First time buying online. Help needed!

[GreenBling]

Hi,

I've jut engaged GOG to help me find a stone. The is my first time purchasing a diamond online, so Id like to ask those who have done this before:

How many stones were you shown before you found the one?

Were the video / photo, IS images, comments etc acurate representation of the stone in real life?

What would you have done differently, or more the next time?

Any input and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[0-0-0]

I have not bought from GOG before, but IMO GOG's videos are the closest you can get to an accurate representation of the stones, short of seeing them in person. If I'm buying from GOG, I would definitely ask for comparison videos of the potential candidates, in the various lighting environments, face up, at an angle, and from the side.

 

[webdiva]

I purchased a stone from JA after seeing a picture but mistakenly not asking for an ASET (I was looking for a cushion or square shape). My mistake. There were certain situations the stone didn't have optimum light performance. Their customer service was very helpful in suggesting a couple other stones and evaluating them but I didn't love any of them. Since you're limited to evaluating three stones, I was stuck having to look somewhere else. I knew I wanted a vendor that already had ASETs (Idealscopes for Round Brilliants) up on the site for their stones so I didn't waste any more time, and learned how to read them.

I was able to look through GOG's inventory myself and choose 3 finalists. They made a video of all three and I chose the best one. I had them ship it to me prior to setting to evaluate it. I'm THRILLED with it - choosing the stone with the best cut makes such a difference and I honestly look at it WAAAAYYY too much all day! As with any vendor, make sure that you communicate your exact preferences to GOG and I'm sure you'll find something fantastic. I'm also happy with my Bev K setting from them. Happy Shopping!

 

[GreenBling]

I have not bought from GOG before, but IMO GOG's videos are the closest you can get to an accurate representation of the stones, short of seeing them in person. If I'm buying from GOG, I would definitely ask for comparison videos of the potential candidates, in the various lighting environments, face up, at an angle, and from the side.

Thanks. I had not thought of requesting to view from the side and at an angle. Good tip!

 

[GreenBling]

I purchased a stone from JA after seeing a picture but mistakenly not asking for an ASET (I was looking for a cushion or square shape). My mistake. There were certain situations the stone didn't have optimum light performance. Their customer service was very helpful in suggesting a couple other stones and evaluating them but I didn't love any of them. Since you're limited to evaluating three stones, I was stuck having to look somewhere else. I knew I wanted a vendor that already had ASETs (Idealscopes for Round Brilliants) up on the site for their stones so I didn't waste any more time, and learned how to read them.

I was able to look through GOG's inventory myself and choose 3 finalists. They made a video of all three and I chose the best one. I had them ship it to me prior to setting to evaluate it. I'm THRILLED with it - choosing the stone with the best cut makes such a difference and I honestly look at it WAAAAYYY too much all day! As with any vendor, make sure that you communicate your exact preferences to GOG and I'm sure you'll find something fantastic. I'm also happy with my Bev K setting from them. Happy Shopping!

the videos are shot under controlled lighting and the stone is magnified. I am concerned that the stone may look and perform different In real life. Or am I over thinking?

Btw, glad that you found the one!

 

[Haywood74]

the videos are shot under controlled lighting and the stone is magnified. I am concerned that the stone may look and perform different In real life. Or am I over thinking?

Btw, glad that you found the one!

The diamond I purchased from GOG looks just as good in person as it did in the video

Think of it this way, magnifying the stone(s) makes it easier to see small details that your eyes may not otherwise see. To me, it's just another layer of visual disclosure. If you see no performance issues under magnification, you won't see any with your naked eye. My humble 2 cents worth.

 

[webdiva]

Mine looks even better!

 

[GreenBling]

Thank you Haywood74 and Webdiva. Very reassuring

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think you made a wise choice! I certainly have high regard for the service, expertise, and integrity of those who run GOG.

 

[GreenBling]

I think you made a wise choice! I certainly have high regard for the service, expertise, and integrity of those who run GOG.

very pleased with the service so far. but most important is the outcome. we'll see once i have it on my hand

 

[Haywood74]

I think you made a wise choice! I certainly have high regard for the service, expertise, and integrity of those who run GOG.

very pleased with the service so far. but most important is the outcome. we'll see once i have it on my hand

You are in good hands.

I can tell you this much about GOG. I spent close to 2-3 months agonizing over what diamond to buy to propose to my now wife. I went to pull the trigger on the diamond that I thought was the one, only to find it had already sold. I called them to see how long it generally took to find something comparable to what I had missed out on. Sarah had me set up with something in about 2-3 days. Was so happy with that purchase that when I decided to buy my wife some diamond stud earrings, I just picked up the phone and called GOG without evening thinking twice about it.