Has socialism turned into communism anywhere in the world?

I'm at a restaurant and just overheard this from the table behind me. The speaker cited Venezuela.

Does this really happen?

(I know little about socialism, and even less about communism. I loathe my ignorance.)

"Jewelry Rip-Off" thread follow up - a bit (or two) of new info

You may've read my "jewelry rip-off" post and the mild smack-downs that pointed out my misunderstanding of the jewelry market.

In reply no. 14, I pointed out that my receipt states the earrings contain 0.02 tw round diamonds. The jeweler I consulted recently said there are no diamonds.

In photographing the earrings for sale, I found the diamonds. They're on the inside, near the hinges, next to the jeweler's engraving.

http://imgur.com/a/JNnRgXM

🙄

What's the point, I ask you? To add value? Do you know? Seems useless, but, as we've learned, I know next to nothing about the jewelry trade.

PS Sorry you'd have to follow the link to see the picture. I'll fix it when I figure out how to do so.

Jewelry Rip-Off. Got any advice?

How do I get my money back? I paid 60% more than a pair of earrings was worth, and now I'm trying to figure out how to get my money back. I've drafted a demand for refund letter, but I don't know if that'll do the trick.

I bought a pair of 14k gold and sapphire earrings almost six years ago. Fortunes have reversed and now not only could I not buy jewelry anymore, I've had to sell a few pieces. A local jeweler informed me a couple of days ago that these earrings are worth about 40% of what I paid for them.

I'd welcome your advice, even if it's only telling me when I have to stop being reasonable and take the guy to court.

Thanks.

PS re court: there's a problem. The jeweler is in Delaware. I'm now in California. ??

I am ripshit mad.