Could I get the last laugh?

I’m looking for advice on what options I may have against a jeweller in Italy (or potential payback if someone can think of something good enough lol)

I originally paid around £740 for a custom gold ring. After receiving it, stones repeatedly fell out, so the jeweller agreed to repair it. The ring then got lost in international transit for around 7 months and was eventually returned to me, after which I sent it back again and the jeweller received it.

Instead of repairing the original ring, he melted/recast it into a different version and later told me I needed to pay additional money to receive it. After some financial difficulties I recently contacted him again intending to pay the previously discussed balance, but the situation has now escalated and he is effectively saying my original £740 is gone unless I pay significantly more.

I’ve offered alternatives, including having the value put towards replacement silver rings, but he wants me to pay almost the full cost of those as well.

I was thinking of paying him whatever he wants, then taking it to PayPal and somehow getting the last laugh but does anyone have any better alternatives