Headlines

Woman Sues New York Jeweler for Allegedly Not Disclosing Treatments on $270,000 Diamond Ring

Published

8 years ago

May 13, 2016

INSTORE Staff

Suit seeks more than $1 million.

A Nevada businesswoman who visited the Fantasy Diamonds jewelry store in New York and purchased a diamond ring for $270,000 now alleges that it’s a “fake” and wants her money back, the New York Post reports. The article says that store owner Rodi Rudin hand-delivered the ring to Donna Curry in Nevada along with a Gem Appraisal Industry certificate. But when she took the ring to a local gemologist, “he told her that the ‘pink diamonds’ were in fact ‘injected’ or ‘treated’ with color and even the main gem had been altered.”

The article says that Rudin initially promised Curry a refund, “but when she came back to Manhattan in December to return the ring he reneged and instead handed Curry documents that detailed the color treatment in all three stones, saying, ‘Oh, I forgot to give these to you,’ according to court papers.” Curry is suing for a full refund of her $270,000, plus an additional $900,000 in punitive damages.

New York general business law makes it a misdemeanor to sell diamonds “that have been artificially colored or tinted … without disclosing in writing to the purchaser … that such diamond has been artificially colored or tinted.”

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”