Diamond Jewelry Forums

Picture Gallery

Video Gallery

|

Search |

Posted Today |

Most Active |

Help

» Home »

» Diamond Prices and Grading »

» RockyTalky »

» GOG online, in person, and their awesome videos!...

GOG online, in person, and their awesome videos!...

P: 12/22/2007 2:44:30 PM
bem3231 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 502 Last Post: 8/31/2008 Member Since: 8/28/2007	Hello Pricescopers... I’ve been posting periodically about our search for ‘the diamond’. This has been a pretty intensive experience lately, and I wanted to post some of what we’ve been through. Specifically, I wanted to chronicle some of our experiences dealing with Jonathan and Good Old Gold. I have had the unique experience of working with Jonathan (and some of his staff) online via e-mail, but I have also been fortunate, despite living in western Canada, to have paid him two site visits at Good Old Gold over the past two weeks to see in person stones that we had been discussing / had seen in videos / had been considering online. Jumping ahead some, we think that we’ve now found ‘it’ – a 2.68 FVS2 ideal cut RB! More on that later. I sent my first e-mail to Good Old Gold sometime in early November. At that time I was still considering a Tacori setting, and the fact that GOG carries both Tacori and has an excellent online reputation for stones drove me to enquire. My first inquiry was to Marie regarding the Tacori setting that I was interested in. She was prompt with her replies and always went out of her way to provide all of the information needed to answer my many questions, sending attached photos where necessary to describe detailed design elements. When I began to enquire about center stones, she directed me to Jonathan. To say the very least, Jonathan has been absolutely amazing. He has gone out of his way to answer all of our questions (and believe me, there have been many!). Although I had been looking at stones online for a while, I had not had the experience of seeing any in person. Also, I began to consider Leon Mege to do the setting for us. When I had a business trip to eastern Canada two weeks ago my boyfriend and I decided that it would be worthwhile to do a side trip to New York in order to visit GOG, meet Jonathan, and see some stones in person. I also met with Leon on that trip, but that’s the subject of another post (he, too, is great). Jonathan had two stones that he suggested I look at – a 2.52 GVS2 and a 2.36 ISI1 H&A. He also brought in a 3.01 FSI2 Eighternity that I had been inquiring about. When I met him at GOG he first took me through a pretty extensive tutorial. Although I had ‘done my homework’ beforehand, reading as much as I could about the vagaries of diamonds and also the technologies used to grade them, his explanations were simple, informed, and enlightening, especially given the fact that we had various stones and various technologies at our fingertips for demonstration purposes. He also provided a demonstration of an H&A ideal, an Eighternity, a Solasfera, and a Star 129 in the diamond dock in order to demonstrate the differences and nuances in light performance between them all. We then turned to a consideration of the three stones that I had come to look at. Long story short, they were all beautiful, but I was especially struck by the Eighternity. I wanted to come home and discuss all of what I saw with my boyfriend. Jonathan offered to make a video comparing the three stones (which is now posted on the GOG website if anyone’s interested). I cannot stress enough what a great tool this was in order to be able to revisit at home what I saw in person, and also in order to try to convey that to the other half of this purchase decision! While I was very taken with the Eighternity, I still was not totally certain that that was ‘it’. Jonathan researched all of the available stones that met our ‘ideal’ criteria (2.6 – 3.1, F-G, VS2-SI1) and sent me a list. He then asked us to choose five stones which he would call the suppliers to get more research on in order to make a recommendation. He recommended two – a 2.68FVS2 and a 3.00GSI1. My boyfriend and I were anxious to make this decision, and did not want the process to drag on over the holidays or until such time as some of the stones that we were considering were sold to others, therefore putting us back at square one. After some deliberations, we decided that it would be worthwhile for me to make a special trip back to GOG in order to see the two ‘new’ stones, compare them with the Eighternity, and ultimately make a choice! I was back at GOG on Thursday, and again, Jonathan was great. He spent time with me looking ‘under the hood’ of the two new stones, and then we compared them in the diamond dock and in different lighting conditions. All three were exceptionally beautiful, although my heart is now set on the 2.68FVS2. If anyone has watched Jonathan’s video tutorial on the nature of scintillation (which I would highly recommend), the 2.68 has percentages similar to the last of the three ideal cut RB’s featured on the video. It has lots of pinpoint sparkles reminiscent of the Eighternity, however it retains the ‘classic’ look of the 57 facet RB. I will attach a photo or two. Before I leave the topic of GOG’s video technology, I would like to add that in my experience this is a unique and extremely valuable tool that GOG offers. I don’t believe that there are any other online retailers who offer video tutorials or the option of video comparisons. I used these videos in two applications. The first is the video that Jonathan made for my boyfriend and I in order to compare the first three stones. This really helped me describe to my boyfriend what my eyes had seen at GOG. If I were making a diamond purchase sight unseen, this would have been all the more valuable as a resource. The second way that GOG’s video technology was extremely helpful to me was using the tutorials to ‘prime’ me for seeing stones in person. The more videos that I watched, the more I began to understand exactly what brightness, contrast, scintillation, etc. mean. By the time of my second visit to GOG, I noticed a significant difference in terms of how well my eyes had been ‘trained’ to pick up performance details of different stones. On my first visit, Jonathan took the lead in pointing out what I should be noticing and paying attention to. By my second visit, I wanted to look first, tell Jonathan what I was noticing, and then get his feedback to confirm it. It was cool to see that I was ‘learning the ropes’ and that my eyes were beginning to tune in to such details! Apologies for the excessively long post, however I know from our experience how overwhelming a diamond purchase can be for the uninitiated, and I wanted to share some of my experiences with GOG and their video technologies, and try to convey how they went out of their way to make this purchase a fun and exciting one. Thanks for reading! I’ll attach a photo of the 2.68 FVS2 which I hope will soon be mine! Happy Holidays!
Posted: 12/22/2007 2:44:30 PM

There are 22 replies to this message. There are 22 replies on this page.

P: 12/22/2007 3:23:42 PM
gontama Cut Rock Total Posts: 170 Last Post: 12/23/2007 Member Since: 6/2/2007	Conragts Bem3231. Your diamond looks very nice. F/VS2 2.68ct .. I wish I were able to give it to my wife. That is absolutely beautiful on your finger. I totally agree with you that videos are very helpful. Those who have seen a diamond both in person and in video can tell.
Posted: 12/22/2007 3:23:42 PM

P: 12/22/2007 3:24:24 PM
bem3231 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 502 Last Post: 8/31/2008 Member Since: 8/28/2007	Thanks!
Posted: 12/22/2007 3:24:24 PM

P: 12/22/2007 3:26:58 PM
door knob solitaire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,933 Last Post: 2/26/2008 Member Since: 6/27/2005	No need to apologize for the lengthy post...but it would be decent of you to apologize for taking that magnificent stone out of the running from the rest of us!! You don't play fair!! WoW!! It is a lovely stone. The story is also...and well I am sure you are going to have a blast staring into it for years to come. Congrats and please post more photos. We can handle stone holder shots really! Profile that baby. And then of course when your ring is built...blast away with photos!! I would say Merry Christmas...but I think you are already over your merriment quota!!
Posted: 12/22/2007 3:26:58 PM

P: 12/22/2007 4:21:52 PM
bem3231 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 502 Last Post: 8/31/2008 Member Since: 8/28/2007	Thanks, DKS! Here's a flash photo with some sparklies...
Posted: 12/22/2007 4:21:52 PM

P: 12/22/2007 4:59:26 PM
sonomacounty Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,271 Last Post: 11/22/2009 Member Since: 12/5/2007	Bem, your ring is Awesome (and Huge) ! Congrats. Jon, his store and staff are absolutely all that people say. I can't imagine a finer operation.
Posted: 12/22/2007 4:59:26 PM

P: 12/22/2007 7:06:33 PM
bebe Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,003 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/20/2007	gorgeous! Thanks for posting. what size is your finger? That stone looks humongous!!
Posted: 12/22/2007 7:06:33 PM

P: 12/22/2007 7:56:48 PM
Jenna51580gr Cut Rock Total Posts: 112 Last Post: 1/16/2009 Member Since: 10/14/2007	Wow what a pretty ring. I am actually going to see Jonathon in January when I come to visit my parents since they live in Long Island. I live in Greece with my Fiance.
Posted: 12/22/2007 7:56:48 PM

P: 12/22/2007 9:36:11 PM
Skippy123 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 19,844 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 11/24/2006	WOWZERS! Gorgeous and congrats on that amazing stone Skippy "The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it, and the faith to believe it's possible" Rich Devos
Posted: 12/22/2007 9:36:11 PM

P: 12/22/2007 9:48:48 PM
Kaleigh Ideal Rock Total Posts: 25,920 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 11/18/2004	Yowza, that stone is gorgeous. Congrats. Loved your post. Jonathon does an awesome job with his videos. Can't wait to see more pics once it's set!! ENJOY!!! ____________________________ Piece of cake and a candle. ng gift
Posted: 12/22/2007 9:48:48 PM

P: 12/22/2007 10:13:31 PM
bem3231 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 502 Last Post: 8/31/2008 Member Since: 8/28/2007	Thanks for all the kind words. BTW my finger size is 5.5.
Posted: 12/22/2007 10:13:31 PM

P: 12/22/2007 10:18:07 PM
Fly Girl Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,769 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 1/9/2007	What a beautiful diamond!!! Big, white and sparkly. I have a soft spot for F VS2s and I think you made an excellent choice. Looking forward to you getting the diamond and a ring as well. **** Life is a Journey, not a Destination. ****
Posted: 12/22/2007 10:18:07 PM

P: 12/22/2007 11:18:53 PM
strmrdr Ideal Rock Total Posts: 23,296 Last Post: 10/9/2009 Member Since: 11/1/2003	Congrates!! and great job GOG Team! ........... Karl has joined the diamond trade and is now posting as Karl_K
Posted: 12/22/2007 11:18:53 PM

P: 12/22/2007 11:24:23 PM
Miranda Ideal Rock Total Posts: 4,042 Last Post: 9/24/2009 Member Since: 2/18/2006	What a beautiful stone! I looooove the GOG videos.
Posted: 12/22/2007 11:24:23 PM

P: 12/23/2007 1:12:25 AM
Jypsie Cut Rock Total Posts: 379 Last Post: 9/30/2009 Member Since: 10/22/2007	more pics more pics more pics!! It's beautiful!!! I wanna see more!! "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein
Posted: 12/23/2007 1:12:25 AM

P: 12/23/2007 2:44:49 AM
Deelight Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,096 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 10/4/2007	That is beyond words stunning __________________________________________________________ Sometimes if your really lucky all your dreams do come true ...............
Posted: 12/23/2007 2:44:49 AM

P: 12/23/2007 9:04:31 AM
Ellen Ideal Rock Total Posts: 22,894 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 1/13/2006	Date: 12/22/2007 2:44:30 PM Author:bem3231 Hello Pricescopers... Apologies for the excessively long post, however I know from our experience how overwhelming a diamond purchase can be for the uninitiated, and I wanted to share some of my experiences with GOG and their video technologies, and try to convey how they went out of their way to make this purchase a fun and exciting one. Thanks for reading! I’ll attach a photo of the 2.68 FVS2 which I hope will soon be mine! Happy Holidays! bem, no apologies needed. This is exactly the kind of post that proves most helpful to those doing research in the future. Thank you for taking the time to post it! I wonder, if you would be kind enough to elaborate even more? You have had the unique opportunity to view in real life, and with the videos. If you could possibly give your interpretation of how well the videos portray the diamonds vs. real life, that would be a huge asset to this post. Also, your impression of the branded rounds (Eightenity, etc.) would be most helpful. I realize I'm asking a lot, and I surely don't expect you to do this, if you so choose, before xmas. If you could find the time afterwards, it would be such a wealth of information, much needed and very much appreciated! Now, as for your choice.... -----> You picked an absolute stunner! It's just gorgeous, and HUGE! Congrats, and I can't wait to see it set! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any 'conspiracy theory of history' for a search for 'conspiracies' means a search for motives and an attribution of responsibility for historical misdeeds." -Murray N. Rothbard, in The Anatomy of the State John Swinton [1829-1901] Chief Editorial Writer of the New York Times (Considered "the Dean of his Profession" by his peers), when asked to toast an 'Independent Press' in a gathering at the National Press Club, circa 1880 "There is no such thing in America as an independent press unless it is in the country towns. You know it, and I know it. There is not one of you who dare express an honest opinion. If you express it you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid... for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for doing similar things.... The business of the New York journalist is to distort the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of Mammon, and sell his country and race for his daily bread, or for what is about the same thing, his salary. You know this, and I know it and what foolery to be toasting an 'independent press.' We are tools, and the vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are jumping-jacks. They pull the strings and we dance. Our time, our talents, our lives, our possibilities, all are the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."
Posted: 12/23/2007 9:04:31 AM

P: 12/23/2007 11:09:05 AM
bem3231 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 502 Last Post: 8/31/2008 Member Since: 8/28/2007	Hi Ellen - I would be more than happy to do this, and to post more photos. I have a couple which display nicely some of the distinctness of the Eighternity. I'll be away from my computer for a few days over Christmas, but will post some additional information and photos once I return. Thanks! b.
Posted: 12/23/2007 11:09:05 AM

P: 12/23/2007 11:21:17 AM
Ellen Ideal Rock Total Posts: 22,894 Last Post: 11/6/2009 Member Since: 1/13/2006	Awesome, thank you! Have a great Christmas!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any 'conspiracy theory of history' for a search for 'conspiracies' means a search for motives and an attribution of responsibility for historical misdeeds." -Murray N. Rothbard, in The Anatomy of the State John Swinton [1829-1901] Chief Editorial Writer of the New York Times (Considered "the Dean of his Profession" by his peers), when asked to toast an 'Independent Press' in a gathering at the National Press Club, circa 1880 "There is no such thing in America as an independent press unless it is in the country towns. You know it, and I know it. There is not one of you who dare express an honest opinion. If you express it you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid... for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for doing similar things.... The business of the New York journalist is to distort the truth, to lie outright, to pervert, to vilify, to fawn at the feet of Mammon, and sell his country and race for his daily bread, or for what is about the same thing, his salary. You know this, and I know it and what foolery to be toasting an 'independent press.' We are tools, and the vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are jumping-jacks. They pull the strings and we dance. Our time, our talents, our lives, our possibilities, all are the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."
Posted: 12/23/2007 11:21:17 AM

P: 12/23/2007 6:39:39 PM
sera Ideal Rock Total Posts: 2,086 Last Post: 5/22/2008 Member Since: 6/28/2007	Beautiful diamond! Congrats! The videos also helped me in choosing my diamond. I am in Los Angeles so didn't have an opportunity to view any in person. I didn't even have any photos or comments from PSers since the Princess of Hearts is new. My decision was made from a)the videos, b)Jon's word they performed as in the video and had the fire, brilliance and scint. I was looking for and c)recommendations for GOG by numerous PSers. I have to say, what I saw on the videos is what I see on my finger. The diamond was everything Jon said it would be. Both Jon and Marie ROCK!!! I highly recommend working with them! I can't say enough about GOG. And some day... when I get my Asscher RHR (), I can work with them again... and again... and again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ May you live all the days of your life. -Swift
Posted: 12/23/2007 6:39:39 PM

P: 12/24/2007 11:52:34 AM
diamondseeker2006 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 17,609 Last Post: 11/18/2009 Member Since: 1/11/2006	Wow, what an amazing stone!!! Jonathan is just a great guy, isn't he? I envy you that you were able to go there in person! Can't wait to see your completed ring! ~~~ When in doubt...don't.~~~
Posted: 12/24/2007 11:52:34 AM

P: 12/27/2007 9:37:21 PM
bem3231 Ideal Rock Total Posts: 502 Last Post: 8/31/2008 Member Since: 8/28/2007	Thanks everyone for the compliments! I'm looking forward to sharing more info and photos very soon!
Posted: 12/27/2007 9:37:21 PM

P: 12/27/2007 10:23:59 PM
mintve Ideal Rock Total Posts: 1,200 Last Post: 6/2/2009 Member Since: 10/15/2007	what a stunning stone! and yes, the videos kick booty! Everything Works Out for a Reason
Posted: 12/27/2007 10:23:59 PM

Previous Page

Next Page

« Question about ring design - side stones, mellee stones, etc «

» Whiteflash help.... »

Jump to:

Contact Us \| Back Home \| Privacy Statement \| Forum Agreement \| Forum Policies
Ideal BB Version: 0.1.5.4.beta1	Message forum software powered by the Ideal BB

Pricescope - Knowledge - Diamond Prices - Tools - Resources - About

© 2000-2009 Pricescope. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Disclaimer
forum archives