We were celebrating our 25 anniversary in July and I wanted something special to commemorate the occasion, thus I decided to have our wedding rings modified to add a silver band on both sides.
I figured my idea may involve some work so I started visiting jewelry stores in early March to inquire about the possibility of such work and that's how I got into Mappins Fine Jewelers Store. After talking to the staff they recommended I return a couple of days later and talk in person with their jeweler coming from Vancouver.
The jeweler was very helpful in suggesting what, and how it can be done, thus we agreed to have the original wedding rings remolded into new rings to resemble the original ones and have a white gold band addition on both sides of the yellow gold rings signifying the 25th anniversary. He also suggested the addition of diamonds on the lateral white gold bands for a more startling effect.
It sounded exiting but due to the high price of the entire work order we agreed to have the diamonds only on half of the round edge band. Also, due to the fact my wife's fingers swallowed in time and her ring had to be cut from her finger, we decided to remeasure both our fingers for a relaxed fit using the measuring template rings available in store.
The order was placed and the delivery was promised in two (2) months. It did arrive in time and the rings were gorgeous, however the size of both rings was to small (you had to force it over the knuckles), so we had to send them back for 1/2 size enlargement with a promised return of one (1) month. Their excuse was that their template rings (the ones they use to measure your finger size) and the maker's template rings might not be identical (Template: A pattern or gauge, such as a thin metal plate with a cut pattern, used as a guide in making something accurately) [sic! ]
After month or so, we got them back, the following step was to have them sent out for engraving to a different location and although on a phone conversation with the store manager, I questioned why the rings maker couldn't also provide the engravings, but I was told that's how business is done and I was promised free engraving for the trouble. However when I arrived at the store the promised refund was fast forgotten and there was no mention of it as the conversation never happen. Again I decided to let it slide, after all it was our anniversary and was interested to get the rings in time more than anything else. On the other hand no choice of fonts or letter sizes for the engravings was provided.
We received the rings back from engraving on first week of July and upon inspecting them I have noticed the engraving on my ring had my wifes name spelled incorrectly (although it was spelled correctly on the paper they were sent with) and also there were two diamond stones missing, hence we had to send them back to correct the problem. All I got from them was more apologies and the lamest excuses (like I was an idiot) and a free bottle of jewelry cleaner!!!
At this point I couldn't believe a word they were telling me (can you blame me?) and I have inquired about a certificate of authenticity, but I have been told to go and appraise the rings myself and pay for it if I want the peace of mind, hence at this point I have no guarantee they are real yellow/white gold and diamonds and not copper/aluminum and shiny glass.
Another annoying fact is that they were quick to charge my credit card for the entire amount immediately after placing the order, thus I had to pay interest on the money for five (5) months while waiting for the final product which I still do not have.
So, here I was five (5) months later, with the likelihood of having to celebrate my wedding anniversary without any rings as our original wedding rings were taken to be melted and remolded into the new rings to add sentimental value.[sic! ]
Vladislav Dracula
Cambridge, Ontario
Canada
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