Engagement Ring Plating Wore Off After Two Weeks – Company Refusing Refund

Title: Engagement Ring Plating Wore Off After Two Weeks – Company Refusing Refund

My husband purchased my engagement ring from this company on 8 January, and he proposed on 13 January. As you can imagine, this ring has very important sentimental value to me.

From the day I received it, I followed all the care instructions provided by the company. I did not wear the ring while sleeping, I avoided water, chemicals, and lotions, and I handled it with great care.

Shockingly, within approximately two weeks of normal wear, the gold plating on the back of the ring began fading and wearing off. This is extremely disappointing and unacceptable for a ring that is meant to be worn daily, especially an engagement ring.

I contacted the company immediately and explained the issue. Their response was that the ring could be recoated if I paid R350 because the issue was apparently reported one day outside of their warranty period. While I understand businesses have policies, a product losing its finish after only two weeks clearly raises concerns about the quality and durability of the item.

Paying for recoating is also not a reasonable solution. I have come across other feedback online where a customer had their ring recoated and experienced the same problem again shortly afterwards. This suggests that recoating may only be a temporary fix rather than addressing the underlying issue.

I therefore requested a refund, as I do not feel confident that the ring will not continue to have the same problem repeatedly. Unfortunately, the company has refused to refund the ring and insists that the only option is to pay for recoating.

Under the Consumer Protection Act, consumers are entitled to receive goods that are of good quality, durable, and suitable for their intended purpose. A ring losing its plating after two weeks of careful wear does not meet those reasonable expectations.

At this stage I am extremely disappointed with both the quality of the product and the company’s unwillingness to take responsibility for what appears to be a defective item.

If this matter is not resolved fairly, I will be escalating the complaint through the appropriate consumer channels.

I hope the company will reconsider their position and resolve this matter appropriately.