Diamonds International
Reviews and Complaints

While on a cruise in Feb. we were told by the cruise line that Diamonds International was the go to place for diamonds. We went into the store in Cozumel and purchased a 1.5 carat diamond ring. I was told if anything was wrong with the ring or the grading I would be able to return it. Upon returning home I discovered that I had paid $4000 more for the stone then I would have if I had bought at a local jeweler. I had the ring appraised by an independent Gia appraiser and was told that what I thought was an si2 diamond was in fact an i1. I contacted the NY customer service dept and submitted all my paperwork. The offered me a smaller stone as an even exchange or I could paid an additional $4700 for a better stone. I had already been ripped off once and they want to gouge me for more money. DO NOT EVER BUY FROM THIS COMPANY! Your guaranteed to get scammed. Legal extortion at its best.

I purchased a tanzanite and diamond ring at the Cozumel store for $9200 in February 2015. By September 2015 one of the side diamonds had fallen out. Diamonds International said that the warranty was for 30 days but that they would evaluate the situation and the ring if I shipped it to their office. A local reputable jeweler estimated a cost of $350 to replace the missing diamond, tighten the other mountings and recondition the ring. They strongly advised me to not wear the ring because several other diamonds were loose and ready to fall out. Obviously I made a very bad purchase in buying this poor quality ring. Diamonds International is not a quality merchant and should be avoided.

i bought a Bomberg Watch for my husband for Christmas. I used my VIP shoppers card and got about a $100.00 off the price which is good because i have checked the prices on Bombergs website and the watch actually retails for what they were selling it for so I saved a $100.00 but when i got home i found out that the instructions on how to set the watch were not included in the box even though the sales slip says that it is. I was able to figure out how to set the time and date but I don't think I will do business there again. I was lucky that I wasn't ripped off price wise like so many others who have bought pricey diamonds. I had actually looked at a diamond setting which i loved but luckily it was out of my price range. i am so glad I didn't decide to break down and buy it because I would have died if i put $1600.00 on my credit card and found out i had been taken. good luck to those who are trying to get refunds I hope you succeed!

We purchased a crown of light earrings as I have been wanting diamond earrings for a long time and since I like unique, a crown of light seem to fit and meet my desired diamond, I was sold a set of 1.6 carat diamonds for a steal of $1, 500, little did I know that the earring where just .5 carat and not worth more than $400, leasing learned never buy anything expensive outside the USA, there are no true guarantee in what your buying, is there way to keep the islands economy going, I guess you can just see it as a good deed, you just gave to charity and got something in return but if you don't feel the need to give to charity, DO NOT BUY JEWELRY IN ANY ISLAND Where your cruise stops.

We have just returned from a Disney cruise to E. Caribbean. Disney does everything first class so I was shocked to learn the hard way that the ship buyers are in cahoots with the port o call diamond dealers, specifically Diamonds International. We attended a presentation before arriving in St Maartin and were intrigued by the Crown of Light diamond, even though we had no intention on purchasing. We simply stopped by the store to attend a "special reception" hosted by our ship buyer. He was not there when we arrived but we were assured by the very attentive sales staff that he was due shortly. In the meantime, they were happy to preview the diamonds. This quickly turned into a high pressure sales pitch which now included the store manager. Before I knew it, I was wearing a pendant necklace, earrings and matching ring with multiple sales people stopping by to comment on how beautiful they looked on me. Finally I firmly reiterated that these pieces were larger than what I like to wear and I had absolutely no interest in a ring. At this point our ship buyer appeared, along with the store manager and a "special" offer on a smaller pendant necklace and earring set. Bottom line is that we accepted what we understood the offer to be and my husband paid with our credit card while the sales person helped me put on the jewelry so I could immediately begin to "show it off". We did not realize until we arrived home that only receipt we had was the credit card slip which was for twice the amount we were quoted. (no itemized bill of sale, guarantee, or even DI jewelry box). My husband had also purchased a watch separately and that credit card receipt was on top so he did not notice the discrepancy on the jewelry receipt. He assumed everything else was in the bag they handed him as they walked us to the door. I include so many details because I want anyone reading this to recognize what's happening if you find yourself in a similar situation. I've been exchanging e'mails with the customer relations manager at DI store whose explanation is that the price given us was for EACH piece and not the set. At this point I've indicated that I want to return both pieces for a full refund but am still waiting a response and quite frankly I expect that if they do anything at all it will be to offer an in-store credit as others have indicated. What an expensive lesson. Buyers BEWARE of sellers in port and buyers assistants aboard the cruise ship...even Disney.

On 10/21/15 I purchased a pair of diamond stud earrings at Diamonds International in St. Thomas while on a RC cruise. I paid $3500 for them. I asked for the paperwork but was told DI was paperless and they would email the documents to me. I provided my work place email. I signed as indicated on digital screen, believing I was signing for the credit card authorization. As I waited for my purchase to be approved, the sales manager approached me and said there was a problem with the setting and they would need to send the earrings off site to have the settings replaced. I was asked to return 2 hrs. Later. I did; earrings weren't ready. I waited another hour. Finally, the salesman approached me, gave me an earring to put on, then the other. He held the mirror for me to look at one side, then the other. When I returned to the ship and took the earrings out of my lobes, I was shocked to see the pair wasn't even a matched pair of earrings - one was much smaller and you could detect the yellow in it easily. I went to the lady who had arranged for the Express Shopping experience on the ship, and she said not to worry, DI would make it good at St. Maarten the next day. So I took my earrings back to DI at St. Maarten but was told without the paperwork there was nothing they could do - I didn't have the paperwork and even though I tried to access my email from their computer, I could not access it. DI wanted to sell me another pair for an additional $1575 even though I did not have any documents describing the quality of the studs I already purchased (and which were obviously switched by DI when they "repaired" the settings off site). I refused to negotiate until I received paperwork although DI insisted they could not access that info; finally, after I refused to leave the store and go upstairs to hide (I guess they were afraid I would create a scene and drive customers away), the Customer Service (what a laugh) manager called NY and got them to fax the paperwork to them. It was then I first read the conditions that applied to the 30 day money back "guarantee". The signature I thought I was placing to authorize the charge was used to sign the documents stating I had reviewed the Terms and Conditions - although I had never even seen a copy of it and stating I agreed with the terms. It also stated I had received a copy of the Appraisal - but I of course had never seen the appraisal. Upon looking at the documents while in DI at St. Maarten once they were finally faxed to them from NY, I discovered the studs were not the quality I had been lead to believe at the time I purchased them. I finally negotiated for another pair of studs, bigger but the color and clarity wasn't what I had been told the first pair had been, but I paid an additional $1, 000. When I got home I had the studs appraised - wasn't too surprised to learn the "appraisal" DI gave me was far off from the one I paid for at a local jewelers. I am trying to return them for a full refund, but the strict requirements in the Terms and Conditions makes it nearly impossible. They require you get an appraisal from a someone who does not sell, buy or trade in gems and is appraising only but not in the market itself. In my small hometown, that isn't possible. I finally found one in Georgia, nearly at the Alabama border (I live in SC) and took my studs there for an appraisal. This person's appraisal showed my studs to be a better color and clarity than the first jeweler's appraisal, and although not the carat weight I thought I was getting it did indicate I had better quality diamonds than what was shown on the DI appraisal form and that the replacement value was $1, 200 over what I had paid for them. I'm not sure what I'll do now; the independent appraiser's assessment of the studs does not fall within DI's guideline for a refund - they state the color and/or clarity must be 2 levels or more off. In all, this has been a very bad experience and one I will never repeat. St. Thomas is a US Territory, so I wonder if some action can be taken against them, such as a class action be filed against these rip off artists.

Within hours of my purchase, I asked to return my merchandise with refund. I discovered it was untrue that Diamonds International gives big discounts to cruise customers. They overinflated and exaggerated their prices in order to make the sale making it appear I got a huge discount and the cruise line shopping guide did not disclose at the seminar no refunds were allowed. I reached out to Customer Service rep of Celebrity Cruise Lines (Royal Media Partners) but they refused to be accountable due to a policy they claim was given to all passengers. No where was this document posted in our room nor was it handed out or even mentioned by the shooter guide. They withheld this vital document and information at their seminars that 'no refunds' were allowed. Despite the fact that I was still on the Celebrity and well within my 30 days of return, the refund was refused. Finally Diamonds International allowed the return but I am still liable for the huge bill $12, 400. They are only giving a 'concession' of $1k towards my TD Bank account but yet they have the jewelry to now sell. I never wore the jewelry and Diamonds International has acknowledged that the jewelry is as originally purchased. The matter is exacerbated by the fact that Diamonds International gave easy credit along with TD Bank in order for me to do this purchase. When I reached out to TD Bank they acquiesced to Diamonds International's refusal to refund although DI has my merchandise in their possession. I would like to join a Class Action suit against Diamonds International for false and misleading information and for accepting my merchandise return without refunding my account.

I wish I had read this page before going on a cruise 2 years ago. I had no intentions of buying any Jewellery, but like others got caught up in the hype.

I purchased a crown of light pendent in Cozumel with a credit card. It's the only time I used the card the whole cruise so I know it was the sales person or someone at the store that made charges on my card by phone. Best buy, was the largest for charges for computer equipment etc. There were other smaller charges at some other companies. All purchases were made by phone.

I am thankful that Chase took all charges off my account. I don't know if they ever investigated or not. Most Credit Card Companies don't bother to prosecute for what they call "small theft" they just write it off.

Anyone thinking of buying overseas with a credit card on a cruise please check these complaint pages before going.

Let me start off with I have made several purchases from here on previous cruises and my purchases have always appraised higher than what I paid. With that being said, my husband and I were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and he purchased me a 3.00 carat diamond solitaire ring. It came with an EGL certificate, and we thought we got a good deal. I was so happy, until I got home and started doing some research on EGL Certificates. What I discovered was that EGL is notorious for over grading their diamonds, so much to the point there are class action lawsuits in the US as well as their diamonds have been banned from RAPNET which is a weekly publication used to value diamonds. My husband insisted that I not worry, as everything we have purchased from there has always been fine. The next day we took it to get appraised from GIA certified gemologist and discovered the diamond that was supposed to be J-K I1 was in fact a K-L I2. I immediately called Diamonds International and asked for a refund. I was told since I purchased it at a store it would only be a store credit. If I had purchased it online it could be returned with no questions asked. They said according to the back of the receipt they allow for one or more discrepancies in grading and cut and clarity can't be combined. I said no, I don't trust your store. I was eventually offered $5K to keep as is but when you pay 19K for a diamond that is worth 11K, 5K doesn't even touch it. We have refused to pay for it on our Diamonds International credit card by TD BANK and have contacted the Better Business Bureau. I will be contacting the Attorney General of NY as well. I contacted Carnival who pretty much sided with Diamonds International.
Protect yourself from this company. Don't let your guard down just because you have made purchases from there previously. Don't be unsuspecting tourists who are enjoying your anniversary only to be sold under valued goods by unscrupulous vendors.

Visited May 2015

I purchased jewelry at Diamond International in Puerto Vallarta while on a cruise. The tanzanite bracelet had an appraisal for $11, 900. They sold it to me for $4220. When I got back home, I had it appraised by a board certified gemologist who appraised for alot less than what I bought it for. I would not had bought it had I known what it was really worth! Diamond International won't take it back. Royal Media Partners, whom I contacted, backed Diamond International saying that the shopping map had a (cruise line guarantee) on it. Basically I cannot return the bracelet because it is Tanzanite and not a diamond. NOTICE THAT ALL CRUISE LINE GET A PERCENTAGE ON ALL JEWELRY SALES. NOTICE THAT ALL LINES HAVE SHOPPING GUIDES THAT WILL HELP YOU PART WITH YOUR MONEY. NOTICE THAT ALL SHIPS HAVE IN ROOM T.V. THAT HAVE A SPECIAL CHANNEL WITH THESE SHOPPING GUIDES ENTICING YOU TO PURCHASE JEWELRY AND WATCHES! DON'T MAKE THE MISTAKE THAT I MADE! YOU WANT JEWELRY BUY AT HOME!

June 24, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing about my experience with Diamonds International so that other buyers are aware of the scam that goes on with Diamonds International, the cruise lines (in this case Royal Caribbean), and their media partner Royal Media, who handles all the vendor advertising and recommendations on board the ship.

On May 18th, my fiancée and I took our first cruise aboard the Freedom of the Seas ship with Royal Caribbean to celebrate our anniversary. While on the ship, Diamonds International was highly endorsed and recommended by Royal Caribbean. We were assured by Royal Caribbean and Royal Media Partners that if there is anything wrong with any purchases made at a cruise line guarantee store, they will take care of it and for us to shop with confidence and not to worry.

When we stopped at the port of St. Thomas on May 21, 2014, we ended up purchasing a few pieces of jewelry including a 2.5 c.w.t diamond “Crown of Light” ring in celebration of our anniversary totaling $20, 000. Although we were concerned about making such
a large purchase outside the United States, we were made to feel confident because of all the endorsements and recommendations made by Royal Caribbean and Royal Media Partners. In additional, we were told by the Diamonds International store in St. Thomas that we can return the products for refund or exchange if we are not completely satisfied with our
purchase. We were also told by the store that we were getting a great deal and that the jewelry purchased will be appraised at a minimum of 20-30% higher in the United States. The Royal Caribbean port shopping guide from our ship, Rocky was there during our purchase and she assured us that we were getting a phenomenal deal. No one at the store at ever went over the store’s terms and conditions or exchange/return policy with us. We made the purchase believing that what we purchased was brand new, that we can return for refund or exchange if we were not completely satisfied, and that we have the protection of Royal Caribbean who stands behind their recommended store so that we would not be taken advantage of. While on the ship, we completed a 30 Day Guarantee form for our port purchases. We were told that by completing this form, if there was anything wrong with our port purchases, they are backed by the cruise line. We asked the ship’s port shopping guide, Rocky regarding what if the jewelry purchased is valued less than what we paid for and she assured us that if the items appraised less than what we purchased for, they will take care of it (Diamonds International, Royal Caribbean, Royal Media Partners). The 30 Day Guarantee form turned out to be useless.

Once we got back to the States, I took the ring in to a reputable, independent appraiser (GIA) to get the ring appraised for insurance purposes on May 27, 2014. The ring appraised at approximately $4, 000 less than what we had paid for. It gets worse. The appraiser informed me that the ring is a refurbished/used ring. He informed me that the Rhodium coating that covers the 14k gold on the bottom shank of the ring had already wear off. He informed me that Rhodium is superficial (surface only) and it will over time wear away and that the Rhodium on the bottom shank of the ring can wear off by grasping, pushing to stand for balance, carrying a hand cart, in general folding a person’s arms and touching your skin with your palms. It eventually wears off but over “time”. It could not have wear off in the one week that I had the ring especially since the ring has been kept in the box the entire time. He also informed me that the ring has been sized. The ring was smaller and to make it bigger (for someone else), the original area was cut and pulled apart for the sizing stock to be inserted. You can see the two lines of demarcation (metal color division) between the ring and the inserted metal. He informed me that rings are not manufactured like this EVER. I did not have the ring sized when I made the purchase because it fitted me. My worst fears came true. Not only was the ring valued less than what I paid for, the ring has been altered (used) and was sold to me as a brand new ring. I was in disbelief.

I contacted Diamonds International customer service and Royal Media Partners right away after the appraisal on May 27th. I was greatly concerned because I was told this was a brand new ring when I made the purchase. I informed them of what I found out during the appraisal. I thought that being such a large well-known company and being a cruise line guarantee store backed by Royal Caribbean, Diamonds International would be able to help me get this problem resolved. I was in for a surprise. Royal Caribbean will not accept responsibility and is pushing everything to their media partner, Royal Media. Royal Media, who is supposed to work on behalf of the consumer, is siding with Diamonds International. It has been nothing but a nightmare Diamonds International, Royal Caribbean, and Royal Media.

I was assigned to Bella at Diamonds International and Ernesto at Royal Media. Bella requested a copy of the appraisal document, EGL certificate for the ring, and all the purchase paperwork. On May 29th, I faxed the documents over to her and to Ernesto at Royal Media. I explained to Bella the problems I’m having with the ring and requested for a refund. I was told not only by Bella but also by Ernesto at Royal Media that Diamonds International do not sell used rings and that the Rhodium wearing off on the ring was just a workmanship issue. When I informed them that the ring was already altered/resized and not by me, I was told that the ring must have been manufactured that way. At one point, Bella suggested that I must have made the appraiser write a false report so that I can return the ring. They tell me this without ever seeing the ring. I requested to have the ring shipped to their New York corporate office for evaluation. My request was denied. Diamonds International refused to give me my money back. This is not the end. I am in the process of hiring a lawyer to continue my fight and get my money back. I am so disappointed at Royal Caribbean and Royal Media. They highly recommended, promoted, and endorsed Diamonds International and now are refusing to help me. Royal Caribbean and Royal Media misrepresented their claims about their cruise line guarantee stores. They assured their customers that if they shop at their cruise line guarantee stores, their customers would be protected by the cruise line and not be taken advantage of by the stores overseas and they did not stand behind their words. I would like to warn all buyers and people going on cruises to not fall prey to Royal Caribbean or any other cruise line’s false advertisement on their guarantee stores and DO NOT shop at Diamond International.

Thank you for reading.

Don't buy diamonds unless you know the value. I made an impulsive and uninformed purchase while I was on a cruise and went to a Diamonds International at Turks and Caicos. The store had a "70% off" sale on. The store's price for the ring I wanted was almost $18, 000. I asked for guidance from the shopping expert from the cruise. I know they get kickbacks but I thought he would still provide helpful advice and be honest. When I returned to Canada, I was told that I overpaid by almost $2, 000. Additionally, they reported the diamonds to be of higher clarity and colour than they really were. In the end, I bought a diamond I liked and I will definitely use it, I just regret making an impulsive and uninformed decision which ended up costing me more than it should have. Don't make the same mistake.

I purchased a diamond from this company and only wanted a $1000.00 line of credit. Without my consent I was approved for $10, 000. On top of it, they said the balance was going to be interest free, but the bill I got included a "promotional fee" of $19.00 per month for maintaining the balance interest free. All this can affect a current mortgage application in progress. It is IMPOSSIBLE to get a hold of anybody in that company. My advice DO NOT do any kind of business with these people. They are out to get you for every penny. Other complaints include the quality of diamonds from this company. I am calling the credit bureau and the better business bureau to submit a formal complaint.

Yes it's long but read it before you shop at diamonds international.
We took a norwegian epic cruise in march 2013. I went through the shopping seminar given on the cruise ship. The one benefit of attending was getting vip cards that gave you additional discounts at “trusted” retailers. We arrived at the diamonds international harbor village store (st. Maarten) early morning. Nick was our sales consultant. We found a 1.50 ct tw three-diamond ring in yellow gold. We weren’t planning on getting a ring that day. We just wanted to see the best price we could get and compare it to the ship’s best price ($6800). Well, the salespeople are very good. If you say something like, “this is our first store and that sounds like a good price but we’d like to check around”, they’ll always start by saying “can I ask you a question?” and then ask what it would take to buy right now or, “early morning customers get the best pricing. Give me a minute and let me see what I can do”. So he returns, gives me a price and I lay down the vip card. “oh, you have a vip card. Let me get the manager shasi.” well shasi is out behind the store talking to a woman. We wait and wait. He then gets on his phone. I’m told he’s calling new york trying to get me the best price. He finally comes over, drops the price, and says this is the best price you will get from any store. I’m still hesitant. So he offers to call todd from norwegian because he suggests I ask todd if the price is really that good. Todd and nichole are the “shopping consultants” on the epic. So I wait some more and finally todd gets on the phone and tells me that di typically discounts about 65% off retail. Their price to me of $2395 (add $47 for credit card foreign transaction fee) is 75% off retail so I am definitely getting a good deal. So after an hour in the store, we decide to buy. The ring itself has round diamonds and has color of h-j and si1-si2 clarity. The inclusions are easily seen with a loupe. We leave the store and walk around st. Maarten while the ring is getting sized. Just before going back to the ship in early afternoon, I stop in majesty jewelers to see if I can find the same ring. Sure enough, same color range, si1-si2 and 1.49ct. Vs. 1.50ct. He takes the ring out of the case and while my wife is verifying it’s the same ring, I lay down my vip card for majesty jewelers. Within 30 seconds I get a price of $2250. No haggling, no “let me get the manager”, no 20 questions, just their best price direct from the sales consultant. I thanked him and said no, went back to di to pick up the ring and complained. All nick could do was to say majesty’s price was below cost and they would tack on additional fees for sizing and whatever else. I don’t know if that’s true. Also beware that they will offer to send all the paperwork direct to your home via postal mail. This is supposedly done so customs won’t be able to find any proof that you bought the diamonds and they won’t be able to tax you. So I agreed to have them send it to my house. They put all the paperwork in an envelope and I wrote my home address on it. Three and a half weeks later, I still don’t have the paperwork. So I search the web for the phone number for the st. Maarten store. Nothing. I call the 800 number and i’m given a number with a [protected]) country code. The number doesn’t work. Searching the web, I find out that beginning sept 2011, st. Maarten began to change over to the 721 area code.in sept 2012, the 599 area code no longer worked. So the people who answer the 800 number on the web are still giving out the wrong phone number? I go home that evening and look at the charge card receipt. Sure enough, it still says the country code is 599. Really? It’s six months after the new 721 area code has become mandatory! After three days of trying to reach nick, I called friday morning and got voicemail that says “this person cannot be reached at the moment….” really? A standard voice mail greeting that doesn’t even acknowledge that you’ve reached di? Does this sound like a well-run company? I believe di says that if the ring appraises for less than the sales price they’ll take it back. While we are waiting for the paperwork to arrive we had it appraised at a local jeweler. True, it was appraised for a little more than what we paid. However, the jewelry store owner told my wife he’d never sell anything of such low quality. That and the fact that we never received the sales papers from di in the mail caused us think about returning the ring. The paper work has the terms and conditions of sale and more importantly it had the clarity, color etc. So to compare the color and clarity from the local jewelry store appraisal, I need the paperwork from diamonds int’l. I’ve got 30 days to make a return and still no paperwork from di. I called the di office in new york in inquire about the return policy. Get this: for returned items that you purchase in-store (as opposed to online) you get store credit! So if you just spent all your money on the cruise, alcohol, confiscatory tipping and a diamond ring, you might not have the money to take another cruise to exchange your ring. The moral of the story is skip the hassle and sales rituals at di and go somewhere else. If you are happy with your purchase great, if you ever have to contact them or have an issue, be prepared to spend a lot of time and agony getting what you want. Btw, I received my paperwork on the 31st day after the purchase. Sound suspicious? They knew we were not happy and despite being told that the paperwork would leave st. Maarten in the envelope that I had personally handwritten my address on, it finally came to me in a completely different envelope straight from new york. I believe this was done on purpose to prevent us from returning the ring within 30 days.

March 10, 2013

American express

Inquiry number: wr96710

I am sending this letter to you in reference to my request to have a non-payment placed on my american express card for $18, 543.60. The charge was from diamonds international in cozumel, mexico on 1/17/13.

I went to diamonds international to upgrade or exchange my diamond bracelet that I purchased from them several years ago. When I showed the salesperson my bracelet and the sales slip, he advised me to keep my yellow gold bracelet because I paid $600 for it and it was worth so much more now. He said all he could give me for it was $600.

Two men led us to a comfortable room where they proceeded to show us many beautiful pieces of jewelry. Each salesperson brought out various bracelets and necklaces to present to me. The bracelet was too large for my wrist but they assured me they could easily make it smaller by separating the links from the main bracelet and making an exquisite pair of earrings or pendant.

They offered us an alcoholic beverage, which we both accepted. They mentioned prices in casual reference to a few thousand dollars. They gave us a great deal of time to look at, touch, and try on the pieces. As they brought out selected pieces, the salesperson had to find their ‘manager’ to see if they could give me a lower price.

They offered us another drink and we accepted it. They brought more sparkling jewels to us with prices referred to $6, $8, and $10 – not in the thousands the pieces actually cost. At one point, they presented a set of earrings to us and told us that with the reimbursement money I would get back the earrings would almost be free.

They gave a pair of diamond earrings to wear while we went upstairs to a restaurant for lunch. We understood that they would have the prices and pieces we looked at made available for me to make choices that I might consider buying and taking with me.

We were concerned about getting back to our ship on time and mentioned we did not want to be late. After lunch, we returned to the room where we had been sitting. They spent more time telling me they had to talk to the ‘manager’ about adding the necklace to the package for no cost to me.

It was a grinding experience and I felt rushed and mentally exhausted. They still did not have the paperwork filled out and the actual amount for the jewelry seemed unclear. They offered me one more pair of earrings but again had to talk to the ‘manager’ to get a final price.

They hurriedly wrote up the paperwork without the last piece of jewelry. They quickly scanned the pages of the purchases without a detailed explanation of specifics.

One of the salespersons took us downstairs to fill out more paperwork for a tax reimbursement that I would be receiving in the mail. They suggested I use a different credit card “because it would speed up the return of my money” for the savings from my purchases.

We left diamond international and hurried back to the ship. One of the sales men ran to catch us as we were walking down the street. He originally told us a currier would deliver my purchase to the ship, but because of the time constraints, he knew that would not be possible. The sales man told us they completed the work and I could take the package with me. I did not look at any of the jewelry since were in a rush to get back to the ship.

After the ship sailed out of the port, we looked at the jewelry. We immediately noticed the clasp on the bracelet was not right. The bracelet did not have a clasp and what they put on it was so inferior it was shameful. I placed all of the jewelry in the safe on the ship and did not take it out until I got home.

After many communications between bernice at diamond international and myself, I found a store in orlando, fl that gave me an estimate for replacing the clasp. There were numerous phone calls and emails between diamond international and myself, but I did not feel satisfied with the decision and felt more comfortable returning all of the pieces to them for a full credit.

I sent an email to bernice and stating that I was sending the jewelry back to diamond international. I did not have an address for them and that is when I called american express and asked them to put a stop payment on the $18, 543.60.

When I return this jewelry, I still need the address for the diamond international headquarters in new york. I checked with the post office, fedex, and ups and found there is no way to send anything to mexico with insurance. There is no way to send anything to cozumel.

I appreciate american express and I appreciate you taking care of this for me.
Thank you very much.
Nancy c. Stone
307 falling waters dr
Kissimmee, wi 34759
[protected]
[protected]@gmail.com

June 10, 2013

I am a 73 year old female living in a retirement community and enjoy traveling and cruising. I have never had an issue in all of the traveling I have done. I am a frugal buyer and have been satisfied with purchases I have made. I live on my social security and my pension.

I am filing this complaint against diamond international (di) for a purchase I made on 1/13/13. Please read the above letter I sent to amex for an explanation.

I got an appraisal from a master gemologist in orlando, fl. She produced a 23 page document explaining in detail the difference in various aspects of the diamonds quality. The diamonds I received were not what di stated they were on the appraisals they gave me. The diamonds were rated inferior to what the paperwork claimed in both color and clarity. This is clearly a misrepresentation.

The clasp on the bracelet was non-functional so the bracelet cannot be worn. They were in such a hurry because they did not want to lose the sale - that is the reason a secure the clasp was not put on it. I was charged $18, 543.60 for the four pieces. The gemologist valued the pieces at $13, 615.70 including sales tax.

I want to return all of the pieces to di for a full refund of $18, 543.60.

This has been an extremely stressful situation exacerbating my health problems (cf) and well being.

This is a clear case of deceptive trade practices targeting a senior citizen. I have been dealing with this since january, 2013.

I filed a stop payment with american express. I received my statement from american express today and they are requesting payment in full by june 28th.

My credit card with american express has a maximum limit of $11, 000. No one at di or amex questioned my going over that limit. I do not know who at amex gave di permission to go or my limit. Amex never talked to me about it. The salesman from di in cozumel called and talked to them, and came back to me saying everything was approved.

I really need your help! Please contact me by email ([protected]@gmail.com) or call me at [protected].
Thank you.
Nancy stone
307 falling waters dr
Kissimmee, fl 34759

While in cozumel last month my husband and I purchased a forevermark diamond at diamond international. Adam the cruise shopping guide, said they were very reputable and with the vip shopping card we would receive the best price. He also told us that royal caribbean stood behind each and every purchase.

So we were confident that the $25, 000 diamond we purchased was what di said it was. Once we returned to the us we took the diamond in for an appraisal. My stomach flipped when the appraiser told us that the diamond would sell in the states for approximately $16, 500. Omg...$8500 less than what we paid.

I contacted royal caribbean, opened a claim with them, as well as one with di. The end result was a $5000 refund (take it or leave it). I'm still not happy but was glad to get some of my money back. The diamond is still not worth what I paid. The question you have to ask is... How could they give me a refund without batting an eye? The answer... They know they are scamming people. They just don't want royal c not recommending them anymore. Buyer beware! Terrible experience.

Rip off warning to all cruise customers!
Absolutely avoid trusting any cruise ship sales representatives who recommend diamonds international. Cruise lines receive a hefty kick - back. Prices @ di are high retail - there are no exceptions and no returns. They are not better business bureau accredited. Complaints of over-charges, inferior products and faulty diamonds have been reported to the bbb

Diamonds international is a scam! Beware! Do not go to any of their branches in the caribbean! I visited their store branch at nassau, bahamas in june 2012, and bought a 3-stone oval shaped diamond ring. When I bought the ring, I was assured and told by the salesperson and her manager that the ring I was buying have good quality diamonds on it.in my mind, a “good” quality diamond is at least an si1 or above, and that is why I negotiated, bought, and paid for the ring for the price of $7, 100. I had asked for an appraisal to ensure that the diamonds on the ring I was buying was in fact a “good” quality diamond. They had informed me that they will issue and give me the appraisal when I had already paid/bought the ring. They had asked me to pay the ring ahead of time and go back to the store to pick it up after they were done sizing it up and converting it to white gold. When I went and picked up the ring, the store was closing for the day, giving me no time to inspect the ring and review the appraisal. When I got to my hotel, I was disappointed when I saw the appraisal that indicated the diamonds are i3 quality (which this rating does not even exist on the official gemologist rating system). The next day, I immediately called the store, and spoke to an andy from their customer service, informing them of my disappointment and wanted to return the ring. They told me that they cannot accept a return unless I have an return merchandise authorization. They had advised me to call their 800-number on the back of the receipt. I contacted them numerous times, pleaded my case, negotiated an exchange for a better quality ring, but they refused to help me, and will not refund my money back! These people are plain scammers! Do not make a mistake of buying any type of jewelry from them, they will rip you off!

I just returned from a visit with a certified gemologist who looked at the ring I bought in Nassau from Diamond Internationals. I had a bad feeling and was correct that I spent twice the retail price for my so called great discount on the tax and duty free ring. What is so maddening is the sell job that the Carnival special shopper gives and makes a person think they are getting a great deal. They are the ones getting a great deal as they get a kickback from advertising Diamonds International. I am so angry that I did not do my homework before and got caught up in the so called recommended great deal. Shame on you, Carnival (particularly Peter the shopping guide)! If they do this what else do they do that is not in their passenger's best interests? I am really disturbed by this level of dishonesty. What an expensive lesson to learn. Carnival should NOT be pushing this as a "safe" place to shop.

I you have a problem with Daimonds International I would suggest that you contact the people at JVC at www.jvclegal.org They can help you get some resolution to your problems with this company. I have worked with them and the $100 fee is excellent value for everything they can do for you. Peter

Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), is the sole legal compliance expert in the jewelry industry; established 1917 to educate and protect all levels of the jewelry industry against liability, litigation and to stop negative publicity. JVC is considered the industry’s leading authority on legal compliance and is a champion of safeguarding the industry’s integrity.

Consumer Complaints
Most jewelry buying experiences are pleasant ones and lead to a long-lasting relationship between the buyer and the seller. However, from time to time, there are questions or problems that might arise.

Should difficulties arise after the sale is completed, your first step should be to talk with the seller. If that proves fruitless and you feel outside intervention is necessary, you may contact the JVC for assistance.

STEPS TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT

1. All complaints MUST be submitted in writing and mailed or faxed (if less than five pages) to the JVC.

2. You MUST enclose copies of documentation to support your claim (i.e. advertising, sales receipts, initial order forms, take in sheets, correspondence, etc.) Send copies only!

3. There is a filing fee of $100, a one time fee to offset administrative costs (i.e. postage, telephoning, faxing). Again, using JVC's services is much less costly than hiring an attorney. (Please make your check or money order payable to the JVC.)

4. The person filing the complaint is kept apprised as new developments occur.

Should the above information
not answer your questions,
please contact Jo-Ann Sperano,
Paralegal/Mediator, JVC,
[protected]@jvclegal.org

Tel: [protected]
Fax: [protected]

25 West 45th Street, Suite 1406
New York, NY 10036