We were surprised to find Richard Holland offering "Genuine" Order of the Black Ermine jewellery. Firstly we know that he has no connection to the genuine Order and secondly he has trouble getting permission to stay up late to watch a film - let alone getting permission to commission jewellery. Yet in September 2008, Richard listed "Hand - carved mother-of-pearl and onyx tusk cufflinks"
Sounds good! But we know better - everything Richard does is just a scam to get you to send him your hard earned money.
A quick Google gave us the answer. Far from being "designed to commemorate 2008 for the Order of the Black Ermine" These are a standard product offered for £70 less by a large Internet cufflink vendor - Links of London, advertised on their web site as "
"Handcarved mother-of-pearl and onyx tusk create an unusual yet stunning chainlinked set of men's cufflinks. A classic light and dark combination, mother-of-pearl lends a sophisticated shimmer for day or night, while onyx adds a bold accent to a slick suit. The Tusk collection is inspired by the tusk as a prehistoric symbol of success and masculinity. It is the perfect symbol of confidence and strength in both design and attitude."
Elizabeth Galton, the Links of London Creative Director, confirms "I have never heard of Richard Holland or the Order of the Black Ermine. These cufflinks were designed for us and our Legal Department will be in touch with eBay to halt this blatant mis-selling of our product."
The "Certificate of Authenticity" signed by the Grand Master of the Order of the Black Ermine, offered with these cufflinks, is, like all the laser printed paper Richard Holland supplies, a fraudulent con and is not worth the paper it is written on.
http://www.linksoflondon.com/online-shop/men/cufflinks/891-rogue-tusk-mother-of-pearl-and-onyx-chainlink-cufflinks
If you believe that you have been conned by Richard Holland, then you may wish to contact your local Office of Trading Standards, who have a duty to protect consumers from false claims by rogue traders.