I would like people to know about a company that is selling jewelry and watches and other similar items in a catalog. We purchased a few items from them, Stauer, but the quality of the stones that you get, for example are not as good as depicted or illustrated in their catalog! They make outrageous claims about the quality, and claim the merchandise appraises for some rediculous high value. Most of the jewerly is in silver but the appraised value is more appropriate for 10 or 14k gold. They use cheap stones like colored CZ's and write up a description that makes it sound like it is something special.
They say the items appraise for some rediculous high dollar value, which is typically 3 or 4 times what they are selling it for. My wife and I know about the true value of merchandise like this because we are well informed. I would also like to warn people about a gimick they call "The Platinum club". It cost $99 a year, but you get coupons in return. They claim you are getting a mark-down, even if you don't join, as stated in their catalog and on the internet, but the stuff is not worth any more than their so called sale prices.
I think they are taking advantage of people or customers that don't know any better. They also use substandard gold plating and when you get it the finish wears off real easy. It started coming off even before my wife had a chance to wear it.
Former
St. Cloud,,#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Sat, August 12, 2017
Smart people know how to spell.
As a former employee of Stauer, I can honestly say that NO WHERE in the Catalog division does ANY verbage contain an appraisal value!! Also, if the stones were colored glass, they would be sued beyond belief! Tanzanite is from the mines in Africa, Helenite is from the Mt St. Helens eruption, and if it says Geniune, it IS.
The stones are purchased in bulk and made into the items and since they are Genuine stones, the color will vary among pieces. One picture is representing all of a specific item, so they are going to use a great enlarged photo to enchance the detail. Read the description for measurements.
Stauer is a business, just like the Bradford Exchange... They are not scamming anyone. Consumers shop on a free will basis. If you are educated about business, that's how it works. If you cannot afford it, you are free to purchase your 'colored glass' jewelry at Wal-Mart.
The "Platinum Membership" is a value to those that shop often. A customer pays $99 for the year, and gets $200 in discount certificates. They also get exclusive offers that are not available to Average Joe. It is the customer responsibilty to inform the Rep that they have discount certificates to use. And Platinum members get special mailings, and can be invited to join the VIP Division, where they sell high end items like Faberge, Rolex, Elgin, and Waltham.