$28 vs. $28,000: Mexican claims victory in Cartier earrings battle
A visitor looks at watch models at the Cartier booth at the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, April 9, 2024. (Reuters Photo)


A Mexican man has made headlines as he recently claimed a victory over French luxury brand Cartier, saying an error made it possible for him to purchase two pairs of earrings for $28 that were supposed to cost nearly $28,000.

After a four-month struggle, Dr. Rogelio Villarreal said he had finally received the jewelry, which he accused the company of refusing to deliver after his online purchase in December.

According to Villarreal, he came across the low-priced earrings while browsing Instagram.

"I swear I broke out in a cold sweat," he wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Cartier declined to recognize the purchase and offered Villarreal a refund, as well as a bottle of champagne and a passport holder as compensation, according to a company letter shared by the doctor.

But Villarreal refused and decided to take the case to Mexico's consumer protection agency, which ruled in favor of the doctor.

Cartier accepted the decision, Villarreal announced.

"War is over. Cartier is complying," he wrote.