FALSE ADVERTISING: presentation of birthstone v product received

I ordered the chain with both the birthstone (within the flower) and engraving on the coin (i.e., rather than separately) as a keepsake for our flower, thinking that she could wear this on another chain at a later stage, if preferred. Opted to have an amethyst (purple) stone, to feature above her name and engraving on the back with our initials and the date of the wedding.

The item was prepared and delivered very efficiently, and beautifully packaged. Decided to open before giving this to the flowergirl, as Silvery had got the colour of leather wrong in a order we'd placed to have a bracelet made a few months back (which they then replaced).

Unfortunately, the size of the birthstone that we selected is too small to be seen or reflected, even with light behind (that it would not have when worn). This is certainly not the way that the pendant was promoted in the image on the website where a yellow stone is used. The dimensions of the coin and stone (although not the flower) are given but the marketing/presentation of the stone is misleading, particularly for an item that is priced @ over R1,000.

https://silvery.co.za/product/teen-necklace-engraved-name-flower-birthstone-necklace/

I contacted Silvery to engage them on this, extract from response (sent by a Jenine) below, this does clearly not address the issue of the misleading image used:

'Birthstones are natural materials, and their color is influenced by trace elements (for example, chromium in emeralds or iron in sapphires). As a result, when stones are cut into different sizes even from the same batch, slight variations in shade are to be expected. In addition, a birthstone size affects how light interacts with the stone. Larger stones allow light to travel through more material, increasing absorption of certain wavelengths and creating a deeper, richer appearance. Smaller stones have less depth, allowing light to pass through more easily, which can make their color appear lighter or less intense. This difference in how light is absorbed and reflected, along with natural variation, explains why the color may look slightly different depending on the size of the stone.'

Note that there are TWO other complaints (in June 2025 and August 2020) that note the same misrepresentation of the birthstone in their promotional image so Silvery appear to be wilfully overlooking this issue.

I have gone back to Silvery to note these complaints and will address my own to the Advertising Regulatory Board, in addition, if they do not more adequately address the issue of false advertising on this item.

I'm all for supporting independent and small businesses but not if this is the outcome.