Complaint Review: Jared Gold Exchange Program

 I recently sent in a handful of gold jewelry to Jared's Gold Exchange Program. Prior to mailing the items, I visited another jewelry store for them to evaluate my things and I was told $2000. Thinking I would get 10% more by taking the gift card option with Jared's, I logged in and printed my mailing label. When I tried to log in again, I couldn't. The message was "Improper email format."  No one at customer service could tell me why. The lady said the value was $1200. so I told her to send them back to me.  When I opened the package, one of my heavy gold necklaces was badly damaged with a corrosive greenish crust. The notation said that the necklace was gold over sterling. They had obviously used an acid solution to etch off the gold so they could test underneath.  Why did they have to test right smack at the front?  Why did they feel they could RUIN the necklace?  WHY?  Because they can!

I called customer service who outright denied that they did the damage by saying that they test using a scraping stone not chemicals.  (Not true) Then she referred me to the fine print at the back of their info sheet.  They are completely free of responsibility for any damage. They have the right, according to them, to destroy (or even "misplace") your items and you have NOTHING to say.  Even if you video taped yourself inventorying the items you were sending - it would not matter.  They assume NO responsibility.

Don't be fooled by their assurance that you will see a video tape of them opening your package and handling your items.. I'm still waiting for that!  If you can't log in - you can't see it. It's all smoke and mirrors anyway.

Your best bet is to go to several local jewelry stores who are offering to buy gold. Sit with the representative while he tests everything.  Take their best offer and skip the "Completely Safe" Gold Exchange from Jared's. It's far from safe!!