Kim Alessi

I purchased 3 Kim Alessi white gold rings inlaid with pink tourmaline stones to be worn stacked. After only being worn a few times, the rings lost several stones. I 1st tried to contact the company through their website but, rec'd no response. I then called & was advised to return the rings for repair and/or replacement, which I did. Several weeks went by before I heard from them - I was then told that the rings were not repairable & since they were no longer working with the company that manufactures the rings, there was "nothing they could do". I replied that the rings had only been worn a few times & not under harsh circumstances & if they could lose stones so easily, there was clearly an issue with the design and/or quality of the ring. Under these circumstances, I felt that I should receive at least a partial refund or replacements. They refused. Very disappointing! Then, after all that transpired (above), Kim Alessi didn't return my rings to me. On 1.21.08, I sent a certified letter requesting their return. Over 1 month later, I'd rec'd no response & at that point, I contacted the Better Business Bureau. Kim Alessi finally replied to the BBB indicating that they would not return my property unless I sent them additional money for "shipping & handling"! They further indicated that they would be "destroying the rings" if I didn't send them the money by 6.1.08. So, now they have my money (over $320.00) AND the rings & want me to send them even MORE cash to have MY OWN property returned?? I suppose it shouldn't be surprising that a company with such sub-standard products & terrible customer service can't afford to spend 41 cents to return property to a customer they ripped off for over $300. These were NOT marketed as costume jewelry & it is reasonable to believe they would last longer than a few wearings - I have rings I've worn every day for YEARS that never lost a stone. To pay this kind of money only to have them fall apart a short time later is a disgrace. Worse, to have the company so completely refuse any type of compensation is appalling. Don't let the same thing happen to you! Save your money!