On the last night of her recent Royal Caribbean cruise, Amy G. bought a beautiful diamond ring on the ship. She was quite pleased with her purchase – especially because she snagged it during a flash 50-percent-off sale. But the pleasant feeling only lasted until she got home and had a good look at the Certificate of Authenticity. That’s when she learned that the diamonds in her newest piece of jewelry were lab grown.
She suddenly felt scammed, and her affinity for what she now considered a fake diamond ring evaporated.
Amy is sure the salesperson in the cruise ship’s jewelry shop never mentioned that those diamonds were lab grown. Had he revealed the true nature of the gems, she says she wouldn’t have purchased the diamond ring. Immediately, Amy set on a mission to return the $1,200 piece of jewelry and get her money back.
However, Starboard Group, the company behind the luxury shops onboard Royal Caribbean ships, has an “All Sales are Final” policy. Their representative says the display cases that contain lab grown diamonds are clearly labeled, as was Amy’s receipt and the Certificate of Authenticity.
Starboard rejected Amy’s request to return her diamond ring with the lab grown gems. She then turned to Consumer Rescue for guidance, convinced she’d fallen victim to a scam aboard the cruise ship.
But is this just another case of post-cruise buyer’s remorse?
Note: I’m using a pseudonym for this cruise passenger because it is not my intention to embarrass anyone who asks our team for help. But I also want to be able to freely describe the situation in hopes of helping others avoid a similar cruise fiasco.
Buying a diamond ring on the cruise ship
Last fall, Amy boarded Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas for a seven-night tropical cruise. Boarding the ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this cruise passenger was looking forward to a respite from the chilly weather back home.
Buying a diamond ring on her cruise wasn’t something that she had planned to do. But on the last night aboard the ship Amy found herself drawn to the jewelry shop.
“I went in there [the jewelry shop] because it was advertised as the last day of the cruise sale,” Amy told me. “There were supposed to be huge discounts.”
And there were “huge discounts” on many of the diamond rings Amy tried on that day. At least the price tags said so. To her surprise, the cost of some of the jewelry was slashed by a whopping 50 percent.
The reality of last-minute jewelry sales on a cruise ship
Like many limited-time sales, the significant discounts advertised on the cruise that day were somewhat misleading. The bargains were based on purposely inflated price tags attached to the gems. Very few people ever actually pay the original figure on those tags.
On a cruise ship, these temporary bargains are primarily designed to generate last-minute revenue for the shop before the current group of passengers disembarks. It’s a common sales tactic employed by jewelry shops worldwide, especially those that cater to tourists.
The reality is that even those “hugely discounted” diamonds aren’t a bargain at all on a luxury cruise ship. But the salespeople in the jewelry shops hope you don’t know that.
Amy didn’t. So when she saw a beautiful 1-carat diamond ring slashed from $2,400 to just $1,200, she was sold. Signing the receipt for the dazzling white gold band, Amy was pleased with the outcome of her shopping excursion.
“There was a lot of confusion with many passengers buying jewelry,” Amy told me. “The salesman told me to come back at 9:30 p.m. to pick up the Certificate of Authenticity.”
Unfortunately, she did not look closely at the certificate when she picked it up later that night. Had she done so, you wouldn’t be reading about her experience today. Instead, she put that document in her bag and didn’t look at it again until she had flown home.
By that time, the flash sale was long over, and the jewelry shop onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas had a ship full of new passengers… and a very unhappy one thousands of miles away.
Finding a surprise on the Certificate of Authenticity
The day after Amy arrived home, she finally got around to having a look at the Certificate of Authenticity. That’s when she got a shock.
There in the description of the ring, it showed that it contained lab grown diamonds.
Not knowing much about lab grown diamonds, Amy assumed she had been scammed.
That same day, Amy wrote a letter of complaint to Starboard. She expressed her deep dissatisfaction with her diamond ring purchase and suggested that the delivery of the Certificate of Authenticity in the evening was a scheme cooked up by the jewelry shop.
I was in the jewelry shop for 40 minutes, and at no time did the salesman tell me these were lab grown diamonds. I could have purchased this ring anywhere for the same price. It was supposed to be a “last day sale” with huge discounts, which is why I went to buy something. I feel like I was scammed.
It was chaos. I believe they purposely gave out those certificates at 9:30 p.m. on the last night of the cruise. That way, no one could complain because the shop would be closed the next day.
Based on what she perceived as deceptive business practices, she asked Starboard to let her return the diamond ring.
But she was in for some bad news.
Starboard Cruise Services: All sales are final
Starboard seemed to agree that the salesperson could have been more direct about the origin of the gems. However, their team also pointed out that the display cases and marketing material clearly label the diamonds as lab grown.
After further review and investigation of your case, we would like to inform you that the specialist who was assisting you on board the ship did specify the piece did contain lab grown diamonds. The marketing in the store and in the display case as well [indicates lab grown diamonds]. The specialist has been retrained on how to deliver this information correctly.
We were also informed that as far as the certificate is concerned, they usually provide the Certificate of Authenticity to the guests on day 7 at 9:30 p.m. We can assure you that they were not trying to intentionally avoid handing it to you. Due to all of this and our policy that states returns and exchanges are available while on the same sailing of your purchase, returns are not available after your disembarkation…” [Starboard Cruise Services]
This response only served to infuriate Amy further. That’s when she sent me an urgent request for help.
What are lab grown diamonds anyway? (Hint: They aren’t fake)
For those that don’t know, lab grown diamonds are real diamonds.
As the name implies, these gems are created in a laboratory using high heat and pressure techniques that mimic the conditions in nature that create mined diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds that are virtually identical to mined diamonds can be created in a matter of days. It is nearly impossible for the human eye to distinguish between diamonds of both origins, side by side, with similar color, cut, clarity, and carat size (the 4 C’s of diamonds).
Many diamond-loving consumers have turned to lab grown diamonds as an alternative to mined diamonds, which can have unsavory histories. (Think Blood Diamonds). And because lab grown diamonds can be easily made, the costs to consumers are lower.
There should be less controversy surrounding these gems since they are sustainable and presumably, their creation never involves forced labor in undeveloped and war-torn countries.
However, there has been controversy of a different kind.
In response to mounting complaints about lab grown diamonds being sold using misleading marketing, the Federal Trade Commission issued a warning to several jewelry firms. The FTC made it clear that lab grown diamonds must be clearly labeled as such.
According to the FTC, lab grown diamonds can’t be called “natural,” but they can be called “cultured” — as long as they are labeled properly.
“The following are examples of descriptions that are not considered unfair or deceptive:
(3) The use of the word “cultured” to describe laboratory-created diamonds that have essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds if the term is qualified by a clear and conspicuous disclosure (for example, the words “laboratory-created,” “laboratory-grown,” “[manufacturer name]-created,” or some other word or phrase of like meaning) conveying that the product is not a mined stone. ”
The basis for Amy’s complaint about her ring was that she wasn’t told it was created using lab grown diamonds.
“I believe it was a scam because it was advertised as a last day 50% off sale,” Amy told me. “I know other people are buying these types of rings but not me. This salesperson’s tactics were misleading and wrong.”
Why last-minute pressured shopping can lead to buyer’s remorse
When I went through Amy’s documents, which included her receipt for this diamond ring, Starboard’s jewelry guarantee, and the Certificate of Authenticity, I couldn’t get onboard with her contention that she’d been scammed.
She was insistent that the jewelry shop onboard the ship was fraudulently selling the lab grown diamonds without clear labels.
But when I looked at the price of her diamond ring, considering its 1-carat weight, cut, clarity, and color, the price seemed reasonable. And it was a very pretty ring.
I didn’t see a scam, especially since the Certificate of Authenticity she received while the store was still open identified the diamonds as lab grown. Had she read it at that moment, she could have handed the ring back and received a refund. Additionally, the description line of her receipt said: “LabDia1FG” (FG being the color).
But I did think that perhaps the “chaos” and “confusion” associated with the last night of the cruise sale might have contributed to the situation Amy found herself in. Unfortunately, I know from my case files that shopping under pressure while on vacation is often a recipe for a severe case of Buyer’s Remorse.
However, I also know Starboard Cruise Services to be a reputable and consumer-friendly company. In fact, several years ago, when I contacted Starboard, their team quickly replaced another Royal Caribbean passenger’s missing $3,500 pair of earrings – no questions asked.
So I thought there might be a chance that Starboard would take back Amy’s diamond ring… if we asked nicely and didn’t accuse the company of fraud.
A one time goodwill gesture: Starboard will take back the diamond ring
Amy didn’t agree with my assessment of the situation – in fact, she was angry that I didn’t concur that she’d been scammed. She insisted that she was a victim of fraud and that she’d been tricked into buying the lab grown diamonds. BUT…
Starboard relented and agreed to take back the diamond ring.
After further review of your case, we would like to inform you that due to your experience you have gone through with your recent purchase we would like to offer you a full refund for the return of the piece as a one time courtesy.
Please be advised our policy is also published on the back of the certificate and states that returns and exchanges are available while on the same sailing. Returns for refunds are not available after disembarkation. (Starboard Cruise Services)
And with that, Amy quickly packed up the diamond ring and shipped it back to where it came from. In the future, she’ll look very carefully at any Certificate of Authenticity she receives – before she gets off the cruise ship.
Things to know about buying diamonds on your cruise ship
Cruise ship passengers making unexpected and expensive purchases they regret later isn’t exactly unusual. In fact, I would go so far as to say this phenomenon is pretty common. Consumers often suffer from a condition that I call Vacation Brain during their travels.
Vacation Brain is an altered state of mind that causes a temporary lapse in judgment. (See the related story below)
It leads them to do things they wouldn’t dream of doing at home. Impulsively buying diamonds and other jewelry during a cruise ranks right up there as a common reason travelers come home from vacation with buyer’s remorse.
Before you buy a diamond on a cruise ship, here’s what you need to know.
1. Research the type of jewelry you are considering
If your plans and budget include buying a piece of jewelry during your cruise, it’s critical to do your research. Make sure you understand the type of gem you intend to buy and what price you should expect to pay.
Remember, all diamonds aren’t created equal. Make sure to acquaint yourself with the 4Cs (Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut) before purchasing any jewelry containing diamonds. There is no possible way to determine if you’re getting a good deal without understanding the 4Cs of the diamond you’re considering.
And, of course, pay attention to whether the gem is lab grown or mined — both are real, but lab grown diamonds should be considerably cheaper.
2. Familiarize yourself with common sales tactics
Salespeople practice their tactics every day, and, unfortunately, many cruise ship passengers are unfamiliar with those tactics and are completely unprepared for their shopping excursions. It’s important to familiarize yourself with common ploys that merchants use to increase their sales.
Some of those “tricks of the trade”? Flash sales, free gifts, flattery, overly friendly salespeople, and often cocktails.
Giant discounts on the last day of the cruise are typical. So, if you have your eye on a piece of jewelry and you’ve done your research, you should wait until that final bonanza.
Equally, if you didn’t intend to buy diamonds, don’t be dazzled by slashed prices at the end of your cruise. Impulsively purchasing something you haven’t researched purely because of a flash sale is a quick way to ruin your vacation.
3. Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during your shopping trip
Alcohol often factors into many of the complaints I receive from bewildered travelers who’ve returned from a cruise with unexpected and unwanted items.
Having a cocktail or two and then strolling into a jewelry shop is not a good idea. Remember, alcohol lowers your inhibitions and will cloud your judgment and reduce your ability to resist a hard sell. You’re putting yourself at risk of buying something you didn’t research and may not want later if you go shopping under the influence.
4. Read the terms of purchase and review the Certificate of Authenticity
Before handing over your credit card, read through the terms of your jewelry purchase. Ensure you understand what you’re buying, whether you can return it, and under what circumstances. Keep in mind that “All sales are final” is a common condition in cruise and port shops and is often stamped on your receipt.
No matter when you receive the Certificate of Authenticity for your fine jewelry purchases, make sure you look over all the details immediately. Carefully reviewing that document before you leave the ship is your responsibility as a consumer. That’s the time when any problems can easily be corrected.
The bottom line
Making expensive, impulsive purchases on a cruise ship or in a port of call can ruin your trip and have a long-term impact on your finances. By setting a firm budget and doing your research before strolling into any shop, you’ll significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of Vacation Brain.
However, if you believe an unscrupulous merchant took advantage of you, send your request for help to our consumer advocacy team. We’ll be happy to investigate and mediate a fair resolution if the facts are on your side. (Michelle Couch-Friedman, Consumer Rescue)
Sometimes, “Goodwill Gesture” is just the company doing the right thing that they should have done from the start.
This is a true Goodwill Gesture. Hope the customer realizes that and is thankful for it, but, somehow, I get the feeling that wouldn’t be the case.
What possible value is there in a certificate of authenticity? Anyone with a computer and a decent printer can authenticate anything.
Maybe but it clearly stated it was a lab created diamond.
That depends on who is issuing the certificate. The gold standard for diamond certification is the GIA. I would never purchase a diamond that wasn’t accompanied by a GIA certificate.
Hello Dear Michelle,
First of all – Thank you so much for what you! It is a blessing!
Re: Amy’s diamond purchase.
In my humble opinion it boils down to 3 things:
1) Shame, Shame, Shame on the sales person for not being transparent with Amy. It was totally unscrupulous salesman ship.
2) On the flip side – pardon my harsh words, but anybody who would buy an expensive piece of jewelry on a cruise ship, without arming themselves with clear knowledge of what they are getting – is dumber than a stick. There is a universal saying in business from the Latin, “Caveat Emptor,” which means, let the buyer beware! It doesn’t matter what you are buying, the ultimate burden of understanding “what” you are buying always falls onto the buyer, not the seller. So while the incident was unfortunate, it’s best to suck it up and move on.
3). If Amy had done her homework, she would have known that lab diamonds are not fake!
So the best outcome here is for Amy to learn to be happy with her purchase.
PS. “REAL” diamonds that are worth anything NEVER go on sale.
Best regards.
Thank you, Dee ☺️
“Amy” shouldn’t have gotten a dime back. Her own laziness by not reading the certificate she was given is her fault. Then she runs around screaming “scam” and expects everyone to sympathize with her. Too bad Starboard is such a classy operation. They should have said “no” and let her whine forever!
I had a hard time getting past “it is not my intention to embarrass anyone who asks our team for help”. Every single person that comes to you for help could be embarrassed by the mistake they made, why was this person’s name omitted?
This was 100% a buyers remorse issue. They have diamond and gemstone seminars on board every RCI ship of over 7 nights, and they discuss man-made diamonds.
Sounds like she even believed you were trying to scam her somehow.
I don’t think most people are embarrassed by how they are portrayed in the articles I publish.
But if a consumer asks me to conceal their name — or I think it’s best to do so, I will. That is the policy of Consumer Rescue. I do not force consumers to allow us to use their real names in news articles in order to get help from our team.
However, the vast majority of the consumers who contact us want their stories to be told and their real names used. If I choose to use a pseudonym, the article will always be clearly labeled. The lesson in this article is the same whether the passenger’s full name is revealed or not — and that is the most important thing in my mind.
Mined diamonds have almost always been an issue. When Ian Fleming was researching and writing “Diamonds are Forever,” he learned a lot about diamond mining and diamonds in general. He got such an education, he wrote a book about the diamond trade. i could not find it in the list of books he wrote I found online, but I do have a copy of the book and is quite interesting–even though it was written in the ’60s.
As for buying things, for years I have realized that the MSRP is misleading at best and the “compare to” prices are worse. I look at the price the item is at and think: is it worth it at that price? How long do I have to work to pay for this item? Will I use this item? Will I enjoy it? Once I can satisfactorily answer those questions in the affirmative, I will buy the item.
I suggest everyone adopt this thought process–or modify it for your use to minimize buyer’s remorse.
For this particular story, I do not know enough about diamonds to know if the price paid is reasonable. I do know there is quite a markup on jewelry, though.