Elderly Chelsea man mistakenly purchases $25K diamond bracelet
Updated story: Jewelry store owner says he'll issue refund for $25k bracelet elderly man bought by mistake
The story of Maury and Helen Branch of Chelsea has garnered national attention after 90-year-old Maury mistakenly bought his wife a $25,000 diamond bracelet from a local jewelry store.
WDIV-TV's Ruth to the Rescue feature originally reported the mixup and ensuing struggles of the family as they tried to return the bracelet — which Maury reportedly thought to be worth $20 and made with rhinestones — to La Jolla Fine Jewelry.
Jewelry store owner Curtis Gough has said La Jolla has a no-return policy, and he is working with the family to re-sell the bracelet on consignment. Gough told WDIV that he and other store employees believe Branch intended to spend the money.
Comments
pamgasp
Thu, Jun 14, 2012 : 5:56 a.m.
I would have given the refund, but, then again, I'm not a store-owner. Although, without considering the type of person (long-time patron of mature years) that bought the bracelet, there is a common occurrence that goes on these days whereas customers make a purchase of an item that they only intend to wear once and then return....maybe this is why he has a no return policy.
Kitty O'Brien
Wed, Jun 13, 2012 : 3:59 a.m.
The story about a battery replacement and rhinestones is an out right lie. Maury bought the bracelet as an anniversary present for his wife. 6 weeks later Mrs. Branch showed the bracelet to her adult children who were displeased with how their parents spent "their" money. Carol snatched the bracelet away from her mother and phoned La Jolla demanding a refund. La Jolla has still NEVER heard from Maury Branch. Maury Branch could easily afford to give his wife that gift. He's been buying fine jewelry from La Jolla for years. La Jolla sells handcrafted fine jewelry. Should they be expected to take back a piece of handcrafted jewelry that has been worn for 6 weeks ?!? The televised news report showed the daughter Carol manhandling the piece. Meanwhile, an 88 yr-old Mrs. Branch had her anniversary present taken away.
Kitty O'Brien
Wed, Jun 13, 2012 : 10:55 p.m.
I WILL contact Ruth Spencer. I am disgusted with how this man's purchase was played out. Curtis Gough is a reputable jeweler. I've been a LaJolla customer for over 15 yrs. It's downright sickening that Carol and her attorney girlfriend took that bracelet from the 88 yr old woman. No one has bothered to check into the financial affairs of Mr. Branch either. He was an esteemed professor for nearly 40 yrs at UofM. He could easily afford to buy his wife that bracelet for their anniversary.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Jun 13, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
Okay, why haven't you contacted the appropriate news outlets with this information? Just saying: adding this startling variation of the published story to the comments section probably isn't the best way to clarify / correct the story. I mean to say: I have NO problem with such a correction. And if what you say is true, it's important to get the story corrected.
ChelseaGirl
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
I personally have done business in the past with Mr. Gough and decided to take my buisness to Winans across the street which is now out of business unfortunately. Future purchases in my family have been and will be made at Lewis in Ann Arbor rather than to vist La Jolla. I prefer a helping hand rather than attitude when spending my hard earned money.
Kitty O'Brien
Wed, Jun 13, 2012 : 11:09 p.m.
Funny that you say that. Lewis Jewelers is who sold $10Ks of jewelry to the woman who stole $1M from AAHA hockey. Winans didn't even sell the same caliber of jewelry as La Jolla. Had Mr. Branch mentioned rhinestones - they would have gladly sent him across the street to Winans.
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 3:21 p.m.
Scooped again by other media huh? http://chelseanewsroom.blogspot.com/2012/06/la-jolla-issues-refund-to-branch-family.html "In an effort to write a follow-up story to NBC and ABC's coverage of Maurice "Maury" Branch's ordeal with La Jolla Fine Jewelry in Chelsea, it was revealed that the Chelsea-based jewelery store owned by Curtis Gough has issued a refund to the Branch family." "After sticking to his guns, Gough recently decided to take a step back from defending his shop's "no returns" policy and issued the Branch family a refund, according to a woman who is house-sitting at Carol's Milan home while the Branch's are up north for a bit of summer repose".
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
La Jolla Fine Jewelry. What is the street address of this place so folks can go picket the type of business that would treat the elderly like this. And a picture of the owner would be good too. And kudos to Detroit television for finding this local Ann Arbor area story.
Carolyn
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
I have started and restarted writing my comment to this article a few times. Bottom line the store should return the money. Anyone who has contact with the elderly know that many are out of touch with today's prices.
MIKE
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.
A lot of folks on here seem to think that because the man was elderly, he was taken advantage of. Maybe the solution is a law prohibiting older people from making purchases? That would protect everybody.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
Some people think because the man was 90 he may have been somewhat confused. Its a fact that older people are often targets because they can be easily confused at times. Many aren't as "quick" as they were when they were younger.
tim
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
Never buy anything from that store--- taking advantage of an old man.
JRW
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 2:23 p.m.
Who in their right mind would purchase anything from a jewelry store with a "No return" policy? Forget what happened to this elderly gentleman. I'm talking about a policy that is ludicrous. I hope this business goes "out of business." I'm sorry for what happened to Mr. Branch, but am glad to know about this sleazy operation, which I will never patronize. Obviously, this store is obviously not the place to purchase expensive jewelry that cannot be returned. Is the "no return" policy publicly available BEFORE purchases are made, for example on a large sign in the store? What kind of merchandise are they selling that is "not returnable"? This raises all kinds of questions. All reputable stores have reasonable return policies.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
I just did a quick Google of some "brand name" jewelry stores in the area. The few I checked all had a 30 day return policy except one that had 100 day policy. In the 3-4 I checked they all had at least a 30 day policy. I'm not saying that makes it an "industry standard" but I wonder if "no returns" is outside the norm? I don't buy jewelry very often but every place I did had a return policy.
Ariel
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
The summary from AnnArbor.com doesn't match up with the WDIV story. It's a he said she said. Is the jewelry store to blame or is the daughter abusing her father??? What the heck is going on.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.
according to the WDIV story the old guy told "Ruth" he was confused. "Maury, up north for the summer, told Ruth to the Rescue the same thing over the phone. "I thought it was a rhinestone bracelet," he said."
Janis
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.
I saw this story on WDIV last week and thought what a heartless businessman this jeweler is. I can't see any reason besides "we have a no return policy" to give this elderly man his money back. He seems no better than a scam artist.
djm12652
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
@Janis, you would be surprised at the number of people...even in this town of integrity and ethics...snicker, snicker...that buy expensive things to wear for a "social function" then return them to get a refund, try that when you buy a new car...used is used...items are returned scratched, bent and so on.
brimble
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
Jewelers often have 'no-return' policies to prevent people from effectively 'borrowing' items for a wedding, class reunion, or the like and then returning those things that they never intended to keep and/or can't afford anyway.
quitoslady
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
I hope people will boycott this store.
A2comments
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 11:11 a.m.
Shouldn't the headline read "Elderly Chelsea man may have mistakenly purchased $25K diamond bracelet"? You make the story one-sided, the credit card company agreed with the merchant. That said, we took over elderly in-law finances a few years back after bounced checks but did not consider lowering the card limit... It is $10k... Rethinking that now.
Cash
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 10:43 a.m.
I feel so sorry for the elderly couple. I don't know how many of you know folks who are age 90+ but I have 2 in my immediate family. They are both incredibly sharp for their age yet could be easily confused by something as simple as a sales transaction with a stranger if it isn't clearly defined. But it is also difficult to TELL them that and convince them because, again, in many ways, they are very sharp and fighting to be independent. It is easy to say what a family should do as their parents/grandparents etc age. But it is NOT that easy to do because the changes happen so gradually and many elderly fight hard to remain independent.....and who could blame them? So I wouldn't be so fast to judge the couple's family. It's a lot easier to sit on the outside looking in and make judgments. As for the sales person, I do wonder if they expressed clearly how much the bracelet cost. I mean seriously that is a HUGE amount of money for anyone to spend on a bracelet. Didn't the salesperson wonder if the elderly man understood the cost? I'd sure wonder! Do they sell many $25,000 bracelets? I'm guessing "NOT". Whatever the sales slip "printed", it seems like a simple "This bracelet costs $25,000 sir" might have prevented the whole thing. In the interview, I never heard the salesperson say that he clearly stated the price. It might be smart to begin that practice for all customers. After all many of us after age 40 don't have arms long enough to read small print!
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
when my mom was in her mid 80's and still had a credit card my brother was going over her bills one day and found a about a $2000 credit on her Discover card. It turns out the last time she actually used it she paid a little too much on her statement that began the surplus. Then each month a new statement showed a surplus which she paid again thinking it was a balance. This even though she wasn't using the card. She kept doubling down on her credit till it hit $2000. Getting Discover to cut a check wasn't easy. Their answer to our dilemma was to have her make $2000 worth of purchases to get back to even. It took several phone calls over several days and getting passed around to one person after another before we finally found someone whose "pay grade" allowed them to send her a check. y mom at the time was able to care for herself day to day. But it became evident that she could be easily confused about some things.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 10:12 a.m.
People, pay attention to your credit limits. Don't let creditors crank them up like this. They just do it to scare their competitors away from giving you another card.
MyOpinion
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 3:37 a.m.
According to the original story the man is a bit confused. Concerned daughter should (a) lower credit limit on credit card to something he can afford to lose; (b) have him evaluated for driving judgment. I think there's enough blame for all to share
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.
I think I'll stick with low-limit credit cards in my old age. I've said before: we are separated from actual currency to an alarming degree in the 'new economy' - which includes hazards that never before existed. Not blaming the victim (whoever that might be in this case) but attention of essential details is something we seem to have lost interest in as well. People on the streets getting attacked "out of the blue" - when attention to details and circumstances is all that is needed. For that matter, I've seen cash transactions where payment is made by throwing crumpled bills on the counter, "trusting" the cashier to "get it right." Where's the self-accountability in things like this? (A. Nonexistent) 1. It's the responsibility of the seller to make clear the selling price and conditions surrounding the purchase. 2. It's the responsibility of the buyer to be sure they are getting "the right item, at the right time at the right price" at all times. (the true meaning of "buyer beware" ) The "detail" of the $25,000 price tag on that bracelet is what was neglected / ignored. One can only wonder if there was a motive behind "just guessing" at the customer's desire to make that large a purchase. It's hard to believe that $25,000 single-item sales are THAT routine at a jewelry shop in Chelsea, Michigan.
djm12652
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
more surprisingly routine than you'd think.
Soothslayer
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 11:28 p.m.
The family found out and probably just wanted to make sure the inheritance wouldn't be frittered away. What an amazing gesture, I'm sure it meant a lot to her and now its all misery.
Robert Hughes
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 2:55 a.m.
Though, it would be just as easy for the family to sell the 25K bracelet if it's worth that much anyway, wouldn't it?
Linda Peck
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 1:07 a.m.
I was wrong, and I realize this now very clearly after reading your comments. I agree with you and thank you for posting your thoughts.
Linda Peck
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
That was a really bad business decision on the part of LaJolla Jewelry. Does such a diamond bracelet lose its value so quickly that the store owner could not sell it to someone else for a nice profit? Would it have been so tough on the store owner to do the right thing here?
Linda Peck
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 1:06 a.m.
After considering this further, I have to agree with Soothslayer and feel that I was incorrect in my opinions above stated. I apologize.
brimble
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 11:22 p.m.
The summary above provides no information and the link provides little more. But step back from the vitriol for a moment: a man goes to a retail store and purchases a gift for his wife. If he appears competent and the credit card runs, the retailer has done no wrong (at least not yet). Another family member is upset that the purchase has occurred. She demands that he take the purchase back for a refund. Is she doing wrong? Maybe, maybe not. Is the retailer obligated to change a standing return policy because someone other than the actual customer demands it? Look at it this way: what if you went into a car dealership, and the salesperson said, "No, I'm sorry, you don't appear to be a good enough driver to buy a car, so I won't sell you one." How would that be different from the jeweler's refusal to sell the man a bracelet if he said he wanted to buy it?
djm12652
Tue, Jun 12, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
THANK YOU! a voice of reason here....
jcj
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
Guarantee you they will regret their no refund decision!
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
it seems to me an exception to their "no refund" policy might be in their best interest. When you sell something that expensive to a 90 year old person who then says he was confused it seems like a battle you can't win in the court of public opinion.
Cash
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 10:39 p.m.
Exactly right, Craig.
johnnya2
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
If only there were a way to look at a receipt a see the price BEFORE you sign the receipt. If this man can not handle himself through basic transactions, then he should be deemed incapable of handling his own finances. It sounds like the daughter is more concerned about her inheritance than anything else.
Diane
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 10:12 p.m.
Now that we know the name of the store that cheated this elderly couple we can all shop somewhere else. Hope they lose enough business they will rethink a refund.
jcj
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 11:06 p.m.
I see the link provided the information. My bad.
jcj
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 11:06 p.m.
johnnya2 Who's DAUGHTER?
jrtluvr1959
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.
Worse is that we know the name of the couple. Hope no robbers try to find the bracelet now....
johnnya2
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
How did they cheat him? Was the price not on the receipt? Is he unable to read a receipt? It sounds like he needs to be put in a home if he can not live his daily life without spending $25k instead of $20. The store is in NO WAY at fault. Good for him to stand his ground because his DAUGHTER had buyers remorse.
Billy
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 10 p.m.
Um....it was a jewelry store...I doubt they sell very many $20 bracelets if any at all... So sad that this anniversary present that he bought his wife was taken away from her too.
just a voice
Mon, Jun 11, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.
Glad there were details in the story that was linked to, there was actual some information.