Problem with Idyl quality/poor customer service?

[tess94]

Hello everyone. I’m sorry if I haven’t posted this in the right place but I’m keen to see if anyone has had any issues with Idyl jewellery? I recently received used earrings. Unfortunately I put one of the studs in and I had to go to hospital to receive an injection (I’m currently going through chemo and an infection could kill me. I’ve already had one infection that nearly finished me off). Also the stud had a sharp bit on it that cut my ear and when I felt it, cut my finger. I emailed and they apologised and said I would need to return them and they’d issue a full refund. I’m not keen on doing this as on trust pilot there are several people whom have sent things back and despite proof, they claim to not have received them. In the email, she spoke about how this helps to improve their quality control and thanked me for bringing it to their attention. I recently went and got my dad to take my idyl earrings to two people he knows who valued them. The diamonds were worthless, however the gold weight was worth around £26. I spent thousands. I’ve been looking at how LGDs are made and it’s identical to Swarovski. Their terms and conditions have so many alarm bells and contravene many international laws. I sent them an email 5 days ago and they’ve not replied…any help or feedback would be appreciated! Pics are attached. If anyone buys Idyl, make sure you inspect them before wear! P.S I joined this site because every-time I reach a milestone or get some good news, I get myself something. I’m really enjoying being here and all of you are so sweet and lovely

 

[papertiger]

Sounds like a nightmare.

Firstly, collate evidence including anything that was put in writing
Secondly, comply with their return policies and get your money back ASAP
Thirdly, take it up with the authorities in the USA (if that's where you are). Standards and law vary country by country, but precious metals, gemstones including for jewelry/jewellery are some of the most regulated commodities globally.

Jewelry Guides

Jewelry Guides: Helping Consumers Understand What They’re Buying The FTC’s Jewelry Guides are designed to help consumers get accurate information when they are shopping for gemstones and

www.ftc.gov

Jewelry Standards and ASTM Standards USA

Jewelry Regulations in the United States: A Complete Guide

Guide to jewelry labeling, California Prop 65, CPSIA, ASTM standards, and other requirements for jewelry products in the United States

www.compliancegate.com

 

[tess94]

Sounds like a nightmare.

Firstly, collate evidence including anything that was put in writing
Secondly, comply with their return policies and get your money back ASAP
Thirdly, take it up with the authorities in the USA (if that's where you are). Standards and law vary country by country, but precious metals, gemstones including for jewelry/jewellery are some of the most regulated commodities globally.

Jewelry Guides

Jewelry Guides: Helping Consumers Understand What They’re Buying The FTC’s Jewelry Guides are designed to help consumers get accurate information when they are shopping for gemstones and

www.ftc.gov

Jewelry Standards and ASTM Standards USA

Jewelry Regulations in the United States: A Complete Guide

Guide to jewelry labeling, California Prop 65, CPSIA, ASTM standards, and other requirements for jewelry products in the United States

www.compliancegate.com

Hello, thank you so much for all this. I really appreciate it. I just changed my profile so it should show I am in the UK? I am putting a letter together at the moment to send to the relevant authorities. I asked HRD Antwerp where to go and they recommended Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). One of the (minor things) that they have done is omit that Idyl is a trading name if Idly bv, which is a non profit. It is only in their terms and conditions that this is mentioned. The terms and conditions are tiny and barely visible at the bottom of their website. They are not regulated by any sort of council. They have transparency written all over their website but it’s all all very murky. They claim that their gold is “green gold” but there is nothing to substantiate these claims. If so, where is the certification? I have 14 days to return the item according to them (but this doesn’t hold up in UK law). Legally, if a company is not making essential sections of their terms and conditions visible on product pages, it could potentially be in violation of transparency and disclosure regulations. Similarly, if they're not adhering to standards set by an industry body like the International Jewellery Council, that could tarnish their reputation and could have legal implications.

 

[papertiger]

Hello, thank you so much for all this. I really appreciate it. I just changed my profile so it should show I am in the UK? I am putting a letter together at the moment to send to the relevant authorities. I asked HRD Antwerp where to go and they recommended Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). One of the (minor things) that they have done is omit that Idyl is a trading name if Idly bv, which is a non profit. It is only in their terms and conditions that this is mentioned. The terms and conditions are tiny and barely visible at the bottom of their website. They are not regulated by any sort of council. They have transparency written all over their website but it’s all all very murky. They claim that their gold is “green gold” but there is nothing to substantiate these claims. If so, where is the certification? I have 14 days to return the item according to them (but this doesn’t hold up in UK law). Legally, if a company is not making essential sections of their terms and conditions visible on product pages, it could potentially be in violation of transparency and disclosure regulations. Similarly, if they're not adhering to standards set by an industry body like the International Jewellery Council, that could tarnish their reputation and could have legal implications.

Don't overthink it. Whichever country you're in try to send the earrings back ASAP and get your money back. If it is over 14 days you will have to try to use the 'not fit for purpose' clause in UK consumer law to return. You are supposed to be able to return anything online but I don't know if that applies to makeup, underwear and and jewellery. Also read https://naj.co.uk/advice/buying-jewellery

If the earrings are for sale on a website that sells directly to the UK (you didn't have to pay extra duties on top of VAT) your consumers rights are protected by UK law (2015): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/contents/enacted, and they must comply with UK law with their products (although as you say, they probably haven't leaned it). These are the laws thay should consider for the UK: https://lawplainandsimple.com/production-laws-in-jewellery-making/

I'm not going to go to the site. The FTC (US) and the UK both agree that the word 'diamond' by itself imply natural (mined). A diamond that is created in a lab must be described as 'created', 'cultured' 'lab-grown' or other descriptive or brand names that make it clear it's not a diamond formed eons ago underground.

"In the UK, the most relevant legislation is the Fraud Act 2006 which includes but is not limited to: (i) offences of fraud by false representation; and (ii) fraud by failing to disclose information that one is under a legal duty to disclose" 'from De Beers Standard Guidance: Undisclosed Synthetic Diamonds 2023'. Therefore it is a criminal act. The same would be if the 'diamonds' were crystal, CZs, moissanite or glass.

For (others interested) US: https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/4826-8-key-changes-the-ftc-made-to-the-jewelry-guides

However, what the earrings cost is up to the seller. They can cost 10p and sell for £10 or £1M. It's up to the seller, the buyer agrees by buying, so only look for misleading, incorrect or wrong information in the description or specs.

If you are in England (not Scotland) try Trading Standards https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/

But most of all, return them, get your money back and concentrate on getting better. I hope you don't mind me saying. Although I appreciate it's awful when we feel taken for ride, nothing is worth more than your health.

 

[muddledmint]

Hello everyone. I’m sorry if I haven’t posted this in the right place but I’m keen to see if anyone has had any issues with Idyl jewellery? I recently received used earrings. Unfortunately I put one of the studs in and I had to go to hospital to receive an injection (I’m currently going through chemo and an infection could kill me. I’ve already had one infection that nearly finished me off). Also the stud had a sharp bit on it that cut my ear and when I felt it, cut my finger. I emailed and they apologised and said I would need to return them and they’d issue a full refund. I’m not keen on doing this as on trust pilot there are several people whom have sent things back and despite proof, they claim to not have received them. In the email, she spoke about how this helps to improve their quality control and thanked me for bringing it to their attention. I recently went and got my dad to take my idyl earrings to two people he knows who valued them. The diamonds were worthless, however the gold weight was worth around £26. I spent thousands. I’ve been looking at how LGDs are made and it’s identical to Swarovski. Their terms and conditions have so many alarm bells and contravene many international laws. I sent them an email 5 days ago and they’ve not replied…any help or feedback would be appreciated! Pics are attached. If anyone buys Idyl, make sure you inspect them before wear! P.S I joined this site because every-time I reach a milestone or get some good news, I get myself something. I’m really enjoying being here and all of you are so sweet and lovely

View attachment 5855758

View attachment 5855759

Yikes, thank you for sharing. I’m not even sure what I’m looking at in your photos, but it does not look well made! I used to really like the direct to consumer less expensive brands like mejuri and aurate, but now I’m over them. Some of them have sold out to private equity and quality has gone down. There are also so many competitors who are all selling the same basic things. They’re good for some plain gold pieces, but nothing seems special anymore. I do still like catbird, but they’ve always been more of an indie store than a direct to consumer brand.

 

[tess94]

Don't overthink it. Whichever country you're in try to send the earrings back ASAP and get your money back. If it is over 14 days you will have to try to use the 'not fit for purpose' clause in UK consumer law to return. You are supposed to be able to return anything online but I don't know if that applies to makeup, underwear and and jewellery. Also read https://naj.co.uk/advice/buying-jewellery

If the earrings are for sale on a website that sells directly to the UK (you didn't have to pay extra duties on top of VAT) your consumers rights are protected by UK law (2015): https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/contents/enacted, and they must comply with UK law with their products (although as you say, they probably haven't leaned it). These are the laws thay should consider for the UK: https://lawplainandsimple.com/production-laws-in-jewellery-making/

I'm not going to go to the site. The FTC (US) and the UK both agree that the word 'diamond' by itself imply natural (mined). A diamond that is created in a lab must be described as 'created', 'cultured' 'lab-grown' or other descriptive or brand names that make it clear it's not a diamond formed eons ago underground.

"In the UK, the most relevant legislation is the Fraud Act 2006 which includes but is not limited to: (i) offences of fraud by false representation; and (ii) fraud by failing to disclose information that one is under a legal duty to disclose" 'from De Beers Standard Guidance: Undisclosed Synthetic Diamonds 2023'. Therefore it is a criminal act. The same would be if the 'diamonds' were crystal, CZs, moissanite or glass.

For (others interested) US: https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/4826-8-key-changes-the-ftc-made-to-the-jewelry-guides

However, what the earrings cost is up to the seller. They can cost 10p and sell for £10 or £1M. It's up to the seller, the buyer agrees by buying, so only look for misleading, incorrect or wrong information in the description or specs.

If you are in England (not Scotland) try Trading Standards https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/report-to-trading-standards/

But most of all, return them, get your money back and concentrate on getting better. I hope you don't mind me saying. Although I appreciate it's awful when we feel taken for ride, nothing is worth more than your health.

Oh my gosh, thank you so so much for this. I found a really good article online about lab grown diamonds. I need to try and find it now. It also says in their bio solid gold - they are 14k! I have a legal letter I am sending them. I won’t post it in here but would I be able to send it to you, please? I made them aware of it immediately and explained I had surgery on the 12th (I’m having a tumour on my spine removed). And I wrote back that the email failed to address things properly. I’ve heard nothing back. My ear is also infected (only noticed it it was hurting today), yesterday my mum said it looked red and it hurt to sleep on that side) so I am on antibiotics. I asked my nurse today if it’ll affect whether or not it’ll affect me having my surgery on Tuesday (12th) and she said the oncologist will discuss it with me tomorrow.

 

[tess94]

Yikes, thank you for sharing. I’m not even sure what I’m looking at in your photos, but it does not look well made! I used to really like the direct to consumer less expensive brands like mejuri and aurate, but now I’m over them. Some of them have sold out to private equity and quality has gone down. There are also so many competitors who are all selling the same basic things. They’re good for some plain gold pieces, but nothing seems special anymore. I do still like catbird, but they’ve always been more of an indie store than a direct to consumer brand.

It’s the back of the earring jacket and also the back of the earring stud (I can’t think of the word for the little thing at the back! The little round thing. I have more pics but didn’t want to gross people out! I now don’t buy any sort of costume jewellery, so to speak. Just pieces that will survive long term and have that longevity to them. Some of my pieces I’ve worn 15+ years. I’d rather save up and buy one good quality piece than buy 50 pieces that I’ll no longer wear in 5 years. Style over fashion for sure!

 

[papertiger]

Oh my gosh, thank you so so much for this. I found a really good article online about lab grown diamonds. I need to try and find it now. It also says in their bio solid gold - they are 14k! I have a legal letter I am sending them. I won’t post it in here but would I be able to send it to you, please? I made them aware of it immediately and explained I had surgery on the 12th (I’m having a tumour on my spine removed). And I wrote back that the email failed to address things properly. I’ve heard nothing back. My ear is also infected (only noticed it it was hurting today), yesterday my mum said it looked red and it hurt to sleep on that side) so I am on antibiotics. I asked my nurse today if it’ll affect whether or not it’ll affect me having my surgery on Tuesday (12th) and she said the oncologist will discuss it with me tomorrow.

9K is legal in the UK for gold (10K in US / 18K in Italy etc). 14K is well over UK's legal standard.

Solid gold refers to the metal not being plated - it doesn't mean it's not 24K (100% gold).

 

[tess94]

I need to explore and find out more about their gold, as they claim it is “green gold” but not who has certified it as that. The same with their diamonds. On their website homepage they have in a massive font:

Lab-grown diamonds are the real deal​

 

[leechiyong]

I need to explore and find out more about their gold, as they claim it is “green gold” but not who has certified it as that. The same with their diamonds. On their website homepage they have in a massive font:

Lab-grown diamonds are the real deal​

I'm sorry you're going through this. No one should be sent a used a product as new, for the reasons you're unfortunately encountering.

Stones advertised as lab-grown diamonds are compressed carbon, the same as natural diamonds. Here's a good article on them from the GIA:

Laboratory-Grown Diamonds (Diamonds Grown in a Lab) | GIA

A laboratory-grown diamond is a synthetic or man-made diamond. It is a real diamond and not a “fake,” but it is still different from a natural diamond. Learn about these popular alternatives!

4cs.gia.edu

 

[tess94]

I'm sorry you're going through this. No one should be sent a used a product as new.

Stones advertised as lab-grown diamonds are compressed carbon, the same as natural diamonds. Here's a good article on them from the GIA:

Laboratory-Grown Diamonds (Diamonds Grown in a Lab) | GIA

A laboratory-grown diamond is a synthetic or man-made diamond. It is a real diamond and not a “fake,” but it is still different from a natural diamond. Learn about these popular alternatives!

4cs.gia.edu

It is pretty rubbish. It’s just ridiculous really, especially when I’d bought these to put on once I’m awake following surgery. I’m trying to do as much as I can to look good and feel good. Most companies would (I’d like to think) like to retain customers and avoid bad press. There’s an excellent report here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdan...b-grown-diamonds-to-no-avail/?sh=20c1e0181a25

Martin Rapaport recently released an incendiary memo to the diamond and jewelry industry calling on them to stop doing business in lab-grown diamonds (LGD), which he characterized as “synthetic” and “fraudulent.”

He also claimed those selling LGD were “operating dishonestly and unethically” and trading short-term opportunities at the expense of those that are “certain and sustainable.”

Rapaport is the ultimate industry insider, and there’s no question about which side his bread is buttered on. As chairman of The Rapaport Group, his company is a portal for information about and services to the diamond industry, including the Rapaport Price List, which it claims is the industry’s primary source for diamond price and market information, and an online diamond trading network, RapNet.

I discovered that lab grown diamonds are made in practically the same way as Swarovski crystals. A lab grown diamond is worthless - if you try going to a jeweller, they’ll only offer you money for the gold. There’s lots of articles online trying to condone and support the use of lab grown.
Manufacturers market their lab-grown diamonds as sustainable, suggesting they are a more responsible option for some consumers. But how accurate are these designations? Greenwashing can happen in any industry, even diamonds, and when a company uses the term “environmentally friendly,” and “Transparent” the definition can be vague. You want to ensure that the company you’re buying from can legitimately stand behind its sustainability claims.

Here is what’s happening in the controlled environment of a diamond lab:

• The process that takes millions of years underground and uses the natural heat and pressure of the environment to create a natural diamond is mimicked in a lab in mere weeks.
• While the factories don’t usually have assembly lines, the machinery requires constant energy, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to produce the gems. The source of this energy is important to the ultimate sustainability of the gem.
• Labs use enormous microwave-heat generators to replicate the earth’s process through high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) production that requires maintaining a temperature above 300°F or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) that relies on temperatures as high as 1500°F.
• Their carbon footprint isn’t great. If the manufacturing process for lab-grown diamonds uses energy generated from fossil fuels, it may even create more carbon dioxide emissions than natural diamond mining; most factories still rely on fossil fuels to power the reactors.

 

[leechiyong]

It is pretty rubbish. It’s just ridiculous really, especially when I’d bought these to put on once I’m awake following surgery. I’m trying to do as much as I can to look good and feel good. Most companies would (I’d like to think) like to retain customers and avoid bad press. There’s an excellent report here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdan...b-grown-diamonds-to-no-avail/?sh=20c1e0181a25

Martin Rapaport recently released an incendiary memo to the diamond and jewelry industry calling on them to stop doing business in lab-grown diamonds (LGD), which he characterized as “synthetic” and “fraudulent.”

He also claimed those selling LGD were “operating dishonestly and unethically” and trading short-term opportunities at the expense of those that are “certain and sustainable.”

Rapaport is the ultimate industry insider, and there’s no question about which side his bread is buttered on. As chairman of The Rapaport Group, his company is a portal for information about and services to the diamond industry, including the Rapaport Price List, which it claims is the industry’s primary source for diamond price and market information, and an online diamond trading network, RapNet.

I discovered that lab grown diamonds are made in practically the same way as Swarovski crystals. A lab grown diamond is worthless - if you try going to a jeweller, they’ll only offer you money for the gold. There’s lots of articles online trying to condone and support the use of lab grown.
Manufacturers market their lab-grown diamonds as sustainable, suggesting they are a more responsible option for some consumers. But how accurate are these designations? Greenwashing can happen in any industry, even diamonds, and when a company uses the term “environmentally friendly,” and “Transparent” the definition can be vague. You want to ensure that the company you’re buying from can legitimately stand behind its sustainability claims.

Here is what’s happening in the controlled environment of a diamond lab:

• The process that takes millions of years underground and uses the natural heat and pressure of the environment to create a natural diamond is mimicked in a lab in mere weeks.
• While the factories don’t usually have assembly lines, the machinery requires constant energy, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to produce the gems. The source of this energy is important to the ultimate sustainability of the gem.
• Labs use enormous microwave-heat generators to replicate the earth’s process through high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) production that requires maintaining a temperature above 300°F or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) that relies on temperatures as high as 1500°F.
• Their carbon footprint isn’t great. If the manufacturing process for lab-grown diamonds uses energy generated from fossil fuels, it may even create more carbon dioxide emissionsthan natural diamond mining; most factories still rely on fossil fuels to power the reactors.

I think them causing you worse health is terrible enough when you were looking for a bit of cheer. It must be beyond stressful. I hope it doesn't impact you beyond what it has already and your surgery goes smoothly.

 

[tess94]

I think them causing you worse health is terrible enough when you were looking for a bit of cheer. It must be beyond stressful. I hope it doesn't impact you beyond what it has already and your surgery goes smoothly.

Definitely! And you know what else, I was going to put them in my hospital bag to open when I’m feeling up to it, but realised it wouldn’t all fit. I unpacked them and was horrified! Surgery is Tuesday and they said in their email they’d send me a return label over email. I’ve emailed them back twice and dmd them on insta.

Thank you so much, I’ll just be relieved to get it over with as the waiting around has made me so anxious.

 

[tess94]

Sounds like a nightmare.

Firstly, collate evidence including anything that was put in writing
Secondly, comply with their return policies and get your money back ASAP
Thirdly, take it up with the authorities in the USA (if that's where you are). Standards and law vary country by country, but precious metals, gemstones including for jewelry/jewellery are some of the most regulated commodities globally.

Jewelry Guides

Jewelry Guides: Helping Consumers Understand What They’re Buying The FTC’s Jewelry Guides are designed to help consumers get accurate information when they are shopping for gemstones and

www.ftc.gov

Jewelry Standards and ASTM Standards USA

Jewelry Regulations in the United States: A Complete Guide

Guide to jewelry labeling, California Prop 65, CPSIA, ASTM standards, and other requirements for jewelry products in the United States

www.compliancegate.com

Oh my gosh. You’re not going to believe what has happened, so it’s 9pm here and I’ve received an email from them asking me to send them back. I’d placed lots of orders with different brands over the weekend so my dad can bring them in whilst I am in. I did place another order yesterday because there’s one piece I particularly like. They said in the email that they had never had anything like this happen before, but Trust Pilot says differently. They’ve sent me a return label, but what am I supposed to do at 9pm!? We have to leave tomorrow at 6am to get there for 8:30am. They’ve said “We have never encountered such a situation before, and we take your concerns very seriously.” And then “In light of this, we have decided to refund the purchase you placed yesterday immediately. We understand that you are going through a challenging time, and we do not want to risk the same problem happening with the new jewelry.” “To proceed with your return, please find attached a return tag - follow the procedure below to schedule a complementary pick-up with DHL. Please make sure to put the unworn pieces back into the original packaging along with the certificate and pouch. The full amount will be refunded within maximum 5 days after receiving the piece in our atelier.”
How can I send back items that have been sent to me worn, additionally I didn’t know they came with a certificate, which is one of the things I’ve mentioned on here. How I’m supposed to send them back at now nearly 9pm! He said they’ve never experienced this happening before and if they had that much confidence in their items being sent in perfect condition, why would they decide to cancel an order. I believe they’ve done this on purpose leaving it to the final hour to respond (the email was sent at 19:55). This is just unbelievable. I literally can’t do anything as if I reply now and they reply, I’ll be under general anaesthetic tomorrow!

 

[papertiger]

Oh my gosh. You’re not going to believe what has happened, so it’s 9pm here and I’ve received an email from them asking me to send them back. I’d placed lots of orders with different brands over the weekend so my dad can bring them in whilst I am in. I did place another order yesterday because there’s one piece I particularly like. They said in the email that they had never had anything like this happen before, but Trust Pilot says differently. They’ve sent me a return label, but what am I supposed to do at 9pm!? We have to leave tomorrow at 6am to get there for 8:30am. They’ve said “We have never encountered such a situation before, and we take your concerns very seriously.” And then “In light of this, we have decided to refund the purchase you placed yesterday immediately. We understand that you are going through a challenging time, and we do not want to risk the same problem happening with the new jewelry.” “To proceed with your return, please find attached a return tag - follow the procedure below to schedule a complementary pick-up with DHL. Please make sure to put the unworn pieces back into the original packaging along with the certificate and pouch. The full amount will be refunded within maximum 5 days after receiving the piece in our atelier.”
How can I send back items that have been sent to me worn, additionally I didn’t know they came with a certificate, which is one of the things I’ve mentioned on here. How I’m supposed to send them back at now nearly 9pm! He said they’ve never experienced this happening before and if they had that much confidence in their items being sent in perfect condition, why would they decide to cancel an order. I believe they’ve done this on purpose leaving it to the final hour to respond (the email was sent at 19:55). This is just unbelievable. I literally can’t do anything as if I reply now and they reply, I’ll be under general anaesthetic tomorrow!

I'm sure if you explain the situation they'll extend the return.

Just return them ASAP for money back. Leave the drama, you don't need it.