In May while on a cruise visiting Antigua, I went to Diamonds International. They came highly recommended by the cruise line. I had always wanted a 5 stone anniversary ring, and we were celebrating out 30th wedding anniversary. The salesman showed me a few rings in the $1500 range. I asked him what the color of the stones were and he said (H-I). I asked if he had anything in an E or F color. I wanted to stay close to the color of my engagement ring, which is an E. He brought me over to a case that had Hearts on Fire diamonds and he showed me a beautiful ring that cost $4400. I asked him the color and he said "F". I told him that it was nice, but it was too much money. He said that they don't discount HOF but he would see what he could do. He came back saying that he could take $400. Off. I told him I would think about it and left the store. About an hour later my husband went back and looked at the ring. He decided that he would try to get it a little lower in price. He was able to get it down to $3600. He again asked the salesman the color and was told again that it was an "F". He purchased the ring. When we went back to the store to pick it up after having it sized, the salesman gave us the bill of sale we read it and it said "F" color. The salesman handed me the bag with the box and told me that the HOF appraisal was in the bag. We left the store and went back to the ship. The following day, as we were packing I looked at the appraisal for HOF and it clearly stated "H-I" color. When we got home we took the ring to an independent GIA appraiser and found that the HOF appraisal was correct. The worst part was that the ring was only appraised for $3200.
The salesman sold us a ring, knowing full well that the quality was not what we wanted. He put the appraisal in the bag so that we didn't see it knowing that our ship was sailing soon and did not have time to look it over. Fortunately, the insurance company that was listed on the cruise lines paperwork helped us get back a full refund. I will never shop at Diamonds International, whether it be on an island or on-line. Buyer Beware!
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