An engagement ring buyer is suing Helzberg Diamonds, claiming the retailer did not fully make amends after it inaccurately described the carat weight of a ring set.
According to the suit filed in Illinois state court, plaintiff Michael Ian Caprarola paid $2343.90 for a 1 ct. total weight engagement ring set. About a year later, Caprarola received a letter from Helzberg saying that there was a “discrepancy” in the ring’s description.
“While the set was accurately described as having a ¼ ct. center diamond, we discovered the calculation of the set’s total diamond weight is incorrect (center diamond plus surrounding diamonds),” said the letter, signed by chairman and CEO Beryl Raff. “The set is actually ¾ ct. total weight as opposed to 1 ct. total weight.”
The letter apologizes and gives Caprarola until Aug. 31 to chose either to return the set for a full refund or accept a $300 Helzberg gift card. The lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County argues those options run contrary to the buyer’s wishes.
“Plaintiff is not interested in returning for a refund the ring he has given his fianceé,” the suit says. “Nor is he interested in a refund he can only use at [Helzberg] stores.”
The court documents add that Caprarola has spoken to Helzberg customer service three times, but has neither been offered a 1 ct. t.w. weight set nor the difference between what he paid for and what he got.
The suit, which seeks class action status, charges Helzberg breach of contract as well as violation of Illinois consumer fraud laws for inaccurately describing the ring set in addition to several other counts.
Helzberg declined to comment on the case.
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