I received a gift for Christmas that did not suit and per the advice given in another Thomas Jewellers in the town where the gift was purchased, it could be returned for a refund. I took the gift to the Melbourne store and explained the advice given to me and both the store assistant and manager were adamant that this was not allowed and my only choice would be to exchange the gift for something else, or get a credit note. During the course of the conversation, the manager continually called me "my girl" and "darling" which I politely asked her to cease doing as it was condescending.

I told the manager that I found her and the store very unhelpful and would not recommend them to friends or family.

Approximate cost: $70.00

I went into Thomas Jewellers yesterday and wanted to buy a daimond ring (approx $10,000 for 1 ct F P1). When I wanted to know more about the diamond and asked the asian lady sales assistant if the diamond was GIA certified she became very rude and try to teach me a lesson about diamonds and kept calling me "darling" which was extremely condescending. She snatched the ring I was looking at and put it back. If Thomas Jewellers sell good quality diamonds or rings why did she have to act this way when I just innocently ask if the diamond was GIA certified for the price I would be paying? The diamond was not GIA certified, she could have told me that politely. I told her how rude she was and would never recommend my colleagues, friends or family to this place.

I brought a gold bracelet (cost = $329) two weeks later I knocked it against a register at a supermarket (not a particularly hard knock) and it buckled, folded and dented like it was a cheap piece of tin. I couldn't even get the catch closed. I took it back to Thomas Jewellers who informed me I would be charged $50 for repairs and even then they wouldn't be able to repair it to as new condition. They added that because the bracelet wasn't solid it was a "dress piece" which should be worn occassionally. I spoke with Consumer Affairs Victoria who informed me that unless the bracelet was sold as a "dress piece which could only be worn occasionally" then it was misrepresentation and not fit for purpose. I relayed that information to Thomas Jewellers who couldn't care less. I have since lodged a complaint and will almost certainly have to refer the matter to VCAT - BUYER BEWARE!

Approximate cost: $329