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  • Report:  #183356

Complaint Review: Helzberg Diamonds - Houston Texas

Reported By:
- Houston, Texas,
Submitted:
Updated:

Helzberg Diamonds
251 Memorial City Houston, 77024 Texas, U.S.A.
Phone:
713-467-4872
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
I took my diamond engagement ring last Tuesday (3/21/06) to Helzberg Diamonds in Memorial City Mall to have them put my diamond into a new mount. They sent it off to a guy they contract and my fiance picked up my ring that Friday (3/24/06). Helzberg tested my diamond to confirm it was real before sending it off to their contractor. When I opened the box Friday night I noticed that the "diamond" was smaller and it just didn't look right. I thought that it was just the new setting so I put it back into the box. The next morning I went to a jewelry and watch repair store by my house to have them size the ring for me and as soon as I got to the store, the guy asked me if it was a real diamond. I said yes so he pulled out a diamond tester machine. He proceeded to test the "diamond" and informed me it was NOT real, but fake. The ring never left my hand. He then pulled out a diamond ring from his case and showed me that his machine was working because the machine went off. I immediately called Helzberg Diamonds to inform them and told them I was on my way. I took the ring straight back to the original store I had work on it and they confirmed that the "diamond" in my new setting was NOT real and the store manager stated that they tested it before sending it off and it had been real but they did NOT check it when it came back on Friday. He then began to insinuate that I or the jewelry repair place had the real diamond replaced with this new fake one but the ring has not left my possession in the mere 15 hours I had it. He called the guy who worked on it and he was supposed to "look around" and see if he could find my diamond and come up to the store but I have not heard back from them. I left the fake ring with them so their contractor can look at it and I was told they will call me during the week with an update. I called Helzberg back 30 minutes after leaving to let them know the specifics of my diamond and the store manager proceeded to tell me he "inspected" my ring and it looks like 2 of the prongs had been opened. The only person to have my ring was Helzberg Diamonds and the guy they contract. They are beginning to deny responsibility and make it look as if I am trying to rip them off which is a total lie! I told the store manager all I want is my original diamond back, nothing more or less because it has sentimental value to me since my father gave it to me as a gift.

Desiree

Houston, Texas
U.S.A.


17 Updates & Rebuttals

Desiree

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Thank you Brenda

#2Author of original report

Wed, June 14, 2006

Thank you for understanding.... it takes a woman to understand how cherished something such as an engagement ring is. It is one of the few items I have that I never wanted to be without. From the comments of Peter, if other jewelry stores are "Wal-mart" compared to Helzberg then I definitely will only use them because they are obviously more trustworthy! It was the "Wal-mart" repair store that tested the new setting in front of me as soon as I walked in, not the pricey Helzberg Peter seems fond of. Just because a place might be reputable does not mean that everyone they hire/contract is. I have given up on the matter and have learned from this experience. I am getting another diamond so as I see it, life moves on and so shall I.


Brenda

Whitehall,
Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
Peter

#3Consumer Comment

Wed, June 14, 2006

1. First you say that Helzberg would only want her diamond if it was of amazing quality. Later you call them the Wal Mart of jewelry stores. Seems to me that the Wal Mart of jewelry stores would want any diamond, no matter what the quality was. 2. Just because you get the ring sized at the store you bought it from doesn't mean they are going to do a better job. My ring was purchased at a really nice jewelry store. I also got my ring sized there and it took twice as long as it should have because of the first ring sizer. Then they had another repair person do it and it was perfect. Most contract out their sizing and repairs. It isn't done in house. For all you know when you buy your ring in a nice jewelry shop they could be sending it to the Wal Mart of repair men!


Peter

Pony,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
To Brenda

#4Consumer Suggestion

Tue, June 13, 2006

Judging from the inconsistencies in "Desiree's" story .... (1) I highly doubt that her diamond was "switched" -- if it was truly switched, she would produce the identification certificate on her diamond and contact the authorities with this evidence. But alas, she has not done this nor does it appear she feels it is important to do so. Also, if Helzberg would even WANT her diamond, it had to be of pretty amazing quality. I can't imagine someone taking such an amazing ring to the "watch and jewelry repairman" at the local mall when it needs servicing. (2) Being "impatient" and "not wanting to wait" to appropriately and responsibly handle major purchases like diamonds is NOT a good thing. Would I take my Mercedes to be serviced at the Walmart auto center because there was no wait? Of course not! I would take it to the place where it was purchased to ensure quality service and so that the warranty would not be voided. "Desiree" in effect took her ring to "Walmart" all in the name of being "impatient."


Brenda

Whitehall,
Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
To Peter

#5Consumer Comment

Tue, June 13, 2006

Why does it matter if she was impatient? Does that mean that it's ok that they switched her diamond? What does it matter if she didn't get it sized at the store it was purchased from? Judging from your name I can safely assume that you have never been proposed to by the man you love. I can 100% assure you that NO woman wants to wait for her ring. I had to wait two weeks for mine because they messed it up the first time and it was pure agony! You know what? If there was a jewelry repair store that could do it quicker that I knew of, I would have got it done there. Desiree, I hope you get your diamond back!


Desiree

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.
I did not mean that I was impatient in all areas of my life

#6Author of original report

Mon, June 12, 2006

First of all, I did not mean that I was impatient in all areas of my life....to assume that is ignorant as I have already stated. The other parts of my life are not for review only the matter I posted. I am sure anyone who posts a "rip off" report does not want someone like you to come in and berate them for things that they did or didn't do. Hindsight is 20/20. I can tell from your responses that you are not a very liked person and very ignorant in your assumptions. I suggest you not respond to others reports if you don't have constructive advice as the other people did. Ill advice such as yours is unwarranted and shows what kind of person you are. This is not a forum for trash talking so do not post anymore "consumer comments" and waste my time.


Peter

Pony,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
What a tangled web you weave ...

#7Consumer Comment

Mon, June 12, 2006

Actually, you said in your previous post - and I quote - "I am not a patient person and I don't like to wait." You can't go back now and claim that you are only impatient when it comes to your oh-so-precious ring. You clearly said something completely different, causing one to question other aspects of your story. Furthermore, if you do not want input from others, then why did you choose to post your "rip off" on a public message board specifically designed to generate responses from others? Your lack of judgement skills in many areas, judging from your postings alone, is comical ...


Desiree

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.
I am patient in other areas but

#8Author of original report

Sun, June 11, 2006

First of all, I am patient in other areas but my ring was very precious to me and I didn't like to be without it. I did not get the ring sized in any establishment, as soon as it was tested and shown to be fake, I left. I suggest that if you don't have constructive advice, then do NOT judge me or the actions I took. You do not know me or my life and I am very sure you have done many ignorant things in your life that I could look back on and say different about. If I had not taken the new setting the very next day to get sized I probably would have waited to have it sized since I had a ring guard that fit me and kept the solitaire in place with no problem. As I see it, God directed me there to find out because as I was walking out of Kay's Jewelers with my new ring guard I had no intention of getting it sized anytime soon. It just so happened when I walked out of Kay's this store was next to it and I felt an urge to go in. If you want to talk about responsibilities, it was HELZBERG'S responsibility to test my diamond once it came back into their possession from being offsite AND to test it in front of my fiance when he picked it up but they didn't. Don't talk to me about ignoring responsibilities because I am very responsible and had I gone to pick up the ring I would have asked they test it before I took it but I couldn't pick it up. Your ignorant assumptions made about my life that you know nothing of proves to me that you are quite ignorant yourself. I can only imagine the choices you have made to become as you are in your judgements of others. By the way, your analogies are just as ignorant as your remarks and your "advice" is unwanted.


Peter

Pony,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
Patience is a virtue ...

#9Consumer Suggestion

Sun, June 11, 2006

Perhaps you should learn to become more patient. Had you been more patient in this situation, you 1- would have been able to get proof of ownership (i.e., serial number) of YOUR diamond, 2- would have had your ring resized in the proper establishment without voiding your warranty by having it done by a "jewelry repairman in the mall," and 3- would not be crying "rip off" due to circumstances that would have been in your control had you not been in such a "hurry" to do things quickly rather than correctly. Patience is a virtue. We all get busy and "in a hurry" from time-to-time, but that is no excuse for ignoring your responsibilities and then blaming others for your bad choices. I can only imagine the other choices you make due to your "rush." If the hair salon is all booked when you absolutely need a haircut immediately without waiting, do you go to the nearest dog groomer instead to do your hair? That is basically what you did when you got your ring resized. May I suggest you practice a bit more patience from now on.


Desiree

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Helzerg is a SCAM

#10Author of original report

Sun, June 11, 2006

Well, first of all, the diamond was given to me by my father and the paperwork is in a safe deposit box overseas so it is not accessible. Yes, it had a serial # but I don't have the paperwork here to show it. I am not a patient person and I don't like to wait so that is my reason for taking the new setting to be sized at a jewelry repair store. I was referred by another top jewelry company in the same mall to go there since they can size while you wait (it usually takes only 30-45 minutes). I didn't plan on having the diamond tested, the jeweler automatically tested it on my hand upon me entering the store because that is his policy. I do not consider Helzberg to be anything but a fraudulant, dispicable company who seems to be in the habit of covering up scams and lying for their employees. I have done everything I can but it seems the thief has gotten away clean and I can't do anything but accept my loss and just know that God will punish that person in his own way. I find it hard to believe that this wasn't planned....why me, why this particular time did they not test it upon the return from their jeweler? I feel they targeted me since I am young and look like an easy target. I am through with this company and will God do his work.


Desiree

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Helzberg is a fraud

#11Author of original report

Sun, June 11, 2006

The diamond was a gift from my father and had been previously tested on a previous occasion when I had gone to get my original setting resized. Yes, it was a REAL diamond and the paperwork for it is overseas in a safe deposit box so I am unable to get it at this time. I took it to a jewelry repair place because I had just received the new setting with the "diamond" back the previous evening and I didn't want to have to send it back out for another week. I am not a patient person when it comes to my valuables and I don't like to be without them if I don't have to. Helzberg is NOT a reputable company as I previously thought and yes, they did switch my diamond since it was a very nice one. I have the statement from this fraudulant company stating that yes, they acknowledge my diamond was authentic upon sending it out but they failed to test it when it came back. Why me, why this one time? I am pretty sure the switching of stones was not random and sad to say, they got away with theft. I know God will punish whoever stole it and I have done all I can in the meantime. Obviously a jewelry repair store is more trustworthy than Helzberg's because they tested the new setting right in front of me immediately upon me getting there as Helzberg's did not. Now tell me where I was wrong in taking this ring to another store....why didn't Helzberg size my ring originally as I thought they would?


Peter

Pony,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
Another reason why I doubt this story ...

#12Consumer Comment

Sun, June 11, 2006

Why would you take something as valuable as a diamond ring to a "jewelry and watch repair store" to have it sized? Normally when you buy a diamond ring, the store from which you purchased it will size and resize the ring for as long as you own it. This ensures quality work that is supported by the store's warranty - not just some slam-bam workmanship of a "jewelry and watch repairman" from some no-name business. I find it strange that you would have your diamond tested at said such business, rather than at a store that specializes in diamonds. That is like taking my car to the local no-name tire shop and asking them to check my transmission! I am curious to know why you chose to take the route you did ...


Peter

Pony,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
To the original poster ...

#13Consumer Comment

Sun, June 11, 2006

High-quality diamonds have an identification (i.e., serial) number embedded in them that can be seen by a microscope. Did your diamond have this? If so, you can easily prove that they switched your diamond. If your diamond did NOT have this, then they certainly would not have "stolen" your diamond as it was not up to their standards (and Helzberg as we know is a top-quality establishment). I look forward to hearing from you about if your diamond had this identifying feature or not.


William

Boca Raton,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Follow up action to take......

#14Consumer Suggestion

Sat, June 10, 2006

I am an expert in matters like these. If you have filed a police report, you should check with the police department to see if they have referred this matter to your local district attorney, county attorney, or state attorney. Switching a diamond is a crime. In your situation, the store verified it was a diamond when you left it, and hopefully issued a receipt stating it was a diamond, and it should have also had a value stated on the receipt as well. Diamond testing units, can have errors in the testing. The diamond must be absolutely clean before the probe is touched to the stone, otherwise it will read as a non-diamond. Even a slight little bit of oil from your finger will thwart the testing result. The person who tested it should be a graduate gemologist or certified gemologist, as there are other tests that can be done to ascertain what the stone actually is. Regular jewelers are not gemologists and many times are in error. Check for a local gemologist at www.ags.org. This is the site for the American Gem Society. Just search under "find a jeweler", or "find an appraiser". As an alternative, you could contact Helzberg to see WHO they are insured with, and make a claim, or even better contact your insurance company ( hope you had insurance) and they will subrogate the claim. Establishing what you had when you left it, is also paramount, and necessary to substanciate to the police and criminal sectors. Go to the selling jeweler and get a report as to what you bought if you don't already have this information. The police, once authorized with the state attorney, should issue warrants for the arrest of the store take in person, the jeweler who set the stone, and anyone else related to this action. But since, testing with a jeweler's testing probe can be erroneous, take the ring to a gemologist where you can get a postive identification of the stone that was set in your ring. Since you stated that it is smaller, it might also be "smart" to have the gemologist actually weigh the stone, a different weight would be strong evidence of your claim, even if the replacement stone does turn out to be a natural diamond.


Desiree

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.
Helzberg is a scam

#15Author of original report

Wed, April 26, 2006

I filed a police report right after the incident took place. I am looking for an attorney in hopes of getting a replacement diamond since Helzberg is not going to give mine back. I have also filed a complaint with the BBB and contacted the news investigators in my area. Does anyone else now what I can do about this matter?


Jason

Simpsonville,
South Carolina,
U.S.A.
Why are you calling lawyers?

#16Consumer Comment

Wed, April 26, 2006

Seems that the first call would be to file a police report. You're complaining of theft, right? File the police report. You'll have to do it eventually anyway.


Desiree

Houston,
Texas,
U.S.A.
THEY ARE TOTAL SCAMMERS AND WON'T GIVE ME BACK MY DIAMOND!!!!

#17Author of original report

Wed, April 26, 2006

After a month of trying to get to the bottom of this scam, I was finally told by Helzberg's corporate office that they deny any wrong doing and that the theft of my diamond is my loss. I am completely livid and disgusted with this pathetic company that is in the habit of hiring liars and thieves and then covering up for them. I hope that anyone who reads this NEVER deals with this scamming company!!!


Bro

Texas City,
Texas,
U.S.A.
WOW... They are jerks to deal with.

#18Consumer Suggestion

Mon, March 27, 2006

I would call the GM of the mall and let them know. You might even want to contact channel 2 or let them know you are going to. They will do a big story on it. Memorial City Mall will not want that held against them. They are jerks to deal with. I walked in with my fiance (now my wife of 6 yrs) 8 years ago and they totally ignored us when a regular customer came in. I would not talk to the Manager of the store..I would call the Corp office. Man they have alot of ripoff report complaints. Anyway I hope it works out for you. Please update us.

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