If you’ve always longed for a knockoff of the cursed Hope Diamond, the Smithsonian is about to fill your need by teaming with QVC to sell replicas of that and other historical treasures, the Washington Post reports: [More]
diamonds
OutOfYourLife.Com: The Man Eater's Cash4Gold?
By 7.31.09
Here’s a common problem: we have many ex-lovers, who have put ice on our wrists and given us countless pearl necklaces. But these wealthy suitors have left our hearts broken and in this economy, we’re hurting for cash. Thankfully, we discovered Out of Your Life (motto: “It’s time to break up with his jewelry, too”), who will buy our tear-stained jewelry back from us!
$220,000 Diamond Ring Gets Rave Reviews On Amazon, Sort Of
By 5.7.09
We’re no fans of fake customer reviews here at Consumerist, it’s true, but obviously goofy reviews are one of my very favorite things. (The reviews for this gallon of milk are an Internet classic.)
Zales Fires Top Earning Saleswoman Because She Needs Surgery
By 4.10.09
A saleswoman for Zales who had earned 5 diamonds and almost a dozen commendations over the past 4 1/2 years—she’s the area’s first employee to earn a million dollars in sales in one year—was terminated last month, one week after she requested time off to have surgery for a life-threatening aortic aneurysm.
The Consumerist Hive Mind Helps You Buy A Diamond
By 4.7.09
I’d love to know what to look out for when buying a diamond. Do dealers change the grades of diamonds, lie about carats, etc? Where can I buy reasonably priced diamonds? There may be a huge mark-up in store, but am I going to get scammed online? Maybe just pointing in the direction of reliable user reviews of local or online retailers, since it’s so hard to know which reviews are genuine and which are the retailers inflating their stock these days.
Kohl's Marks Up Jewelry, Then Discounts It
By 12.26.08
A Maryland woman bought some jewelry on sale at the Kohl’s in Westminster, then discovered cheaper prices under the price tags.
Zales Store Receipts Really Don't Mean Anything
By 6.27.08
Reader Taylor had purchased wedding rings from Zales with a payment plan that allows him to make payments over the course of a year. One day, Taylor went to the store to make a payment of $160 and received his receipt for the cash transaction. A few days later, he received a call from the store manager who said that she believed that Taylor had only paid $60 and cited a surveillance video which, according to the manager, shows their sales representative counting only 3 bills. Even though Taylor was certain that he paid $160 and has a receipt to prove it, he asked to see this intriguing video, but the store manager has been giving him the run-around ever since. Taylor’s letter and our advice, inside…
Pour Some Hate Juice On This Obnoxious Diamond Ad
By 6.11.08
Apropos of today’s Worst Company In America matchup between DeBeers and Exxon, Wesa Anderson sends us this EE Robbins diamond ad seen on the side of a Seattle bus. See, the way it works is the more you spend, the more man you are. No girl can resist a big rock. Hey, maybe I should make extra cash drafting taglines for EE Robbins.
Today Is The Last Day To Join The DeBeers Diamond Class-Action Settlement
By 5.19.08
If you bought a diamond between January 1, 1994 and March 31, 2006, today is the last day to join the DeBeers class action settlement. It doesn’t matter whether or not the diamond was bought from DeBeers, the diamond could have been bought from anywhere. The lawsuit contends that DeBeers uses its monopoly over most of the world’s diamond mines to artificially inflate the price of diamonds and engages in other anti-competitive behaviors as well. It’s expected that around $135,432,500 will be divided amongst all the eligible consumers. You can file claims online here.
Bought A Diamond? Get A Piece Of $135,432,500 DeBeers Lawsuit
By 1.14.08
Ever bought a diamond? You may be eligible for a piece of a multi-million class action lawsuit alleging that diamond giant DeBeers conspired to monopolize the diamond industry by fixing, raising, and controlling diamond prices, and by issuing false and misleading advertising. The class is open to anyone who bought any diamond from anyone from January 1, 1994 to March 31, 2006. $135,432,500 will be divided amongst all the approved consumer claimants.
Insider Tips For Buying Jewelry
By 9.28.07
The diamond industry is a big stinking sham, but if you’re stuck in a relationship where you can’t get away with a plastic spider ring for a gift—well, first of all, we feel sorry for you, but second of all, here are some great tips to help you save money when jewelry shopping.
More Bling For Your Baby: Diamond Pacifier for Pimpfants
By 6.13.06
If your Beverly Hills infant can’t put one of your massive silicon jugs in its mouth without unhinging its jaw, it may be time to consider a pacifier. This will cease its incessant wailing as you dodge paparazzi in your Ferrari or pose naked for glamour shoots. But what self-respecting MILF would give her post-embryonic pimpfant anything less than a diamond encrusted binky?
De Beers Surefire Marriage Starter Kit
By 3.23.06
Our favorite advertising inside man who cares enough to hate, with a heart, sends in this gem:
Consumer Complaints: Blue Niles Break Half-Price Promises
By 2.15.06
Dollsome reader Paige C. writes in about the tragic mislaying of one of her Blue Nile earrings. It is rather predictably followed by a smattering of appalling customer service on Blue Nile’s part after they promise (then deny) her a half-priced replacement:
De Beers Diamonds Now Only 74% Evil
By 11.9.05
South African diamond cartel De Beers has announced that it will be transferring a 26% share of its mining operation, De Beers Consolidated Mines, into a holding company that is half-owned by De Beers employees and pensioners. (Which we suppose could be mathed out to mean they are still 85% evil, depending on who owns the other half of the holding company.)
