Genesis Diamonds

Attorrney suing Genesis for fraud - True Story in Nashville Post Published January 18, 2012 by Philip Nannie A well-known local jewelry retailer has been sued by an attorney for fraud, conversion and violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, all relating to a diamond engagement ring purchase last fall. On Jan. 17, attorney Brian Manookian filed a complaint in Davidson County Circuit Court accusing Green Hills-based Genesis Diamonds, LLC, its owner Boaz Ramon and employee Kelley Todd, of fraud and violation of the state?s consumer protection act over Manookian?s September purchase of a $35,000 engagement ring. Not long after, Manookian discovered he paid too much for the ring and learned there was a $27,500 difference between the ring's true value and the value purported by Genesis. He sued. Manookian was reached while on a business trip in Las Vegas but deferred comment until the case moves forward. Ramon unequivocally denied all charges when contacted late Wednesday Here?s what happened according to the complaint and sources choosing not to be identified. As Manookian considered buying an engagement ring for his soon-to-be-fianc?e, he couldn?t help but hear the many Genesis Diamonds radio commercials playing. Nor did he find it easy to ignore the positive ratings Genesis has received over the years from various media and other outlets. So Manookian ? who in recent years also has tussled with the owners of the Tin Roof near Music Row ? went to Genesis and soon found the ring he wanted. Todd told Manookian the ring was worth $35,000 while the asking price was substantially less causing Manookian pause as he considered his options. Manookian was told that a certified third-party independent appraiser had valued the diamond and that the $35,000 value was legitimate. Eight days later, Manookian, despite feelings of apprehension, bought the ring for $16,000 ? an amount known only after contacting Ramon and not part of the filed complaint. Manookian's reticence was partly justified when Ramon later told the attorney the third-party appraisal touted by Todd was not independent after all and was in reality an in-house Genesis appraiser. Manookian didn?t like that, of course, but continued to talk to Ramon about a resolution. According to the complaint, Ramon eventually agreed to have the ring evaluated by the Gemological Institute of America, a nonprofit entity charged with properly valuing diamonds and other gems. The diamond was then given to Ramon for delivery to GIA. Manookian waited. For 45 days, after parting with the diamond, Manookian didn?t hear a word. Then, he received an email from an unknown jewelry appraiser, not GIA, which reaffirmed the diamond ring?s $35,000 value as maintained by Genesis. Completely frustrated, Manookian sent the ring to GIA on his own dime. According to the complaint, GIA said the diamond was worth a mere $7,500. So, Manookian is suing for the difference between what Genesis said the diamond was worth, $35,000, and its true value of $7,500 ? a $27,500 gap. Manookian is also seeking treble damages award from the circuit court, and if granted Genesis would owe Manookian $82,500. Ramon told Nashville Post he had tried to resolve the matter with Manookian without court involvement and said he would refund Manookian the $16,000 purchase price and would add an incentive to the deal. ?If he?ll bring the ring back, I will reimburse the exact amount he paid for the ring which is $16,000 and I?ll add an additional $2,000 for good measure,? Ramon said. Ramon isn't backing down from this $35,000 appraisal and is convinced Manookian substantially benefited from the transaction. If Manookian?s assertion is true, that the ring is correctly valued at $7,500, then he?s theoretically out $8,500, the difference between the amount he paid for the ring and the $7,500 appraisal. more

Attorrney suing Genesis for fraud - True Story in Nashville Post Published January 18, 2012 by Philip Nannie A well-known local jewelry retailer has been sued by an attorney for fraud, conversion and violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, all relating to a diamond engagement ring purchase last fall. On Jan. 17, attorney Brian Manookian filed a complaint in Davidson County Circuit Court accusing Green Hills-based Genesis Diamonds, LLC, its owner Boaz Ramon and employee Kelley Todd, of fraud and violation of the state’s consumer protection act over Manookian’s September purchase of a $35,000 engagement ring. Not long after, Manookian discovered he paid too much for the ring and learned there was a $27,500 difference between the ring's true value and the value purported by Genesis. He sued. Manookian was reached while on a business trip in Las Vegas but deferred comment until the case moves forward. Ramon unequivocally denied all charges when contacted late Wednesday Here’s what happened according to the complaint and sources choosing not to be identified. As Manookian considered buying an engagement ring for his soon-to-be-fiancée, he couldn’t help but hear the many Genesis Diamonds radio commercials playing. Nor did he find it easy to ignore the positive ratings Genesis has received over the years from various media and other outlets. So Manookian — who in recent years also has tussled with the owners of the Tin Roof near Music Row — went to Genesis and soon found the ring he wanted. Todd told Manookian the ring was worth $35,000 while the asking price was substantially less causing Manookian pause as he considered his options. Manookian was told that a certified third-party independent appraiser had valued the diamond and that the $35,000 value was legitimate. Eight days later, Manookian, despite feelings of apprehension, bought the ring for $16,000 — an amount known only after contacting Ramon and not part of the filed complaint. Manookian's reticence was partly justified when Ramon later told the attorney the third-party appraisal touted by Todd was not independent after all and was in reality an in-house Genesis appraiser. Manookian didn’t like that, of course, but continued to talk to Ramon about a resolution. According to the complaint, Ramon eventually agreed to have the ring evaluated by the Gemological Institute of America, a nonprofit entity charged with properly valuing diamonds and other gems. The diamond was then given to Ramon for delivery to GIA. Manookian waited. For 45 days, after parting with the diamond, Manookian didn’t hear a word. Then, he received an email from an unknown jewelry appraiser, not GIA, which reaffirmed the diamond ring’s $35,000 value as maintained by Genesis. Completely frustrated, Manookian sent the ring to GIA on his own dime. According to the complaint, GIA said the diamond was worth a mere $7,500. So, Manookian is suing for the difference between what Genesis said the diamond was worth, $35,000, and its true value of $7,500 — a $27,500 gap. Manookian is also seeking treble damages award from the circuit court, and if granted Genesis would owe Manookian $82,500. Ramon told Nashville Post he had tried to resolve the matter with Manookian without court involvement and said he would refund Manookian the $16,000 purchase price and would add an incentive to the deal. “If he’ll bring the ring back, I will reimburse the exact amount he paid for the ring which is $16,000 and I’ll add an additional $2,000 for good measure,” Ramon said. Ramon isn't backing down from this $35,000 appraisal and is convinced Manookian substantially benefited from the transaction. If Manookian’s assertion is true, that the ring is correctly valued at $7,500, then he’s theoretically out $8,500, the difference between the amount he paid for the ring and the $7,500 appraisal. more

Well it's that time and I needed to find that special ring for my girlfriend. While looking around at many different Jewelry Stores, I found that Scott Kay was the designer that I would be going with. I went to both Genesis Diamonds locations which are in Green Hills and Brentwood, being that their website advertised Scott Kay products. The Green Hills location had great products but there staff was snobby and very aggressive to make a sale which I am not a fan of. However, the Brentwood location staff was much better. Both Genesis stores had their sales spiel explaining how they would not be beat in price and that their diamonds were top notch unlike any other store. I was yet convinced! I then discovered Jarad in Cool Springs and went to take a look. Staff was great, very helpful and I ended up walking out with a beautiful ring for my future fiance. Funny thing is I ended up with the same Scott Kay setting that I had considered at Genesis Diamonds which was priced at $2500 and paid only $1700 with same lifetime warranties at Jared. I know the Tennessee Titans sponsor Genesis and the radio claims they are 2 time award winner in Nashville for engagement rings, but trust me when i say this.... OVER RATED!!! more

My experience with Genesis was fair at best! Great looking store and selection of quality jewelry , but many stores in Nashville have these same characteristics. Customer service is very important to me and that’s where my experience went sour. I have been in sales for some time now, so I have a distinct eye for detail in customer service, which is huge when I am going into any business to spend MY hard earned money. I went inside Genesis to start looking for ideas for a ring that I am planning to purchase in the near future. Upon looking I did find several rings that I thought were very nice and the staff was very friendly. Being that this was my first stop and I am a huge believer in doing my homework, I simply wanted to just start exploring my options before spending thousands of dollars on a ring. Where my experience with Genesis went sour is when the massive amount of pressure to buy a ring from their store started. I began to feel as if there were not going to let me leave without at least putting a down payment on a ring which I was not ready to do. I tried to explain that I was just looking and was not ready just yet to buy, but the lady helping me insisted on trying to use every trick in the book to make a sale. She claimed that she spoke with the owner Borat or whoever and that he was willing to give me this crazy deal which would never be offered again or any other day JUST RIGHT NOW … TODAY haha. I then thought to myself, “Wow the owner wants to give ME a CRAZY DEAL OMG”!!!!!! (Kidding). Why would the owner just give some guy he has never met nor seen in his life this awesome deal, nice try! I might not be a diamond expert, but all the sales pitches aren’t fooling me The sales rep then got the hint that I was not going to purchase at that time and her body language started to change. I then started to feel as if she thought I was trying to be cheap which not the case was at all. At that time I knew Genesis was not for me. After my experience I did decide to purchase elsewhere where they comforted my needs and were very respectful by not try to force a sale down my throat. I was also pleased that I had found the same ring and quality for a lot cheaper. Unless you have an endless amount of money and don’t want to compare prices with Genesis it might be the place for you. However I can personally guarantee that many jewelers in town have the same designer products and better customer service. DO YOUR HOMEWORK PEOPLE!!! more

I had my doubts about ordering such an expensive ring online, but after speaking with you, and shopping this around, you put my mind at ease and gave me a much better price than any of the other online guys (I can't believe that you told me to shop around and you even told me who to check out). If you have questions, call Genesis and ask for Boaz. He will be happy to answer any questions you have. more

I needed to find a ring for our 25th anniversary in a short space of time with limited budget. Genesis showed me some designer names and their own brand which was a fraction of the price of the designer names. End result was one very happy wife and a very happy me for not having to the higher prices I received from other stores. Thanks Genesis. more

We purchased our wedding rings from you guys and just received them. The rings look awesome! Scott Kay made our wedding rings. We chose Scott Kay because we love his designs. We chose Genesis because they have always been very nice and helpful when we shop there. Thank you Genesis! See you for our wedding anniversary! more

We have purchased our engagement ring and wedding bands from Genesis Diamonds. The staff is extremely helpful and accommodating. In my personal view Jeff Cooper is a one of the best designers. He makes beautiful engagement rings. And the diamond price was better than the price that I received when I shopped around for it. Overall, excellent price. We'll definitely be back again. Thanks Genesis Diamonds. more

My boyfriend and I had such a great experience at Genesis Diamonds. We were greeted immediately when we walked in the door and then offered a soda as we looked around. The selection that they had was amazing and I ended up finding the ring of my dreams. Everyone was so friendly and I recommend them to anyone. I will definitely buy all my jewelry from them from now on. more

I was reffered to Genesis Diamonds by a freind of my now fiance's ( Thank YOU). I was very overwhelmed when I first walked in there was a selection like I had never seen before. I had a strict budget that was very much respected by the sales lady. She was very professional and lovely. Heather helped me pick out an amazing ring and kept me in budget. My fiance loved it and of coarse said yes. They are the BEST!!! more

I went into Genesis Diamonds in Green Hills three weeks ago looking for a Christmas gift and had a wonderful experience! I shopped around online and all around Nashville and nothing compared to Genesis. The diamond quality is higher than anyone and the diamond cut is exquisite. I was wondering why some jewelers diamonds didn't really sparkle and I learned it has everything to do with cut! Interesting...I learned a lot of things there. Their upgrade policy is the best in town also!! I also looked at engagement rings since I'm planning on making that purchase some time in 2012. I am definitely going back to Genesis for the engagement ring and every future purchase! more

Over the years I have become a regular customer of Genesis Diamonds. As a local business owner I look for things most people don't see when shopping. It is true that Genesis has great prices and a huge selection but I look for more. Each of the past 4 years I've been there to buy something for my wife at Christmas and it's refreshing that in this economy I've noticed each year the store has more and more people shopping there also. I noticed people from various parts of the state and even Kentucky and Alabama browsing while I waited my turn. The salespeople are very nice to work with even during the Christmas rush. I felt like I was the only one in the store while being shown a collection of rings and the salesperson seemed perfectly willing to spend whatever time I needed to find what was perfect for me. As a business owner I know how hard it is to find good salespeople that always put the customer first and treat them the way I have always been treated. I would always recommend my friends to shop at Genesis. They have great prices but its more than that which keeps me as a loyal customer. more

I will never do business with Genesis due to the terrible service, attitude, and arrogance from Boaz R. I was planning on buying a special gift for my wife and Boaz redirected me to another jeweler due to his terrible attitude. I would never buy anything from Genesis due to his arrogance, dishonesty, and ""shady ways"" of doing business! He is a bad person. That is why he got run out of Charlotte NC, due to his business practices. He came straight here. Do not be miffed by his false claims. There are a lot of other jewelry retailers in town that want your business, you can trust, and are not sleeze bags like Boaz R. Do not give them a penny of your money, it's too much! RK. more

I went into their store with the intention of buying my wife a great Diamond pendant. I told the salesperson what I wanted including the color and clarity of the Diamond and they kept pushing this lab report from the EGL.I asked for a VS quality Diamond with a F color. I have heard that these Diamonds are graded very poorly. When I saw the Diamond I could see that it was yellow and definately not a colorless F. Needless to say I thanked the salesperson and left the store. I then went to a very highly rated jeweler and was astounded how easy it was to get what I asked for. All I can say os buyer be aware. more

I would NEVER buy anything from this store! I was looking for a diamond for my 25th wedding anniversary. I went into their store twice & basically got ignored both times. Once I was the only customer in the store so they weren't too busy. Just very rude! A salesman helped me for a couple of minutes then told me to come back with my husband. I did not understand why he made that remark but I dismissed it thinking nothing of it. I did take my husband back. This time Boaz Ramon helped us immediately. He mentioned that I brought my husband back and now we could do business. I could not believe my ears! I asked him if he remembered me & he said, ""Yes"". I asked him point blank, ""Did you not help me before because my husband was not with me?"" He said, yes, men make the purchases. WHAT?! I informed him that in this day & age, women make purchases every day without a man. If he did not service women, especially in a jewelry store, he was losing a lot of sales. He disagreed & said he knew that men buy not women. DONE! I went to another jewelry store in town. Received superior customer service and bought my 3.25 D diamond. Then, I had a ring designed. I love it. This store lost big $$$ due to their poor treatment and respect of women. I would not buy from them on principal alone. I also did my homework before buying my diamond. I do not trust their diamonds & their claims at all. I also thought if they treat me this way before the sale, how would they treat me after the sale? more

This past Tuesday a young man took his bride as a wife, with a special ring, a ring that would forever connect them, for the many years to come. A ring that signifies their commitment to each other. and the ring.... its in your Merit. you enabled a young couple to build a nice home together. Thank you for donating this special wedding band for a couple that have very limited funds. There are many that do business, take in, but you give out to others. The Ring is the central part of marriage, you are the central part of this new couple. There are no words to thank you enough. In this merit may gd bless you with unlimited happiness in your marriage, joy from your family, unlimited success in you work and all you do. One of the greatest things in life it to marry and build a home, YOU made that happen. Thank you for all again. Dovid more

My husband and I shopped together this year for my anniversary gift. Even though we've been married for many years, this is the first time we have shopped for jewelry together! From the moment we walked through the doors at Genesis, I was blown away by the service, professionalism and quality for the price. I did do some ""pre-shopping"" at other stores before visiting Genesis...but DON'T waste your time going anywhere else. (NO other store has even CLOSE to the selection as Genesis.) The radio ads are 100% true. Genesis has the best prices, styles and the most beautiful diamonds! I love my new ring! more

My husband and I visited Genesis Diamonds in August. We had looked around at various stores and we just couldn't find what I wanted. All the salespeople sounded like insurance salespeople. They were just a little too pushy. We went into Genesis Diamonds on a Saturday. It was something to see. They were so busy. A salesperson there approached us. His name was Tim. What a nice guy! Not pushy at all. He said his only job was to tell us about Genesis Diamonds and find EXACTLY what I wanted. Well their prices are amazing. Trust me, I looked around. A lot! Genesis beats other jewelers on price not by a small %, but big time. We found the ring I had wanted but couldn't find anywhere else. It was a wider band made by Simon G! It is beautiful and I was in love the second I tried it on! I would like to thank Tim and the entire Genesis crew for taking the time, even when very busy, to educate my husband and I and making us feel special! I love my ring and I will recommend you to go to Genesis!! more

\r They taught me more than I learned at all the other places combined. I felt important to them and appreciated. They did not try to pressure me to buy anything and why should they? When someone is the best they don't have to do any hard convincing!\r \r I purchased a diamond there on a saturday afternoon and they had it ready for me the same day. I proposed that evening at dinner and it was a magical moment. \r \r We took the ring back in that week and they sized it right away. I have nothing but positive to say about the purchase from beginning to end - shopping, buying, and after-the-sale benefits have been incredible. \r \r I have found my jeweler for life. more

\r Shopped both stores and was blown away at the customer service. The place feels warm and everyone inside is smiling. I had a really good feeling about the place when I walked in. \r \r I bought my engagement ring here and I got a Tacori mounting which my girlfriend freaked out about. They taught me more about diamonds than any other place that I shopped, and I felt the most comfortable here. \r \r I know I got a great price too. its really rare to find all the positive things you can want when making a big purchase in one place. this is a huge perk for Nashville and me and my girlfriend are extremely happy. more