topic Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation? UPDATE in Jewelry

Affinity diamonds: no documentation? UPDATE!

Marypc — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 19:05:06 GMT

I purchased an Affinity tennis bracelet which I love, but i was surprised to find out when I opened the package that there is no documentation at all in there regarding the color, cut, etc...The receipt doesn't even state the price I paid! I called my insurance agent who told me it would have to be appraised (which I'll have to pay for) as he needs the details of this specific bracelet. While the vendor states that all of these are VS2, etc..he needs to know the exact color, cut, size, etc. I'm a bit disappointed and wondering if I should just sent it back and buy in a regular store, where I may pay more but I'll get more info. Even Amazon, on my quarter carat studs, have a card that told me the specifics of my earrings. Ugh, it makes me suspicious now

So, had the bracelet appraised and so happy to say that the appraiser said it was worth $5995 (I paid $3K) and it was "beautiful qaulity" and that I was lucky to find it. He verified the color and carat weight, and said the cut was excellent. He liked the safety clasp and said it was a mark of good workmanship, and said while I could find something for a similar price on the market place, it would be difficult. I am relieved and happy, as this is a once in a lifetime purchase for me. Im glad to know I got what I paid for and happy to say I am keeping it!

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Q4u — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 20:37:50 GMT

If this is the gorgeous bracelet that I think it is, I believe there "should have been" paperwork included to tell you everything you should know about it. At least when I watched the presentation, I was led to believe a hardcopy would be included. I'd call CS and ask about it. Personally, I don't know many people who would pay that amount without all pertinent info written down and included. I'd consider the paperwork part of the sale, without which I would have to return.....

I believe you only have 30 days to return. Good luck....

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

dex — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 22:52:08 GMT

I hope that you call qvc to inform them. Maybe someone didn’t put the paperwork in with your purchase by mistake.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

faeriemoon — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 23:19:07 GMT

I believe this has been a complaint with many of the pricier Affinity pieces. I don't know why they are so hesitant to supply this information. To me it indicates something is not quite right.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

fthunt — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 00:25:20 GMT

It's been my impression that Affinity is a...... B minus or.... C plus outfit. I would not consider investing big bucks for their products. Just my impression.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

millieshops — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 00:36:21 GMT

@MarypcI'm not suspicious about what the Affinity is worth, but I don't understand why you didn't get a cost on the receipt - unless you had it sent to an address other than the one you have listed with QVC as both your mailing and billing address, I know from experience you don't get all the data if they are different.

But I also want to say your post made me curious enough to Google and read about insuring diamonds. I did know that the only diamond I ever wanted to insure was my solitaire. That's also the only VS1 stone I know for sure I owned and I did have documentatation for that. That came from the 1970's, so if I still had it and still was insuring it, I would have spent way more than the darned thing was worth even though it was a VS1.

What did learn when I Googled was that most companies don't ask for full documentation for items costing less than $5000 (Note that I have no idea what Affinity asked for your bracelet) but they do want proof of payment so you would definitely need a receipt with numbers. Either QVC or Affinity owes you that in my opinion.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Marypc — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 03:12:22 GMT

Nope, not sent to any other address, it came right to my home (left on my doorstep, actually!) I called two insurance places and they both said I needed an independent appraisal to get replacement value on the bracelet. Customer service just answered me on chat, and said they dont send this info. Guess Im returning!

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Marypc — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 03:15:18 GMT

Its a lovely tennis bracelet that was on clearance. Im afraid Customers Service just confirmed to me that the do not supply certification. It's going back. That is too much money for me to just trust that the stones are what they say they are, and frankly I'm disappointed in QVC with this. It should not be a problem to include certification, and I have to wonder if something in the milk aint clean.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

BirkiLady — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 06:50:31 GMT

@Marypc BUMMER. So sorry this disappointment happened.

However, from what I've seen of Affinity's grading, you probably overpaid for that bracelet. Return it and take your money to a local jeweler. Check out what is available and watch for the sales! Keep returning and eyeing the bracelet you adore. The jeweler will know you are serious. When it's on sale, go in and negiotate with the owner of the store for an even better price by paying with a check! There is a huge mark-up on jewelry.

Plus, you'll be able to look at the stones with a loop and a microscope while you are looking for the perfect piece. A good jeweler will teach you about the world of diamonds and what to look for when purchasing. In a bracelet, you don't need the best stones in the world but you do want well cut and clean stones for maximum brillance.

Remember to ask for an appraisal during the negiotiation phase! Best wishes.

PS: If it is a tennis bracelet, I always have my jeweler add a box chain, clasp and o-ring for safety. Sometimes the closures on those bracelets become loose; then catch on clothing, office/kitchen drawers, etc. and break apart. Suddenly, the bracelet is lost. It's worth the extra expense to me for security of my expensive bracelets to have the safety chains added it they do not come with one attached.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

CalminHeart — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 12:19:35 GMT

Q never gives details on the website or on air. I want to know cut, color, clarity, and mm size. If it's not online, I don't buy.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Trinity11 — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 14:06:12 GMT

@Marypc wrote:
I purchased an Affinity tennis bracelet which I love, but i was surprised to find out when I opened the package that there is no documentation at all in there regarding the color, cut, etc...The receipt doesn't even state the price I paid! I called my insurance agent who told me it would have to be appraised (which I'll have to pay for) as he needs the details of this specific bracelet. While the vendor states that all of these are VS2, etc..he needs to know the exact color, cut, size, etc. I'm a bit disappointed and wondering if I should just sent it back and buy in a regular store, where I may pay more but I'll get more info. Even Amazon, on my quarter carat studs, have a card that told me the specifics of my earrings. Ugh, it makes me suspicious now!

@Marypc When you receive an appraisal it is just an opinion based piece of information. Unless GIA appraised it, it could be off. Same with local jewelers. Some have no training and lack their GIA training. Unless you go to an independent appraiser that does not sell jewelry, you will not get an accurate appraisal.

I would trust QVC's word on the bracelet. I have my GIA and worked for Tiffany's. Most diamond tennis bracelets use SI quality. VS diamonds are premium and you are lucky to have received something which I am sure is lovely.

Think twice about returning it. QVC is a reputable vendor. They would never risk their reputation selling diamonds that were misrepresented.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Marypc — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 23:11:24 GMT

They do give the color and clarity (H color, VS2 clarity) they just dont include it in the package. I told the jeweler about this and he said "I can't go on a website that claims the same details about every single bracelet and use that in my appraisal, and you shouldn't accept it either." No mention of the cut or the mm size, just the number of diamonds and the width and length of the entire bracelet.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Marypc — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 23:13:57 GMT

Thank you. It's certainly lovely to look at, eye clean and sparkly. I just wish it had the documentation because it was (for me anyway) so expensive. I'm just suspicious whenever the facts aren't included, you know?

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Trinity11 — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 23:47:22 GMT

@Marypc wrote:
Thank you. It's certainly lovely to look at, eye clean and sparkly. I just wish it had the documentation because it was (for me anyway) so expensive. I'm just suspicious whenever the facts aren't included, you know?

@Marypc, in your place, I would get an independent appraiser's written appraisal {someone who does NOT sell jewelry}. It would be accepted by the insurance company. Good luck whatever your decision.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

TTerri — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 00:18:25 GMT

@CalminHeart wrote:
Q never gives details on the website or on air. I want to know cut, color, clarity, and mm size. If it's not online, I don't buy.

You're incorrect. For the better diamonds they sell, H color, they state the color and clarity in the description and in the on-air presentation. I have four that are H color, VS clarity.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

TTerri — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 00:22:39 GMT

@Marypc wrote:
Thank you. It's certainly lovely to look at, eye clean and sparkly. I just wish it had the documentation because it was (for me anyway) so expensive. I'm just suspicious whenever the facts aren't included, you know?

If I were you I'd ask about what kind of documentation you need to have it insured then go have it appraised. You said you got it clearance priced so it shouldn't matter that you have to pay maybe $100 to have it professionally appraised, IMO. If it appraises for a lot less than you paid, simply return it to QVC.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Lavenderjunkie — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 02:37:49 GMT

I can understand your frustration at the lack of documentation. However, I think an independent appraisal is a good idea. You need to know if the price you paid was really a good deal. And also, for insurance purposes, the more detailed an appraisal, the better you are. If you ever suffer a loss or theft, the insurance company has the option to pay you in $ or replace the item. If the description is too general, they can easily buy another bracelet to fit that criteria, and it may not be as nice as the one you had.

An appraisal for diamonds should include color and clarity of the stones.... in specific GIA terminology, as well as the shape and individual and total weight. Information on the setting weight and gold content should be included. Also as many measurements as possible.

An appraisal that says 'white, brilliant cut diamond bracelet' is almost meaningless.

And don't be mislead by sales pitches either..... just because someone says the stones are beautiful, sparkly, clear, and white, doesn't mean they are good quality diamonds. I am amazed that someone will describe diamonds in this way and they say the quality is I2 or I3... that means imperfect and the flaws can be seen with the naked eye!

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Marypc — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 21:42:41 GMT

Thank you for that, Trinity. I appreciate your input. It's good to know, especially given your experience, that I may have scored a genuine deal here

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Remar — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 03:28:00 GMT

Marypc. If you haven't sent the bracelet back you should call a few jewelers to see what they charge for an appraisal. My husband bought a beautiful 18 kt ruby and diamond bracelet for me years ago. It came with the card but not the replacement value. Our jeweler did the appraisal in about 5 to 10 minutes and the cost was $50. Our insurance company required a picture and an appraisal before they would insure my bracelet. It was worth the $50 to us because we got such a great deal on my bracelet.

I don't understand why QVC doesn't give customers this information on their more costly pieces. I've looked at every diamond piece they have and in my opinion they're over priced. QVC is a huge company. I've said this before but I'll say it again. QVC probably sells more jewelry in one day then a mall store sells in a year. Why won't they lower their prices? If they did they would sell even more pieces. I bought a ring from here back in May. It was a band style in 14 kt white gold. It had yellow diamonds surrounded by small white diamonds. It was so beautiful in the presentation. I thought, it's on sale, I don't have any canary diamonds so I'll give it a try. I have no idea how that ring got through CS. It was just awful. Not so much the canary diamonds. It was the white ones that looked like salt chips. Very included and just so ugly. I sent it back that day. I see that they still have it for sale. People are probably buying the same few rings and sending them back so they just need to get rid of it.

Let us know what you decided to do with your bracelet. If it has great quality diamonds and you're alright with the price than it really is worth getting your own appraisal.

Re: Affinity diamonds: no documentation?

Marypc — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 15:04:20 GMT

Thanks Remar, I think you are right. We have a jeweler in town here who is very well thought of, and they do appraisals. I;m going this week to drop it off, they do it while you wait if you have an appointment. I just need to know; if it appears to not be worth the price, back it goes. If it is a really good deal, I'll be all the happier! I've never owned a real tennis bracelet, never thought I would either! I've seen quite a few on line but I need a 7.5 or 8 inch and so many seem to only be 7 inches. Blue Nile was recommened to me quite a few times, but again, only 7 inches. We shall see! I'll update when I get the results.