarked on how beautiful the stone was and didnt know the difference, even his prong said it was a diamond, but I informed them it was a mossanite, the other ladies said they wouldnt sell it, that was prior to my listing. because it was very pretty and you could not tell the difference. I wear a 7 carat in total mossinate three stone ring in replace of the real diamond I have and believe me I get complimented more. But again its about being honest. So to avoid any more problems I will take the ring back and return your funds as suggested prieviosley. If you feel that this jewler is correct can you please send something with that so that I may get that for my records. I have no idea if that store is open but do know they stand behind there brillant stones. I would love to sell the one I have on. but jewelery you have to be careful on here thats what i have been told.

free skin care · Mon May 04, 2009 3:53 pm

It sounds like she sold you a russian cz. Busted.

Has Paypal/ebay responded yet?

free skin care · Mon May 04, 2009 4:31 pm

If you paid with Paypal and the auction list that you are Buyer Protected via Paypal, then there is not an issue. Send the ring back with documentation from the jeweler you took it to. I have dealt with several Paypal disputes myself and they most certainly favor the buyer.
And there is no mistaking a Moissanite for a CZ and as someone previously mentioned, what you got is a Russian CZ which is what she got too when she bought it....this lady is a total scammer, she knows it.

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