1 /5 L M: If I could give my experience 0 stars I would. I am extremely disappointed with my experience at Bevilles Watergardens. As a long-time customer, I have always trusted Bevilles for quality jewellery and honest service, but this recent experience has completely changed my view.
On February 16th, I purchased a pair of earrings and was explicitly told by staff (Tom and Anne) that they were diamond earrings with laser inscription. However, after taking them to a jeweler, which Tom himself recommended, I discovered that the diamonds were not laser inscribed as promised.
When I returned to the store to raise this issue, I was repeatedly told that a refund was not possible due to store policy. However, under Australian Consumer Law, I am legally entitled to a refund because the product was:
Misrepresented (s18 & s29) – I was misled into purchasing based on incorrect information.
Not as described (s56) – The product does not match what was promised at the time of sale.
Not fit for purpose (s55) – I specifically told staff I needed the earrings to be modified with screws, which is not possible due to how they were manufactured.
It also says on their own policy that good can be refunded or exchanged if “not ‘fit for the purpose’ that was made known to staff at the point of sale”. I had told Tom multiple times that I had intended to get screws put on the earrings out of fear of losing them.
Adding to the inconsistency, I was also told that earrings cannot be refunded for hygiene reasons. Even though I have not worn the earrings I was given, again out of fear of losing them. Yet, before purchasing, Tom let me try on the earrings and put them back on display, proving that this “hygiene policy” is selectively enforced.
I have reached out multiple times, and gone into the store multiple times, but Bevilles refuses to honor my legal rights and their own refund policy, which states that items not fit for purpose qualify for a refund. They can do something about this but they don’t want to. If this issue is not resolved immediately, I will escalate my complaint to Consumer Affairs Victoria and the ACCC.
As a loyal customer, I expected honesty and integrity from Bevilles, but instead, I was misled and denied my rights. I strongly urge others to be cautious when shopping here, as their refund policies seem to be ignored when it suits them.