PS Las Vegas GTG 2013....thoughts

[missy]

I'm so glad you guys had a wonderful time!!!!! Thank you for sharing the experience with us and for posting pics! Everyone looks beautiful and so happy!!! And a big thank you to all the PS vendors who were so generous and to Andrey and Ella as well!

 

[yennyfire]

Ok.. just a few more and for AGBF.. a few pictures of the things we did outside of Vegas... I spent very little time in the casinos.. it's not my bag.. but there is so much to do there...

DH and I did the Hoover Dam and hiked Red Rocks... you are about three hours from the Grand Canyon.. there's a lot to see and do that is not gambling related.. The shopping is amazing....

I don't gamble either and I really dislike having to walk through smoke filled casinos to get to the shopping, but once you get there, the shopping is totally worth it!

A shout out to MayK! How could I have forgotten you in my earlier post!!?? I adored you and Mr. MayK!! The loveliest (and liveliest!!) couple! It was a pleasure to meet you!!

 

[Mayk]

It looks like sooo much fun! I really envy you all the camaraderie. The picture posing together and the fun you seem to be having with each other is what is causing me major envy.... What I know I would hate is Las Vegas. The getting there and the actual venue. I am the antithesis of glitz and gambling. I hate the heat, too. Couldn't we have a Pricescope get together in Acadia National Park one summer? Preferably after Labor Day? Crispy fresh lemonade on Jordan Pond and looking at bling across the tables there while eating scones and jam.

Deb/AGBF

Deb.. I tried to get two pictures to post for you.. but they are too big... DH and I did the Hoover Dam one day and the next day we hiked Red Rocks which was beautiful!!!! I was in a bit of a hurry because I was meeting the girls for lunch and shopping so I kept asking if we were at the top yet.... it was nice in the mountains cooler than the strip by about 10-15 degrees and a nice breeze. The pictures are breathtaking.. lots of beautiful color... We spent a total of $20 each in the casinos just to say we were there... The shopping is awesome... and all indoors...

We want to try and do the Grand Canyon next year and see a few more shows.. (yes, already planning next year.. it was well worth the trip everyone was fabulous)...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, the Gilberstons were lovely! Jon had mentioned that he knows Mr. G was with him at the OEC seminar and said how nice he is! I forgot that you took that pic but I am glad to have one with them!

 

[Catmom]

It looks like sooo much fun! I really envy you all the camaraderie. The picture posing together and the fun you seem to be having with each other is what is causing me major envy.... What I know I would hate is Las Vegas. The getting there and the actual venue. I am the antithesis of glitz and gambling. I hate the heat, too. Couldn't we have a Pricescope get together in Acadia National Park one summer? Preferably after Labor Day? Crispy fresh lemonade on Jordan Pond and looking at bling across the tables there while eating scones and jam.

Deb/AGBF

Deb, Mr. CatMom and I spent most of the time shopping where it was nice and cool and the bling was fantastic, i.e; Fred Leighton. I do have to admit that we did gamble just a little and to our surprise came away with a jackpot, lol but gambling is not our thing. We prefer to have tangibles for our money. You really should come next year. I would love to meet you!

 

[Circe]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah you guys look like you are having so much fun! That's it: I officially commit. Next year, I'm going!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

We were all envious of Catmom and her hubby!!! I'd like some of that good luck for sure!

Oh, Fred Leighton and Graff had the most spectacular jewels I have ever seen in my life!

I accidentally spelled Ericka Winter's name wrong in my first post. I just wanted to say that she is beautiful and as sweet in person as I imagined! Loved seeing her gorgeous ring and meeting her very nice husband as well!

 

[Mayk]

Last picture... Sarahbear's lovely ring....

 

[Mayk]

Ok.. just a few more and for AGBF.. a few pictures of the things we did outside of Vegas... I spent very little time in the casinos.. it's not my bag.. but there is so much to do there...

DH and I did the Hoover Dam and hiked Red Rocks... you are about three hours from the Grand Canyon.. there's a lot to see and do that is not gambling related.. The shopping is amazing....

I don't gamble either and I really dislike having to walk through smoke filled casinos to get to the shopping, but once you get there, the shopping is totally worth it!

A shout out to MayK! How could I have forgotten you in my earlier post!!?? I adored you and Mr. MayK!! The loveliest (and liveliest!!) couple! It was a pleasure to meet you!!

Yenny it was awesome to meet you and I so enjoyed our lunch and shopping at DeBeers... oooh la la.... You are the perfect Southern Belle ... and your rings.. OMG... that three stone is awesome and your Oval of course sets the bar!!!!!

 

[AGBF]

Deb.. I tried to get two pictures to post for you.. but they are too big... DH and I did the Hoover Dam one day and the next day we hiked Red Rocks which was beautiful!!!! I was in a bit of a hurry because I was meeting the girls for lunch and shopping so I kept asking if we were at the top yet.... it was nice in the mountains cooler than the strip by about 10-15 degrees and a nice breeze. The pictures are breathtaking.. lots of beautiful color... We spent a total of $20 each in the casinos just to say we were there... The shopping is awesome... and all indoors...

We want to try and do the Grand Canyon next year and see a few more shows.. (yes, already planning next year.. it was well worth the trip everyone was fabulous)...

Oh, Mayk, you are too sweet! It sounds as if you and your hubby know how to find the best for yourselves wherever you are...surely the secret to happiness! I loved seeing your photo, by the way. You are gorgeous.

Hugs,
Deb

 

[madelise]

Can I not have my photos posted? I was fine with taking photos with members for memories' sake, but for safety reasons I would rather not have my pieces posted publicly with a link to my face. I just flagged MayK's post to have my photo deleted. I'm so sorry if the others in group photos wanted to be posted-- I have tried to keep a somewhat neutral, slightly anonymous persona here on PS so that I am safe from the creepies and also safe from being "discovered" by people from my "real life". I am just a little more leery than your usual person about posting luxury items, then having a face to mark who owns these items. I really did battle my stance on this, as I would have loved to see the photo of myself next to Andrey from the raffle, and feel like I owe it to the PS community to at least allow that photo to be public.. but I really really don't like knowing I'm adding risk of being "discovered", or worse, targeted.

I'm so sorry, I should have said something instead of joining in group photos.. I don't mind the photos be shared in a more private manner, but not here in a very public space.

 

[mrssalvo]

Love seeing all the pictures! Looks like everyone had a great time. My DH took his son to see the Beatles Love show in vegas for his 21st b-day. They loved it too! (still not sure how I didn't get to go on that trip )

 

[vc10um]

Don't know if gypsy will check in soon, so I added her to the list of lucky winners.

Verragio sapphire ring from Whiteflash: vc10um
1.10-carat diamond studs from Blue Nile: Skippy
Fancy yellow diamond ring from Leibish & Co.: Madelise
Whiteflash .30-carat ideal-cut diamond pendant:
AVC diamond pendant from Good Old Gold: YT
Diamond Eternity Band from Single Stone: PinkJewel
Dreams of Africa pendant from Whiteflash: Miraclesrule
Diamond bracelet from Jewels by Erica Grace: MayK
D-IF diamond pendant from James Allen: MissyDebby
Tacori City Lights earrings from Whiteflash:
DeBeers jewelry Book: Yssie
Pink CZ from Wink: Gypsy
Colorless OctaCZ from Wink and Karl: Catmom
OEC Earrings from David Atlas: Sarahbear621

 

[GemFever]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah you guys look like you are having so much fun! That's it: I officially commit. Next year, I'm going!

+1!!!!!

It looks like so much fun, and such great people! Next year, I'm there!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A few bling pics, but Mr. Kroshka will have the best ones of all.

I think the first ones were of a window at Graff. They wouldn't allow pics inside. I think the 5 ct pear is in this first pic. The last pic is not great but it was around $120k at DeBeers. They were also very kind to let us try on things and take pics!

 

[Mayk]

Can I not have my photos posted? I was fine with taking photos with members for memories' sake, but for safety reasons I would rather not have my pieces posted publicly with a link to my face. I just flagged MayK's post to have my photo deleted. I'm so sorry if the others in group photos wanted to be posted-- I have tried to keep a somewhat neutral, slightly anonymous persona here on PS so that I am safe from the creepies and also safe from being "discovered" by people from my "real life". I am just a little more leery than your usual person about posting luxury items, then having a face to mark who owns these items. I really did battle my stance on this, as I would have loved to see the photo of myself next to Andrey from the raffle, and feel like I owe it to the PS community to at least allow that photo to be public.. but I really really don't like knowing I'm adding risk of being "discovered", or worse, targeted.

I'm so sorry, I should have said something instead of joining in group photos.. I don't mind the photos be shared in a more private manner, but not here in a very public space.

Sorry!!! I so would have blocked you!!! I knew about Bright Ice's ring because she asked me. I hope Ella sees it and takes it down....

 

[kenny]

Can I not have my photos posted? I was fine with taking photos with members for memories' sake, but for safety reasons I would rather not have my pieces posted publicly with a link to my face. I just flagged MayK's post to have my photo deleted. I'm so sorry if the others in group photos wanted to be posted-- I have tried to keep a somewhat neutral, slightly anonymous persona here on PS so that I am safe from the creepies and also safe from being "discovered" by people from my "real life". I am just a little more leery than your usual person about posting luxury items, then having a face to mark who owns these items. I really did battle my stance on this, as I would have loved to see the photo of myself next to Andrey from the raffle, and feel like I owe it to the PS community to at least allow that photo to be public.. but I really really don't like knowing I'm adding risk of being "discovered", or worse, targeted.

I'm so sorry, I should have said something instead of joining in group photos.. I don't mind the photos be shared in a more private manner, but not here in a very public space.

I took 352 pics and will edit it down to the best ones.
I'm in the middle of deleting the majority for being out of focus, someone blinked, the 4 worst of 5 similar ones etc..
But I'll be left with tens of quite good ones.
Most are candid, taken with a long lens without the subject posing.
No flash, just natural light.

I know the subjects and folks here would like to see them but that brings up a real dilemma...
Clearly the priority is to respect those not wishing to have their pics posted.
But some are fine with their pics posted.

How do we identify both groups?
If Andre could compile a list of the screen names of all the participants we could list them like they listed the door prize winners above.
Then each of the members can add to the list with a YES or a NO for having their pics posted.

Next step would be for me or someone with access to all the pics to connect all the yeses with the faces.
(I have a terrible memory for faces when I see 70 new ones at one time.)

What do y'all think?

 

[kenny]

John Pollard slept through the whole evening.
I don't know how he can sleep standing up.

 

[madelise]

Can I not have my photos posted? I was fine with taking photos with members for memories' sake, but for safety reasons I would rather not have my pieces posted publicly with a link to my face. I just flagged MayK's post to have my photo deleted. I'm so sorry if the others in group photos wanted to be posted-- I have tried to keep a somewhat neutral, slightly anonymous persona here on PS so that I am safe from the creepies and also safe from being "discovered" by people from my "real life". I am just a little more leery than your usual person about posting luxury items, then having a face to mark who owns these items. I really did battle my stance on this, as I would have loved to see the photo of myself next to Andrey from the raffle, and feel like I owe it to the PS community to at least allow that photo to be public.. but I really really don't like knowing I'm adding risk of being "discovered", or worse, targeted.

I'm so sorry, I should have said something instead of joining in group photos.. I don't mind the photos be shared in a more private manner, but not here in a very public space.

Sorry!!! I so would have blocked you!!! I knew about Bright Ice's ring because she asked me. I hope Ella sees it and takes it down....

No apologies necessary! I love the photo, really.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Can I not have my photos posted? I was fine with taking photos with members for memories' sake, but for safety reasons I would rather not have my pieces posted publicly with a link to my face. I just flagged MayK's post to have my photo deleted. I'm so sorry if the others in group photos wanted to be posted-- I have tried to keep a somewhat neutral, slightly anonymous persona here on PS so that I am safe from the creepies and also safe from being "discovered" by people from my "real life". I am just a little more leery than your usual person about posting luxury items, then having a face to mark who owns these items. I really did battle my stance on this, as I would have loved to see the photo of myself next to Andrey from the raffle, and feel like I owe it to the PS community to at least allow that photo to be public.. but I really really don't like knowing I'm adding risk of being "discovered", or worse, targeted.

I'm so sorry, I should have said something instead of joining in group photos.. I don't mind the photos be shared in a more private manner, but not here in a very public space.

I took 352 pics and will edit it down to the best ones.
I'm in the middle of deleting the majority for being out of focus, someone blinked, the 4 worst of 5 similar ones etc..
But I'll be left with tens of quite good ones.
Most are candid, taken with a long lens without the subject posing.
No flash, just natural light.

I know the subjects and folks here would like to see them but that brings up a real dilemma...
Clearly the priority is to respect those not wishing to have their pics posted.
But some are fine with their pics posted.

How do we identify both groups?
If Andre could compile a list of the screen names of all the participants we could list them like they listed the door prize winners above.
Then each of the members can add to the list with a YES or a NO for having their pics posted.

Next step would be for me or someone with access to all the pics to connect all the yeses with the faces.
(I have a terrible memory for faces when I see 70 new ones at one time.)

What do y'all think?

I need to pre-approve mine! haha..like none with mouth open, eyes closed, etc.

 

[kenny]

Can I not have my photos posted? I was fine with taking photos with members for memories' sake, but for safety reasons I would rather not have my pieces posted publicly with a link to my face. I just flagged MayK's post to have my photo deleted. I'm so sorry if the others in group photos wanted to be posted-- I have tried to keep a somewhat neutral, slightly anonymous persona here on PS so that I am safe from the creepies and also safe from being "discovered" by people from my "real life". I am just a little more leery than your usual person about posting luxury items, then having a face to mark who owns these items. I really did battle my stance on this, as I would have loved to see the photo of myself next to Andrey from the raffle, and feel like I owe it to the PS community to at least allow that photo to be public.. but I really really don't like knowing I'm adding risk of being "discovered", or worse, targeted.

I'm so sorry, I should have said something instead of joining in group photos.. I don't mind the photos be shared in a more private manner, but not here in a very public space.

I took 352 pics and will edit it down to the best ones.
I'm in the middle of deleting the majority for being out of focus, someone blinked, the 4 worst of 5 similar ones etc..
But I'll be left with tens of quite good ones.
Most are candid, taken with a long lens without the subject posing.
No flash, just natural light.

I know the subjects and folks here would like to see them but that brings up a real dilemma...
Clearly the priority is to respect those not wishing to have their pics posted.
But some are fine with their pics posted.

How do we identify both groups?
If Andre could compile a list of the screen names of all the participants we could list them like they listed the door prize winners above.
Then each of the members can add to the list with a YES or a NO for having their pics posted.

Next step would be for me or someone with access to all the pics to connect all the yeses with the faces.
(I have a terrible memory for faces when I see 70 new ones at one time.)

What do y'all think?

I need to pre-approve mine! haha..like none with mouth open, eyes closed, etc.

Yes, I do delete any with spinach in front teeth, in the middle of a sneeze, etc.
I asked John to close his eyes, and he and I have a good friendship so I feel confident he'll be groovy with that fun pic.

 

[Dee*Jay]

LOL, the photographer for my company's website just sent me the "top five" results from a photo shoot a few weeks ago so I can pick one for the site. If these are the TOP five, I'd hate to see the BOTTOM five...

Ladies (and gentlemen!) you are all beautiful!!!

 

[Matata]

I can't see all the pics on my phone. Can't wait to get home to my laptop. Darn plane left LV late due to mechanical problem.

Has anyone mentioned Jura yet--pave setter located in Netherlands? Blow your mind exquisite art. I think Bebe took some pics. Hope she'll share.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Love seeing all the pictures! Looks like everyone had a great time. My DH took his son to see the Beatles Love show in vegas for his 21st b-day. They loved it too! (still not sure how I didn't get to go on that trip )

That was a very good reason that you should have gone with us!!!

 

[kenny]

I can't see all the pics on my phone. Can't wait to get home to my laptop. Darn plane left LV late due to mechanical problem.

Has anyone mentioned Jura yet--pave setter located in Netherlands? Blow your mind exquisite art. I think Bebe took some pics. Hope she'll share.

Yes, the most astonishing micro-pave I have ever seen.
I have some pics of a member louping it.

It should be called nano-pave or pico-pave.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I can't see all the pics on my phone. Can't wait to get home to my laptop. Darn plane left LV late due to mechanical problem.

Has anyone mentioned Jura yet--pave setter located in Netherlands? Blow your mind exquisite art. I think Bebe took some pics. Hope she'll share.

Oh, no! And especially after having to be there so early!!!

Forgot to mention him! Yes, his work was amazing (and pricey, too! ). Surely was fun to look at, though!

 

[madelise]

Verragio sapphire ring from Whiteflash: vc10um
1.10-carat diamond studs from Blue Nile: Skippy
Fancy yellow diamond ring from Leibish & Co.: Madelise
Whiteflash .30-carat ideal-cut diamond pendant:
AVC diamond pendant from Good Old Gold: YT
Diamond Eternity Band from Single Stone: PinkJewel
Dreams of Africa pendant from Whiteflash: Miraclesrule
Diamond bracelet from Jewels by Erica Grace: MayK
D-IF diamond pendant from James Allen: MissyDebby
Tacori City Lights earrings from Whiteflash: Resonance.of.Life
DeBeers jewelry Book: Yssie
Pink CZ from Wink: Gypsy
Colorless OctaCZ from Wink and Karl: Catmom
OEC Earrings from David Atlas: Sarahbear621

I added ROL for the Tacori earrings.
Who won the WF 0.30? Fess up!

 

[madelise]

Hopefully this can tide everyone over until I can get proper DSLR quality photos of my spoils! Unfortunately, all of my madelise-esque dessert photos came out blurry so this is also an excuse for me to purchase some yumyums! And maybe an excuse for me to finally upgrade my phone.

 

[yennyfire]

Oh no! That's awful Matata! I only hope that you have that gorgeous pear in your pocket to keep you company!

Anyone want to venture a guess as to how many carats of diamonds/gemstones were at the GTG??

 

[ForteKitty]

This is the only picture I have, curtesy of MissyDebby, taken on the balcony: