Corno Chilli Hoops Sterling Silver Rainbow Moonstone

Absolutely disappointed in this experience. I have bought off many small business jewellers in the past and have never experienced one like this. Purchased these earrings for a gift for my friend. She had purchased from this seller before and loved the jewellery so thought I’d surprise her with these earrings. Before making the purchase I specifically left care instructions in the checkout for the seller (which were not followed) to check the earrings before shipment. Received both earrings faulty, one has a deep scratch and one has a loose stone as it wasn’t set properly. Contacted the seller to do a swap for a new pair and was happy to be driven to her location to exchange them to avoid the postage process. Seller was all for it but when I wanted to arrange the pick up she told me she only had one pair left and was selling it at a festival so offered me a 20% refund instead. It’s showing 6 pairs available on the website so I find that just an easy way out. Seller has stated on her website that buyers are responsible for return postage costs, seller keeps a partial fee plus postage costs which is why I’ve decided to keep the earrings. This has been dragging on for almost a week so contacted the seller to have this sorted. My 20% refund is currently pending so hoping to receive it soon. No apologies at all from the seller even though it was her fault. Very unprofessional manner. Glad I didn’t make the trip to exchange them as it was that obvious my time would’ve been more wasted than it already is. I have to now waste my time having these fixed at a jeweller which could have been avoided. Checking them would’ve only taken a minute. These earrings also don’t have a 925 marking on them even though it says sterling silver on the listing. I’ll be curious to know what the jeweller will have to say about that when I take them to be repaired. If the materials are not as described I’ll be even more furious considering how much they cost. From reading all of the negative reviews, customer service really needs to be improved. Won’t return ever again.