The Jewellers Association of Australia board has expelled an online diamond trader after receiving dozens of complaints from consumers.
Announcing the JAA’s decision in an official statement released this morning, Ian Hadassin, the CEO of the JAA, said the association had expelled Diamond Exchange Ltd after receiving and investigating more than 50 complaints over the last few months.
“The company offered and sold loose diamonds as well as finished jewellery products to online customers only,” he said.
“The complaints from consumers were largely in relation to products which had been paid for in full but not received and refunds promised but not received.
“This is clearly unacceptable behaviour.
“The JAA had been working on behalf of affected consumers seeking refunds or delivery of goods paid for from Diamond Exchange Ltd and had been successful in several instances.
“Simultaneously we warned consumers via our website not to pay upfront for jewellery or diamonds from Diamond Exchange Ltd.
“Yet despite our repeated efforts to seek full resolution of all complaints, Diamond Exchange Ltd has been unable to remedy the situation. On 27 October 2010, Diamond Exchange Ltd was placed under external administration.
“As such the Board of the JAA has now stripped Diamond Exchange Ltd of its JAA membership and endorsement,” Hadassin said.
He added that the JAA is now writing to the Commonwealth and State Governments urging them to work together on strengthening consumer protection rights for those buying jewellery online.
“The JAA has not taken this action lightly; however we will not stand by when consumers are being let down so badly”, said Hadassin.