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Friedman's is the third largest jewelry retailer in the country. The Georgia-based company likes to say it is the largest chain within the 20 Southeastern and Midwestern states where most of its 681 stores are located.
The company says it has established itself as the "Value Leader" by offering a broad array of quality merchandise at competitive prices. It has also skillfully located its stores in high traffic locations where its target audience shops. All this sounds great, although not all of Friedman's customers are dazzled by the service, quality and refund policies.
There've also been some questions about the chain's financing policies, including a class-action lawsuit and a challenge by the Attorney General of Texas.
Here are a few of the more recent complaints we've received:
Carole of Greenville NC (09/27/08)
My husband purchased a 1.0 diamond Melrose Diamond Engagement/Wedding ring from Regency Jewelers on March 1st,1997. It carried a Limited Lifetime Diamond Warranty if cleaned and checked every 6 months. Regency was purchased by Friedman's a few years ago, who honored that warranty. When I went in earlier this month to get my ring checked and cleaned, I was told Friedman's had gone bankrupt and my diamond warranty is useless; if the stone falls out, it is no longer warranteed.
Possible loss of diamond, inconvenience of searching for new jeweler to check and clean ring--with no warranty provided.
Scarlet of Lafayette GA (09/27/08)
I called to pick-up a ring that was being made for me and to my surprise I found out they have all closed down for bankrupt issues and they still have my ring that was being made. I need to know if I am going to get my ring returned to me any time soon. They never called to tell me the store was going to close down nor did I recieve amy letter stating that.
Is there a contact # that I can call to get info about the jewelry they still have of mine. I am sure I am not alone due to the letters I have read on-line. Could you please give me some info on how to get my jewelry back!
Leah of New Albany IN (09/26/08)
My son bought his girlfriend a ring with a warranty last x-mas from Freidmans. A couple months ago the stone fell out and they took it to the store and they told him they were going out of business to get his paperwork and call the number from the warranty and they would take care of it. I called for him and they told me they would send an envelope with some info on how to send it back to them. So, thats is what we did.
They asked for the warranty book to be sent in with the ring. The only thing we have is the original copy of the receipt! We have not heard from them and cannot find any numbers to call. The number we did have is with the ring and the warranty book!
Rose of South Pittsburg TN (09/23/08)
I have purchased several pieces of jewelry from this Jewelry store. I also purchased the lifetime warranty on these pieces.
Now that this company has disolved I have no where to have repair work done. I have a bracelet and ring that needs repairing now.
Shawn of Marianna FL (09/22/08)
I purchased a engagement ring and band from Friedman's store located in Marianna on there store credit card. in Feb.2008 My payment history with this company has been flawless, the store closed soon after my purchase and I never recieved a billing statement.
on 9/22/08 I recieved a threating phone call at work from a male employee of friedman's,he was not interested in solving the problem.He stated that they will come to my house and get what I stold.He wouldn't give me his name,also he would contact my employer to garnish my wages.I tried to give him my mailing address he statedI don't have time to. he continued to call me names and try to intemidate me.
Lindsey of Moore OK (09/19/08)
I purchased a wedding a 1ct princess cut diamond + rounds on side, that was supposed to be in a platinum setting. After about 3 months of wearing my band started bending, I took it back and got it fixed no big deal. Found out the store was closing, and when I asked about my insurance, I then found out that I would have to call the insurance company have them send packing materials and then Ship my new 3000 dollar wedding band off to be fixed for approximately 6 weeks. I went to different Jeweler to see if they could fix it and check it for any other problems. They rounded it out no big deal, didn't even charge me! But when they put it under the microscope they found that my prongs were wearing down, and would have to be re-tipped. Costing about 100$. When I inquired as to why a platinum ring is already bending and wearing down they then looked at the stamp and told me my ring was 95% palladium, and only 5% platinum. So the ring I purchased for the durability would now cost me about 1200$ to have my stones set in what I was told I was purchasing the first time. When going back to the store the manager would then inform me that there was nothing she could do. I am still currently paying off my account for which went to their collector, who is now charging me interest for keeping the account open on a ring that not what I supposedly purchased in the beginning.
No physical damage, but I am definitely not happy with the setting of my ring. And do not have the money to get it done the way I wanted in the first place, nor do I believe I should be paying for a ring I that wasn't sold correctly.
Holly of Mount Airy NC (09/19/08)
Husband purchased a one-carat marquis solitaire diamond ring from the Premiere Collection during their bankruptcy sale at 50% off.Ring was NOT part of the more expensive Premiere collection.The inside band would be stamped Premiere if it was and we received no certification that is included with Premier diamonds.
I am EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED that we were charged as if we were purchasing from the most expensive line of diamond rings and getting the best quality,brilliance,cut,color,etc. when we actually were purchasing just regular grade jewelry.We were OVERCHARGED as ALL DIAMOND SOLITAIRES were 50% and this one represented to be one of the higher end ones from the exclusive Premiere Collection. It was misrepresented and fraud.
Chris of Elizabethtown KY (09/17/08)
I bought my Fiance a necklace and ring set for Valentines Day. She loved it, they both were silver with pink sapphires and diamonds. She wore both for about 2 or 3 months then one of the stones fell out of the ring and I got the insurance protection on them so she called and told them what happened and they told her they would send her a mailing sticker for the ring to have it sent off and fixed. She got it and sent it off they told her to send the receipt and the insurance packet with it.
We just got a check for the money I spent on the insurance from N.E.W. in Sterling VA. But we never got the ring back she called and has been looking all around for a class action law suit around here but when we called and tried going to there website it tried giving us a virus and all the numbers are disconnected. She still has the necklace but the ring that's all she wants back. We just need to know if there is anything we can do. Please let us know.
Cynthia of Hampton SC (09/14/08)
My Fiance purchased a Bridal Diamond engagement set from Friedman's december of 2007. I was attempting to lose weight before I had the ring sized to keep from double sizing. I had never worn the ring due to sizing and when I finally went for sizing, I found that they had closed with no forwarding number, and when taking the bridal set out of the box, one of the stones came out. My fiance didn't purchase the insurance, therefore, I have no options, because there are no Friedman's Jewelers to take it to. What will i do for my wedding? I can't get married with a ring that has a missing stone. That is like getting married without the Bride.
It will cost me $45.00 for sizing at another jeweler, also, will cost me $95.00 to have the stone replaced. I am afraid to send it off, due to the possibility of someone switching the stones because I have not dealt with other jewelers before.
Christina of Austin IN (09/09/08)
My boyfriend bought me a ring from Friedman's in August 2007. Four months later a stone fell out so I brought it back to the store and they told me they would fix it since I had insurance. I got a phone call about three months later from them telling me to pick my ring up. When I arrived they said no one fixed it and they tried to charge me even though I had insurance! They said they were going out of business in less than two weeks so I would have to mail it off. I called a toll free number from the Friedman's brochure and they sent me an address to mail them my ring. It's been over four months and I still don't have my ring and I can't get anyone on the phone to help me!
Sabrina of Hope Mills NC (09/08/08)
I and my husband and son have purchased thousands of dolllars of jewelry from Friedmans here in Fayetteville NC and the one in South Myrtle Beach SC. I went in to have my jewelry inspected which I did for the past several years every three months. In June when I went in they said they were going out of business but that I would not have any problems that Whitehall was taking over all their jewelry inspections and would stand behind the warranty.
I went in today Sept 8 th as my 90 days was up to have it inspected again and Whitehalls will not stand behind it because they are now going out of business. We paid good money for the warrantys on this jewelry. They took our money without a problem now there is no one to stand behind it. I would like to be on any Class Action law suit that is possible.
Ryne of Athens TX (09/07/08)
I to bought the inssurance and now its useless and cant get my ring resize or cleaned for free as promised. If any one knows any kind of resolution that i can be part of email me. I will be glad to help in any way i can or recive help or info on any cases with this company!
Marcus of Bradley WV (09/05/08)
I had bought my wife a watch, wedding set,and another ring. I paid a petty penny for all still have papers on them. Her ring is turning like a copper color and its supposed to be 10 krt and the diamonds are supposed to be a carrat. Her watch is turning silver and I paid 200 and some dollars for it I think this is ridiculous to pay this much for jewelry and it be that cheap.
The ring and watch both are turning colors from gold to like a copper color
Claudia of Orlando FL (09/04/08)
Dear Sirs: I did not know this co. went out of business, but this co. keeps reporting me to the credit bureau that I am behind on my payments; however I paid this debt about 2or 3yrs ago. I need to know how to remove this from my credit if they went out of business it will be hard for me to prove for they will deny it. Please help me and advice me on what to do... Respectfully yours,
My credit is being hurt by this co.
Joanne of Charlotte NC (09/04/08)
I purchased several pieces of jewelry along with the life -time warranty's on replacement and repairs. I was in need of repairs and a diamond replacement and went to the store where I purchased the pieces from, only to find them closed. The phone has been disconnected as well. I am unable to find another store to do the repairs and honor the contracts.
This has been and inconvenience and i will have to pay additional costs to have the repairs and replacement taken care of by another jeweler.
Clint of Birmingham AL (09/03/08)
I purchased my fiance's engagement ring from their store in December of 2007. The ring was at a reasonable price and she loved it. Well since they went bankrupt they won't stop hounding me about a monthly fee that is supposed to be for credit protection. I have since transferred my balance from them to a credit union and the account I had with them has a zero balance but they still keep charging me fees. I have told them to cancel the account and even sent a certified letter to them which they signed and sent back but they still won't close the account. I refuse to pay this balance since I don't have anything with them.
Through this they have ruined my credit.
Shirley of Brandon FL (09/02/08)
I purchased a one-carat ring and I now I can't get service for the ring, no insurance coverage information, and I can't make a payment online, or store, and I have to pay additional fees to use their service for payment via telephone. I have purchase jeweraly from this company since 1988 and I am angry that I cannot get the service I paid for now plus late fees.
I want to be involved with any and all class action suits on this company.
Shelagh of Watertown TN (09/02/08)
ipurchased a diamond wedding ring,opal and diamond ring and a tanzanite ring. I bought the life time warranty.Several hundreds of dollars that I spent alone for this protection. Now that they are out of business there is now place to have repairs, cleanings or exchanges. The lifetime warranty on my bridal jewelry set afforded me an opportunity to obtain repairs, exchanges, and upgrades at anytime. My opal has fallen out and i always had reoccurring problems with the Tanzanite being worked on. I have at least 6000 dollars of jewelry i am afraid to wear.
I am afraid to where any of the 3 pieces of jewelry in fear of loosing stones that will not be replaced.
Steven of Williamson WV (09/02/08)
I had an account with Friedman's jewelers into which I PAID off.Only to find that when my wife and I went to apply for a bank loan that I had info on my credit report that I had reopened an account that now has a balance of 700.00+ dollars for Friedman's jewelers.I have only had an account with them one time unto which I PAID off.I have not had any other accounts or opened any new accounts with Friedman's jewelers.
I can not find a contact number for Friedman's jewelers to complain about this problem and now this is affecting our ability to purches the home we would like to have.
April of Eddy TX (09/02/08)
My husband and I used Freidmans for most of our fine spending. I am not one who has alot of jewelry so when we decided to get married we bought our matching bands were I was able to get credit. The people were nice and the prices were low. We had them paid off within 3 months and they have held up fine.
When we decided we could afford another purchase we went back. My husband bought me a necklace with a heart on it. Every time I turned around my necklace was broke. He would take it back in and they would give him another one.
While he did that he bought me a three ring set. The diamond fell out of one of the bands. I delayed myself from taking it in to get it fixed even though they are under warranty. Then when my pendent broke (not the chain)I decided that it was time to take them in and have them both fixed at the same time. I drive all the way to the store and they are no longer there. Now I am stuck with a broken charm that would have to be soldered back together and a band missing a diamond that is not under warranty with any other store.
All my bills are paid and I owe nothing. I would like to cancel my card so it does not show as open credit and can't do that because there is no number or other contact information that I can find on the internet. I would like to get my jewelry fixed but without the warranty I paid for I can't afford to have anyone else do it.
Sherri of Alexandria IN (08/31/08)
Purchased a Seiko gts. watch have been making all payments on time, never late and I tried today and it seems that the web. site is closed. Now I will be fascing late fees and finance charges that should not happen and look bad on my credit. They sold me this watch in place of the one I sent in for repair that they felt was unrepairable and all that was wrong with it was to change the battery and a slight scatch on the face. The store said they could not change this battery in the store it had to be sent out to their Watch Service deartment. then I get a call to come & gat the watch and they said it was to damaged to repair.
I had alot of sentamental value for that watch due to it being a gift to my husband for his birthday. They did not even call me to ask if I wanted it back they just destroyed it. so I could noot even get it back. I ended up getting him another watch , but we have had to return it for replacement due the gold coming off in a 2week period and the one we replaced it with ( exact same type watch ) is agian doing the same thing. [I am] concerned about the diamond wedding band & solid gold rope neckles and the plan I purchased with it. I am very unsatisfied and disappionted w/ them. Thank you
still paying on something that is not at all worth it and now worried what this is going to do to my credit and what about the amount of money I have paid for a diamond wedding band and solid gold rope neckles, are they really what I was told they were?
Kindelle of Raleigh NC (08/29/08)
I am trying to pay my $100 balance in full by Sep 17, 2008 in order to avoid any finance charges. I cannot locate a number to call. All the stores have closed. I have called in different states as well and all numbers are no longer in service. I normally make all pymts online, but as well website has been shut down. How do I get info to pay balance?
If I dont pay my balance by 17th of this month they will add in finance charges. I am ready to pay balance now.
Lisa of Blacksburg SC (08/27/08)
have purchased a diamond wedding ring I bought the life time warranty.Several hundreds of dollars that I spent alone for this protection. Now they say that they are not liable because of them going out of business. They sould have to honor the warrenties or give us back our money. Either one would be fine with me. Thanks
Kassandra of Monroe GA (08/25/08)
I had a lifetime warranty on my bridal jewelry set that afforded me an opportunity to obtain repairs, exchanges, and upgrades at anytime. My bridal set would lose several diamonds every so often and Friedman's would have to send it out for repairs. Friedman's held my ring well over 6 months without making any attempts to repair the ring. After numerous of telephone calls, and store appearances Rhonda Perry assured me that she would take care of the matter and rush any repairs/replacements.
Unforutnately, upon one visit to the store Rhonda Perry shared with me that Friedman's filed a Bankruptcy and all of the stores would be closing down. At that point she gave me a customer service number to contact a representative for further directives. She stated to me that the company did not send letters or anything to the employees and they would be without a job. She stated that if the company did not accomodate me that she would allow me an opportunity to choose a set for the value of my bridal set because she had nothing to lose.
She also stated that the fact that I waited, followed up, called and contacted customer service only to recieve no response she would give me an additional percentage off on anything in the store before the last closing date. Last but not least I spoke with one of the liqudator representatives and he indicated that there was nothing he could do. This very day no one from Friedman's has bothered to write a letter, send a certified letter, call or email concerning this great lose.
Stressed out. Feeling of devastation. The emotion of mental abuse due to lies and deciet. Feeling hopeless. Not knowing how to contact anyone concerning the matter,etc.
Mary of Louisville KY (08/25/08)
I was sold a chain as real gold when it was gold plated. I asked the clerk if the chain was gold plated and she said that it was real gold. I took it later to jeweler who said that it was gold plated. The price of the chain on sale. I could have bought a gold plated chain anywhere for $20.00. It was deception.
Michael of Greeneville TN (08/23/08)
i bought a 1ct. mens diamond ring with a waranty. now friedmans is nowhere to be found what about my warranty? i would like to know something about the warranty.
Linda of Weatherford TX (08/20/08)
My husband bought me a three diamond ring December 2008 from Friedmans and also purchased a insurance policy. Now they are nowhere to be found Where do I get a refund on insurance?
I cannot get clraning, checkups, or replacement if needed.
Tiffany of Tallahassee FL (08/17/08)
I purchased a diamond braclet in July of 2008. The dont ware the braclet often. I had it on the other day and the diamond feel out and the braclet snaped in half. i went back to the friedmans location that i purchased it at and the store was completed closed with no contact no. for jewlrey repair or questions. I went back to the website that I was on a few weeks ago and it was also gone. so now i have a $300+ braclet that I cant even ware and dont know how to get fixed with out paying more than what I paid for it. to make matters worst, i don't think the diamonds are real or the braclet white gold. I think it is silver. I dont know what to do next. i feel played
$300 plus cost and a a broken braclet with a diamond missing.
Crystal of Benton AR (08/17/08)
My fiance ( husband now ) went into Friedmans in December of 2002 to purchase an engagement ring. He looked at several and found the one that he wanted. He looked at it through the jewelers loop and had his friend that is a master jeweler that was with him look at it as well.
His friend told him that it was a flawless diamond and that was of some of the best quality that he had seen in a while and that for the price he had better jump on it. It was a one carat round diamond solitaire flawless and they had it on sale for 2,999.00
He purchased the ring and had to have it sent off for sizing. We got it back in about 8 days. When he brought the ring to me to propose I was so excited and thought that the ring was just beautiful.
The next day I was studying the ring and noticed that it had a bubble in it. I called my fiance and asked him about it and he said No, that diamond was flawless, you can ask the jeweler friend of his that went with him
So I called him and he said the diamond was perfect and they had it at price that is unheard of for that type of diamond so he told me to take it in to them and ask them what it was in the diamond.
I took his advice and carried the ring up there, the man told me that it was just a white eclusion and that is what makes my diamond special, I told him No that it was who gave it to me that made it special, he then took the ring and said let me go back and clean it. He brought it back to me and it was shiny but the bubble was still there.
I then took it to our Jeweler friend and had him to look at. He then gasped and said Oh my goodness, they have swapped diamonds on you I was so upset, he told me that what had happened is that they figured out how nice the diamond was and that they could get more money for it so they switched it. And to top it all off it wasn't even a real diamond, it was a simulated diamond.
we took the ring back, and they did give us half of our money back, but we are still waiting for the rest of it 6 years later.
I am reading all of these complaints on Friedmans and I just don't understand how they can keep ripping people off without even one consequence. I would love to help bring them down.
We were pretty lucky to get at least half of our money back. But the whole ordeal made a very happy and memorable moment a very upsetting and miserable time. That is supposed to be one of the happiest times in a woman's life and for it to get shot down is just not right.
Kimberly of Brundidge AL (08/14/08)
In July 2007 I opened a account with FRIEDMAN JEWELERS I purchased several Items from them, I paid my account inwhich I never recieved a statement, The Middle part of July I purchased a 1,400.00 ring that had to be resized, A week later my ring had not got back to the store, I paid 1,700.00 on my account which would have taken it down down to 456.00, I had not been told that the store was closing, 3 days after making the payment I went to the store to check on the ring and I only seen a sign that said closed out of business, I called the next store that would be close to me and explained to the manager there about the situration, and she told me it was not something that she could do and for me to call the 1-800 number. I did and they told me they would look into it, well as of today I have been harassed by6 the company and attorneys offices about this I have faxed more copies of the reciept than I can count and I still dont have the ring I paid for, I am today been called by some other attorneys office offering me a deal of 1,300.00 half of what they say I owe, or they will take me to court, I am very angery about this I have no ring I have no other option on this issue, I would love to have the ring I paid for and I would love to have the credit that I am owed for what I paid for, I guess the ladies or whom ever really loved my 2k diamond ring and my money!!!!! If I can help on making Friedman Jewelers PAY PEOPLE back what is owed and what credit for insurance or whatever they did to them I would....
My Credit report is now bad because of them...
Ricky of Blytheville AR (08/14/08)
I bought a ring set on 2-13-08 and took the rings back on 3-3-08 to get sized and now it's 8-14-08 and I still haven't recived my rings and now I can't get ahold of anybody at friedman's and I did buy the insurance!
Tish of Taylors SC (08/14/08)
My husband purchaced some jewelry from Friedmans and last week I went to the store to find it was closed.8-7-08 I am still floored. I have jewelry that I thought was silver and I'm not sure it really is, when I called the Protection Plan line the customer rep told me the gold ring we purchase wasn't really all gold or silver. What? I don't understand that I did pay for a gold plated ring, which he told me it probably was, how does that happen? What can I do? He sent me a label to send it in but I'm afraid I may get something even worse. Can everybody get in on this lawsuit? Where are the consumers rights?
I got ripped off we paid over $700 dollars for fake jewelry. That's just not right!
Tish of Taylors SC (08/14/08)
My husband purchaced some jewelry from Friedmans and last week I went to the store to find it was closed.8-7-08 I am still floored. I have jewelry that I thought was silver and I not sure it really is, when I called the Protection Plan line the customer rep told me the gold ring we purchase was really all gold or silver. What? I don't understand that I did pay for a gold plated ring, which he told me it probably was, how does that happen? What can I do? He sent me a label to send it in but I'm afraid I may get something even worse. Can everybody get in on this lawsuit? Where are the consumers rights?
I got ripped off we paid over $700 dollars for fake jewelry. That's just not right! The federal government has bailed everybody out but the consumer, the working class. Why can't they ever protect us?
Sarra of Louisville KY (08/12/08)
My Fiance bought my engagment ring there in May, 08. When I finally received the ring it was to big & I had to have it sized. I kept it in the ring box until I could get it to a store. When I received it back I wore for a total of 48 hours when a diamond fell out. When he went back to get the ring looked at the store was totally empty. I had to take it to another jeweler to have it looked at. Apparently there was no prong on the side diamond to hold it in place & on the same diamond on the other side was exactly the same way. To replace what was wrong it was going to cost around $150, but before they sent it off they looked at it more closley & found that all 26 prongs were not touching any of the diamonds. I could have lost all of them! Now I am having to pay for an entirely new ring to be made.
I am having to have a new ring made due to the fact that if they rebuild all the prongs there will be no guanatee & that the prongs will then still be a risk of breaking. So in all we are now having to pay for two rings.
Sonya of Talladega AL (08/08/08)
I have purchased severl pieces of jewelery over the past 10 years, and every time I bought the life time warranty.Several hundreds of dollars that I spent alone for this protection.But know they say that they are not liable because of them going out of business.Maybe if we got enough people to sign a pertition just maybe they would have to honor the warrenties or give us back our money. Either one would be fine with me. Thanks
Gradene of Whitesboro TX (08/08/08)
i bought a ring 7/21/2006 ,took out a insurance plan,lost diamond ,took to store to be replaced they had in store for 2 mos.and didn't fix it so they said they was going out of bussiness and would not fix it.now that this store has gone of bussness,how do i get my ring fix ring cost $5000.00
Maria of Lynn Haven FL (07/24/08)
On December 23, 2007 my boyfriend and I went to Friedmans Jewelers to pick out my engagement ring. He spent alittle over $4000.00 for my ring & a Lifetime Warranty. On February 2,2008 we went back to the same store & I purchased his wedding band & Lifetime Warranty which was around 700.00. The sales person told us what our warranty covered & that to MAKE SURE we kept our reciepts, because the store wouldn't have any record of our warranty purchase. (I found that hard to believe that they would not have record of our purchase). I made extra copies of our reciepts due to the fact the ink fades quickly on the reciepts given by the store.
About two months before my wedding I went to the store to drop of my rings to get sized. Much to my dismay the store was EMPTY, with a note on the door saying closed. I was shocked beyond belief when I heard they had filed Chap 11. You can't tell me that from my last purchase in Feb. that someone didn't know that store was closing up. I feel that everyone who purchased the so called Lifetime Warranty should be reimbursed that money.
To some people this may seem trivial, but we feel cheated. We had faith in this company & our purchases. We are by no means wealthy people, we saved a long time to be able to get these rings. I hope that someone out there can help all of the customers that paid for the warranty get our money back. We paid greatly for a service we didn't recieve & thats just not right.
Kathy of Berea KY (07/16/08)
In January, 2003 I was sold what I thought was a Premier 18K 1/2Carat Solitare Diamond ring. I was told that the premier ring was the best ring that Friedman's had with excellent clarity. I thought little more about it until recently when I was looking to see if the website offered any evidence as to what clarity my ring is by the number that I found inside the ring which was ZE1. The premier rings that I view on the Friedman's website say PREMIER on the inside of the ring and have a tiny diamond beside the Premier logo-mine does not. I paid $1499.99 for this ring and I now think that this is not a PREMIER diamond ring as it says on the inside 18K PLAT ZE1. Based on their website as well as other websites with regards to diamond clarity, this ring has poor clarity. I now do not believe I was sold a PREMIER Diamond ring but was sold something else that resembled a Premier ring. My ring has a number on the inside as well...which looks like it has been stamped over and changed. I am very upset over this and now know that Friedman's has filed bankruptcy so there is obviously no recourse.
I still have the recipts and the warranty certificate that shows that I supposeably purchased a PREMIER Diamon Ring. This was going to be a family heirloom to hand down to my daughter and I feel like Friedman's lied or misrepresented what I actually bought. I am obviously upset about this!
Sharon of Bowling Green KY (07/16/08)
I bought an expensive ring from Friendman's Jewely in the Greenwood Mall in Bowling Green,Ky..I bought the insurance for it..Went last time to have the ring checked and found Friedman's had moved from the Mall ..I found the nearest store in Franklin,Ky... not one notice that the store had closed here in Bowling Green..today I went down to the Franklin store to have my ring checked and found it closed too...I am just ferous over this,now where am I going to have my ring checked? Please somone help me with this delimma as I have had to have diamonds replaced in the ring and is why I bought this insurance
Pamela of Decatur GA (07/15/08)
My husband purchase a $2000 Bridal set for our 25th wedding anniversary 02/04/06. On May 1st, a co-worker looked at my hand and notice my center diamond was missing. When I called the South Dekalb (Decatur, GA)where the ring was pirchase I was told the protection plan was still in force; however the the store will be going out of business after Mother's Day.
I called the number that was provided and was given a faxed number and was told what to fax. After not hearing anything, I called the insurance company and was then told the contract had expired.
My husband is on Disability and this was a great sacrifice for us. We paid them as agreed and now they are gone. I was also told I could upgrad. How can I upgrade with them if they are no longer in business?
Al of Fairfax VA (07/15/08)
I formally worked for a Friedman's Jewelers store, and now work at one of the stores that were taken over by the new company. I know many inconveniences the Friedman's bankruptcy has caused, but please remember the people working in the store are not responsible for what has happened and must honor the new company rules and regulations. I know of many people who worked for Friedman's for over a decade, yet was given no warning of the closings and received no severance package.
However we have been told that all the Friedman's lifetime warranties are still valid as long as they are brought into a formal Friedman's store to still be checked and cleaned, and as for the two year warranties we are told to tell our customer to call the number on the inside of the brochure they received with their protection plan in order to get their jewelery fixed.
Brandi of Palatka FL (07/10/08)
I bought a wedding band, diond earrings,a gold chain and a childs gold braclet from my local store. I paid my account faithfully until I went to the store one day and was told that they were no longer accepting payments in store and that I wouldget new payment information in the mail. I received information from 2 different companys and was very confused by this. I called both and asked that either of them need to send me proof that they are in deed now in chanrge of my account.
One company stopped calling me and the other now calls me 15 times a day (no lie) at all times of day and night. They have all gotten very rude with me. They have even begun to say things like we have your address, you'd think that you'd pay your bills or who knows who will knock on your door. I now have refused to ay this bill all together. My creidt is ruined by this. I also have found out that they will not honor the warrentys that I have paid extra for or will the refund that amount. I think that we should all place a class action suit against this company.
Sharon of Canton NC (07/10/08)
My husband purchased my wedding set from Freidmans and he also purchase the lifetime warranties. We were not sent any information about the store closing. I have faithfully gone and had them cleaned and checked for years now. I went to the store at the Asheville Mall because the store in Clyde had closed.
When I went in the girl said we are not Freidmans. I said that sign says you are and she said that the new store had not had time to change the name on the outside. I said well what happened to Freidmans and she said the went out of business. I said well I am suppose to have my rings cleaned and checked, she offered to check them and clean them but she would not sign off on my certificate. She said that they would honor upgrades but that is all.
So now what am I suppose to do? What happens to the money that was spent on a lifetime warranty?
Melissa of Northeast MD (07/08/08)
Purchased a diamond engagement ring on 10/04 for $2000.00 dollars cash and I had a life time warranty. On July 3, 2008 my diamond fell out of my ring and I lost it. I contacted the store and found out they went bankrupt. So now what am I suppose to do this ring as sentimental value. I am missing my diamond. I feel they need to be held accountable.
Purchased a diamond engagement ring on 10/04 for $2000.00 dollars cash and I had a life time warranty. On July 3, 2008 my diamond fell out of my ring and I lost it. I contacted the store and found out they went bankrupt. So now what am I suppose to do this ring as sentimental value. I am missing my diamond. I feel they need to be held accountable.
Tim of Hephzibah GA (07/07/08)
I purchased an engagement set from Friedmans on July 23, 2007. Around July 2, 2008 I attempted to secure a motorcycle loan only to find out that I was denied because I had an delinquent account on my credit which was handed over to a credit agency. When I called the agency they told me that Friedmans had referred my account to them. I attempted to contact Friedmans by phone to find out why, but got no answer so I went to the store only to find out that they have gone out of business.
So I called the collection agency to talk to them and they told me that I had not made a payment for 2 months which was not true. I have made all payments and was not behind. I asked the collection agent why I was not notified that they thought I was behind and that my account was handed over them. They said that they sent a notification to me alone with a payment booklet, but I never received anything from them. It turns out that they sent the information to the wrong address. I have 2 payment floating around out there somewhere.
As a result, I was denied credit because of the bad mark on my credit report.
Kim of Todd NC (06/29/08)
My husband and I bought my engagement ring at the Boone NC location. We bought the ring on sale for $500.00. We made all but the last 2 payments. Being only two months behind, they sent the debt to a collection agency. Finally, we had the money to pay it off and paid the final amount of $210.96.
After having proof of making the final payment, they all of a sudden say we didn't make any of our payments and still say we owe them the full $500! They have sent this info to 3 different collection agencies and we are constantly being harassed by people from different countries since they have outsourced this to collections in different countries!
Because of this, my credit has been damaged.
Melissa of Glens Falls NY (06/25/08)
My husband purchased my diamond ring and Lifetime warranty from them 4 years ago. They are bankrupt and going out of business and when I called I was told my warranty which we paid for is no longer valid since they are out of business. All customers who purchased a Lifetime Warranty should be refunded for the extra charges for this warranty.
Patrick of Hoover AL (06/24/08)
On 1-28-06, I discovered a bad mark on my credit report from Friedman's Jeweler's in Savannah, Georgia. I never bought anything from Friedman's. I had my wallet, soc sec card and driver's license stolen in 2005 and a man was arrested for identify theft and fraud in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
I notified Frideman's via fax and U.S.mail that this was not my account and sent a certfied statement along with the police report and the name of the person arrested for the fraud. I confirmed via telephone with Paula, Fraud Assistant, that the fax and supporting police report and data had been received.
Not only have they not taken the information off my report, now a collection agency is also showing up for the same amount. I sent a new certified letter but it keeps getting forwarded to different addresses in Savannah.
I have not been able to get credit in my name because of this. I even had to have my mother co-sign for my apartment. I can't get anybody to respond and fix this.
Michelle of Hephzibah GA (06/23/08)
I was just walking through the mall and notice sign saying friedman's will be going out of business. The month before I had just gotten my ring clean and inspected and was not informed. When I went inside to ask about the warranty my husband paid to have my ring clean and inspected every three months, I was told he may have to add this to our home insurance. I was bothered by this statement, because he had to pay an additional fee for this service.
Both rings were purchased from this business at friedmans ( I have been trying to contact the business where the rings were purchased but the phone just rings and finally it sounds a fax, a message could not be left. I just want to know now what will happen if i lose a stone, which under the warranty replace it at no charge........
Sharon of Coward SC (06/16/08)
I went to Friedman's yesterday (6/15/08) to find out that they were gone. I ask the Mall information desk about them and was told [they] have gone out of business. This upsets me. I have my wedding ring, My Husbands watch, and my sons rings and watch warrantied by [them]. What happens now to my life time warranty?
Wendy of Florence SC (06/12/08)
I had someone drop-off a womens ring for me to get repaired. While i was making payments to have the ring returned an associate informed me that the store will be closing in eight weeks. She also informed me that I would be contacted about my ring if the store was to close before that specified date of 6/1/2008. Three weeks before the closing date I go to the store locations and it's closed. The ring was and still means a great deal to me
I would love top have it back but, but when I try to call the corporate office in TX there is no answer only a CPU. I really would like to have my ring returned or have someone contact me and inform me why I wasn't informed that I needed to pick-up my ring.
The ring was given to me four years ago by someone who is very dear to me. Now when I glance down at my hand where the ring was I am hurt because that is left is a mark
Brooke of Tampa FL (06/08/08)
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THEM MAIL YOU A ZERO DOLLAR DUE RECEIPT when you pay them off! I paid off the account by phone payment with this company that took over & called for the $0 bal receipt & was told that they owe me a credit payment of $40.03. I don't know where they got the figure but will be happy to take my $ back! Once the check comes (by the end of June 08) I am to call them to have a $0 bal receipt sent to me for proof of pay off. I worked for this company for over 8 years. I would love to know how my employment history will be verified since there will be no one to contact. Their jewelery is [expletive] and always has been.
It was not the merchandise they were selling, it was the credit. They were staying in business from the interest rates and fees everyone was paying. They made some major mistakes in their business decisions which has affected everyone but the CEO & CFO. Many managers were wrongfully fired & then there were some that truly deserved to be fired. BY the time that the company decided to use a 3rd party collection agency instead of inhouse collections it was too late to redeem themselves, hence the outcome of closing shop & now several Americans are out searching for a job to keep a roof over their heads.
Nellie of Cartersville GA (06/07/08)
On 3/1/2008 I bought one ring for me and one Seiko watch for my husband. I paid for pre-market apraisals and protection plans for both items. As everybody knows Friedman's went on bankcrupcy, and I am hanging now with an useless protection plans and never received appraissals. They have a phone number that is disconnected. Watch out consumers! They are now changed to WHITEHALL. SHAME ON THEM AND IN GEORGIA' STATE THAT DOES NOT PROTECT THE CONSUMERS!
$144.97 of appraissals and warraties that I paid and never received.
Teresa of Birmingham AL (06/01/08)
OK everyone...if you have an account with the now bankrupt Friedman's, be prepared. I have not yet received a statement from the creditors who have taken over the Friedman's accounts. Knowing when my payments are due, I just go to the store to make them.
Went yesterday and was told by a sales associate that she didn't know how to process a statement. There was no manager on sight. I asked for my balance & payoff. Again, I was told she didn't know how to do that. So....I asked her if they were still accepting payments in the store. She said they were?????? I told her I had not received statements for the past 3 months or any information regarding where to make my payments in the future. She said they will probably send me something and were just behind.
As a former manager for this company, I know first hand that this is MASS CONFUSION and that if and when I do get a statement that it will probably be incorrect. I think the government needs to step in at this point and do something. I would stringly advise everyone to keep a close watch on your credit rating from this company. Will I pay them? Sure, always have and ahead of time..but not until I know where to send it and they can provide me with an accurate account statement.
Jamie of Gautier MS (05/27/08)
My husband and I purchased our wedding rings with the Friedman's in Gautier, MS. We have had our rings warrantied by this company every three months for four years now. Yesterday I went to our local store to have our rings checked and the warranty updated and the employees told me that my warranty is void due to the fact that their company is going out of business. They would not fill out my warranty for this month or even clean our rings.
I would like to know what are we suppose to do with our warranties now? Does your company have a plan of what to do with their valuable customers and their warranties? This is our wedding rings and they are very special to my husband and I. Something needs to be done about this! Why do they not have someone who will take over their warranties after the doors are closed. Why did they not send out any information to their customers regarding the fact that they will be closing and will no longer handle matters like this?
Amanda of Oxford NC (05/22/08)
I was informed by the sales person that my warrenty is no longer valid and they could not even clean my ring. I ask what happens if my stone becomes loose or falls out, She stated it was nothing that they could do. I asked her what was the pupose of my warrenty if they can honor it. Was it some one I could contact? Would another store take over the accounts? She said no and If something happens I would have to take care of it myself.
I am very disappointed and upset regarding this. I WILL FIND HIGHER AUTHORITY....SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE, PEOPLE TRUSTED THIS COMPANY.They are still selling jewlery and asking people if the would like to purchase the warrenty. I sent one of my friends in the store just to see.
The warrenty on my ring will expire and if the diamond falls out I may not be able to replace it. This is my wedding set.
Bradley of Thomasville NC (05/19/08)
In mid-March 08 I purchased an engagement ring. The relationship did not work out & I tried to return the ring. My receipt clearly stated it could be returned within 30 days of purchase. I was well within my 30 days, BUT the store is now going out of business and they would not take the ring back. There was no mention of the business closing at the time they took my money for the down payment & financed the rest of my purchase. I tried talking to several managers of both this store and another store, but no one would honor their 30-day return policy.
I now have a ring I don't need ... AND a healthy monthly payment to go with it. I DO NOT feel I should have to pay for something that in good faith I tried to return within the store guidelines. False advertisement, false representation, terrible business practices. Of course, since they are closing - I can't spread the word to never buy anything from them!
Ann of Athens GA (05/13/08)
I noticed the going out of business signs on the Friedman's Jewelers shop and went to investigate what bargains I might find. I noticed a gold link necklace and asked to see it. It was 22 long, original price was marked as $1000. After the various discounts, the price came down to $240. I liked the chain and decided to buy it. I assumed it was 14k or better with an original price as high as it was, but I did not ask. Bad consumer, I know, but I thought I was dealing with a reputable jeweler!
When I got home, I looked at the sales receipt (which I never saw until the sales lady stapled it to my credit card receipt) and I noticed it said 10k. I thought that had to be a mistake. No 10k 22 necklace of any description would have an original value of $1000 unless it was extremely heavy, and this one isn't. I got out my loupe, and sure enough, the chain is marked 10k. I took it back, but of course, all sales are final. I can see why this company is going out of business after reading all the tales of similar sleazy business practices on the consumer affairs web site.
I got a necklace that is probably worth $100, for which I paid $240 plus tax. Mostly I just hate being made a fool of.
Evelyn of Tallahassee FL (05/13/08)
A couple of days before Mother's Day (May 11, 2008)my son purchased me a gold bracelet from Friedman's. When I tried on the bracelet it broke in the middle. I took the braclet back to Friedmans to tell the manager what happened and he was rude and disrespectful. He indicated to me that it was my son's fault for not inspecting it more carefully; and he could not replace or repair the bracelet because all sales were final.
I told him that I was not asking for my money back but just wanted him to replace or repair the bracelet that my son purchased from him in good faith. He ordered me to leave the store and threaten to call the police on me after I proceeded to tell other customers that he refused to honor the bracelet he sold to my son a couple day prior. The bracelet cost $154.80.
Heidi of Clarksville TN (05/12/08)
First of all, to all those who work for this horrible company and are complaining about customers complaining have no right to be in the resale business. We, as consumers, have the right to complain for poor quality service and merchandise. Find a different line of work. I bought a saphire ring from them on their close-out sale. After I wore it for a day, I couldn't help but notice the stone was really crooked. So I brought it back because it was a manufacturer defect. And as the signs posted all over the store stated that was one reason for merchandise to be returned. But the sales lady there convinced me to exchange it for the opal version of the ring. With hesitation, I agreed. But when I put the ring on the next day, I noticed the opal was loose.
I brought that ring back and the manager said that it was not considered a defect and there is nothing they can do. I told her it was loose and she didn't seem to think so. She then proceeded to state that they sold the saphire I had returned and that she shouldn't have let me return it in the first place. I told her due to their policy, it was defected but she would still not take it back. So I took it to Kay's Jewelers across from them and they took it in to get fixed. I had to pay about $30 for it to get fixed!!! This is poor customer service and they deserve to go out of business. And it's their loss because a friend of mine was prepared to purchase a $900 ring when her husband came home on his mid-tour leave. Big mistake on their part.
Jessica of Woodstock GA (05/08/08)
I work with friedmans and have for over a year now. They were an amazing company and they offered all of you complaining people great prices for the items you bought. Some of you should be glad that you have the 2 year protection, at least your jewelery is still covered! And for those of you complaining that your lifetime warranty is gone let me hand you some statistics real quick.
Friedmans owns over 680 stores NATIONWIDE and employs over 7500 people. SO think about those 7500 people who are about to be roaming the market for new jobs or possibly applying to take over your current job! You can still protect your jewelery, take it somewhere else and have them look at it. And if your jewelery is so important then you should have it on your home-owners or renters insurance anyway, right? I have a feeling most of you complaining people do!
The employee's that work for the jewelery stores CAN NOT change the fact that we cant keep the warranties good. That is a company thing, so screaming at the employees and telling people not to shop there is not going to help out the fact that the warranties are gone! So how about you think of the bigger picture instead of just your jewelery.
Ashley of Gainesville TX (05/07/08)
I have worked for Friedman's for about 4 years. It started as a good job, I have been managing for 2 years now. And let me tell you things have changed so much and people dont understand. It's a corporation, when they tell you this or that, thats what it is and nothing else. I'm so sick of people complaining about their accounts, their warrenties, their jewelry. LOOK people they went bankrupty for a reason. The whole company is closing.
When a company closing theres isn't much they can do. How do you think we feel, we dont have jobs and you are worried about your jewelry. Give me a break. Take a number and stand in line. I have done everyting that I was able to to please my customers. When they cut us off, then what would you like me to do? Its sad to see a whole jewelry company close, but it is.
Anndrea of Crawfordville GA (05/03/08)
Purchased a ring on 2/18/08. an onyx diamond gts10KYG for my husbands twenty fifth anniversary, size 13. Wrong size so I returned back to the store to get it fixed with the jewelry protection plan that I purchased from Friedman's of 2yrs. costing $36.99.
Manager for the store gave me the toll free number, and now Friedman's are refusing to stand behind the protection plan due to bankruptcy in all their stores. However if I am willing to mail the ring and all receipts at my risk to a company called N.E.W. which Friedman's is the passing the bunk to this company that I don't know and at my expense and risk, and made NO acknowledgment that the company was the one backing up Friedman's to begin with for repairs or resizing of their products.
I bought the protection plan from Friedman's and I expect them to stand behind the product not some company that I don't even know and was not aware of at the time when the plan was purchased. I feel ripped off royally by a company that I thought was outstanding to stand behind their products. I had bought my first cross necklace in 1970, and other jewelry from Friedman's through the years and now I am very disappointed in their customer service.
I just wanted my husband to have a special ring for his twenty fifth anniversary. Now he has the ring but can't wear it due to one size to big, and feeling betrayed by a leading jewelry company brings distrust in any jewelry purchase in the future.
April of Hoover AL (05/01/08)
My husband recieved a letter thru the mail from a collection agency saying he owed 1,027.35 we have had friedman's paid off for years now the funny thing about it is they say they will settle with 154.10 if paid by 5-27-2008. Come on that dont even sound right you owe over a thousand dollars and they will settle for a hundred please, u wont be gettin anymore money out of us.!
Shannon of Sandersville GA (05/01/08)
I purchased a LIFETIME warranty (old policy) insured by Friedman's. Now with the Bankruptcy, I'm being told my warranty is useless and that Friedman's is not doing anything to buy out, refund, or service them. I'm being told that they will only service 2 YEAR warranties insured by another company. Could a class action lawsuit be filed? Is there anyone to call for restitution?
I paid good money for a LIFETIME warranty. With the bankruptcy, I'm being told that I cannot get my jewelry repaired if needed under the policy, nor am I being offered a refund for the warranty.
Rick of Swainsboro GA (04/30/08)
I purchased Bulova watch as well as two wedding bands. I purchased the lifetime warranty with all three purchases. Friedman's is now going out of business and I called them to find out who was going to honor these warranties, and was told no one was going to honor these warranties and that I could not get a refund on them either. I bought these with good faith and they ought to be made to honor them or refund the purchase price of the warranty. Thank you.
I've already had problems with the diamonds coming loose in the wedding bands. If the past problem is indicative of the future I'll have to pay for the repair or replacement of diamonds. It's just not fair.
Toby of Washington NC (04/30/08)
order a class ring for my son on 12-8-07. I received the ring 1-18-08 and when the ring came back it had the wrong year,so they[friedman's employee]shipped the ring back out on 1-21-08. I never heard anything from [Friedmans] the whole time it was gone, until the beginning of march when i decide to call them and find out what was going on and still was lied to over and over.
the youngman that help me was a real nice and caring person[Keith got tired and mad because of the lies,so he gave me gold lance phone# to find out what was happen with my ring. Friedman has a bad debt problem with gold lance. it took me two weeks after that to get my ring.i thank gold lance and glad the store [Friedman is Closing in my town[Washington,NC]. the young man that help me should move on and put [FRIEDMAN] behind him. thank you
Aimee of Sumter SC (04/23/08)
My fiance and I purchased a diamond engagement ring from Friedman's in December 2007. I didn't have problems with the ring until 4 weeks ago. I took in the store to have them fix it since we bought a warranty. The stone was loose and chipped. I was told by an employee that they could not do repairs, i would need to box it up and ship it myself. I was not going to do that. I went home that niht and called the number to the headquarters, now this was before they put all the recordings on there) and the woman said she worked with Whitehall, the store that bought them out. She said that they did not have our account info yet and to call back the next day. So I did, I called back at 1:30. The lady that i talked to said that they would not have our account info until sometime next week.
That same day my fiance and I went back to the store and told them that they either exchange the ring or they take it back. Well, Ms. Kirby said that as of today they could take repairs but would need the original receipt. I told her that i talked to someone at 1:30 that day and they said that i would need to send it myself. She argued with me and said that they were given permission at 1:00 that day. So we left it, but that didn't sit well with me. I went and picked my ring up the next morning and the receipt was ripped up (not the condition it was in before)and I took to another jewelry store. The man looked at my ring and told me it was a man-made diamond (moyzanite) with diamond filler, and then I took it to another jeweler and was told the same thing, I even got a third opion. This jeweler's tester showed diamond, but when he examined it he said it was the poorest quality he had ever seen, and his tester could be off but it would cost more for me to maintain this ring than what it was worth.
I went back to Friedman's. There I was called a liar, and was given two numbers to call. I called both numbers and all i got were machines, and no one has called me back yet. The only people that were helpful were the customer service people at whitehall. I talked to the Head of Whitehall yesterday, and he told me that there was still a Friedman's in Florence and that they could help. I called them and first the girl told me that they had been bought out (that is not true because Whitehall told me that the 78 that were bought officailly became Whitehall April 11, 2008 and that he knew for a fact it was still Friedman's) I told her the information that I was given and then she changed her story. She said that were still Friedman's but were going out of business.
All I want is for them to take the ring back, they can even keep the payments that were already made but wipe the rest clean. She called her district manager and she said no they can't take inventory back when they are trying to sell it all now. And of course I was given another number, and of course no answer or call back. We got the bill last night as well, and now they have our appraisal fee back on there which was suppose to be taken off but some how it was put back on there. So we are being charged with fees that aren't suppose to be there, we have to pay off a fake ring, no one can tell you anything about your account, and i'm just wondering exactly what they would have done to us if we had left the ring with the store that day. It isn't fair and i deserve my engagement ring to be a real certified diamond. I'm not even asking for a refund.
We are stuck with payments on a fake expensive ring, and we have to pay for a warranty that is no good.
Tommikko of Barstow CA (04/22/08)
I purchsed a ring which was paid off years ago. I had the money coming out of an allotment and I did not know that Friedman was still getting paid. About a month ago i finally got the buisnss straight with Friedman and i was told over the phone that i was supposed to get a check for four thousand dollars back for overpayment.
i called last week to check the status, and found out frieman went bankrupt. i am having a hard time finding out how i dan get my money since the money was automatically coming out of my check.
I need to know how i can get my four thousand dollars since they promiised me to send my money
Melissa of Murfreesboro TN (04/16/08)
Today, 4/16/08, I called Friedmans Jewelers and spoke to Amanda. I told her my husbands diamond wedding band has lost a diamond in the middle and need to have it repaired and I ask her when the repairs go out. She told me that the company has filed bankruptcy and are no longer doing any repairs or anything of such. I told her we have been faithfully getting our rings checked and cleaned every 3 months as the warranty papers state and she gave me home office phone #'s and said they may do something but not sure.
I then called them and only to get recordings on both phones that no one was available and I could leave a message. After I read of others leaving messages I just hang up. I am really furious and sick that we done business with this company and that they are refusing to warranty their products at least until they are closed. Last time we had our rings cleaned and checked in March'08, we ask them about store closing and warranty's and they said that this store would remain open if the others closed; even then we were a bit skeptical but trusted them; how foolish we must be. All we want is for our warranty money we paid or if they will send us to another company and warranty our rings and #1 to get my husbands ring fixed ASAP.
We have had diamonds fall out in the past and we made sure we purchased the extra warranty when we upgraded our wedding rings. All we want is for his ring to be fixed correctly.
William of Smyrna TN (03/27/08)
December 13, 2006 purchased set of rings from Friedmans Jewelry in Smyrna, TN. Rings had to be repaired 3 times. At that time we decided to get another set of rings. On August 26, 2007 we were in another part of Nashville at a shopping center and there was a Friedmans Jewelry store there. We looked at a set of rings that my wife and I liked and the store manager took the first set on trade. At that time we had paid about half, or approx. $850.00 on the set of rings. The store manager took those rings and gave us the set we liked. She said we would be given credit for those rings. This has not happened and we have had trouble because that particular store has since closed. It was in Hermitage, TN. We are now paying for the first set of rings in addition to the ones we purchased in 2007. I would not have a problem with this if I had the first set of rings or an equal amount of merchandise. When a company rep finally called he was talking to someone in the background and really never talked about the problem or left a return number.
I am having to pay for merchandise that I do not have.
Arthur of Bluffton SC (03/14/08)
On June 29th, 2007 I brought my college ring into their store to have it resized.On July 16th, 2007 I picked up the ring and placed it in a drawer.On September 27th,2007 on my way to a class reunion I put the ring on for the first time. Immediately I noticed that the part of the ring where it was resized came apart into small pieces. On October 3rd, 2007 I returned the ring and showed them what had happened. They said they would remedy the condition. On October 12th, 2007 they called and said they could do nothing with the ring and admitted that the salesperson should not have taken in the ring in the first instance but that the ring should have been returned to the manufacturer, BALFOUR COLLEGE RINGS.
The manager told me to order a new ring from the manufacturer which I did and sent them the bill for $634.00. I have not as yet been reimbursed. I started a small claims action in Magistrate Court and they claim that they are in bankruptcy for the second time. They are a bunch of phonies. Their advertisements and county Business License states they are doing business as FRIEDMAN' JEWELERY, INC.yet this corporation did not file any bankruptcy petition. A corporation named FRIEDMAN'S INC.filed a petition.
I am out $719.67 so far. the cost of the replacement ring was $634.46.
Kathy of Broussard LA (03/04/08)
My husband and I had an account with Friedmans and we paid out our account back in 2006. We were trying to buy a house and we ran our credit report, it showed up as we owed Friedmans of a balance of $7.00. So I called them to let them know they needed to take it off of our credit report because it was paid out. I called on January 4, 2008 and spoke w/Rudy and he said not only would he take it off our credit report but we overpaid on our account of $272.02. So needless to say we had a refund that was due to us that we NEVER received since 2006. I asked him if he could send us our refund and he said he would note it in the comments. I called back on 2/7/08 and spoke with Brittney she said that the department for the refunds was behind so we should receive it in a couple of days. Today it is March 4, 2008 and WE STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED OUR REFUND. Since 2006 we were owed a refund of $272.02 and still to no prevail. I think they should pay this amount PLUS the interest.
Linda of Lawrenceville GA (02/20/08)
My husband purchased a Bulova Watch, Pendant and Earring Set for me as a Christmas Gift. He paid CASH for it in the amount of $210.68. I immediately was uncomfortable about Friedman's Jewelers reputation. A week after Christmas I decided I would look at the gift again. I noticed the watch was not working (after he had set the time a week ago). So I decided to return it. He said he would do it. He returned home with the set. I told him my judgment was to return it for a refund, because it may not work in another month or two. I also would like to note none of the items in this set was never worn. So I took it in for a refund. The original clerk advised him since he paid cash he could get a cash refund with the receipt. They advised me their policy was to issue a check refund from the home office, and I would receive it within 14 days. The product was returned on Jan. 17, 2008. It is now Feb. 20, 2008, and we still have not received our refund.
I called the store and spoke to the manager; she said she will call the home office for the status and call me back. She called back and advised she left a message. She also said the person who sends out the checks was having a problem with the mail. I feel Friedman owns us interest for the additional days we are without our funds for this return.
I wanted to use the refund money to purchase a gift more suitable for me or put in my bank account until I do so. This process has also been very discouraging to my husband, who never goes shopping but wanted to do something special for me. Now I'm concerned if he will make this special effort to do this again for me.
Amy of Seymour TN (02/16/08)
My husband had an account with Friedman's that we paid on time every month if not earlier. We purchased several items of jewelery over the course of about four years.The last payment we made was about two years ago in 2006. At that time we were told that the store was closing, and we would get a statement in the mail every month to pay our bill. We never received a statement to make a payment. My husband has received two harassing phone calls wanting the payment in full. He asked for a statement to be sent on what we owed and never received any. Our credit is bad because it shows we have an unpaid account with Friedman's, which is entirely their fault.
Connie of Winston Salem NC (02/04/08)
In 2007 (between June 1 and October 15th) my youngest daughter purchased merchandise from this store. In mid-October she lost her job, and her cell phone was cut off. She had her mail forwarded to my address even though she is not living with me. When she got behind on her payments, Freidman's starting calling my house and my oldest daughter's cell phone. We told them NUMEROUS times that my youngest daughter had no job, and we had no way to contact her. We asked them to stop calling us since we did not owe the bill. My oldest daughter had to go to the expense of changing her cell phone service to get them to stop harassing her. I finally got them to stop calling me after getting VERY nasty. The amount of my youngest daughter's purchase was $98.16. I thought that if I started paying them maybe the harassment would stop. It did not. As of 1/18/08, Freidman's has charged $108 in late fees and $7.67 in finance charges.
I called trying to see if we could come to a settlement. They asked for my phone number but would not discussed the account with me because I was not on the account. Immediately after giving them my home phone number, the calls (more than one a day) started again. How can they call and harass me for the money BUT will not discuss with me any arrangements to pay off the debt? I have already paid $95 of the original $98.16 purchase. They deserve to go bankrupt.
My oldest daughter had the expense of changing her cell phone service. She never purchased anything from them....her sister did.
Jacqueline of Blacksburg SC (02/01/08)
I returned a watch January 9th; the sales associate told me that the refund would be mailed within fourteen days. It has not, and I have found out that they are filing bankruptcy!
Larry of Shepherdsville KY (01/16/08)
They are not very helpful. I have been buying jewelry from this location since they first opened and I have never been so dissatisfied with their service until November of 2007. I had much better service when the prior staff handled this facility. They were helpful but most of all they were courteous and treated you with kindness. As a matter of fact, we just called (7:08) the Shepherdsville store and asked about a ring we had to have sized that was suppose to have been back yesterday, and they replied we close at 7:00 p.m. call back tomorrow if you want any information. One customer may not seem like much, but now it is one less customer.
What category is rude treatment? As far as economical, whatever distance it takes to find a different jewelery department.
Teresa of Martin TN (01/11/08)
My husband bought me a bridal set from them and he paid $2800.00 for the set. I have taken it back to them because a diamond keeps falling out of it. The first time they replaced it, I turned down the diamond because it is a 4 star ring and the diamond looked terrible that they replaced it with. They replaced it again and the diamond was acceptable but now the same diamond has fallen out again and the store is closed. My husband had bought several pieces of jewerly from them and both rings have a diamond missing out of them right now. I also paid for this insurance that they had and had a diamond warrenty on the rings.
I still wear my bridal set because my husband worked hard to pay for this ring. I would love to have it back like it is suppose to be.
Patty of Eastman GA (12/15/07)
I purchased a bridal set of rings on Feb 2007. I received my monthly statement with an address on it that was wrong. I sent it to that address but received it back to my home in GA 3 weeks later. I called cust. service to make sure I had the correct address and they gave me another address. Every month I have had to call cust. service for charges that I shouldn't have had to pay. I have always been on time with my payments. Over the last 11 months, I have had 4 different addresses given to me by cust. service. I started paying by phone, even though there was a $2.50 charge. It was better than getting the wrong information each month. Then the charge went to $5. I continued payments by phone just so I wouldn't have any late payments. Then the charge went up to $7. I finally said that was enough. So, I used my major credit card to payoff Friedmans. I received another monthly bill stating that I owed $12.48. I called and they said it was finance charges. I said whatever and got the cust. service to give me the correct address to mail my final payment. I told her I wanted to make sure it was correct because I have had many different addresses given to me before. I repeated it back to her TWO times to make sure I was correct. She said yes. I mailed it off from GA on 27 Nov. 2007 and received it back on 15 Dec 2007 with a RETURN TO SENDER label on it. WRONG ADDRESS. So, I wrote a letter to management expressing my opinion on this company. I am waiting to hear from them after they receive the letter with my final $12.48 payment. I refuse to pay anything other than that. There is no excuse for professionals to be so incompetent. I will never use Friedmans again and will make sure my friends know what has happend to me.
Stephen of Hampton SC (11/28/07)
I have been purchasing jewelry from the Friedman's store in Walterboro SC for the past 2 1/2 years. The jewelery purchased, ranging from women's rings, small neclaces, and a watch. I think that someone needs to look into the insurance contracts at this location. I pay my bill every month, and still get harrassing calls at home and work. Stating I am behind or delinquint. I had all pieces of jewelry I purchased from Friedman's appraised by a notable jeweler. I was told that the value (weight of gold and stone quality DID NOT MATCH THE EXTREMELY HIGH MARK UP of the items. I also think that they are charging for insurance I requested not to have. Not only to mention a 30.00 a month added on my bill. It will take me 10 years to pay for 3 rings a watch and 2 necklaces. This is wrong,
Linda of Tampa FL (10/14/07)
I have been dealing with this jewelery store for the past two years and have had to have it financed through their installment plan. The payments have always been on time if not early. Last month I purchased a necklace through them and again had to go through the application process to have the necklace financed; they said because my other account had been paid off. That was fine.
Today I went to purchase another necklace, and also made a payment on the existing account. I had been told previously that I could add onto the account because I had been approved up to $2400.00. Today went I went to add a $100.00 necklace onto the existing, active account I was told they would need to set up another account and then again charge me a payment on the new account, despite my just making a payment on an existing account. I asked why the new account was needed since I already had one and it was active and current and was told this was a new policy that the company put into effect.
I will not do any further business with them, despite my purchasing more than my fair share of items, i.e. necklaces, rings, bracelets from them over the past two years.
Cherie of Kissimmee FL (02/15/07)
On 2 separate occasions, 2 different sales people tried to charge more for a piece of jewelry than was listed in their catalogue. Specifically, I went into purchase a diamond bracelet I saw in the Friedman catalogue for $99. The sales person insisted the price was $160. I showed her the catalogue and she was forced to sell it for the price in the catalogue. I also asked for a price on another piece and was given 2 different prices for 2 separates sales people on the same day at the same time.
On February 13, 2007, my boyfriend went into Friedman's to buy me a Valentine's ring I had chosen. He had the card from the salesman who had previously helped me. The ring on the card was $215 but is now 30% off costing $145. The 30% and original price of $215 is fully displayed in the case. The saleswoman who helped my boyfriend told him the price was $279 with tax and she told him the difference was the tax. He walked out of the store.
Kathie of Sallisaw OK (09/29/06)
My husband and I bought a bridal set on clearence and paid extra for a appraisal and never received it, we have made repeated attempts to resolve this but never get anywhere. I will never be able to get a good price on reselling it if I dont have proof it was a 2500.00 dollar set
Janita of Wilmington NC (09/01/06)
i purchased a 5 carat bracelet on clearance and the clasp came apart and i lost it. I only wore it couple of times and it was put on very well. I know something was wrong with that clasp in order for it to come apart so i went to the store to try to get another one since I had insurance on it. They told me it dont cover that.
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