My overall experience with Rutledge Jewellers was not good . I had some vintage pieces to sell and a vintage clock that I wanted examined and an estimate for cleaning or repair
Nobody is perfect, including me but one should be able to admit mistakes .. I showed Scott the jewellry, he at first claimed my Tiffany bracelet was not authentic, I bought it from a Tiffany store. His son came over and authenticated it . I left several vintage pieces of jewlllry there to sell. He said he would call me in a few days . He never did. What I thought would happen is that he would go over the jewellry , tell me the price points prior to listing for sale. Communication could be better.
I was hesitant to leave my clock there, but Scott reassured me that his 'clock guy' could fix anything. This was a rare clock, but there are many websites that showcase how this clock works and how to troubleshoot problems. I mentioned this to Scott. This clock runs on a battery and I had originally replaced the battery.
The only communication that took place was if I initiated it. After two months, I called to say that I would pick up any jewelry that had not sold at that point. I also asked what the estimate was to repair my clock. I received several responses. One staff said that they had no idea where the clock was , one said it was being fit with a modern component which I did not request , want or consent to .I arranged to pick everything up.
My Gucci ring that I dropped off with a box was given back to me without the box and pouch. I asked for the box to be returned. Scott became defensive and stated that they never accept boxes with consignments. Moments later, a staff member found the Gucci box and pouch in the back.
A few days later , I opened the clock and was shocked at what I saw. A few metal pieces fell out immediately , the insides had been tampered with and one piece was screwed back backwards . I phoned Scott and attempted to explain the insides and the area which holds a battery. He argued with me that this clock did not run with a battery . I began to wonder how someone can fix or test a clock not knowing it required a battery. I told him to google the clock . I offered to send him pictures showing the condition of the clock , but he said he didn't want to see them. He called back leaving a message , apologized and said that he wanted to 'make it right ' .
This clock is highly collectible and had value..
When we spoke again on the phone , Scott mentioned he saw a clock listed for $900 , but I didn't want to ask for that much ( I was trying to be overly fair) . He than offered $300 which seemed a bit low. He asked me to email clocks that were for sale . I sent him links to multiple clocks that were listed from $800 (non working ) to around $1700 working. I asked for $500 to $600 . Two emails to him and he did not respond.
Finally , days later, I called him. He said he had talked to a lawyer who advised him not to pay . He would pay however if I sent him the clock first. This is a clock that he stated that he doesn't want and will collect dust . He said he would put $500 in an envelope if I brought the clock in person. He said he didn't think his business should suffer over this. He was defensive and accusatory now., the opposite of 'wanting to make this right'. . .
After the phone call , I sent him an email and told him where he could put his money .I had been patient , fair and deserved a sincere apology .I no longer want anything to do with this business . read more
