Gay couples working with PS vendors

[WishfulThinking]

Hello all,

Hopefully this is an alright place to ask this question. I am wondering about the policies of PS vendors (specifically Whiteflash) and their willingness to work with gay couples. I do not in any way mean to imply that I expect homophobic responses from any respected company (especially those who are so nice on PS!) but it is something we have experienced in the past and will have to think about when selecting who to work with on this important purchase. We thought for awhile about not mentioning our relationship explicitly, but we do desire engraving on the inside of the ring and think it would be best done by the jeweler creating the setting rather than a separate party. The engraved words are rather expository to our sexual orientation, so it would be unavoidable.

If anyone has any thoughts or experiences they''d like to share in response to my question it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[neatfreak]

Well, I can't speak for all vendors here, but I have personally worked with Mark at Engagement Rings Direct and I have never dealt with a more caring and considerate salesperson. So I would venture to say that Mark would have no problem at all with helping you out. He really is a gem.

 

[Mara]

wow what a surprising question.

i don't think i know of any PS vendor who would have any sort of issue with anything like that.

 

[mercoledi]

In this thread asquareguy had rings made for himself and for his partner working with both WhiteFlash and Boone.

But truly, "knowing" the PS vendors from the time they spend on the boards, I''d be suprised if anyone was anything but helpful.

 

[Maisie]

I also think - and would hope - that you wouldn''t have a problem with any of the vendors who post here.

Good luck and be sure to come back and share your pics once your rings arrive!

 

[Jypsie]

*sigh* I don''t know what to say to this. The fact that this question even needs to be asked breaks my heart. I''m sorry for any negative experiences that you and your partner have experienced - I can only tell you that the people I have worked with at GOG and WF have been extremely professional and helpful. Granted I am not in a SS relationship, but I would really hope, especially in this industry, that this would have no bearing at all on how a customer is treated.

I find myself surprised time and time again by the fact that this subject is talked about with valid concern even among my friends. I have a number of gay and lesbian friends - the fact that they feel the need to identify themselves as that and cannot just be accepted into friendships the way my DH and I are without explanation shows how far we still have to go as a society.

*hugs* I hope you have a wonderful experience, as I have with my purchases, with whatever vendor you choose.

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 11/16/2007 2:43:17 PM
Author: mercoledi
In this thread asquareguy had rings made for himself and for his partner working with both WhiteFlash and Boone.

But truly, ''knowing'' the PS vendors from the time they spend on the boards, I''d be suprised if anyone was anything but helpful.

Yes, I recall a few SS relationships having rings done through WF as well.

I''m sure any of the vendors here would be more than happy to work with you.

 

[FireGoddess]

Doesn''t one of the PS vendors specifically mention making commitment ceremony rings? I know someone brought that up in the past, but can''t remember which vendor. I thought that was nice.

However I would hope that none of the vendors would take issue with it. Doubt any would.

 

[onedrop]

You might also look at this link. The PS vendor in that link made some rings for a gay couple.

 

[WishfulThinking]

Thank you all so much for your kind responses!

The thread where asquareguy posted about his experience with Whiteflash was especially helpful- Thanks mercoledi, it''s good to see that Whiteflash (as I''m sure all PS vendors are, I''m sure... but the lurking fear still exists...) provided such a positive environment for a same sex couple.
It does break my heart, though, to see that he began the thread in January of this year hoping that New Jersey would legalize same sex marriage in the near future. It''s so discouraging to see that NJ has only gone half-way with that endeavor (now allowing civil unions, but not marriages). The law student in me is taking over!

I have been reading and lurking on this site for ages, and in some ways I feel like I sort of "know" some of the vendors that post here or are discussed regularly. It was sort of painful to even dare to ask the question, to be honest. Unfortunately, my girlfriend and I do have to deal with peoples'' narrow mindedness and prejudice more often than one would think, especially living in a liberal state.

Again, thank you all for being so kind and helpful. This forum is a really awesome, supportive, and knowledgeable place for a diamond-obsessed gal like me! It''ll be a few years before the "real" proposals come around, but I PROMISE to post pictures as soon as we have them! I''m sure we''ll be stopping by Rocky Talky to get a once-over of the potential diamond specs by all of you fine and helpful ladies and gents!

 

[WishfulThinking]

Date: 11/16/2007 3:57:05 PM
Author: onedrop
You might also look at this link. The PS vendor in that link made some rings for a gay couple.

Thanks for the link! Those stories are so sweet.

 

[Rhea]

Date: 11/16/2007 3:34:41 PM
Author: FireGoddess
Doesn''t one of the PS vendors specifically mention making commitment ceremony rings? I know someone brought that up in the past, but can''t remember which vendor. I thought that was nice.


However I would hope that none of the vendors would take issue with it. Doubt any would.

I know signedpieces has been brought up before. Their committment rings are here:
http://www.thefacetscollection.com/search.cfm?item_category=FCR

 

[snlee]

Date: 11/16/2007 3:34:41 PM
Author: FireGoddess
Doesn''t one of the PS vendors specifically mention making commitment ceremony rings? I know someone brought that up in the past, but can''t remember which vendor. I thought that was nice.

However I would hope that none of the vendors would take issue with it. Doubt any would.

Not sure if this is it but Pearlman''s has a Partner Jewelry section. I''m sure they would be happy to work with you. I also think that none of the PS vendors would have any sort of issue with it. I sure hope not.

 

[WishfulThinking]

Thank you all for the added links and comments!

It''s really great to see that so many vendors that are highly respected treat all of their customers with dignity and respect.

I am so in love with the fairly traditional diamond engagement ring (even though I worry I will be assumed to be married to a man, but that is something I will take as it comes, I suppose- I want my diamond!

) Whiteflash micropave legato, anyone? Yum!
My love is partial to red gemstones in intricate settings, so we''ll definitely be all over the place and not matchy at all. That''s why the engraving part is so important. We both want to have something to link our rings together though they may not appear visually similar.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 11/16/2007 6:38:20 PM
Author: WishfulThinking
Thank you all for the added links and comments!

It''s really great to see that so many vendors that are highly respected treat all of their customers with dignity and respect.

I am so in love with the fairly traditional diamond engagement ring (even though I worry I will be assumed to be married to a man, but that is something I will take as it comes, I suppose- I want my diamond!

) Whiteflash micropave legato, anyone? Yum!
My love is partial to red gemstones in intricate settings, so we''ll definitely be all over the place and not matchy at all. That''s why the engraving part is so important. We both want to have something to link our rings together though they may not appear visually similar.

Can''t wait to see what you decide upon. Please come back with pics!!

 

[snlee]

Date: 11/16/2007 6:45:52 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 11/16/2007 6:38:20 PM
Author: WishfulThinking
Thank you all for the added links and comments!

It's really great to see that so many vendors that are highly respected treat all of their customers with dignity and respect.

I am so in love with the fairly traditional diamond engagement ring (even though I worry I will be assumed to be married to a man, but that is something I will take as it comes, I suppose- I want my diamond!

) Whiteflash micropave legato, anyone? Yum!
My love is partial to red gemstones in intricate settings, so we'll definitely be all over the place and not matchy at all. That's why the engraving part is so important. We both want to have something to link our rings together though they may not appear visually similar.

Can't wait to see what you decide upon. Please come back with pics!!

Me too! I can't wait to see what you two decide on too! I'd love to see pictures!

 

[iheartscience]

Another shout out for a vendor that sells commitment rings specifically: Etienne Perret. www.etienneperret.com or www.starlightbands.com. I hope to see pics of the rings you end up with!

 

[somethingshiny]

Hi, Wishful~

I just wanted to say Good Luck on designing/choosing your rings.

Come back and share pics, please!

 

[Cleopatra]

WishfulThinking - My brother has been in a SS relationship for the past 7 years. I know they have recently talked about commiting themselves with a wedding band of sorts - to represent the union that they can''t legally have just yet. They have actually been looked down upon while entering into some jewelry stores....And I will absolutely, without a doubt NEVER do business with those companies.....EVER.

Please let us know if you have any negative experiences with any vendors, as such negativity can have lasting impressions on customers of any sexual orientation. I, for one, would NOT do business with any company that would show my brother and his partner, or YOU for that matter, any adversity in their quest for a symbol of their love. I surely would hope that no PS vendor would give you anything but the highest quality of service.

Please come back and post pictures of your new wedding rings/band. We would all love to see what you end up choosing!

Thanks for the post! It truly is sad that the world we live in today forced you to ask the original question. My hope is that soon, all will live in peace and equality

 

[WishfulThinking]

Date: 11/16/2007 9:27:12 PM
Author: Cleopatra
WishfulThinking - My brother has been in a SS relationship for the past 7 years. I know they have recently talked about commiting themselves with a wedding band of sorts - to represent the union that they can''t legally have just yet. They have actually been looked down upon while entering into some jewelry stores....And I will absolutely, without a doubt NEVER do business with those companies.....EVER.


Please let us know if you have any negative experiences with any vendors, as such negativity can have lasting impressions on customers of any sexual orientation. I, for one, would NOT do business with any company that would show my brother and his partner, or YOU for that matter, any adversity in their quest for a symbol of their love. I surely would hope that no PS vendor would give you anything but the highest quality of service.


Please come back and post pictures of your new wedding rings/band. We would all love to see what you end up choosing!


Thanks for the post! It truly is sad that the world we live in today forced you to ask the original question. My hope is that soon, all will live in peace and equality

Thank you so much for your support Cleopatra and everyone else. Cleopatra, I wish your brother all the luck and happiness in the world with his partner! Negativity certainly does have lasting effects on people and I think it certainly reflects badly on companies to treat customers disrespectfully. I hope I will not run into this treatment at any place I would ACTUALLY purchase jewelry from (we had a very native experiences at Kays and another smaller local chain jeweler in our areas, but I wouldn''t have considered buying from them anyways...better goodies to be found on the interwebs!) I would definitely post here letting people know about it. I think it''s important that people are aware of the ways in which they affect others, and hope that people hearing about prejudiced attitudes towards anyone would be immediately turned off from that vendor. I can''t be so naive as to hope it would impact everyone, but there are always those people who do care.

I can''t even begin to explain how happy and relieved I am to have found that Pricescope is so lovely and accepting of all sorts of people, their love, and their unions. I was terrified in part to post the original question because I had read some semi-negative things regarding same sex marriage in another section of the forum, but that was a few years ago. Not that I''m not used to negativity, but it does make me nervous to put myself in situations that lead to such negativity and hate.
Anyways, Pricescope is proof that people of all sorts love diamonds and beautiful jewelry!

The links you all have been posting are not only full of lovely pieces, they''re also something that is very uplifting and important to me as a lesbian- that vendors make efforts to include people who have "non-traditional" (whatever that means now-a-days?) relationships. I think that''s really awesome and indicative of at least small changes in public opinion.

Of course Pricescope will be the FIRST place pictures are distributed once there is jewelry to be had, and I couldn''t imagine ever making a diamond purchase without running it through the amazing minds here in Rocky Talky to make extra sure that the specs are are perfect as the budget allows. You''re all so wonderful.

 

[gailrmv]

Wishful Thinking, congratulations on your union and I hope you have a great experience choosing rings! I saw the Ettiene Perett bands mentioned above. I have tried these on and they are fantastic. You can also design your own, choosing the diamond colors etc, so you and your partner can have really unique and original bands. I hope you have fun shopping!

 

[Deelight]

WOW thats really horrible that you and your partner were treated like that

, it is really sad in this day and age this sort of stuff still goes down.

I don''t have anything to add in terms of helping you with your search but I see lots has already been suggested to you .

GL with your search

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I think anyone who has a problem with anyone else has a problem with themselves.

I doubt anyone on Pricescope, vendor or the regular posters I am familiar with will do anything other than help you find what you want.

How can we help you WFT

 

[Maisie]

Date: 11/16/2007 6:38:20 PM
Author: WishfulThinking
Thank you all for the added links and comments!

It''s really great to see that so many vendors that are highly respected treat all of their customers with dignity and respect.

I am so in love with the fairly traditional diamond engagement ring (even though I worry I will be assumed to be married to a man, but that is something I will take as it comes, I suppose- I want my diamond!

) Whiteflash micropave legato, anyone? Yum!
My love is partial to red gemstones in intricate settings, so we''ll definitely be all over the place and not matchy at all. That''s why the engraving part is so important. We both want to have something to link our rings together though they may not appear visually similar.

You should both have the ring your heart desires! Let people assume whatever they like - you will know the truth about your love!! AND you have come to the right place if you need even the slightest encouragement when it comes to buying diamonds!!! Or gemstones!!! We are the worlds best at loving our jewellery!!

Just let us know if you need any help!!

 

[bee*]

definitely post pics when you get it!! Best of luck shopping!

 

[asscherisme]

Congratulations on your union

I remember reading about 2 women and the one who posted her showed the rings. At least one of them (maybe both, my memory is off today) had a traditional looking engagement ring. I''m pretty sure both did.

If thats what you want, thats what you should get. As long as your partner is OK with it. I think whatever type of ring you wear on your left hand, people will make assumptions but thats their issue, not yours.

Like others, it saddens me that this is even an issue.

I saw committment rings on signed pieces/facets. I have an eternity band from them and its really great quality. Great vendors to work with too.

I also have worked with Quest Jewelers in northern VA. They are amazing to work with, did a custom piece for me and an inherited stone. I can''t speak about their attittudes towards gay couples, but I use to live in the DC area and its an overall liberal area so I would think and hope that they would not make any judements.

You have to come back and post what you end up with And photos of course!

 

[MWG]

Hi,

Having met Brian and the staff at WhiteFlash in person, they would welcome you and your partner into the WhiteFlash family with open arms.

Good Luck and Tell us how it comes out
MWG

 

[Kay]

WishfulThinking,

Congratulations on your union and your future bling. Both of the rings sound like they will be beautiful -- I hope you will share pictures with us when they are completed.

I am sorry that you have had experiences that made you feel the need to post your question. No one should feel anything but happiness for you that you are in love. I would be very surprised if you had a negative reaction from any of our PS vendors, but please let us know if you do.

 

[MoonWater]

Nothing to add, just showing my support!