friend lost bracelet I gave her to repair in India

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d take the one that’s left to a jewelry store to see what it’s worth. At least then you’ll know if she’s lying to you. Can’t really be mad that she lost it, but if she’s lying that it’s fake you can be mad.

op here. okay, I didn't think of that. I can go to any jewelry store for this?

[Anonymous]

What's weird about this is that your friend lost something of sentimental value to you and doesn't seem sorry.

Does she expect the bracelet to turn up? Does she have an idea where it was lost?

My mother lost her original solitaire diamond. Probably down the sink. And then many years later, lost a replacement cubic zirconia solitaire while doing chores outside. My manager had his wedding band come off his hand while swimming in the ocean. Unfortunately, jewelry is easy to lose.

I think it would be nice if your friend tried harder to make things right. However, if you can afford it, I would recommend that your husband arrange for a replacement to the lost bracelet at a significant anniversary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d take the one that’s left to a jewelry store to see what it’s worth. At least then you’ll know if she’s lying to you. Can’t really be mad that she lost it, but if she’s lying that it’s fake you can be mad.

op here. okay, I didn't think of that. I can go to any jewelry store for this?

Yes, most any reputable/fine jewelry store can tell you if it’s real and estimate the value.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, next time you go to India buy another one yourself to make up for the loss.

It was a unique bracelet; if we were scammed, I wouldn't want to purchase any more jewelry there. It will be obvious one is missing. I won't say anything to my mother-in-law, of course. I may say I like wearing one.. my mother in law is very sweet and I'm not too worried about it. she doesn't ask me a lot of questions.

update: friend sent an amazon link for 3 bangles that are $20 and asked if she should order them for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d take the one that’s left to a jewelry store to see what it’s worth. At least then you’ll know if she’s lying to you. Can’t really be mad that she lost it, but if she’s lying that it’s fake you can be mad.

op here. okay, I didn't think of that. I can go to any jewelry store for this?

I assume your husband is Indian? Do you have any Indian friends? Does he? Not the one that lost the bracelet and not ones that will gossip to your MIL. If so they may know a local jewelry store familiar with Indian jewelry.
If not, you may need to take a long weekend trip to Philly or Princeton and go to Edison, NJ where there are many Indian shops for jewelry and custom made traditional clothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d take the one that’s left to a jewelry store to see what it’s worth. At least then you’ll know if she’s lying to you. Can’t really be mad that she lost it, but if she’s lying that it’s fake you can be mad.

op here. okay, I didn't think of that. I can go to any jewelry store for this?

I assume your husband is Indian? Do you have any Indian friends? Does he? Not the one that lost the bracelet and not ones that will gossip to your MIL. If so they may know a local jewelry store familiar with Indian jewelry.
If not, you may need to take a long weekend trip to Philly or Princeton and go to Edison, NJ where there are many Indian shops for jewelry and custom made traditional clothing.

op here. yes dh is Indian. I have a lot of Indian neighbors. we actually live in the suburbs of Philly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d take the one that’s left to a jewelry store to see what it’s worth. At least then you’ll know if she’s lying to you. Can’t really be mad that she lost it, but if she’s lying that it’s fake you can be mad.

op here. okay, I didn't think of that. I can go to any jewelry store for this?

I assume your husband is Indian? Do you have any Indian friends? Does he? Not the one that lost the bracelet and not ones that will gossip to your MIL. If so they may know a local jewelry store familiar with Indian jewelry.
If not, you may need to take a long weekend trip to Philly or Princeton and go to Edison, NJ where there are many Indian shops for jewelry and custom made traditional clothing.

A local store that appraises jewelry can likely check its value, but I think you will need an Indian or South Asian jeweler to copy the remaining bangle and make a replacement.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it was stolen (like from her hotel room or luggage ) which is why she does but know how she lost it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, next time you go to India buy another one yourself to make up for the loss.

It was a unique bracelet; if we were scammed, I wouldn't want to purchase any more jewelry there. It will be obvious one is missing. I won't say anything to my mother-in-law, of course. I may say I like wearing one.. my mother in law is very sweet and I'm not too worried about it. she doesn't ask me a lot of questions.

update: friend sent an amazon link for 3 bangles that are $20 and asked if she should order them for me.

Your friend does not seem like a friend.
You told her the sentiment of the piece and that it was gold and she is offering to buy you a $20 bangle??

I would tell her off now if haven't alredy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, next time you go to India buy another one yourself to make up for the loss.

It was a unique bracelet; if we were scammed, I wouldn't want to purchase any more jewelry there. It will be obvious one is missing. I won't say anything to my mother-in-law, of course. I may say I like wearing one.. my mother in law is very sweet and I'm not too worried about it. she doesn't ask me a lot of questions.

update: friend sent an amazon link for 3 bangles that are $20 and asked if she should order them for me.

Your friend does not seem like a friend.
You told her the sentiment of the piece and that it was gold and she is offering to buy you a $20 bangle??

I would tell her off now if haven't alredy.

$20 is an insultingly low amount for a piece of nicely made costume jewelry that is not gold. Just tell her no thanks, accept any apology she gives, and tell her you still would like your bracelet back if she can find it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:why the fuk would you send it to India for repairs

op here... i don't know ... it was made in India and I didn't think I would be able to find a place here to do it. it was a ready-made bracelet. it took about a week to make it for me.

Agree. I have a few things made in China and ask friends going there to take them for repairs.

[Anonymous]

That's fine Suzy, I'm filing a police report and either you can pay me the full value, file with your home insurance or I can sue you. Or you can magically find it in your suitcase.

[Anonymous]

Ok so maybe she thought it was a $20 piece of bangle and thats what she is offering you back.

[Anonymous]

Is the friend who lost the bangle Indian? Is she from the same region as where the bangle was purchased and that’s where she visited?

[Anonymous]

This whole story is very very strange, Op.