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Parks fine group inc

monipod

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 25, 2019
Messages
1,041
A lady asked if an eternity band could be resized down and he told her to go eat a cheeseburger! :oops2: Very uncalled for.

No, the conversation went like this:

Lady - Can this be resized to a 6?
Alex - No. You would have to take every stone out and rebuild with new setting.
Lady - Sizing beads?
Alex - Would be uncomfortable. Eat more cheeseburgers or wait for smaller size.

After this, many followers including the Lady herself posted laughing and cheeseburgers emojis. Alex then went on to discuss what you can/can't do with eternity ring sizing. No one seemed upset.

I'm sorry, and I get how bias will slant how we read things but there wasn't anything rude about that exchange. Warped sense of humour maybe? I just don't think we need to assassinate someone's character without actually reading what was written on Instagram.

Clearly many people have had negative experiences with him and I feel badly for them but as many pointed out, it's easy enough to go elsewhere. Many others have clearly had good experiences and are return customers.

The stone I bought from Alex arrived today and it is amazing. I let him know that it arrived safe and quickly asked his tip for a setting. He answered briefly as I expected but pleasantly, and asked me to send him a photo of what I end up doing with it.

I can only suggest that those who are on the fence check out his Instagram posts (all of them). He's not a bad guy and isn't impossible to work with.
 

bibiloves

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
169
No, the conversation went like this:

Lady - Can this be resized to a 6?
Alex - No. You would have to take every stone out and rebuild with new setting.
Lady - Sizing beads?
Alex - Would be uncomfortable. Eat more cheeseburgers or wait for smaller size.

After this, many followers including the Lady herself posted laughing and cheeseburgers emojis. Alex then went on to discuss what you can/can't do with eternity ring sizing. No one seemed upset.

I'm sorry, and I get how bias will slant how we read things but there wasn't anything rude about that exchange. Warped sense of humour maybe? I just don't think we need to assassinate someone's character without actually reading what was written on Instagram.

Clearly many people have had negative experiences with him and I feel badly for them but as many pointed out, it's easy enough to go elsewhere. Many others have clearly had good experiences and are return customers.

The stone I bought from Alex arrived today and it is amazing. I let him know that it arrived safe and quickly asked his tip for a setting. He answered briefly as I expected but pleasantly, and asked me to send him a photo of what I end up doing with it.

I can only suggest that those who are on the fence check out his Instagram posts (all of them). He's not a bad guy and isn't impossible to work with.

He could have said "i wouldn't recommend sizing beads as it would be uncomfortable". No need for the cheeseburger comment. He's running a business after all, he doesn't have to be nice but at least be professional. I wonder how one would act if they receive this comment when asking about a ring in a jewelry store. Just because you're doing business on a social platform doesn't make it ok to spew out whatever comes to your mind. It's not professional, it's distasteful.
 

clearfading

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 29, 2016
Messages
318
He is a jerk in my experience too. I'm not saying he is a bad guy but his customer skills are lacking. Didn't start out that way, would actually ask me questions back and had a good rapport but then came the snide and snarky comments and don't have time for this attitude and leave me alone kind of stuff...it was weird. I would say back, but you just asked me the question, now you say get lost when I answer. Anyways, I asked if an item was sold and he blocked me. Moving on...too bad he has this attitude as he is a reasonably priced vendor but I think that being said it went to his head and he just thinks, next.
 

autumngems

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 24, 2003
Messages
2,600
Haha, he must have seen my previous post about his attitude and blocked me because I don't see his IG posts now.
 

monipod

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 25, 2019
Messages
1,041
He could have said "i wouldn't recommend sizing beads as it would be uncomfortable". No need for the cheeseburger comment. He's running a business after all, he doesn't have to be nice but at least be professional. I wonder how one would act if they receive this comment when asking about a ring in a jewelry store. Just because you're doing business on a social platform doesn't make it ok to spew out whatever comes to your mind. It's not professional, it's distasteful.

It’s entirely up to him how he conducts himself because as you said, he’s running a business. His.

Just to clarify, I have no issue with people posting their opinion or actual dealings with Alex but let's keep things factual. The comment that has raised the ire of people was taken out of context. Was it professional? I think he answered the question.
 
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Sparklythingymabobs

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 27, 2019
Messages
18
No, the conversation went like this:

Lady - Can this be resized to a 6?
Alex - No. You would have to take every stone out and rebuild with new setting.
Lady - Sizing beads?
Alex - Would be uncomfortable. Eat more cheeseburgers or wait for smaller size.

After this, many followers including the Lady herself posted laughing and cheeseburgers emojis. Alex then went on to discuss what you can/can't do with eternity ring sizing. No one seemed upset.

I'm sorry, and I get how bias will slant how we read things but there wasn't anything rude about that exchange. Warped sense of humour maybe? I just don't think we need to assassinate someone's character without actually reading what was written on Instagram.

Clearly many people have had negative experiences with him and I feel badly for them but as many pointed out, it's easy enough to go elsewhere. Many others have clearly had good experiences and are return customers.

The stone I bought from Alex arrived today and it is amazing. I let him know that it arrived safe and quickly asked his tip for a setting. He answered briefly as I expected but pleasantly, and asked me to send him a photo of what I end up doing with it.

I can only suggest that those who are on the fence check out his Instagram posts (all of them). He's not a bad guy and isn't impossible to work with.
Thanks for the context @monipod
After seeing the entire exchange I think that it wasn’t that bad
 

LLJsmom

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Oct 24, 2012
Messages
12,633
Regardless of what people’s opinions of his interactions are, he’s not changing because he doesn’t feel the need to. He’s making just fine money the way he’s conducting business now. Interesting. Hmmm. Maybe I should say astounding. Well like my mom says, there’s someone for everyone. :confused2:
 

the_mother_thing

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Mar 2, 2013
Messages
6,306
His comment about the cheeseburger - viewed in full context - may not seem all that bad in the big picture, but the problem is - these days - seems like darn near everyone finds offense in something. And that’s not exactly a secret, so like ... why take the risk, unless you just don’t care if you offend someone. I am not one to be easily offended, but I do try not to carelessly offend someone (unless they are an outright jackhole, then no, I don’t care). But I’m not running a business where my livelihood is dependent on others choosing to spend their money with me.
 

Ozdeb1

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 30, 2015
Messages
1
It just occurred to me that the pawn shop I frequent here in CT has a diamond buyer named Alex come in from NY to buy frequently.

Wouldn't it be a coincidence if it was the same Alex? I know it's a long shot, Alex is a common name, probably lots of diamond dealers with that name but still.....

Hi Yada, does the pawn shop you visit have a website where I could have a look at their stock? TIA Deb
 

lala646

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Nov 4, 2018
Messages
1,739
It looks like I may be one of the few who has had a pleasant experience with Alex? I reached out to him via email about setting a stone I had. He said he didn't really do that, but since I worked just a few blocks from his shop, come on by and he would take care of me. I thought it was really generous. He was super friendly, the price for the work was reasonable, and he turned it around super quickly. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him again if I ever have the budget for something larger.
 

YadaYadaYada

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Feb 2, 2016
Messages
11,841
Hi Yada, does the pawn shop you visit have a website where I could have a look at their stock? TIA Deb

No they don't, I'm sorry, they are a very small place.
 

elizat

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Mar 23, 2013
Messages
4,000
@lkolarik I have had 4, I think, purchases and they all have been problem free. I have had no issues at all. He graciously allowed me to return as well, no questions asked. My experience has been positive.
 

soxfan

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
4,814
Plenty of people on here have had excellent experiences with Alex. He held a stone for me FOREVER but he had an interested buyer so he had to let it go. Even gave me 2 weeks to purchase it. Never had anything but positive experiences with him.
 

Cerulean

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 13, 2019
Messages
5,077
Hiring a social media coordinator might save his business.

Couldn't agree more with this. Might bite him in the long run. My guess is though, he can keep margins thinner (and prices low) by churning out inventory as a one-man show, moving fast and abruptly in his communications, and isn't really interested in spending much time hand-holding because he doesn't have to. I have seen him claim that he will block people that bother him (i.e. for a giveaway). He thinks the lost customer is worth the saved time I guess. It's not really a scalable, customer-centric business model, but there is something for everyone!

My interactions with him have been fine, but I have never bought anything from him, just inquired. Seems a bad fit for a buyer that isn't willing to deal with curtness to get a good deal. I also find this interaction - well, unsavory. Sorry OP. You don't want those vibes and your understandably negative feelings about it to hitch themselves to a special purchase anyways.

What is beautiful about being in a consumer in a capitalist economy - is that you get to vote with your dollars. And there are plenty of fish in the proverbial sea! You will find your special stone!
 

Lvoeshinythings

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jul 25, 2018
Messages
384
I’ve bought from him and so has my friend. He is short with replies and to the point, no fluff. If you can get around that style of communication, I think he offers excellent deals for nice stones and great work.
 

Mreader

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 14, 2018
Messages
6,073
I’ve bought from him and so has my friend. He is short with replies and to the point, no fluff. If you can get around that style of communication, I think he offers excellent deals for nice stones and great work.

Older thread but I am a recent discoverer of his IG page and have read these mixed reviews. What I’m wondering about it what the experience has been with bench work bc I’ve seen some psers who have had custom work from him. Dealing with surliness when buying a stone is one matter but a custom project - I would be apprehensive about what would happen if you did run into problems during the process!
 

maryjane04

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Nov 21, 2013
Messages
1,531
Older thread but I am a recent discoverer of his IG page and have read these mixed reviews. What I’m wondering about it what the experience has been with bench work bc I’ve seen some psers who have had custom work from him. Dealing with surliness when buying a stone is one matter but a custom project - I would be apprehensive about what would happen if you did run into problems during the process!

I can remember a few threads where Alex has made a few custom projects. This one in particular in regards to satisfaction. It seems like he does try to please:
 

MakingTheGrade

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Mar 2, 2009
Messages
12,936
I’ve bought and had him set a diamond for me before. Went fine. Not the chattiest guy but not rude, just efficient. His inventory sells fast so I can understand his not having much motivation to alter his tactics. Seems to be working for him as his items often sell out in the first few minutes of posting which probably speaks to his pricing and general quality of goods.
 

Bling_of_Fire

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
77
I’m new to PS and I recently contacted him about a custom setting for my stone bc I saw here he did a halo in a style I’m looking for. I contacted a couple of other vendors too. I sent pics and a detailed message and he wrote back right away but it was super short, like “the setting will be $.” And that’s it. I followed up to ask about turnaround time and if they do sketches etc bc I’ve never done custom before so I don’t know how it works. He again was super quick to respond, saying “are made with cad model. Built around the center stone and customize to the customer”. Anyway this is not exactly bad, and I was happy he responded so quickly but I feel like it prompts me to ask more questions thus coming across as annoying. The other person wrote back asking me more questions about what I was looking for and the explained the process, deposit stuff etc. With Alex I’m still unsure of these things so I would have to reply and ask but it seems he’s not happy with a customer asking too many questions lol. This customer in the thread above actually got to see him ftf which probably helps. She also bought the stone from him. He does offer some amazing prices on his IG page. I often wonder how he is able to do that!
 

MillieLou

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 27, 2020
Messages
824
He does offer some amazing prices on his IG page. I often wonder how he is able to do that!

Probably precisely by dissuading those who, to him, appear to require a lot of "customer service". He has probably found that those who make (what he perceives as) a lot of enquiries are more likely to be picky, and he incurs more time and expense with them down the line eg with returns.

My first thread here was about a Colored Stone vendor who stated upfront on his home page that he did not sell spinels to "Pricescope members" and would not provide any additional photos or videos to them. That's taking things a bit far (!!), but I think we sometimes lose sight of the fact that discerning and exacting buyers are not necessarily the most desirable to a business.
 

Nymf

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Feb 4, 2017
Messages
125
I’ve had nothing but positive conversations and purchases with Alex, he replies very promptly, to the point, and his stones and settings are great (price wise and looks wise)
 

NicoleNeedsHelp

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Aug 20, 2020
Messages
507
I contacted Alex about a necklace with a small OEC (.7 carat). I gave him my budget and he found a beautiful OEC and set it in a East/West halo. I also discussed an eternity band with him and he did a CAD for me and we both realized that the design would be ugly, so we scraped it. I found him to be responsive to all my messages. For me, I enjoyed working with him.
 

Bling_of_Fire

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
77
I contacted Alex about a necklace with a small OEC (.7 carat). I gave him my budget and he found a beautiful OEC and set it in a East/West halo. I also discussed an eternity band with him and he did a CAD for me and we both realized that the design would be ugly, so we scraped it. I found him to be responsive to all my messages. For me, I enjoyed working with him.

That is encouraging.
 

munchee

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 12, 2011
Messages
617
I think he’s just someone who’s just not into BS and likes to make a sarcastic comment, whether it’ll offend someone or not, he just doesn’t care. He gave a really fair price, if the customer wants it just get it and if you can’t take it just get your business elsewhere and he’s fine with it, he just doesn’t think he has to be loved by everyone. I can say he is not a jerk at all but just doesn’t feel the need to be loved by everyone. I got a ring from him, about his benchwork, you got what you paid for, I paid $200 for the ring and obviously its not fair if I expected it to be a VC/DK quality right? I think for what he charged for the setting its really a good deal.
For the pricing, I think before his ig got many followers he mainly deals with other dealers, and the good price basically because now he’s selling it to the customers and bypassing dealers.
Oh I don’t think he’s accepting doing setting only now.
 
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Bling_of_Fire

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
77
I think he’s just someone who’s just not into BS and likes to make a sarcastic comment, whether it’ll offend someone or not, he just doesn’t care. He gave a really fair price, if the customer wants it just get it and if you can’t take it just get your business elsewhere and he’s fine with it, he just doesn’t think he has to be loved by everyone. I can say he is not a jerk at all but just doesn’t feel the need to be loved by everyone. I got a ring from him, about his benchwork, you got what you paid for, I paid $200 for the ring and thats because I want a yellow gold, if its WG I think its much less and obviously its not fair if I expected it to be a VC/DK quality right? I think for what he charged for the setting its really a good deal.
For the pricing, I think before his ig got many followers he mainly deals with other dealers, and the good price basically because now he’s selling it to the customers and bypassing dealers.
Oh I don’t think he’s accepting doing setting only now.

Wow was the setting very simple? He actually told me that he would do the setting and quoted me over 2K but the setting has a lot of diamond weight. I’m also waiting to hear from DK on a quote.
 

munchee

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Feb 12, 2011
Messages
617
Wow was the setting very simple? He actually told me that he would do the setting and quoted me over 2K but the setting has a lot of diamond weight. I’m also waiting to hear from DK on a quote.
Maybe because yours is halo and with alot of diamond. He does try to please his customers, with the product, not words. For $200 I would not complain :D

25B3D543-ECDC-4910-B044-9E7BE2902FAD.jpeg
 

Bling_of_Fire

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
77
Maybe because yours is halo and with alot of diamond. He does try to please his customers, with the product, not words. For $200 I would not complain :D

25B3D543-ECDC-4910-B044-9E7BE2902FAD.jpeg

Definitely not! And yes I wasn’t surprised or deterred by the quote.
 

Dee*Jay

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Mar 26, 2006
Messages
15,104
Sparkly, I have gotten two stones from Alex and wouldn't hesitate for one second to buy more. For the first stone we communicated (a lot) through email and text and I ultimately went to see the stone in person (I was going to be in NY anyway so it was an easy visit to arrange). The second stone I committed to sight-unseen (except for electronically of course) and had it shipped to me. Alex's communication style was fine with me, but I was pretty straightforward too so our back-and-forth wasn't off putting OR overly-friendly. I just took it as a business person doing a business deal. A lot gets lost in electronic communications, which have no "tone" but I think if you met him in person he'd be perfectly nice. I can't speak to his setting quality or price as I had the settings for both stones made by DK.
 
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