AFL star Joel Selwood has slammed diamond retailer Bensimon Online for giving him the wrong diamond ring, claiming it ruined his engagement.
The Geelong captain has launched legal action against the Sydney-based diamond dealer, pursuing a judgment debt owed on the 3.21 carat ring that cost $66,000.
Selwood popped the question to long-time love Brit Davis at Campbell Point House on the Bellarine Peninsula, in Victoria, in August 2018.
In pictures the pair posted to social media, Ms Davis has a beaming smile as she shows off the ring.
AFL star Joel Selwood popped the question to long-time love Brit Davis at Campbell Point House on the Bellarine Peninsula, in Victoria, in August 2018
AFL star Joel Selwood has slammed diamond retailer Bensimon Online for giving him the wrong engagement ring, claiming it ruined his engagement
However, according to documents filed in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, the round-cut diamond ring was not the one Selwood had agreed to buy.
The AFL star’s lawyer, Sarah Galbally, said the dispute was ’emotionally devastating’ for the couple, The Age reported.
‘These are once in a lifetime moments which can never be replaced, and this will always be a tainted memory of what was meant to be the happiest time in their lives,’ she said.
‘The money owed to Joel Selwood has not been refunded by Kate Bensimon or the company. We are still awaiting for the company to make the payment to meet the orders made by the court by way of a judgment debt. The next step is for enforcement proceedings.’
Selwood claimed Bensimon Online breached their contract and the company did not file any defence, causing the magistrate to enter default judgement.
Bensimon Online has been ordered to repay $66,000, plus $1,518 in interest and $1,967 in costs.
According to documents filed in the Melbourne Magistrates court, the round-cut diamond ring was not the one Selwood had agreed to buy for $66,000
Joel Selwood and fiancee Brit Davis (both pictured) dated for several years before becoming engaged in August last year
Selwood is furious over claims from bankrupt diamond dealer Ron Bensimon that a refund was made that was agreed on by both parties.
But Selwood says he has only received one payment of $6,000 in February, and is seeking legal action over the rest.
The company has denied giving the AFL star the wrong ring. It also claimed it had offered to refund Selwood prior to the court order.
‘The amount was refunded as mutually agreed to and as per the company returns policy for the reason the client was dissatisfied with the length of time for an adjustment that needed to be made to the ring and decided to purchase a ring elsewhere,’ a statement by the company read.
Mr Bensimon on Thursday again insisted the full debt was settled in February and didn’t know where the other information was coming from.
Ms Davis is a model and special needs teacher, while Selwood is the Geelong Cats captain (both pictured)
‘To my knowledge payment has been made and a transfer was made on February 27, 2019. I have not heard otherwise from Joel Selwood or his legal representative to advise otherwise,’ Mr Bensimon said.
Public relations guru Kate Bensimon and her husband Ron Bensimon run Bensimon Online.
The company creates bespoke jewellery, where the ‘team conduct a global search for the best possible diamond for the budget’, according to its website.
Mr Bensimon, who fronts the company and helps to create the pieces, is bankrupt and has about $10million personal and business debt.
He has had financial troubles in the past, including losing a 2.5 carat diamond valued at $63,528, according to a series of Supreme Court affidavits.
A bankruptcy investigation by Pitcher Partners found some of Mr Bensimon’s financial issues were attributed to a $2million gambling loss with betting agencies TAB, Ladbrokes and Mad Bookie.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bensimon Online for comment.
Public relations guru Kate Bensimon and her husband Ron Bensimon (pictured) run Bensimon Online