Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Jeweler sized my platinum ring with different metal?!

I am so livid at this moment. I got engaged 6 years ago and now we have 2 children. Since then my ring size is now a size and 1/2 bigger. I went to my local jeweler to have my platinum wedding ring and band sized. I was charged 176.00 and told it was done in platinum. Well here I am 6 months later and I kept getting a rash on my finger. I would take ring off and it was better. So today I went to a local community jeweler and he examined my ring. Devastating news that the ring was not sized with plat he said it is either nickel or below 10 karat gold and plated w/ chromium. Apparently they should have removed my 1.5 karat diamond center stone but instead took a cheap short cut to size it. The jeweler explained that now the Rhodium coating that was on the entire is now dissolved. I don't know how to move forward and I would not trust the jeweler who did this to repair it. Is this a common scam that jewelers do to save money? Please give me any advice you could offer. Thank you.

Vivian Meyer
- Redondo Beach, California
2006

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2006

Hi Vivian,
Sorry to hear about your ring. There are people that should not be in business, period. I think the community jeweler was probably correct in saying the ring was upsized in 10k gold or less. As far as chrome plated, I doubt that very much. They should know chrome is not used in the fine jewelry business, even by the dishonest. After sizing the ring, it was most likely rhodium plated (as you stated in your letter). The rhodium wore off quickly because it was not plated thick enough, that is the least they could have done!
I would go back to the store, and tell them you want your money back for the sizing, and the reason. If they decline your request tell them you will report them to the BBB and the Attorney General's office. Talk to relatives and friends to see what jeweler they recommend. Find out how long the jeweler has been in business. I don't think what happened to you is common practice in the jewelry business, but it does occur more than it should! Good luck to you!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York