OXNARD : Jeweler’s Ad Content Restricted by Judge
Oxnard jeweler George P. Thompson must stop comparing his jewelry to his competitors’ in advertisements unless the claims are backed by a certified and independent diamond expert, Superior Court Judge John J. Hunter ruled Tuesday.
Hunter’s temporary restraining order also requires Thompson to stop claiming that he manufactures the jewelry he sells.
The Ventura County district attorney’s office sued Thompson on Monday, alleging that the man who uses the slogan “your friend in the jewelry business” has used misleading and deceptive advertising the past four years.
The suit also claims that Thompson has overstated the carat weight of some of his diamonds. The suit seeks a permanent injunction to the advertisements and unspecified monetary damages.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Mitchell Disney said undercover investigators bought two diamond rings advertised as more than $1,000 cheaper than similar rings sold at Bullock’s department store.
A gemologist deemed Thompson’s rings as “poor” quality while rating the Bullock’s rings as “very good,” Disney said.
“That is not comparing apples to apples,” Disney said.
Thompson’s attorney, Glenn Campbell, did not return a telephone call late Tuesday.
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