Grading

One lawsuit over EGL reports is settled

GradingOct 06, 2014

One lawsuit over EGL reports is settled

One of the lawsuits filed by consumers against Nashville jeweler Genesis Diamonds for selling diamonds allegedly over-graded by EGL International has been settled while three others remain open.  

Nashville, Tenn.--One of the lawsuits filed by consumers against Nashville jeweler Genesis Diamonds for selling diamonds allegedly over-graded by EGL International has been settled while three others remain open. 

Filed in Davidson County (Tenn.) Circuit Court in July by James Wells, a/k/a James Wills, the lawsuit accused Genesis Diamonds of fraud and violating Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act for selling a diamond with an EGL International report that stated it was G color, VS2 clarity that later was deemed by the Gemological Institute of America to be a J color, SI2 worth about half of what he originally was led to believe. 

Attorney Eli Richardson, who represents Genesis Diamonds, said Monday that the case had been settled on terms that are “mutually satisfactory to the parties.” He declined to provide further details.

Davidson County Circuit Court records show that suits making the same allegations against Genesis Diamonds filed by M. Nathaniel Averitt (August), Richard Vien (August) and Allan (A.J.) Zyla Jr. are outstanding. All three are represented by the same attorney, Nashville-based Brian Cummings. 

Richardson said they are “confident” the remaining suits will be “resolved favorably for Genesis Diamonds.” 

Brian Manookian, who represented Wells, did not return a call for comment Monday on the decision. 

The Nashville-based attorney once sued Genesis Diamonds himself after buying a diamond there, eventually settling the case, and has erected a website called GenesisDiamondsLawsuit.com on which consumers can contact him about possibly taking legal action against the retailer.

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Stock image of a gavel and books
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store Robberies

The 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.

Spider-Man Citizen watch and pin on a web
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s Dream

The watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.

Chatham Men’s Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s Collection

The new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Pomellato Marvelous Griffe earrings
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot

While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.

Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Edina Kiss Popsicle Pendant and Karina Choudhrie Ice Cream Charm
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet

Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.

Macy’s Herald Square store sign
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn Down

The massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%

The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.

Stock image of a polished diamond being held by tweezers
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO Says

The goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Jewelers of America President and CEO David Bonaparte in Washington, D.C.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect

David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.

Hands pushing shopping cart
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in July

Survey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.

Paola De Luca Presents Trendvision Book
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education Lineup

The trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.

Jewels by Grace Hillsborough Show
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026

The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.

Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão at the 2026 African Mining Indaba
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry

Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.

Kevin Reilly PGI USA
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry

Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.

Pomellato Mandala Chromia necklace
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%

Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.

United Flags of Fashion Arkansas Flag By Lauren Harwell Godfrey
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for Arkansas

She was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith 
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You

Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.

Tiffany & Co butterfly necklace
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1

LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”

Lionheart Sacred Heart Charm Necklace
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography

“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.

Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS

The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.

Mikimoto L'éclat high jewelry brooch
SurveysJul 27, 2026
Jewelry Leads Luxury Market Amid Stabilization, Bain Says

Bain & Company delved into the trends shaping the luxury market, the impact of AI, and more in its recent study.

Harvard Rubies Exhibit The Soul of Flame II Brooch by Austy Lee
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard Museum

The exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.

Stock image of shipping containers in port
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry

The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.

Jorge Adeler Gods & Heroes coin pendant
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’

From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.

Courtney Leidy Amethyst Silk Cord Pendant
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings

Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy