While on the Carnival Cruise Elation Mar 8-12 of 2007 we attended a jewelry seminar given by super shopper Mark Writer. During this seminar, and in sheets handed out by Carnival Cruise Lines, it was emphasized that doing business with stores not recommended by Carnival was very risky business as dishonest, rip-off tactics were the norm.
We were also told that should we make any purchases we should fill out the ship paperwork onboard and if there were any problems we would be guaranteed 100% satisfaction.
With their cautions and guarantee in our heads, I went with my wife to Diamonds International, Nassau on Mar 11 to purchase for her a wedding ring. Figured that this would be the place as we'd been assured of not only the integrity of the store, and it was being promoted by Carnival Cruise Lines, but also the savings over stateside was 40-60%. Seemed like a slam dunk to me, win, win, win.
Met Carnival super shopper Mark Writer at the Diamonds International Nassua store. He guided us to the sales lady, (store manager). I told her my price range $6000.00
so that I'd get to the right jewelry case. She showed us a solitare ring that she said was priced at $7600.00 but that we were not to worry, she'd cut us a deal and let it go for $6150.00
I purchased the ring and registered it immediately upon returning to Carnival Cruise Elation. Paid duty on the ring of $225.00. So far so good.
Took the ring to get appraised for insurance purposes figuring it'd appraise out around twice what I paid for it (this has been the case with other jewelry purchases that I've made).
To my surprise and dismay, the appraisal came back $4300.00. This was almost $2000.00 LESS than what I paid. And $4000.00 less than actual worth. I immediately checked my paperwork for someone to call to get a refund as this ring was not at all the savings or value that it was represented to be.
Let's talk about fraudulant, dishonest, and misleading advertising by both Diamonds International and Carnival Cruise Lines. Diamonds International even highlights on their web site that (and I quote) 'Our merchandise is guaranteed by every major cruise line'. I'm not sure exactly what that means as the contacts that I've made with Carnival, including their customer service who say they can do nothing and the letter I sent to the president of Carnival Cruise Lines, Mr. Dickinson, have gone unanswered.
I have called, e-mailed, and sent hard copies of all necessary documentation to Diamonds International corporate headquarters in New York letting them know of my extreme displeasure and that I have the ring in its box awaiting its return merchandise number so that I can get my money back.
A company that is honest and not misleading its customers with its FRAUDULANT behaviors would not have such a problem responding to any complaints and issuing refunds if that is what is necessary.
Diamonds International knows what I want. They are just giving me the run around now. I want to warn others about this set-up. Don't be scammed by Diamonds International.
We were also heavily influenced by the backing of Carnival Cruise Lines. Don't be sucked in by them either. Their Guarantee isn't worth the paper its printed on. It seems as if they've washed their hands of the problem.
Any company that perpetuates this kind of FRAUD and dishonest behavior ought not to be in business.
Beware of diamonds international.
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