Vexorg, Consumer Report did acknowledge that many McDonald's sell Seattle's Best Coffee - but the stores they tested didn't (so it was McDonald's own).
Most jewelry stores have certified gemologist on staff to check the authenticity of the stone. Many of engagement rings only have 1 diamond to check anyhow!
Nevertheless, you're right about trust being a big issue when you deal with jewelry. I think the large chains (like Kay Jewelers) do offer a 30-day money back guarantee. And wholesale jewelers buy diamonds sight unseen (and leave diamonds to be appraised by the buyers without any collateral!)
All that said, I think if you're talking diamond, the biggest hoax is that: it's not rare at all! It's "scarcity" (and hence high price) is artificial.
Haven't I read somewhere that most digit-severing accidents happen on chopsaws, not on table saws? Maybe I'm wrong.
Most jewelry stores have certified gemologist on staff to check the authenticity of the stone. Many of engagement rings only have 1 diamond to check anyhow!
Nevertheless, you're right about trust being a big issue when you deal with jewelry. I think the large chains (like Kay Jewelers) do offer a 30-day money back guarantee. And wholesale jewelers buy diamonds sight unseen (and leave diamonds to be appraised by the buyers without any collateral!)
All that said, I think if you're talking diamond, the biggest hoax is that: it's not rare at all! It's "scarcity" (and hence high price) is artificial.
Sorry to hear it didn't work out, O.L. Floyd!