Can we do a 'recent vendors we've had good experiences with' thread?

[Brightshiny]

Nothing negative, no self-promotion, just people/businesses you've had a positive interaction with - maybe they were really helpful with a question, maybe they sold you your white whale, or maybe you're currently wearing everything they've ever made...

Share the people who have recently helped make your CS dreams come true. Who can you recommend from a recent (within 6-12 months) positive interaction?

I'll go: I've never had a bad experience with Yvonne at CRD. When I had a ring turn out slightly wonky, she went above and beyond to fix it. And her work is beautiful! I'm waiting now for ring #3, and have plans for ring #4.

 

[Autumn in New England]

GemStore-24 (Germany)! Nikolas is the loveliest person to work with ever!!

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Dr_Diesel! Not a vendor but my mandarin garnet and caliber cut pink sapphires are fabulous.

 

[Odyssey44]

A few! I have spent a lot of time weeding through Instagram sellers overseas! So far my favorite who has been very nice, has good prices, has some nice things on his page and will look for stones for you and can cut them as well is gemoplanet. He seems eager to please. I found him by noticing a designer followed him. Finding who jewelry designers you like follow can be a good way to find good sellers.

On gemrockauctions I have had a great experience with gemrough. I have only bought stones, not rough, despite the name. He is a gemologist, in the US, and has precision cut stones he has cut himself. Prices are very fair. Took many pictures under multiple light sources when I asked! Probably the most I have ever received.

On Etsy Richard Homer's site has a great customer service person who basically told me every single stone they had available in a color I was looking for, complete with pictures. I think she may be his wife? I did not ask. All the stones are concave cut, but I really like the one I bought. Pricy but not crazy. His cutting is concave perfection.

Jeff White of course, always great to work with. He is meticulous and understands my preferences very well and remembers them. I have something coming from him shortly! He is really nice to talk to.

I have had some not very good experiences too. It is so important to find people you can trust, not just to take a return back, but to accurately represent a stone in the first place in pictures and videos and answer your questions truthfully. Also, unless I have bought from a seller before, I now refuse to buy unless I can use a credit card/paypal. I was burnt once and never again! It provides some safety on Instagram especially. I have nothing but praise for how Platinum Amex handles disputes.

Nice idea for a thread so we help each other. Now I will go plan for my trip to ban island. I keep saying I need to go and never make it!! This thread may not help me get there.

 

[winnietucker]

DK, as always.

Didn’t complete a purchase but Jeff White is so kind.

Dan Stair was similarly great to work with.