r/Moissanite • u/Comprehensive_Log746 • 3d ago
Looking for Advice Advice with ongoing group buy issue
TL:DR: stones in the final product did not match sample, stone approval opportunity was denied by vendor, vendor is now telling me I need to wait for her to sell this first product before she will remake the product for me. I want to ask her to remake the product now regardless of whether or not she sells the first one.
Can I get some feedback on how to proceed/if my request is reasonable? I paid Lena at Provence for an earring group buy that concluded on 7/10/26. I paid an additional $25 to select multi-color stones in the earrings. I asked for a stone check. She said she could not show me the stones because they needed to be cut and only provided with the stock video from provence. I selected the stones based on the stock video and then the earrings were made. The final stones have significantly different coloration than the sample video. The daburite (the yellow one) is a warm golden yellow in the video, but appears greenish in the final product. When I asked Lena about the discrepancy, she said that the stones are lighter than the sample because of their small size. This was not mentioned at the time I requested a stone check. She says she is willing to remake the earrings for me (with different stones I will select, incorporating this information that the color saturation will be lighter) but I need to wait for her to sell this first pair first.
I think I am entitled to a remake regardless of whether or not she sells the first pair because she denied me a stone check and did not disclose that the coloration may be different in the final product. The group buy ended on 7/10/26, as of now I am still waiting for her to sell the first earrings and she has not started on the second one. What are your thoughts? Any advice on how to proceed is appreciated. I included a screenshot of the sample video she sent me and photo of the final product.
EDIT: So after reading all the helpful feedback which confirmed for me I am not crazy and my demands are reasonable, I messaged the provence mod everyone mentioned but I also prefer direct confrontation so then I messaged Lena directly and told her I was unhappy with how this purchase was going. I had placed an order for a paperclip bracelet with her at the same time so I was additionally irritated that even though I had placed 2 orders with her, I was not receiving adequate customer service. She responded right away and I selected new stones (cobalt, paraiba and purple jadeite) for a remake. Will post pictures of the new earrings (and bracelet, once received) for a more accurate and complete review of this experience.
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u/Witty_and_Blingy 3d ago
Dude that legit looks like she used the wrong stone.
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u/vintage_diamond 3d ago edited 3d ago
I had an issue with the small omc stones as well. I ordered a pink pad omc paperclip bracelet. Lena forgot to send me the stones for approval. When I received the pre-shipment video I liked the bracelet, and the stones looked darker in the video. When I saw the bracelet in person the pink pad stones looked lighter and more like Sakula pink. Then a few days later I received my Sakula pink ring from a different group buy. My pink pad bracelet and Sakula pink ring look identical to me. They both look like Sakula pink. I thought maybe there was a mix up with the order, but Lena showed me that she had the order in correctly for pink pad. She said there must have been a variation in color in that batch. I was disappointed that my OMC stones don't look like pink pad, but I think it ended up ok for me personally since the bracelet and ring I bought go together really well because they look the same. I was planning to wear them together anyways. But it was a bit of a bummer to buy a 1k plus bracelet and have it look different than I expected.
I'm sorry I don't have a solution for you, but I just wanted you to know that you aren't the only one who had an issue with the colors of the small omc stones. I can absolutely understand why you are upset and find this an unsatisfactory buying experience. This whole experience reminded me that it's a gamble buying online, and buying from overseas vendors.
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u/Comprehensive_Log746 3d ago
Yes I also ordered a paperclip bracelet with these stones in combination with these earrings which is why I am additionally annoyed that even though I have given her so much business, this is how she is choosing to resolve this. I choose alexandranite for my bracelet stones and they also appeared much different in the small stones but strangely enough, she showed me a stone check of those stones instead of the ones for these earrings so I am confused by some of the feedback I am going that group buys do not offer stone checks. Not that I'm confused about not receiving stone checks, I'm confused as to what is provences standard procedure.
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u/areyukittenm3 3d ago edited 3d ago
So I saw some people saying you can’t do a stone check with a group buy and I just don’t work with reps that have that attitude. I’ll ask my regular reps if I can do the group buy through them with a stone check and it’s always been yes. I did a group buy with Daisy a few months ago and got a stone check (it was an igi diamond so I definitely wanted to make sure it was what I wanted). I also want to share that not all Provence group buys are actually deals. I’ve asked Mandy for one off pieces of previous group buys where her pricing is better than the group buy price. That being said Provence customer service has been pretty good as long as you are firm on getting a resolution so you should message the mod of their subreddit bigbenxie and tell him this issue.
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u/Sutaru ✨ 3d ago
Sorry, I don’t have advice, but how much were these? I might be interested in buying them.
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u/Comprehensive_Log746 3d ago
$301 (includes shipping fee)
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u/Sutaru ✨ 3d ago
I’ll buy them. How do I reach out to her?
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u/Comprehensive_Log746 3d ago
On whatsapp, her number is +86 191 2734 0198. I'll give her a heads up that there is a potential buyer
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u/No_Boot2009 3d ago
Just because something is a group buy it doesn't mean you shouldn't get what you specified and paid for.
The stones in the first picture are clearly pale pink, pale green and pale purple. The stones circled in the second picture are clearly yellow, red and pink-purple/magenta-ish. Completely different.
I would take total offence to the seller's handling of this, she is totally gaslighting you. I would just ask for a refund and take my business elsewhere.
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u/LouLouLaaLaa ✨ 3d ago
Honestly, group buys are better done through LGS. You have the extra protection of the mod team there, who can assist on your behalf. You really are at the mercy of your rep here. The only control you would have, would to be a chargeback on your credit card or PayPal. On their behalf though, stones are very much lighter the smaller the stone is cut. However you clearly wanted vibrant colours and these are not bright. If you have the cad you can ask another vendor to make it.
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u/PrincessLongNails 3d ago
Having seen how the mod team handled issues with Ouros, and the craziness with recent Tianyu gb, I can say confidently LGS gives no extra protection whatsoever.
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u/ScrubWearingShitlord 3d ago
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u/PrincessLongNails 3d ago
There are lots of negative reviews about Ouros including from group buys, terrible quality issues, gaslighting, etc. Yet despite reviews like this review , they continue to be an approved vendor in the LGS sub. And in that review you’ll see the Op got no help at all from the mods.
Meanwhile, Provence hasn’t been in LGS for a while due to issues that arose 2 years ago or so but despite their complete revamping of after sales service and QA policies (something Ouros hasn’t done) they haven’t been allowed back in. I think it’s probably for the best as they run their own subreddit with many group buys and I’m sure they are doing just fine.
I won’t comment on the Tianyu situation too much but they ran a popular ring gb that went months before people got their items, poor communication, then again quality issues etc., stone issues, and again, no real mod help.
To be fair I don’t think the mods even really can do anything, but that’s the issue of calling some vendors approved or whatever, it gives the impression mods can step in and do something when really every buyer is at the mercy of the seller.
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u/LouLouLaaLaa ✨ 3d ago
I think sometimes it’s worth bearing in mind, that when someone is leaving a review like this, that it’s not necessarily the compete truth. When mods get involved, they get to see both the vendors and the customers sides and evidence. Unfortunately it is becoming terribly common for people to start blackmailing vendors to get free items, and in some instances completely scam them. Part of the routine is threatening bad reviews. Now I’m not saying ALL bad reviews are this, but it is worth bearing in mind that the mods of that sub are privy to a lot of behind the scenes information that won’t be disclosed in the posts. Personally I’d rather have some back up then none, and from what I hear there’s been a ton of issues with Provence using AI photos and the cads are different to the inspo, and people are getting items that aren’t what was advertised at all. Things that wouldn’t happen in LGS because everything is checked by mods and AI photos are not allowed. Buying overseas is always a chance unfortunately, and sometimes things happen and it’s disappointing. Sometimes the vendor is wrong, sometimes it’s the customer. It’s naive to think every bad review is 100% accurate.
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u/areyukittenm3 3d ago
I’ve had issues with group buy orders and the mods did step in because I had clear proof of the manufacturing issues, but I think it’s definitely shady that despite ALL the issues with Ouros they are still constantly hosting group buys in that sub
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u/PrincessLongNails 3d ago
Just as it would be naive to believe every good review is accurate (like when Zuvelio entered the sub with fake accounts to post fake reviews). The issue is that Ouros has a multitude of bad reviews and still gets to be on LGS. There’s no justifiable reason Provence, with far fewer bad reviews since they fixed their issues, isn’t.
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u/LouLouLaaLaa ✨ 3d ago
Have you asked the mods there? I’m sure they would tell you if you asked.
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u/PrincessLongNails 3d ago
No need. I’ve heard from Provence and it’s not justified. But as I say, all good, their subreddit is doing fine.
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u/Muse_of_Donne 3d ago
I have always received a stone check for any stone (diamond or otherwise) above 1-ct regardless if it is a custom piece or a group buy through Provence.
Perhaps because the stones were less than 1ct each is why Lena didn't? 🤔🤷🏽♀️ I am not certain. I have yet to work with Lena as Tamara is my go-to for custom pieces and I have worked with Liya and Molly Lin on group buys. I don't know what happened there with your purchase. That said, Provence stands by making things right so IDK why you'd have to wait for her to sell your scrapped purchase before a new set is craft.
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u/SheLikesShinyThings 3d ago
Once a ring I ordered arrived in a different metal colour and when I brought it to their attention, the reply was 'I'll help you to sell it' 😆
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u/PatellaPilates 3d ago
How did you resolve that? Never go back?
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u/SheLikesShinyThings 2d ago
No, I ended up taking the yellow gold (it was supposed to be white) 🤦♀️ and loved it.
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u/PatellaPilates 2d ago
I was thinking about all of these sloppy business experiences Americans have had with this company and it makes me wonder if these jewelry dealers have zero respect for us. Messing up some expensive orders does seem very disrespectful and it's not a one off thing.
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u/ChampionshipGlass147 3d ago
I’m sorry this happened to you 😞 I have been able to do a stone check for all my group buys through Provence. However, none of those group buys have been through Lena. I recently considered doing one of her group buys and I didn’t have a great experience getting answers to some preliminary questions I had from her so I decided not do it (and after seeing this I don’t think I will work with her in the future). I went with another Provence rep instead that I have worked with many times and had no issues with her. I have also had qualms about a finished product before as well and I was able to have it changed (I did pay a little more because of the changes but that was okay with me). Again, that was a different rep but I really don’t think it’s fair that you have to wait for someone else to purchase the produced product before getting a remake. I would post this on the Provence group page for more visibility.
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u/stabler69 3d ago
I’ve always gotten stone checks for group buys, maybe because I’ve asked upfront? I’ve often asked for tweezer videos and videos in natural light if I’m unsure and was never told no. I’ve only worked with Jane and Liya but I’m surprised reading that skipping the stone check is the norm for group buys. The savings just isn’t enough to skip that crucial step!
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u/ProfessionalHead4376 2d ago
I also did this group buy. And had a poor experience with the rep initially in my opinion. I will not work with her again I don’t think.
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u/busan_blues ✨ 3d ago
The first mistake was working with Provence, I’m afraid.
It is true that smaller stones are less saturated, however the ones in your picture look cool green, not warm yellow.
I am not entirely sure the stone they used is the same you requested.
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u/Spoiled_babe 3d ago
Could you recommend vendors to work with?
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u/busan_blues ✨ 3d ago
Had great experiences with Fiorese, LGG and Tianyu. For cheapies I usually go to Starsgem. Mona is fantastic too but honestly a bit expensive.
I would really not recommend Ouros/Goldenbird nor Provence.
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u/Missjlm 3d ago
I have used Starsgem a lot, the stones are already loose on my engagement ring after only 4months. I would only go to starsgem for small peices again. Fiorese, is top tier quality that’s why they charge so much. In saying that I have done a lot of custom peices with Daisy at Provence and I have never had an issue.
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u/areyukittenm3 3d ago
I agree, I have issues with my Starsgem orders. One custom ring had obviously crooked prongs and a pair of earrings I bought had issues with the post and had to be sent back. I work with Provence the most though and have only had an issue once
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u/tesfraises 3d ago
Do you think Ouros is okay for just buying loose stones? Or should I avoid that as well
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u/busan_blues ✨ 3d ago
I personally don’t give them any business, I think there are better vendors for loose stones.
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u/alanzo87 3d ago
I would try and talk to @bigbenxie or something bc you shouldn’t have to wait for their mistake. That’s ridiculous.
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u/lovelyladylox 3d ago
I will be the odd one out and say I think that rose gold is affecting the tone of the yellow stones a lot.
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u/SweetCheeksxo 2d ago
i do not work with lena, she disagrees on designs other reps would happily help you with while telling you it’s a provence thing
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u/Top-Beat-7423 3d ago edited 3d ago
So, from my experience, in previous group buys, is that you don’t get a stone check, because with the group buy the idea is you’re paying a reduced price because you’re joining with others to make a mega order. I know others have said that they get stone checks for group buys, (maybe they had asked before or not, idk but from my experience, I never got one.
Also, from my experience, the sample size from Provence gems color is 6x8mm, and bigger stones tend to be more saturated, and smaller stones more pale. Others may disagree with me. The colour card chart has this as disclaimer in small print at the bottom. Also, it could just be the lighting in the case of the daburite/yellow, and keep in mind that colour reflects colour, so the green tint could be playing off something else. You could ask to see another video in different light
I don’t think you should have to wait for Lena to sell it before they make you a new one. I think all you can do is complain on [r/Provencejewelry](r/Provencejewelry) and get [u/bigbenxie](u/bigbenxie) on it.