T
Troubled
Guest
We traveled to the Dominican in mid April 2001. We stayed at the Riu Merengue in Puerta Plata.
Two individuals we traveled with were recommended the Fine Gift Centre located at 12 de juilo esq. Jose del Carmen Ariz Puerto Plata, to purchase a diamond ring. They were advised by the travel guide that this store was very high quality and any purchase came with a guaranty. The tour guide even told our friends who to deal with at the store. Needless to say, a diamond ring was purchased. They were advised that the ring was 14kt 0.50ct diamond ring, with V V SI clarity and GH colour. The purchase price was approx. $2,500 Canadian. Once home, our friends had the ring appraised. The appraisal indicated that the ring was worth only $695 Canadian. The Fine Gift Centre will not return calls, faxes, or e-mails. Their response has been simple "Americans and Canadians do not appreciate the value of a diamond like a Dominican" "Do not have it appraised in America or Canada because the appraiser will try to cheat you". They continue to try to contact the Fine Gift Centre to no avail. We would like other traveller to know this, since a lot of travellers are taken to this location, it is connected to the cigar factory.
Two individuals we traveled with were recommended the Fine Gift Centre located at 12 de juilo esq. Jose del Carmen Ariz Puerto Plata, to purchase a diamond ring. They were advised by the travel guide that this store was very high quality and any purchase came with a guaranty. The tour guide even told our friends who to deal with at the store. Needless to say, a diamond ring was purchased. They were advised that the ring was 14kt 0.50ct diamond ring, with V V SI clarity and GH colour. The purchase price was approx. $2,500 Canadian. Once home, our friends had the ring appraised. The appraisal indicated that the ring was worth only $695 Canadian. The Fine Gift Centre will not return calls, faxes, or e-mails. Their response has been simple "Americans and Canadians do not appreciate the value of a diamond like a Dominican" "Do not have it appraised in America or Canada because the appraiser will try to cheat you". They continue to try to contact the Fine Gift Centre to no avail. We would like other traveller to know this, since a lot of travellers are taken to this location, it is connected to the cigar factory.