Trouble 'Rings' True For Cumberland Couple

Jeremy Marsh was looking around, trying to find the perfect ring for his fiancee. He believed he found it and bought it in May at Reeds Jewelers in Greenville. The 1-carat diamond cost him more than $2,000.

"The way it just caught my eye, the way the light was shining on it -- it just sparkled," Marsh said.

Something else caught the eye of Lauren Caulder, Marsh's fiancee -- a black spot in the diamond.

"Well, of course, I just thought it was dirty," she said.

They immediately took it back to a Reeds Jewelers branch in Fayetteville. The manager tried cleaning it, but the spot was still there.

Marsh wanted a new stone. He thought it was covered under the store's guarantee, but Marsh said the manager told him he had to pay at least $900 dollars more for a replacement stone, which did not sit well with Marsh.

"The money I've already invested in this thing and you know the value of it, we're not going to keep this ring," Marsh said.

Marsh later called Reeds Jewelers' corporate office. When he spoke to a senior vice president, the price went up.

"He's like, 'Well, right now, the best thing I can do for you is, you know, the next step up would be about $1,200 more,'" Marsh said.

So Marsh called Five On Your Side, who called Reeds Jewelers. Attorney Herbert Zimmer claims Reeds Jewelers gave Marsh "several options" and was waiting for Marsh to choose one.

Marsh said that is not true. Then, when he called the corporate office after Five On Your Side's call, they sent three replacement stones for Marsh to choose from.

Caulder said she is happy to finally have a new ring.

"It's a relief to have it behind us," she said. "Everytime I look at it, it brings a smile to my face."

The bottom line is to know what you are looking for when choosing the stone. The best way to do that is ask to see the diamond certificate or grade report on the stone. The report analyzes all the different qualities of a stone. That way, you can make an informed decision.