We visited Bicknells in January 2019 and, impressed with Katy and their jewellery, asked that Bicknells designed my wedding band. It was to match my engagement ring which was 9ct White Gold with two rows of 0.25 diamonds. Sadly, after wearing it on honeymoon, two diamonds fell out on the 14th day and two more the following day.
I discussed both occasions with Katy, who said the ring needed to be reviewed. After the second two stones fell out though, I felt the ring wasn't fit for purpose, that I couldn't rely upon the workmanship, and I would be seeking a refund. Katy told me that was a matter for her director, Adam, so I made arrangements to go to store.
I want to make clear that Katy has been a pleasure to deal with, and I don't wish to criticise her at all. The real difficulty occurred upon us arriving at Bicknells and meeting Adam.
When Adam came to meet us in store, he immediately said 'Right so I'm here to book this ring in then?' and I again said I'd like a refund.
Adam immediately became very rude, sarcastic and verbally aggressive. Over the course of the 20 minute conversation, His behaviour literally reduced me to tears ... it really was quite shocking.
Adam's comments included the following:
- you wouldn't drive a car without brakes, why would you wear this ring? He told me this had been stupidity on my part.
- a wedding ring is not designed for life.
- That we should have confirmed in our design instructions that we'd want the diamonds not to fall out.
- That you cannot swim, gym, lift anything heavy or work whilst wearing a wedding ring. You cannot wear the ring every day.
- That we may have preyed the diamonds from the ring ourselves.
- That it's not his fault we chose a cheap ring.
- That diamonds falling out of the ring within weeks did not make it less than fit for purpose.
This was all done in loud tone, talking over both my partner and I. It was the most confrontational discussion I think I have ever had in a personal setting. It was truly shocking.
When I explained that we would take the ring, and cease any further working relationship with Bicknells solely on the basis of his attitude, Adam did soften his tone and said he he'd like to review the ring and try to fix it to the point I could wear it once a week or once a month.... still not what I would describe as fit for purpose?!
APPROACH WITH CAUTION.
Above all, calling my ring cheap and asserting blame on us for 'going cheap' is so offensive and hurtful. It has really upset me and my husband. It's not the most expensive ring and it doesn't have big diamonds on it, but it was my ring, the ring my husband and I chose together and the ring We could afford and for Adam to be so scathing, hurtful and disrespectful is, in my view unforgivable. If the ring design wasn't appropriate for 9ct gold, they should have advised us of that - obviously we wouldn't have bought it - but to blame us for being cheap, is really awful.
(UPDATE - their review stated I had damaged the ring but they repaired it for free. I've bought a replacement ring from a jeweller with a guarantee in place and now need to sell a wedding ring someone only wants to wear once a month...) read more