However, the sad thing is that these pearls are marked as "sold". I had emailed them, as well and suggested that they contact the buyer for a disclosure. I hope this will make them more diligent in the future about their assessments.
There is a nice little disclaimer at the bottom of the "valuation report": "The knowledge of The RealReal in relation to each such item is partially dependent on information provided to us by the Consignor, and The RealReal is not able
to and does not carry out exhaustive due diligence on each item. "
That is an easy way to do as Pontius Pilate did: "I will wash away my hands for this sin". They should really look into this matter and correct it.
As Jeremy states: most are truly represented for what they are...why not just go all the way with it?!?!? Does seem like an honest mistake but there should not be any Real Real mistake there or you are no longer the "Real-Real-Deal".
I forgot to mention, but I did get an email backfrom the senior directly of Fine Jewelry and Watches from TRR thanking me for bringing it to their attention and that they would be performing a full audit on the category.
That's good, if they keep their word and correct their mistakes. Now, if there were only a way to correct the other 5 million places with mistakes! ugh...
Thanks GemGeek being in that world I'm sure you know how easily it is get lost in the corporate shuffle and still fight to maintain your own ethics, I know I did. Jewelry professionals face this everyday... reputation is a fragile thing. When I actually know the integrity of the people in question, I will definitely defend them (if not the company.)
I know a bit about the inner workings & politics there, which I won't get into here obviously. The Real Real, should know better about checking and double checking and not leaving such an important function as writing descriptions to "Operations professionals", but if you have any idea about the past history of the CEO etc, you wouldn't be surprised. The friends I had working there were and are great people and I stand behind what I originally stated. ***disclosure I do not and have not ever worked there.
Actually, I love that you jumped to defend the gemologists. It made no sense that they could have made such obvious errors. I have a strong streak of following the rules, so when I encounter a company that says one thing, but does another, it riles me up. The Real Real's whole credo appears to be in question.