The TraxNYC–Akay Diamonds Dispute: Why You Should Verify the Seller’s Identity

A dispute involving TraxNYC and Akay Diamonds brought attention to an important question for anyone shopping on 47th Street: Are you buying from the business you think you are?

In January 2026, TraxNYC owner Maksud Agadjani publicly accused Akay Diamonds of selling a customer a $22,000 diamond bracelet while falsely representing it as a TraxNYC piece. He also alleged that the bracelet had been sold as 14-karat gold, although his testing indicated 10-karat gold. These were Agadjani’s allegations, as reported by National Jeweler on January 6, 2026.

Dexerto reported that Akay Diamonds denied wrongdoing.

The disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation on January 2. National Jeweler reported that the NYPD confirmed the arrests of George and Freddy Akay on assault charges. Those arrests concerned the confrontation; they did not establish that the underlying jewelry or brand-misrepresentation allegations were true. Source: National Jeweler

A subsequent summons and complaint in Trax NYC, Inc. et al. v. Akay Diamonds LLC et al. was filed in New York County Supreme Court on February 5, 2026, under index number 650617/2026. The filing documents a civil dispute, not a finding of liability. The materials reviewed for this article did not establish a final court determination on the impersonation or gold-purity allegations. Source: court filing reproduced by Trellis

For shoppers, the practical lesson is to verify both who is selling the jewelry and what that seller is promising.

How to Protect Yourself From False Affiliation Claims

1. Ask for the seller’s exact business name.

Before discussing a deposit, ask: “What company am I buying from, and which company will issue my invoice?” Clarify any difference between the trading name and the legal business name. An unexplained mismatch deserves attention before payment.

2. Confirm claimed partnerships directly with the brand.

Statements such as “We work with them,” “We make their jewelry,” or “We can sell you their pieces” describe different relationships. None should be treated as proof that you are purchasing directly from the named brand.

Contact that brand through a website or contact channel you independently locate. For example, TraxNYC’s official contact page lists a dedicated verification email address.

3. Verify the specific counter, showroom, or salesperson.

A building address alone may not identify the business handling your transaction. Confirm the exact location and representative with the company you intend to visit. Nearby signs, another brand’s packaging, or a familiar website displayed on someone’s phone do not establish affiliation.

4. Check the payment recipient before sending money.

Review the merchant or account name before approving a payment. Payment processors and trading names can create legitimate differences, but the seller should explain them. Pause if the payment is being redirected to an unrelated person or company without a clear explanation.

5. Put the brand and material claims in writing.

If the seller represents a piece as belonging to a particular brand, ask for that representation on the invoice, together with the seller’s identity and the jewelry’s specifications.

The FTC recommends documenting gemstone representations such as origin, weight, treatments, and special care requirements in the sales paperwork. Source: FTC buying guidance

6. Verify the jewelry separately from the seller’s reputation.

Even after confirming the business, review the piece’s metal purity, gemstone details, and any laboratory documentation. For a significant purchase, discuss independent inspection or testing and establish the applicable return terms beforehand.

A useful question before paying is:

“Can the brand independently confirm your relationship, and will your invoice identify exactly who is selling this piece and what it is?”

If that question produces conflicting answers, take time to resolve them before completing the purchase.