I've been an avid reader of the site for many months as I've tried to prepare myself for this ultimate moment. After reading many great posts by readers on this forum and doing tons of independent research, I went ahead and contacted Paul Slegers at Infinity Diamond (Antwerp). Paul was great from the start as he patiently answered all of my questions about each of the stones I was looking at online at his excellent website www.craftedbyinfinity.com.
With Paul's help, I identified three stones of interest, which were all princess cuts. Living in the New York City area, Paul put me in touch with Bill Scherlag at DiamondOne.com in Manhattan. Bill flew two of the three diamonds in from around the country for me to preview, as one of them had sold over the weekend prior.
Bill was incredible throughout the process of setting everything up and he walked me through the process of understanding what makes an Infinity diamond so incredible. After a lot of intensive examination I decided on a 1.23 carat princess Ideal Cut AGS 0-0-0 (Color E, Clarity VS1) -
http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/index.php?pid=63&lang=eng&sid[]=589&src=asetscope
This diamond had a special sparkle to it and the decision was made.
I explained to Bill that I wanted to get the setting done with Leon (www.artoftheplatinum.com), who is located just blocks away, and Bill pulled out his cell phone and called him immediately. He explained that I was a new customer and that he wanted to bring me over personally to meet with Leon. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed. We walked over together to talk setting and timeline. Having Bill with me made the experience so much more comfortable than had I been on my own, which speaks VOLUMES about Bill as a person and his sense of professional.
Once I articulated what I was looking for, an elegant solitaire platinum setting, Leon was great in explaining the process, size and how the ring would look upon completion. He examined the stone intently and commented on how beautiful it was, and Leon doesn't seem to be someone who doles out compliments haphazardly. At that point I knew I had made a great decision in picking the stone but more importantly, working with the Trifecta of the Diamond Industry - Paul, Bill and Leon.
I received the ring yesterday and it is exactly how I envisioned it. The stone had been so beautiful and sparkled so nicely that I wanted a very simple setting to highlight the single stone itself. It is a classic setting and it fits perfectly with my girlfriends persona and style. I could not be happier with how it came out. Obviously, I am now preparing for the proposal.
With Paul's help, I identified three stones of interest, which were all princess cuts. Living in the New York City area, Paul put me in touch with Bill Scherlag at DiamondOne.com in Manhattan. Bill flew two of the three diamonds in from around the country for me to preview, as one of them had sold over the weekend prior.
Bill was incredible throughout the process of setting everything up and he walked me through the process of understanding what makes an Infinity diamond so incredible. After a lot of intensive examination I decided on a 1.23 carat princess Ideal Cut AGS 0-0-0 (Color E, Clarity VS1) -
http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/index.php?pid=63&lang=eng&sid[]=589&src=asetscope
This diamond had a special sparkle to it and the decision was made.
I explained to Bill that I wanted to get the setting done with Leon (www.artoftheplatinum.com), who is located just blocks away, and Bill pulled out his cell phone and called him immediately. He explained that I was a new customer and that he wanted to bring me over personally to meet with Leon. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed. We walked over together to talk setting and timeline. Having Bill with me made the experience so much more comfortable than had I been on my own, which speaks VOLUMES about Bill as a person and his sense of professional.
Once I articulated what I was looking for, an elegant solitaire platinum setting, Leon was great in explaining the process, size and how the ring would look upon completion. He examined the stone intently and commented on how beautiful it was, and Leon doesn't seem to be someone who doles out compliments haphazardly. At that point I knew I had made a great decision in picking the stone but more importantly, working with the Trifecta of the Diamond Industry - Paul, Bill and Leon.
I received the ring yesterday and it is exactly how I envisioned it. The stone had been so beautiful and sparkled so nicely that I wanted a very simple setting to highlight the single stone itself. It is a classic setting and it fits perfectly with my girlfriends persona and style. I could not be happier with how it came out. Obviously, I am now preparing for the proposal.