Low ACA Stock at WF

[kathleenmv]

Just wanted to chime in...

I own three different brands of H&A/super ideals: Tolkowsky H&A from GOG, ACA from WF and Infinity from Wink Jones.

All are incredibly gorgeous, and in my view, none is more beautiful or perfect than another. I''ve also received exceptional service from each of the three vendors and wouldn''t hesitate to recommend them all.

As for a vendor''s branding and merchandising, I guess that comes down to personal preference. In my opinion, GOG does a tremendous job of showcasing their inventory. They provide a great deal of information, and I like their use of dark field (I think that''s right??) photography for inclusions. (BTW, in regards to clarity, ditto what others have said re: magnified images and normal viewing conditions. Also remember that clarity needs to be judged on a case-by-case basis and not by vendor.)

Best of luck getting the diamond of your--and your fiancee-to-be''s--dreams.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 5/30/2008 9:02:43 AM
Author: RowingMunkeyCU



I'm open to going larger, but I'm pretty restricted in my budget ( .

Perhaps the picture quality is just higher at GOG and you can see all the imperfections, and there seems to be more light leakage on many of the ASETs. But even then, their selection is rather lacking as well (and they seem to have a lot of proprietary cuts and qualities (optical symmetry) without giving a definition). Also, the prices aren't as good as WF (no extra PS discount, at least as listed on PS).

...and even though it's dumb, GOGs name sounds like something a Pawn Shop would be called.

copyright infringement

i wouldn't mind owning a "cut byTolkowsky" H&A from GOG.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 5/30/2008 10:05:54 AM
Author: RowingMunkeyCU

Date: 5/30/2008 9:46:20 AM
Author: Isabelle
A 'pawn shop'??! Come on. I am a trademark lawyer, and there is nothing pawn shop sounding about their name. It has great alliteration and really resonates as to the magnificence of precious metals. I love their name.


To your original post, I think the ACA diamonds at WF are the best I have seen, so I can understand why you want to buy from them. (Not sure why there is a need to disparage another vendor in the process, but whatever.) Keep in mind that the entire industry is slow right now b/c the JCK is going on in Vegas. I am sure there will be new inventory and people focused back on the trade once that convention wraps up. Brian is in Vegas for that show. This I know b/c I am waiting to meet with him to see my newly recut RB. Why don't you circle back with them the beginning part of next week once everyone is back in town?

I know, I know, it's dumb, but when you're spending that kind of money, for that kind of woman, you don't want something that's just good, you want something great, ideal, excellent, above and beyond, perfect, etc. You don't want something common (even though it might be), you want something that is new, something never worn before, something made only for that one special woman (although family diamonds have a special significance too). And their name completely contradicts that image. I'm not saying it's right, but that's just my opinion. But anyway...

Didn't know there was a major jewelers event going on at the moment, hopefully they will have some new stock coming back

Yes, It is dumb to not buy from one of the most well respected vendors on this forum - actually, one of the most well respected in their state - because of a name.
As the saying goes, whats in a name?
Please, just do a quick search for GOG and you'll understand what we mean..

 

[Ellen]

Date: 5/30/2008 5:39:31 PM
Author: kathleenmv
Just wanted to chime in...

I own three different brands of H&A/super ideals: Tolkowsky H&A from GOG, ACA from WF and Infinity from Wink Jones.

All are incredibly gorgeous, and in my view, none is more beautiful or perfect than another. I''ve also received exceptional service from each of the three vendors and wouldn''t hesitate to recommend them all.

As for a vendor''s branding and merchandising, I guess that comes down to personal preference. In my opinion, GOG does a tremendous job of showcasing their inventory. They provide a great deal of information, and I like their use of dark field (I think that''s right??) photography for inclusions. (BTW, in regards to clarity, ditto what others have said re: magnified images and normal viewing conditions. Also remember that clarity needs to be judged on a case-by-case basis and not by vendor.)

Best of luck getting the diamond of your--and your fiancee-to-be''s--dreams.

Well now, aren''t you just the lucky one?! We''d love to see a group shot sometime, for educational purposes, along with our intense lust for ogling bling.

Thanks for the first hand account kathleen.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 5/30/2008 3:11:36 PM
Author: Rhino

Date: 5/30/2008 8:27:39 AM
Author:RowingMunkeyCU
Grrr... the stock of 0.9 - 1.1 Ct F&G SI1 ACAs is so limited, that now, when I''m finally ready to get one, there aren''t any left to get!

Add the price increase on top of that and I''m getting slowly squeezed out of the market. So now what? Is WF ever going to get more stones? I don''t want to have to wait all summer for it, and I don''t want to go to GOG (their stones never seem to look as nice).

Gah!

Hrm ... We generally don''t get this kind of response about our work and efforts but I am always open to constructive criticism. If you were me RowingMunkeyCU what is it about our diamonds or published material that you''d change? Does the photography under the microscope scare you? We try to be as forthright and up front about our products as possible. I''m curious to know as we don''t seek to scare folks.

Jon, we all know that your diamonds, information, and service are top notch and I have no suggestions for improvement. The poster here siimply does not like the name of your store. I guess those of us here who know you only think great things when we hear Good Old Gold. But apparently, the name of the store is the turn-off for this one person. Please don''t change your photography because people like me need to see the reality of the inclusions.

For RowingMonkey, here''s a picture of their store. It''s actually a very nice family business.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/About/TheTeam/

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/31/2008 10:00:26 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 5/30/2008 3:11:36 PM
Author: Rhino

Date: 5/30/2008 8:27:39 AM
Author:RowingMunkeyCU
Grrr... the stock of 0.9 - 1.1 Ct F&G SI1 ACAs is so limited, that now, when I''m finally ready to get one, there aren''t any left to get!

Add the price increase on top of that and I''m getting slowly squeezed out of the market. So now what? Is WF ever going to get more stones? I don''t want to have to wait all summer for it, and I don''t want to go to GOG (their stones never seem to look as nice).

Gah!

Hrm ... We generally don''t get this kind of response about our work and efforts but I am always open to constructive criticism. If you were me RowingMunkeyCU what is it about our diamonds or published material that you''d change? Does the photography under the microscope scare you? We try to be as forthright and up front about our products as possible. I''m curious to know as we don''t seek to scare folks.

Jon, we all know that your diamonds, information, and service are top notch and I have no suggestions for improvement. The poster here siimply does not like the name of your store. I guess those of us here who know you only think great things when we hear Good Old Gold. But apparently, the name of the store is the turn-off for this one person. Please don''t change your photography because people like me need to see the reality of the inclusions.

For RowingMonkey, here''s a picture of their store. It''s actually a very nice family business.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/About/TheTeam/

I agree, and I think your photos are very useful Jon.

 

[bling addict]

Date: 5/31/2008 10:04:32 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 5/31/2008 10:00:26 AM

Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 5/30/2008 3:11:36 PM

Author: Rhino

Date: 5/30/2008 8:27:39 AM

Author:RowingMunkeyCU

Grrr... the stock of 0.9 - 1.1 Ct F&G SI1 ACAs is so limited, that now, when I''m finally ready to get one, there aren''t any left to get!

Add the price increase on top of that and I''m getting slowly squeezed out of the market. So now what? Is WF ever going to get more stones? I don''t want to have to wait all summer for it, and I don''t want to go to GOG (their stones never seem to look as nice).


Gah!

Hrm ... We generally don''t get this kind of response about our work and efforts but I am always open to constructive criticism. If you were me RowingMunkeyCU what is it about our diamonds or published material that you''d change? Does the photography under the microscope scare you? We try to be as forthright and up front about our products as possible. I''m curious to know as we don''t seek to scare folks.

Jon, we all know that your diamonds, information, and service are top notch and I have no suggestions for improvement. The poster here siimply does not like the name of your store. I guess those of us here who know you only think great things when we hear Good Old Gold. But apparently, the name of the store is the turn-off for this one person. Please don''t change your photography because people like me need to see the reality of the inclusions.


For RowingMonkey, here''s a picture of their store. It''s actually a very nice family business.


http://www.goodoldgold.com/About/TheTeam/

I agree, and I think your photos are very useful Jon.

I just wanted to also add Jon that although I have yet to buy from you, I have browsed your website many a time, and love all the detailed information that you provide, and that you are able to provide videos of your stones. If and when I am able to get a new stone, you will be the first vendor I contact, because I think you provide the best information particularly for long distance purchasers.

 

[Rhino]

Appreciate the kind words ya''ll.

jsm... I agree with you though. There is a graphic my lab assistant posts that I think is silly/redundant, I''m referring to the computer generated picture from the DiamCalc which one sees in the Gem Advisor file anyhow.

I hear ya on the settings front too and is something that will be much more user friendly on the new site we''re preparing. I have some other kewl things in store too.

Insofar as "real life views" go, few images on the web via photography reflect what is most commonly seen and is why I am personally turning to other means. Also, if anyone took my words as trying to say our products are better than anyone elses, that was not my intent. Each vendor (net and/or bricks and mortar) have their own means by which diamonds are selected for their inventory. Some consumers may be drawn to the means/procedures of some over others. It''s all good. There''s plenty to go around for everyone and variety is the spice.

Have a great weekend all.

 

[IronMikey]

Date: 5/31/2008 5:27:47 PM
Author: Rhino
Appreciate the kind words ya'll.

jsm... I agree with you though. There is a graphic my lab assistant posts that I think is silly/redundant, I'm referring to the computer generated picture from the DiamCalc which one sees in the Gem Advisor file anyhow.


I hear ya on the settings front too and is something that will be much more user friendly on the new site we're preparing. I have some other kewl things in store too.

Insofar as 'real life views' go, few images on the web via photography reflect what is most commonly seen and is why I am personally turning to other means. Also, if anyone took my words as trying to say our products are better than anyone elses, that was not my intent. Each vendor (net and/or bricks and mortar) have their own means by which diamonds are selected for their inventory. Some consumers may be drawn to the means/procedures of some over others. It's all good. There's plenty to go around for everyone and variety is the spice.

Have a great weekend all.

Can't wait! What's the eta for the new site?

PS - I'm still salty that you sold a 2ct SI1 H a few weeks ago (isee 2). I had my eye on it!

 

[gwendolyn]

Jon, you're a class act. I tip my hat to thee, sir.

 

[IronMikey]

Date: 5/30/2008 9:46:20 AM
Author: Isabelle

Date: 5/30/2008 9:02:43 AM

Author: RowingMunkeyCU

Date: 5/30/2008 8:48:43 AM


Author: Ellen


I''m not sure what you mean by this.... I happen to own one of their stones, and I also own ACA studs. I can assure you they are on the same quality level.

And you''re never going to run into an abundance of stones in the .90-.99 range in a well cut stone. There just aren''t that many out there. I''d open up your size preferences, they are too restricting.

I''m open to going larger, but I''m pretty restricted in my budget ( <$6500 ) and I don''t want to go any smaller. GF is fairly color sensitive, so I can''t drop any lower than a ''G'' and SI1 is about as low as I can go and still be ''mind-clean''.



Perhaps the picture quality is just higher at GOG and you can see all the imperfections, and there seems to be more light leakage on many of the ASETs. But even then, their selection is rather lacking as well (and they seem to have a lot of proprietary cuts and qualities (optical symmetry) without giving a definition). Also, the prices aren''t as good as WF (no extra PS discount, at least as listed on PS).



...and even though it''s dumb, GOGs name sounds like something a Pawn Shop would be called.

A ''pawn shop''??! Come on. I am a trademark lawyer, and there is nothing pawn shop sounding about their name. It has great alliteration and really resonates as to the magnificence of precious metals. I love their name.


To your original post, I think the ACA diamonds at WF are the best I have seen, so I can understand why you want to buy from them. (Not sure why there is a need to disparage another vendor in the process, but whatever.) Keep in mind that the entire industry is slow right now b/c the JCK is going on in Vegas. I am sure there will be new inventory and people focused back on the trade once that convention wraps up. Brian is in Vegas for that show. This I know b/c I am waiting to meet with him to see my newly recut RB. Why don''t you circle back with them the beginning part of next week once everyone is back in town?

Ha, what does being a trademark attorney have to do with evaluating the name of a business in terms of the image in conjures in someone else''s mind? Sounds more like something a market researcher would know about.

PS - I''m an attorney registered with the PTO as well

 

[JSM]

Date: 5/31/2008 5:27:47 PM
Author: Rhino
Appreciate the kind words ya''ll.

jsm... I agree with you though. There is a graphic my lab assistant posts that I think is silly/redundant, I''m referring to the computer generated picture from the DiamCalc which one sees in the Gem Advisor file anyhow.


I hear ya on the settings front too and is something that will be much more user friendly on the new site we''re preparing. I have some other kewl things in store too.

Insofar as ''real life views'' go, few images on the web via photography reflect what is most commonly seen and is why I am personally turning to other means. Also, if anyone took my words as trying to say our products are better than anyone elses, that was not my intent. Each vendor (net and/or bricks and mortar) have their own means by which diamonds are selected for their inventory. Some consumers may be drawn to the means/procedures of some over others. It''s all good. There''s plenty to go around for everyone and variety is the spice.

Have a great weekend all.

Thank you so much for responding Jon! I really admire your company and its honesty and upfront information for consumers. I''ve even convinced my fiance that, if we ever return to New York, we would go to GOG for a visit.

Can''t wait to see what''s in store!

 

[spike13]

Here''s my opinion from someone who is in the same boat as you - a novice first time buyer, relying heavily on this site for knowledge and good information. I''m also someone in the web software industry so I''m used to evaluating web sites.

GOG appears to be a family run business. Their name is a little more folksy and even a little cheesey (sorry Rhino, but it''s cheesey in a good way - at least to me). Their presentation is more homegrown but their data is more rigorous - many more learning videos, information articles, etc. They also include A LOT more different data points with almost each stone (well really every stone I''ve looked at.)

WF appears to be a bigger, slicker type business. Their web site was professionally designed. They don''t have nearly as much hard information on their site though. They also provide fewer data points. Their name is a little more grabb-y and slick as well.

Of course GOG stones seem to have more inclusions -- they post images taken through a microscope so you can see them, whereas WF does not go to this level and you only have the certificate plots to go by.

I''m in no way saying WF is hiding information, because I definitely do not think they are and in all my exchanges with them they appear to be rather forthcoming with the details. I''m simply pointing out that the two companies have their own styles and approach.

WF''s site has more polish, and that can come across as more professional or fancy. GOG''s site has more hard data, more personal and that can come across as more honest and up front.

I do wish GOG had a search for H&A as an option because not all AGS 0 are H&A. I also wish both sites stated in the description whether or not they were eye-clean so you didn''t have to ask about each one.

Overall, in my research phase I''ve found both companies to be on par with follow up, details, quality (of course this is a novice speaking on the quality part, but to me they seem comparable).

As I narrow down my choices I''m equally comfortable with either company. I also try to remind myself that I''m not a diamond expert and many of the subtleties folks discuss on this forum I would never be able to see or notice on my own.

One thing I don''t like about online is almost too much info and after hours of looking at diamonds on the screen it''s easy to forget in real life they are most often less 1/3 inch in diameter. So at a certain point it''s just splitting hairs (to me at least).

Sorry if this is too much off topic, but since Rhino asked for feedback (although admittedly not directly from me) I thought I''d add my 2 cents.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just wanted to say that you gave very thoughtful feedback, Spike13!

 

[IronMikey]

Date: 6/1/2008 9:25:33 PM
Author: spike13
Here''s my opinion from someone who is in the same boat as you - a novice first time buyer, relying heavily on this site for knowledge and good information. I''m also someone in the web software industry so I''m used to evaluating web sites.


GOG appears to be a family run business. Their name is a little more folksy and even a little cheesey (sorry Rhino, but it''s cheesey in a good way - at least to me). Their presentation is more homegrown but their data is more rigorous - many more learning videos, information articles, etc. They also include A LOT more different data points with almost each stone (well really every stone I''ve looked at.)


WF appears to be a bigger, slicker type business. Their web site was professionally designed. They don''t have nearly as much hard information on their site though. They also provide fewer data points. Their name is a little more grabb-y and slick as well.


Of course GOG stones seem to have more inclusions -- they post images taken through a microscope so you can see them, whereas WF does not go to this level and you only have the certificate plots to go by.


I''m in no way saying WF is hiding information, because I definitely do not think they are and in all my exchanges with them they appear to be rather forthcoming with the details. I''m simply pointing out that the two companies have their own styles and approach.


WF''s site has more polish, and that can come across as more professional or fancy. GOG''s site has more hard data, more personal and that can come across as more honest and up front.


I do wish GOG had a search for H&A as an option because not all AGS 0 are H&A. I also wish both sites stated in the description whether or not they were eye-clean so you didn''t have to ask about each one.


Overall, in my research phase I''ve found both companies to be on par with follow up, details, quality (of course this is a novice speaking on the quality part, but to me they seem comparable).


As I narrow down my choices I''m equally comfortable with either company. I also try to remind myself that I''m not a diamond expert and many of the subtleties folks discuss on this forum I would never be able to see or notice on my own.


One thing I don''t like about online is almost too much info and after hours of looking at diamonds on the screen it''s easy to forget in real life they are most often less 1/3 inch in diameter. So at a certain point it''s just splitting hairs (to me at least).


Sorry if this is too much off topic, but since Rhino asked for feedback (although admittedly not directly from me) I thought I''d add my 2 cents.

Totally agreed. I love GOG''s website b/c it seems more truthful to me. WF''s photo taking seems like it''s almost fake. Not that it is fake but I liken it to a magazine airbrushing their models. WF certainly tries to show the diamond in the best possible light. GOG points out the inclusions of the stones with red arrows -- I LOVE IT! It''s all about keeping it real to me and being up front about everything.

The videos are great too. I like how in one of the vids they''re comparing a H and A with a GIA ex ex ex and Rhino even says that the ex ex ex is a great stone. i love the honesty.

I also don''t like the "expert selection" at WF -- I honestly think a lot of those stones (at least in the 2 ct range) look dreadful and don''t even stack up to some of the stones I see at B level B&M stores. The ones that do look well cut are priced at the same level as ACA''s so where''s the value?

 

[IronMikey]

Yes, It is dumb to not buy from one of the most well respected vendors on this forum - actually, one of the most well respected in their state - because of a name.

As the saying goes, whats in a name?

Please, just do a quick search for GOG and you''ll understand what we mean..

It''s not dumb if the name means something to him. Is it "dumb" to pay more for a Cartier? Maybe you wouldn''t do it but that doesn''t make it dumb -- it''s very subjective. Don''t be so judgmental. I see you getting on people''s cases for doing just that.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 6/1/2008 10:16:14 PM
Author: IronMikey

Yes, It is dumb to not buy from one of the most well respected vendors on this forum - actually, one of the most well respected in their state - because of a name.

As the saying goes, whats in a name?

Please, just do a quick search for GOG and you'll understand what we mean..

It's not dumb if the name means something to him. Is it 'dumb' to pay more for a Cartier? Maybe you wouldn't do it but that doesn't make it dumb -- it's very subjective. Don't be so judgmental. I see you getting on people's cases for doing just that.

IM, I only used the word "dumb" because thats the word the OP used. Please read back and take it in context. Perhaps I should've used " " around the word dumb, as its not a word I would ever use to describe someone's behaviour, I was quoting the OP.
My whole post was written tongue in cheek, I apologize if this didn't read properly, but I would appreciate the benefit of the doubt.
I answered with my honest opinion. I am Not being judgemental, and I don't appreciate the attack.

 

[E B]

I wanted to add that I'm blown away by the amount of information GOG offers for many of its diamonds. The Brilliantscope feature is so cool- something I haven't seen on any other site.

I also like how GOG shows pictures of several cuts, not just rounds and princesses. It's nice to be able to look at real pictures of cushions, emeralds and radiants, not just a "stock" image.