Bizarre GIA clone site

[John P]

http://www.oig-edu.com/index.htm

Google "osailey institute of gemology" and numerous Chinese links appear. It's an investment scam over there, with a host site selling franchises for labs.

The most disturbing page: http://www.oig-edu.com/Governance.htm

I see that Mr. Osailey looks a LOT like our friend Al Gilbertson in a stretchy jpg.


Open letter to OIG (tongue in cheek)

"Dear Sir or Madam,

I notice you've produced an Al Gilbertson simulant. You will find that true diamantaires insist on original, natural Al. We accept no substitute. It is a simple matter to test Al's refractive index & UV reaction and your stretchy clone does not pass muster.

Furthermore, trade standards for synthetic Al photos would call for a BRIGHT YELLOW background with full disclosure (example) in the spirit of the lab you're violating with your scam.

Finally, wow. Just wow.

Sincerely,

John"

*

In seriousness, I hope the site comes down soon. I'm not sure how many people it can fool but even one is too many.

 

[oldmancoyote]

I''m not sure if it is worrying or amusing. Probably both.

 

[John P]

Date: 5/2/2009 1:50:17 PM
Author: oldmancoyote
I'm not sure if it is worrying or amusing. Probably both.

That's my take on it.

Thank you PS for pinning it for a few days so Asian readers can see it and pass the word.

 

[Lorelei]

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Eluda J.Osailey, OIG''s Founder
Few experiences would have greater impact on Wichita jeweler Eluda J.Osailey, OIG''s eventual founder, than the period she devoted in 1925 to studying gemology in France.
Learning from the world''s leading experts of the day, in late 1927,Eluda would emigrate to the United States profoundly influenced by the noble traditions of Europe''s venerated guilds and institutes.


Really wierd!

 

[purrfectpear]

Wow, that Eluda is one good looking woman for someone that founded the OIG in 1928 at 44. She''d be what, 108 now? Must have had a superior plastic surgeon. Not only does she not look 108 in that photo, but it appears to be taken somewhat recently based on the clothing.

Equally weird is that my ex father-in-law owned 3 jewelry stores in Wichita for better than 50 years. We knew everyone in the industry in the city and I''ve never heard of anyone named Osailey? Go figure?

I noticed Stuller was on their list of board members?

 

[oldmancoyote]

PurrfectPear - unsuprisingly, she''s an elusive character.

Possibly related to this lady?

I wonder if the Stuller thing is a conscious name drop, or if like the rest of the names is simply made up and they struck gold on that one (pun intended).

 

[Rockit]

According to oldmancoyote's link, the brilliant and bewitching Eluda lived during the time of "b.S." Perhaps, that says it all?

 

[oldminer]

It looks as if OIG is NLOIG, No Longer OIG. Nothing comes up on the site. Will they get a government bail-out?

 

[John P]

Good to see action was taken.

Will they get a government bail-out?