Harding Brothers Jewellery Purchase Sparks Concerns Over Ring Valuation and Certification

A passenger who purchased a diamond ring onboard a P&O cruise ship has raised serious concerns after an independent valuation revealed significant discrepancies between the ring’s original certificate and its actual quality and value.
The ring, sold as a “chocolate diamond” piece, was purchased in 2023 from Harding Brothers, a jewellery retailer operating on P&O cruise ships. The ring was advertised with a recommended retail price (RRP) of £4,463.00.
At the time of sale, the passenger states they were assured the ring contained rare chocolate diamonds and was represented as an item that would hold its value over time.
Independent Valuation Raises Red Flags
Following advice from the retailer, the passenger commissioned an independent professional valuation at a cost of £101.39. The resulting valuation assessed the ring at £2,800.00, broadly in line with the purchase price but significantly below the advertised RRP.
More concerning, however, was the gemologist’s assessment of the ring’s quality. According to the valuation, the grading and description of the diamonds differed materially from the certificate provided at the point of sale.
The passenger was informed that:

The diamonds were originally advertised as SI1 clarity and GH colour
The independent assessment graded the stones as LM colour, a notably lower quality
The overall grading suggested a lower standard than stated on the original certificate

The gemologist reportedly advised that the discrepancy could potentially amount to misrepresentation and recommended that the passenger attempt to resolve the matter directly with the retailer as a first step.
Resale Value and Company Response
The passenger subsequently attempted to sell the ring through multiple jewellers and online resale platforms. Offers reportedly ranged between £80.00 and £300.00, a fraction of both the original purchase price and the stated RRP.
When queried about the disparity, a representative of Harding Brothers reportedly stated that “diamonds lose their value over time” and acknowledged that “it is very concerning” that such low resale offers had been made.
However, no explanation has been provided as to why the certificate issued at the point of sale differs from the findings of the independent assessment.
Refund Agreement and Non-Payment
Following further correspondence, Harding Brothers reportedly agreed in writing to issue a full refund on the condition that the ring was returned.
The passenger states that the ring was returned in accordance with those instructions. To date, no refund has been received.
The passenger further alleges that Harding Brothers has since indicated they are unwilling to deal directly with the matter and has suggested that the passenger pursue the issue through legal action.
Ongoing Concerns
An official written report from a UK Assay Office reportedly confirms differences between the certificate and the assessed quality of the stones. The passenger also states they are in possession of an audio recording from the Assay Office indicating that the certificate may be misleading/fraudulent.
The passenger further claims to have been in contact with 3 other customers who have experienced similar concerns with jewellery purchased onboard through Harding and states they remain in contact with a Harding Brothers employee they befriended while onboard.
Harding Brothers has declined to comment further. P&O Cruises were also contacted but have not provided a substantive response, not have they initiated an investigation as to how this happened.
The passenger has urged other cruise passengers to have jewellery purchased onboard independently assessed, stating they believe the issue may be more widespread.