I understand the other bad reviews. My boyfriend purchased a diamond engagement ring from Marina Diamonds July of 2011. The diamond came with an EGL certification. When I looked up the certification number online at the EGL website it was unable to be located. A friend of mine who is a professional jeweler believed the EGL certification was bogus.

In the process of moving, I have misplaced the EGL paperwork and Marina's appraisal. I wanted the paperwork to have the ring insured. I haven't been able to get anyone on the phone to help, and my emails have been ignored. All I wanted was a copy of their appraisal. It seems they don't care about keeping customers.

Initial review from December, 2011:



I purchased a ring from here over two months ago and have been trying to return it ever since. I have contacted numerous times and been misled and told to call back in a day or two so she can "figure things out with her managers" (although initially Marina who sold me the ring said she owned the store). Finally, get some response saying "give me a few weeks as cash is low in the store" (even though she said she sells over $50,000 worth per day during the initial sale).



Finally, with my patience running out (and after calling the store ten times over three days to speak with Marina but to be constantly told that "she is not available or with a customer") I sent back the ring as she had alluded to before and apparently she rejected the shipment.



Moreover, the appraisal she gave me was clearly false as it stated the diamond was F color (when in reality it was I) and that the clarity was VS2 (when in reality it was I2).



I have no way of reaching Marina and hopefully she responds to this in some way! Otherwise, I do plan on taking legal action - but beware, this is a scamming store that lies, cheats and steals!



I will keep the people here posted of any change but, out of principle, I am going to fight to get the money back even if it requires court or other legal procedures.



Horrible experience in what is supposed to be a happy time!



PS - Ring was appraised for $9,600 dollars by seller and by third party for less than half of that!





UPDATE ON APRIL 2nd, 2012:



Since this December review I have called back almost every week and every week a new excuse, stalling tactic, Marina not available, call back on Monday to speak to the owner who would be there from 2-5... So I called today and was blatantly lied to... You can make your own judgement but I will describe what happened:



First they wouldn't answer my call til I persistently called for 20 min, finally a woman answered said I have the wrong number at which point I asekd "isn't this 212-354-1236?" at which point she hung up in my face. After that I keep calling for twenty more min and she answers:



Julie (that's what she said her name was): "this is not Marina Diamonds, this is a different store"

Me: what's it called?

Julie: 166

Me: Does it sell diamonds?

Julie: Yes

Me: So how come I call Marina Diamond Corp and another company picks up?

Julie: the number is forwarded here

Me: Ok - so what is your address?

Julie: I cannot give you that information

Me: What? You cannot give me your store address?



"Julie" hangs up at that point and doesn't answer when I keep trying to call back....



I call back an hour later and the saleswoman who sold it to me, also called Marina (?) - pictured here (http://ow.ly/a2iq4) - in the store itself. She answers and, in an annoyed tone, informs me that "we are not lying" and that Marina (store owner, but not her) couldn't make it in today due to family illness... It is amazing how every week a new excuse comes up! Last week it was that Marina (owner) was giving them a hard time with the return/refund, before that it was that Marina was on vacation and was going to be back shortly, before that it was a Jewish holiday so they were not working, before that it was "we will send it to you next week" before that it was we are short on cash so give us 2-3 weeks.



One of the worst things is that it really disillusions one about humanity, I tried to be patient and non-aggressive but at this point I will pursue every possible avenue to recoup my initial costs, in addition to all the time/money/effort I have spent!



PS - Also, in January after the Credit Card company reached out again, I receive an email stating:



Hey how are you. I am sending you first check in the mail on Monday. And I would also like if you could remove that message on yielp an write something nice. Thanks marina