What made you decide to start posting on Pricescope?

[missy]

So just reading a thread here this morning made me think of this question. Over the years reading posts here I see there are a number of people who describe themselves as "lurkers" and then for whatever reason they start posting. I know for many the reason is they need advice on a diamond or gemstone or other piece of bling. So they start posting. Others (like me) just dive right in and start asking questions and learn as they go. Other posters are more thoughtful and deliberate before they first start posting here. And some stay but others come for info and then leave or just continue lurking.

Please share your PS beginning and PS "story" here.

What made you decide to start posting and what made you decide to stay.

And if you took a "break" why did you take that break and why did you return?

 

[sarahb]

I joined years ago when researching for my eternity ring, which led me to PS. I mostly lurk, but have been posting more than usual lately. I go dark then post in spurts, depending on what is happening. This most recent spurt is to keep my mind occupied, have a surgery coming up--which is nerve-wracking. Plus our weather has been simply crap this spring. To give you an idea, today--4/16, is a snow day for schools.

 

[missy]

I joined years ago when researching for my eternity ring, which led me to PS. I mostly lurk, but have been posting more than usual lately. I go dark then post in spurts, depending on what is happening. This most recent spurt is to keep my mind occupied, have a surgery coming up--which is nerve-wracking. Plus our weather has been simply crap this spring. To give you an idea, today--4/16, is a snow day for schools.

Sarah, sending you buckets of healing vibes for your upcoming surgery. (((Hugs))).

 

[Dee*Jay]

I has just gotten a 3 ct oval with an indented natural on the girdle and I was having a heart attack that the thing was structurally unsound. And I think YOU, darling Missy, may have been the first person to ever respond to one of my posts!

 

[daneshpastry]

I came initially for the knowledge - now stay for the eyecandy, friendly people, and advice.

I will say this though - there are a lot of posts that people make that make me cringe. Ugly jewellery , ridiculous dilemmas , and just poor taste levels in general. BUT - I'm likely equally as guilty of these crimes, so if I have nothing nice to say, I keep my mouth shut.

 

[bludiva]

i was lurking while we figured out ER shopping & joined to get access to the Preloved section. I started posting to get advice on an heirloom ring I had and then it just got addictive.

 

[Gussie]

I didn't lurk at all (maybe an hour!). I had just bought an upgrade ring from Blue Nile without a whole lot of research. I tend to be a bit impulsive but am working on it. Anyway, I got really nervous about both the setting and the diamond. So I decided to ask about it. The great part was that I had lucked upon a very well cut GIA XXX and in fact, when I traded it in to wf a few months ago, they listed it a premium select. The setting, on the other hand, is sitting in a jewelry box, unused, unloved. Unfortunately, it was custom so not returnable. I knew within a few days of being on PS that I was in trouble. SO. MANY. PRETTIES.

I started reading lots of threads in hangout too and though y'all were A-OK. Glad to be a part of this community. My wallet - not so much, lol!

 

[lyra]

I can't even remember how I found PS, or what I was looking for. My memory is getting so bad. I know I've always loved jewelry, gemstones and diamonds. I just don't remember the day I found PS at all!

 

[stracci2000]

Good question, Missy.
I joined in 2007, and lurked for along time.
My collection, though extensive, doesn't include jewelry to compare with some ladies here. I just can't play at that level.
Believe me, I want a large OEC so bad I can taste it.
I am hopeful though, that something will fall into my lap sooner or later. It always does. I've been lucky that way.

Anyway, I was feeling like my stuff wasn't good enough to show here.
But then I took another look, and decided that I do have some nice things worth sharing with this community.
So I took the plunge and started to post.
I'm very glad I did. I have learned so much from all of you!

 

[sarahb]

Sarah, sending you buckets of healing vibes for your upcoming surgery. (((Hugs))).

You are so kind & thoughtful Missy, if it wasn't for the NIRDI's back in the day...you guys helped my spirits & pulled me along to recovery with the hip thingy. Appreciate your thoughts & kindness, sending (((hugs))) right back!!

 

[luv2sparkle]

I had done as much library research as I could years before, and when I found pricescope, I was drawn to the wealth of information here. I couldn't get enough. Everything I ever wanted to know was here, and I had no idea there was such a thing as an ideal cut stone, or that I could actually find the parameters that made a difference in how a stone looked to my eye. I was thrilled that I had enough information that I could hold my own when looking at stones and that there were reputable vendors that I could trust. I loved being able to see others sparklies and chat with them. It was shangri-la to me and I have enjoyed it all the years since.

 

[Calliecake]

@sarahb, i’m sorry to hear you have an upcoming surgery. It is always nerve wracking when dealing with health issues. I hope your surgery goes well and you are feeling great quickly.

I came to Pricescope in an attempt to make better decisions when purchasing jewelry and not be as guided by what I fall in love with. I’m still basing purchases on what I love when I look down at my hand so I guess nothing I’ve learned has really done much good. My heart always wins when it comes to jewelry. I stayed because the people are so nice. I lurked for at least a year before I made my first post.

 

[Maggiemeans]

So I used to post under another name years ago. Not much. Similar to my style now... went away for years.. came back when it was my time for a ring. old name was gone which was a good thing and I got to start anew. This is a distraction from life.
Plus I love learning about jewelry.

 

[MeowMeow]

I also joined years ago. PS had been mentioned on another forum I was part of at the time and since I was a sparkle addict I decided to join. Ive mostly been a lurker over the years though. Since I can't buy much I'm mostly here to drool over other people's pretties lmao. Once in awhile i see a post i want to participate in and so I do. Even if I can't buy much it doesn't mean I shouldn't be learning as much as I can for the next purchase I do get to make
Plus I really appreciate the people here and I'm so glad to see this place still going.

 

[canuk-gal]

I joined years ago when researching for my eternity ring, which led me to PS. I mostly lurk, but have been posting more than usual lately. I go dark then post in spurts, depending on what is happening. This most recent spurt is to keep my mind occupied, have a surgery coming up--which is nerve-wracking. Plus our weather has been simply crap this spring. To give you an idea, today--4/16, is a snow day for schools.

Take care--healing vibes your way!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I lurked for a while to learn about diamonds for an upgrade. Joined to make friends after a long friendship of over 20 years ended and I needed some friends and online seemed pretty safe. Stayed because I've met some cool folks who I jive with and like to be part of something with people who share a common interest

 

[Austina]

I joined because I’d found a setting I really liked and wondered if anyone had dealt with the company.

Needless to say, I was advised they weren’t PS approved and not to touch them. I ignored the advice and went ahead with my purchase, and am delighted with my ring.

I stayed because I’ve met a wonderful bunch of ladies, who I’m happy to call friends. I’ve met up with one of them, and will be meeting up with another soon. They represent the best of forum friendship, kind, supportive and non judgemental.

Of course, I love to ogle all the beautiful sparkles people post, that’s a bonus

 

[Tekate]

Great topic @missy I was looking on trying to replicate my engagement ring stone from my first husband. I knew it threw off color, not like my stone from my husband, it was a E 1.50 VVS1 OEC, that stone was a rainbow, it threw off some much colors, I had placed it in a semi bezel setting and wore it as a pendant, until my former mother in law asked for it back after 31 years of me having it, she wanted me to have it, since I was married her jerk of a son, but when her grandson needed a stone, she and her daughter hit me up, and I had to return it, because when ex and I become engaged he specifically said "my mother says if break up the stone is a family stone and it must come back" (very romantic) I truly felt that was right actually, she said I could keep it, till I couldn't - so I searched the web.. found OEC here on PS and I"ve been here 5 years and am indebted to everyone especially Missy, and Red two people I admire. and all of you who have read the tome.

Peace

 

[Dancing Fire]

Please share your PS beginning and PS "story" here.

What made you decide to start posting and what made you decide to stay.
I had some Qs about buying a 3ct MRB. I stay b/c I'm hoping to find me a sugar Ma Ma. ..

And if you took a "break" why did you take that break and why did you return?
Ella made me stand at the corner of the classroom for 3 months....

 

[anne_h]

I found pricescope in my twenties, when I started having enough disposable income to buy jewelry. I had always loved jewelry, especially antique. And I'm big into research and self-education, so this was the perfect place! Back then, widget was still active and I remember she had so many gorgeous antique pieces.

I never felt hesitant to post, and did post questions about various purchase decisions. There are so many helpful experts here, it's a wonderful resource.

Now, I have more experience in buying, so I don't need to post questions as often. So I tend to spend more time in Hangout. lol

Anne

 

[Starfacet]

I originally found PS when I was looking for an oval diamond. I was a pretty regular visitor until my husband had a terrible illness and lost his job. I became the major breadwinner and had no money to spend on jewelry, so I closed my account. Fast forward several years later, I decided to rejoin with a new username because I'm in a better place financially to pick up a few pretties! Plus, I've connected with some awesome people on here!

 

[sarahb]

@sarahb, i’m sorry to hear you have an upcoming surgery. It is always nerve wracking when dealing with health issues. I hope your surgery goes well and you are feeling great quickly.

Thank you too Callie, appreciate your kind words!!

 

[sarahb]

Take care--healing vibes your way!

Thank you Sharon--very much appreciate--I hope spring gets to you quickly!

 

[kenny]

Of course I first visited for the diamond info.

But I stayed for the wonderful community ... oh, and also because I'm a loser with no life.
Proof: 26,642 posts.

For that many posts don't you think Andrey should buy me a 3 carat D IF Octavia, ACA or CBI?
... just so it's 1 point bigger than DF's new rock.

 

[Cozystitches]

Fun thread!

I found this forum as it was recommended on a different forum. I have always loved jewelry, particularly rings, and have really come to learn a lot! I no longer spend time in maul stores as they just don't have what I want. I would rather wait to get the quality I know I'll love rather than settle. On the Purse Forum someone has this quote and I love it: "Buy the best, cry once. Settle for less, cry forever." I feel this is really true and why I'm still saving for what I REALLY want!

Oh, and I left for a while because I was busy with teaching and school. I'm back off and on. I don't always agree with the majority here, however most people are quite respectful and I do like hearing other opinions (even if I don't agree).

 

[House Cat]

I came here to learn how to buy an OEC. Coati and Upgradable helped me to really stretch my dollar. I will be forever grateful to them.

I then began hanging out at Bride World Wide as I began planning my wedding. I always felt out of my league because the women seemed rather well off and I was knee deep in raising four children but everyone was always so gracious and kind to me. Because of their help and ideas, my wedding was unforgettable. I will never forget the support they gave to me when my step dad killed himself two months before my wedding. Because so many members of my family used their time and resources to attend the funeral and help my mom (understandably,) they couldn’t come to my small wedding. I literally had 35 guests attend. With the encouragement of the forum, I was able to see the day for what it was, amazing and intimate.

I come here now because I am fond of some of the posters. I feel that I learn from many of the people here.

I’ve taken a few breaks. I’m sensitive.

 

[Lorelei]

I started posting after lurking because I was so pleased with the things I'd learnt, that I wanted to pass it on and found I really enjoyed it.

I then took a break in mid 2010 due to a life change, it wasn't intentional but I needed all my resources to deal with it at the time and the past few years have been erratic but all worked out well. I lurked and carried on learning and keeping up with things diamond related.

I came back in 2014 but my Mother went from bad to worse and again, taking care of her took all my time, there wasn't much time left for me. She then died and I popped in when Lisa gave me the terrible news about our Angello, realised I missed you guys and came back.

I suppose in a way as a community we're pretty unique with the longevity of many posters. It's unusual for posters to stick around as long as many have here and as a result, sometimes life just gets in the way. But that says a lot about the warmth of the vast majority of the posters here that we keep coming back and or sticking around. A shared love of diamonds won't do that, enjoying each other's postings and interactions will.

I think we're all pretty lucky and a big shout out to admin who do such a fantastic job keeping Pricescope running so smoothly and safely, it's a huge undertaking.

 

[doberman]

I was planning a shower for my friend and looked on a wedding website for ideas. Naturally I strayed over to the website's ring section and one poster mentioned PS. This was years ago and I'm still here lol.

 

[LLJsmom]

Bought a new diamond after 15 years of marriage and was trying to learn about diamonds. Stumbled across PS and found people that loved diamonds and it felt safe to ask the dumb questions. Never occurred to me not to ask. Stayed cause of the people. They are real and they are awesome. My diamond and jewelry peeps. You know who you are. And I am grateful for every one of you.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My husband said I could get a new diamond ring for an anniversary at the end of that year, and all I knew is that I wanted high quality. I found Pricescope in my search for knowledge about diamond quality, thankfully! Many diamonds later, I am still here! It's my hobby and I have many friends here, too!

I've never intentionally taken an extended break, but I was here checking in occasionally from mid 2009 through the end of 2010 due to looking for new house, buying new house, furniture shopping, moving, getting old house ready to sell, older daughter gets engaged so then I am into full time wedding planning for her, then the wedding and Christmas that December. Probably the busiest year and a half of my life!