Authentication issues

[omglmnop]

Although I have been using eBay for nearly a dozen years i have not acted as a seller for quite some time , and so do not really understand the whole "authentication" thing.  This brings me to my issue/question: I purchased a ring on Feb 21.  The total came to around 900$, and I paid immediately.  It was to be sent for authentication, and then to me,,,,fine.  The next day I received a series of messages, the first of which stated that a mistake had been made in describing the ring.  While it was listed as having green, pink, and yellow diamonds the seller told me that there were no pink diamonds, but was otherwise as listed.  I then asked what color the "pink" diamonds actually were an got a panicked message back saying that that the authenticator was going to say that the ring was not as listed??  I repeated the question to the seller pointing out that I had asked nothing about the authentication process, but rather wanted to know the actual specs on the piece.  I was then told that the ring was exactly as described with the exception of the pink stones, but said nothing about the actual color.  I responded that I did not understand why he could not just answer the question but I had to get back to work.  I got home that evening quite late and did not check my email until the next morning at which point I could see that he had sent back a more messages one of which stated the the pink diamonds were actually clear, and the yellow and COGNAC were as described, but this was the first mention of brown diamonds.  Then another message to tell me the ring had been sent to the authenticator.  Fast forward to today when I got a message congratulating me that my ring had been authenticated?  Now, the seller does not take returns unless the item is NAD, and he has already told me it is not as described.  If it is, indeed, NAD but  has been authenticated how do I go about getting my money back, or is this just a potential total loss.  Any help would be appreciated

[albertabrightalberta]

It sounds like that although the seller admitted to inaccurately describing the item (and I infer offering you the option to cancel), the authenticators didn't catch that the item they authenticated didn't match the description (re color). But evidently, they found the diamonds to be genuine, thus it passed authentication.

THe way the 'authenticity guarantee' program is supposed to work is that they not only verify that (in your case) diamonds are genuine but they're also supposed to verify that the description and pictures of condition/color/size/etc. also match the actual item. 

I believe the authenticators in 1/2 the verification process. 

If you receive the item and you aren't happy with the color of the diamonds, you can request a return based on NAD and add a note that "in ebay messages, the seller admitted to incorrectly stating that the ring contained diamonds of a certain color" and that you'd like to return it. 

Even if the seller doesn't have a return policy, sellers do have the option of accepting a return if they're willing and based on the seller's admissions, they might be willing.

[omglmnop]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I know you are one of the more well versed, and respected members of this community so your willingness to share your knowledge is greatly appreciated.  Just to be sure I understand.....If the ring is actually NAD, and I have all the messages from the seller confirming this does the seller still have to "approve" my request to return the ring? If so, what is the point of authentication as it would seem to remove your protection as a buyer rather that provide an added layer of protection?

[kathiec]

Luckily for you the rules for jewelry authentication are different than some other areas, sneakers for example. In those other areas once the item is authenticated returns are only permitted within the seller's return policy. But the rules for jewelry authentication state:

"You can return an item for any reason if the seller accepts returns and the return is requested within the seller's return window. In the unlikely event that you receive an item that does not match the listing you can return the item, even if the seller doesn’t accept returns, as long as the return is requested within the eBay Money Back Guarantee time frames."

So if the ring is not as described all you have to do is open a not as described return. You'll get a return label and once the seller has the return you'll be refunded.

[omglmnop]

Thank you for your reply, Kathlec.  The seller has a no return policy, and even when admitting to grossly misrepresenting the ring he did NOT offer to cancel. but seemed to want me to say I would tell the authenticator it was "not objectable" to me.  To be honest the flurry of 8-9 messages were a bit hard to understand, as I was asking 1 type of question, and he was talking about something quite different.

[kathiec]

Despite the confusing messages it's really pretty simple. If you receive the ring and want to return it because it's not as described it doesn't matter if the seller has a no returns policy. That's trumped by the Money Back Guarantee. Go to the item in your purchase history, click Return, and select that the item was not as described as the reason. Ebay will then give the seller three business days to send you a return label. If they don't, on the fourth business day go back to the case and ask eBay to step. At that point eBay will send you the label.