Goodoldgold 29 step gemological tests?

[AndyDiamond]

Hi,

First I want to say that Jonathan at GOG has been helpful answering questions, and he can pull in diamonds to verify as well. This question is not to question his skill or service, but I am just asking if I do need his services to evaluate a stone from his 29 gemological series of test. Basically, if I already have a stone with ASET, and Idealscope images, and Helium report from Whiteflash, is that sufficient, or are the additional tests offered by GOG necessary? In other words, is there anything else I may be missing if I don't have Jonathan go through his whole gamut of tests? It's a question of pricing, because GOG is very competitive if he just brokers a diamond, but if he runs through all the tests, the price is more.

 

[ame]

If he's brokering it and hasn't seen and selected it like his other inventory, I personally do think it's worth it. How significant of a cost is it?

Have you got a few stones selected to compare to in your budget? Perhaps we can weigh in?

Of the two vendors, and I have patronized both, I prefer GOG without a doubt. I will pay more in a second to go with them over WF. I had a lot of issues with WF, and it left a really nasty taste behind.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, so you have had WF call in this stone and now you are considering having GOG call in the same stone? I am uncertain why you would do that.

I have bought stones from both places..in-house stones from WF only, and in-house and called-in stones from GOG. And yes, I did have Jonathan call in and analyze my stone and take videos for me. I wouldn't have likely bought the stone without him checking it out for me. However, I don't really think it is right to have multiple vendors call in the same stone unless you covered WF's expenses of doing so. I didn't know WF had helium scan. I thought they had Sarin.

 

[AndyDiamond]

If he's brokering it and hasn't seen and selected it like his other inventory, I personally do think it's worth it. How significant of a cost is it?

Have you got a few stones selected to compare to in your budget? Perhaps we can weigh in?

Of the two vendors, and I have patronized both, I prefer GOG without a doubt. I will pay more in a second to go with them over WF. I had a lot of issues with WF, and it left a really nasty taste behind.

I had posted the stone I had in mind in the other thread, and everyone universally said it was great. Take a look at this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-find-a-diamond-budget-around-35k-for-2-5-carat-rb.169665/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-find-a-diamond-budget-around-35k-for-2-5-carat-rb.169665/[/URL]

What problems did you have with WF?

 

[AndyDiamond]

Okay, so you have had WF call in this stone and now you are considering having GOG call in the same stone? I am uncertain why you would do that.

I have bought stones from both places..in-house stones from WF only, and in-house and called-in stones from GOG. And yes, I did have Jonathan call in and analyze my stone and take videos for me. I wouldn't have likely bought the stone without him checking it out for me. However, I don't really think it is right to have multiple vendors call in the same stone unless you covered WF's expenses of doing so. I didn't know WF had helium scan. I thought they had Sarin.

DS,

I had been working with both GOG and WF. I had called in the stone from WF to do Idealscope, etc, and you're right, Sarin report, not Helium. I would be responsible just for shipping if I choose not to go with WF.

Price difference is quite a bit, GOG will broker a diamond for 2% over RAPNET price, but charges a minimum of 6% if he runs all the tests. For a 40k stone, that is about $1600 extra for those services. Is it needed?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, okay, I now understand that you were working with both of them. I would say that you have had the essential things done to verify that the stone is worth buying. The extra tests can tell you even more about the cut quality which is nice if the stone is a true hearts and arrows, for example, but I would not have to have it in order to go ahead and purchase your stone. Nor would I have to have a further appraisal (other than what your vendor provides) since I am certain you are well aware of comparable stone prices. Your main decision will be to decide whether to insure for the purchase price or the insurance valuation price.

I can't remember from the other thread, but what setting are you getting?

 

[AndyDiamond]

Oh, okay, I now understand that you were working with both of them. I would say that you have had the essential things done to verify that the stone is worth buying. The extra tests can tell you even more about the cut quality which is nice if the stone is a true hearts and arrows, for example, but I would not have to have it in order to go ahead and purchase your stone. Nor would I have to have a further appraisal (other than what your vendor provides) since I am certain you are well aware of comparable stone prices. Your main decision will be to decide whether to insure for the purchase price or the insurance valuation price.

I can't remember from the other thread, but what setting are you getting?

I am just going to let my fiance pick the setting as I know she is picky. She wants some type of halo setting.

 

[Christina...]

Oh, okay, I now understand that you were working with both of them. I would say that you have had the essential things done to verify that the stone is worth buying. The extra tests can tell you even more about the cut quality which is nice if the stone is a true hearts and arrows, for example, but I would not have to have it in order to go ahead and purchase your stone. Nor would I have to have a further appraisal (other than what your vendor provides) since I am certain you are well aware of comparable stone prices. Your main decision will be to decide whether to insure for the purchase price or the insurance valuation price.

I can't remember from the other thread, but what setting are you getting?

I am just going to let my fiance pick the setting as I know she is picky. She wants some type of halo setting.

I love this answer! Can't go wrong that way! Congrats and Best wishes!

 

[ame]

If it's great and the info from WF is showing it's great I don't really see why you would have them send it to Jon at GOG for more tests? Can Jon get a comparable stone for a similar price? Does either vendor have the setting you want (a basic one that isn't super basic for in the meantime). Are either vendors local or within a short drive?

From GOG, if he doesn't have it in stock and is brokering it (a different stone??) it would be worth the tests on a 40K purchase for me.

If he's brokering it and hasn't seen and selected it like his other inventory, I personally do think it's worth it. How significant of a cost is it?

Have you got a few stones selected to compare to in your budget? Perhaps we can weigh in?

Of the two vendors, and I have patronized both, I prefer GOG without a doubt. I will pay more in a second to go with them over WF. I had a lot of issues with WF, and it left a really nasty taste behind.

I had posted the stone I had in mind in the other thread, and everyone universally said it was great. Take a look at this thread: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-find-a-diamond-budget-around-35k-for-2-5-carat-rb.169665/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-find-a-diamond-budget-around-35k-for-2-5-carat-rb.169665/[/URL]

What problems did you have with WF?

I didn't buy my diamond from them, I bought wedding bands, and I had issues with their workmanship repeatedly, and their customer service in many cases was quite lacking. Several people there tried to work with me, a few accused me of things that were effectively impossible, and in the end, I got contacted by their lawyer in threatening and accusatory language. It ruined all the sentiment of the rings and any positive feelings towards them I could ever have, and when two of the original owners left on their own, I couldn't bring myself to patronize their new company either.I finally got a partial refund and went elsewhere, and that ring was well made from the start and had no drama associated with it, it just wasn't the ring I got married with.

But GOG was great, and I had no issues with them, and I've had many experiences with them, and hope to have more. I worked mostly with Jon and Marie, and a little with Darren and Matt and Sarah.

 

[Karl_K]

As most here know gog sells Octavia which I am involved in.

imho it is all about your comfort level.
What level of information are you comfortable with?
For me on a round WF provides enough information for me to be very comfortable.
If I was uncertain I would arrange to talk to a gemologist while they were looking at the stone.
Which is a service they offer.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Ame, it is a virtual stone that both vendors can call in.

 

[ame]

well, as much as I like to patronize GOG, whichever is a better price, with a better guarantee. I don't see a NEED for extra testing.

 

[Regular Guy]

Price difference is quite a bit, GOG will broker a diamond for 2% over RAPNET price, but charges a minimum of 6% if he runs all the tests. For a 40k stone, that is about $1600 extra for those services. Is it needed?

Jonathan has the right and privilege to charge whatever he wishes and thinks is fair...but I'd never use a financial advisor who charges based on a percentage of what I invest with them. What's the logic in that? It's the same work, in substance for them, without respect to the size of the diamond (or investment).

You might at least ask if he'd change his pricing model to a flat, agreed upon fee. You can say I suggested it.


Ira Z.