Orange Tree Antiques Mall in Winter Park, FL
Complaint 28285 Details

The monetary loss isn't the issue here (obviously). I am writing to report the disrespectful/unjust way I was treated as a customer. I bought a ring that was stamped 925 (the mark of sterling silver), which I did think was rather shiny for sterling; but after being told by the associate that the sterling stamp must have been overlooked when it was priced and that it must just be "really clean", she even added, "If you don't buy it I'm going to!". So I simply thought I guess I'm getting a good deal! 2 days later I noticed it turning my finger green and the silver coating start to chip off, showing a copperish color underneath.
I went back into the store, very politely and respectfully NOT asking for my money back, but simply asking to exchange it for a ring that is actually real and pay for the difference. The owner of the store immediately accused me of lying, saying that she had already discussed this sale with the associate that sold it to me, and claimed that I was informed upon purchasing that the ring was indeed not real. When I told her that was not true she got very defensive and told me to leave her store and never come back.
In shock of how quick she was to throw a respectable customer out of her store for no reason more than a completely fair request, I suggested that she reconsider selling product from a vendor with falsly advertised jewelry adding that it is a Federal Offense. She then lunged toward me as if she were about to literally push me out, but stopped herself realizing that she was about to get herself into worse trouble. She yelled at me, regardless of the other customers around us, and accused me of threatening her with fraud. I corrected her by explaining (very calmly) that I never accused her of anything, but just thought she should be aware of the severity of a false advertisement such as this. She continued yelling at me to get out and through my shock, all I could say to her on my way out the door was, "Wow. What a way to do business."
The only way I can make sense of how this woman handled the situation is that she must have already been aware (and afraid!) of the trouble she and/or her store could possibly be in if action were taken. I didn't go in there with the intention of stirring up any trouble whatsoever, but simply expected her to handle this in a fair, professional way. Because of the way she treated me, I fully intend to pursue further action. Is there anything I can do?