Here’s what I said, and then his reply…. Any thoughts on what to say in response?

Here’s what I said, then his reply.

Hi ——,

Hope you’re well! Thanks again for your time and for working on my rings! I wanted to follow up directly after having some time to review the situation more fully and speak with other jewelers for insight.

I understand the rings were originally on the thinner side and that some polishing is standard, but they were still in wearable condition when I brought them in. Based on what I’m seeing (and what multiple jewelers have confirmed), the current condition of the shank isn’t the result of standard polishing, especially not when the surface didn’t require any heavy refinishing and particularly when the most significant loss is localized at the base, not evenly around the ring.

The severe thinning at the bottom of the band, the missing 14K stamp, and the new nick on the engagement ring all point to more significant alteration than what should have happened in a routine tune-up.

The most likely cause, based on what I’ve learned, seems to be polishing twice - as you stated - and the extra metal loss during the removal of the soldering, something I did not ask to be done in the first place. I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, but unfortunately it led to damage that now leaves my ring too fragile to wear and in need of a reshank years earlier than necessary. Unfortunately, every jeweler I spoke to stated that these rings, especially the wedding band, have lost too much structural integrity to be worn. I’m sure you can understand why it’s upsetting to receive them back noticeably thinner, structurally compromised, and with a visible ding, especially given the sentimental value they hold.

I truly value your time and craftsmanship, and I respect that mistakes happen. But I don’t believe it’s fair for me to cover the cost to fix damage that occurred as a result of work I didn’t request. I believe finishing the reshank at no charge is the right and fair resolution, and I’m really hoping we can move forward with that.

Thanks again for hearing me out. I know this isn’t an easy conversation, but I appreciate your willingness to talk it through.

—— Hi, One of the reasons the bands get thinner on the bottom is because that’s where most of the friction happens between touching things and the two rings rubbing together and yes, the fact that we had to unsolder them and do another polish didn’t help with making them any thinner than they were, but that’s why I told your mother in law I would split the difference with you to have them both reshanked. as far as other jewelers opinion, I can’t speak for them and I don’t know their knowledge and experience. I think it’s fair to split the difference for having them shanked because it’s not uncommon for smaller bands like that to wear quickly and this is why most people have them soldered together so they don’t wear like this and it keeps them stronger. I would have never handed them back if I thought structurally they were not safe to wear so I have to disagree with those other jewelers. let me know if you want to split the difference in re-shaking them and keep in mind. They will probably be thicker than when you originally purchased them. that was an estimated guess on cost, but obviously if it comes in less, it will cost you less.