Reader, if there’s anything more stressful than ordering a diamond sight unseen, I don’t want to know about it.
Here is my tale:
About 15 years ago my S.O. and I decide to upgrade the marital stone. A tiny thought flitted through my mind, “Only a fool would buy a diamond off the internet,” so off I went to the local B&M stores. But I didn't see what I was looking for, and I didn't feel comfortable with anyone I encountered, so I went straight home and said, “Nope, not doing that.” and SO says “OK”.
Flash forward to the present.
We’re watching a NOVA special about mining, including gemstone mining. I say “You know, this makes me want to upgrade my diamond again,” and SO says, “You should.”
This time, off I go to the internet.
I lurked and I lurked on Pricescope. I read blog after blog by diamond experts. Finally, I was ready to shop. But as luck would have it, I couldn’t find what I wanted (MRB, 3-ish cts, 9.3-.5 mm, H-G, Vs2-Vs1, and within my budget). I decided to do a cut-to-order, and based on the reputation of Paul and Wink as gleaned from this and other sites, I chose CBI/HPD.
[ Edited by Admin: Please do not use affiliate links. ]
As I was saying, I went with CBI/HPD and couldn’t be happier. Paul presented two viable roughs within one business day and I went with his recommendation. Wink was excellent about keeping me in the loop with emails and videos, and by phone when necessary (I’m not much for phone-talking). Melissa, Wink’s “ring person” was personable, and patient – so many emails I tossed off about the tiniest things; she responded quickly to them all. And lucky me! AGSL upgraded the clarity (which Paul thought was a possibility, but since he couldn’t guarantee it I was only on the hook (financially) for the lower clarity grade. Standard CBI policy). My ring arrived ahead of schedule and it’s absolutely as beautiful as I had hoped – white and bright – and the AGSL report hit all my sweet spots (i.e., Super Ideal). My favorite part may be the dispersion – it’s so stunning, I changed all the light bulbs in my home to LEDs. Fifteen years was a long time, but I made the right decision, and I would absolutely use CBI and HPD again.
p.s. I'm posting a pic on "Show me the bling."
Here is my tale:
About 15 years ago my S.O. and I decide to upgrade the marital stone. A tiny thought flitted through my mind, “Only a fool would buy a diamond off the internet,” so off I went to the local B&M stores. But I didn't see what I was looking for, and I didn't feel comfortable with anyone I encountered, so I went straight home and said, “Nope, not doing that.” and SO says “OK”.
Flash forward to the present.
We’re watching a NOVA special about mining, including gemstone mining. I say “You know, this makes me want to upgrade my diamond again,” and SO says, “You should.”
This time, off I go to the internet.
I lurked and I lurked on Pricescope. I read blog after blog by diamond experts. Finally, I was ready to shop. But as luck would have it, I couldn’t find what I wanted (MRB, 3-ish cts, 9.3-.5 mm, H-G, Vs2-Vs1, and within my budget). I decided to do a cut-to-order, and based on the reputation of Paul and Wink as gleaned from this and other sites, I chose CBI/HPD.
[ Edited by Admin: Please do not use affiliate links. ]
As I was saying, I went with CBI/HPD and couldn’t be happier. Paul presented two viable roughs within one business day and I went with his recommendation. Wink was excellent about keeping me in the loop with emails and videos, and by phone when necessary (I’m not much for phone-talking). Melissa, Wink’s “ring person” was personable, and patient – so many emails I tossed off about the tiniest things; she responded quickly to them all. And lucky me! AGSL upgraded the clarity (which Paul thought was a possibility, but since he couldn’t guarantee it I was only on the hook (financially) for the lower clarity grade. Standard CBI policy). My ring arrived ahead of schedule and it’s absolutely as beautiful as I had hoped – white and bright – and the AGSL report hit all my sweet spots (i.e., Super Ideal). My favorite part may be the dispersion – it’s so stunning, I changed all the light bulbs in my home to LEDs. Fifteen years was a long time, but I made the right decision, and I would absolutely use CBI and HPD again.
p.s. I'm posting a pic on "Show me the bling."
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