DEC 2022
My boyfriend and we're there last week. He proposed…read moreduring our vacation (total surprise). So excited to celebrate we decided to go into the city of Cancun (Mercado 28) for souvenirs. Like other reviews, taxi dropped us at Opalo. Immediately we were greeted. Then an English speaking woman greets us. She was so kind and helpful. They gave us a mini map of the Mercado. She aimed to be married to a Mexican, but she was from Chicago. (Blonde and lighter skin-believable). I noticed she had a slight Mexican accent, but I assumed from living there a long time. She claimed she was the owner. She said she also owned the restaurant next door (building her professional reputation with us. We felt at ease. Since we were in a very nice jewelry store with A/C everyone seemed professional, engaging, and warm. Helpful! We shared that we had gotten engaged and that we wanted moissanite. Michelle led us immediately to the case. We were looking at platinum over sterling moissonite rings. I think because my fiancé and I were just so overjoyed to be engaged we had rosy color glasses in. I am 49 and a CEO. He is an accountant for the govt and retires next yr at age 52. We're no dummies (so I thought). I was thorough w my questions. I asked a number of times 'this isn't CZ? Not crystal, etc.' Michele ensured us this was moissanite. Assured us platinum over sterling. I know the haggle game in Mexico is real. They came down to our price after we walked out graciously. $1,000 (US) for an engagement ring, groom's ring, wedding band for me. We thought this was an excellent price since I had been shopping for moissonite rings in solid white gold. I know my prices. I asked multiple questions on getting paperwork for info. Size/karats of stones. Platinum over sterling, etc. Michele assured us Tom would be emailed documentation. I asked her how "the office" would know what to send since the info wasn't on the hand written receipt. She showed us the number at the top of the paperwork and that is was recorded. It all seemed to make sense. There was an assuring answer for everything. AND, since she seemed to be American, we trusted her. We had to return the next day to get my ring sized down again. I overheard a man saying that this was his father's business (the man looked to be in his mid-50s). I thought/ hey! Michele owns this place. Then I thought- could be her brother in law. Anyway it was all a lie. She said we'd have emailed paperwork by Monday. She called Tom's phone when we made our purchase. She said- (again to gain our trust) "If you have ANY problems, call me and I'll answer personally." I said 'what is the stone breaks or something happens'. She told us it was a lifetime guarantee and that she'd send a COD package for us to send back for free. All so assuring!! So tonight, Tom tried to contact her. Nothing! I think she got his number to block us. Anyway, we now have to start the procedure of refusing the charges and we start off our soon to be marriage with fake junk. I mean- I feel like we should've known and I feel so stupid. They were just so trustworthy. DO NOT PURCHASE anything from these scam artists. If anyone has a contact in Mexico to help shut them down, or file an official report I'd be thankful.