Thoughts on this GOG OMC?

[starshine]

I''ve been drooling over these chunky cushions from GOG forever! DH and I made a trip to GOG back in July to see these beauties and just fell in love with them! We are finally ready to move forward with this project and I think I''ve found the *one*! Anyone see anything that should make us reconsider? Thanks for your feedback!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6737/

 

[cushioncushion]

It''s a very beautiful stone. Before you pull the trigger, have you given Mark a shot at Engagements Rings Direct? He also has access to some great cushions and his mark-up is quite a bit lower than GOG. The August Vintage cushions have a significant premium. Whether the high mark-up is worth it is something you have to decide, but several people on here have gone with Mark after comparing his finds with the August Vintage stones. Happy hunting!

 

[Rhino]

Date: 12/6/2009 7:55:37 PM
Author: cushioncushion
It''s a very beautiful stone. Before you pull the trigger, have you given Mark a shot at Engagements Rings Direct? He also has access to some great cushions and his mark-up is quite a bit lower than GOG. The August Vintage cushions have a significant premium. Whether the high mark-up is worth it is something you have to decide, but several people on here have gone with Mark after comparing his finds with the August Vintage stones. Happy hunting!

Just for information & clarification August Vintage Cushions are cut to very precise angle combinations and designed from the ground up for a very specific optical design. The labor to cut one takes longer as well as the amount of rough that is cut away to complete the finished product. They do not cost more because GOG is more expensive because we can sell any diamond you see online for the same markups you see online. They cost more than common cushions because they cost more to produce on a consistent diamond for diamond basis. Our markups are similar to any other PS vendor, apples for apples, service for service.

Kind regards,

 

[swingirl]

Beautiful stone! You won''t find any other cushions like the August Vintage from GOG. They have the chunky facets which give off beautiful big flashes.

 

[HVVS]

And the G color with those chunky facets will be stunning. The lower colors are nice, too, but a well-cut antique (or antique style) stone in a high color is a real treat to see. Those huge white flashes of brilliance should be noticeable. My mother has an F color old OEC that she won''t let me post here, but it''s one of those hand-grabber stones, hehe.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Well I have been coveting a cushion like that, and that one is a beut!

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 12/6/2009 7:55:37 PM
Author: cushioncushion
It's a very beautiful stone. Before you pull the trigger, have you given Mark a shot at Engagements Rings Direct? He also has access to some great cushions and his mark-up is quite a bit lower than GOG. The August Vintage cushions have a significant premium. Whether the high mark-up is worth it is something you have to decide, but several people on here have gone with Mark after comparing his finds with the August Vintage stones. Happy hunting!

Will ERD have a better initial price on virtual inventory? Most likely Yes.
Will ERD be able to find an 8 main OMC cushion with the same optimized light return of an August Vintage? Definitely not.
Will GOG price match other vendors on virtual inventory? Yes they will but you better get the price from the other vendors first in writing if you want GOG to price match.
Will you be able to make a proper comparison between a "Nice 8 main" Cushion from ERD versus a "Superior" GOG August Vintage? Only at GOG but well worth doing to see if its worth paying the extra and or waiting for an August Vintage to match your specs.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/6/2009 5:49:47 PM
Author:starshine
I''ve been drooling over these chunky cushions from GOG forever! DH and I made a trip to GOG back in July to see these beauties and just fell in love with them! We are finally ready to move forward with this project and I think I''ve found the *one*! Anyone see anything that should make us reconsider? Thanks for your feedback!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6737/

Its a fabulous cushion!

 

[Collee]

Stellar choice. It is GORGEOUS! Awesome specs. Love the sqaure shape.

 

[cushioncushion]

Interesting response by Rhino. A bit on the vague side, perhaps. Is he saying that GOG makes the same mark-up on an August Vintage Cushion as any other stone? That''s the clear implication, when he says it takes more time to cut the stone and more of the diamond is cut away. I read his response to plainly state that, for an August Vintage Cushion, the cutter is charging him more money, but GOG is making the same mark-up they make on any other cushion. I have doubts whether or not this is really true?? Of course, I believe that GOG is well entitled to make more profit on an August Vintage if they want. However, I also feel it would be misrepresentation to imply that the reason for the premium is the higher cost charged by the cutter, unless GOG charges the same mark-up. Perhaps Rhino can clarily what he meant??

The point of my response was not to say anything bad about an August Vintage cushion. Like I said in my response, I think they are beautiful--actually magnificant would be a better word. In my personal opinion, they are worth the significant premium over other cushions. I was merely suggesting the the poster take a look at other ones and perhaps compare side-by-side to reach a personal decision whether he would rather save thousands of dollars or get a much bigger stone, albeit not as fantastic as an August Vintage cushion.

 

[Rhino]

Thanks for asking cushioncushion.

2 points I''d like to bring out that address what you''re stating as well as something CCL brought up.

Virtual Diamonds & Price Matching ... To sell a diamond at the same markup as Internet only vendors who do not have a bricks and mortar store is something we''ve been doing for a long time except we have never listed the virtual inventory on our website or PriceScope (something that will change in the near future).

Here are 2 scenarios ... If all we do is only what an Inet only vendor does price matching is no whoop. When things get different is this ... say a diamond is listed on the virtual inventory for $500 over cost. If a client comes to us and wants to see just that *one* diamond ... for the cost of transporting it we will provide them with the data to help them make an educated decision. If I know the client is committed and the diamond is local there are times we will not even charge to acquire the diamond.

Where it can get more costly (and this is the case when in the past we would hunt down diamonds to purchase for inventory) ... is say there is a cutting facility wherein only perhaps 30-35% of what they cut is what you would consider purchasing for inventory. That means I have to pay shipping on about 6-7 diamonds before I find one that gets a green light from us (and its not just in the arena of cut either as there are over 20 exams we perform on a diamond before it qualifies as a signature diamond in our inventory). To ship in 6-7 diamonds to find one could cost $500-$600 in shipping expenses alone. Making the same exact Internet markup of $500 over cost, recoup your shipping and if you''re going to realize any profit it must be marked up $1000-$1100 over cost. If I paid 500 in shipping and charged 500 over cost I wouldn''t be in business much longer. Many consumers do not understand this. I do what I do because it gives our clients peace of mind and back it with policies that are 2nd to none on the Internet.

August Vintage Cushions: If you do a search on any one vendors website (take your pick) you will find cushions within that range that vary in price by hundreds if not thousands. In fact I open up my video "A Consumer''s Guide to Cushion Cuts" with a live example of search on PS for 1.5xct H VS2 cushions that vary by roughly 3k from the least expensive to the most expensive and pose the same question ... Is the vendor who is charging more overcharging or are there problems with the least expensive one you''re not seeing by the data given online?

To use an actual case in point and to emphasize what I stated in my previous post take the 1.45ct G VVS2 in question.

*Any other cutting facility for cushions* (with perhaps the exception of SQHA) would have EASILY cut that diamond to a 1.5xct+ G VVS2.

The price differential from a 1.45ct to a 1.50ct as of this publishing is $1,700 per carat.

The question then becomes would John Doe like a more commonly cut cushion 1.5xct at a seemingly better price or does he want one designed for the sole purpose of being cut for beauty?

Think about this and also the math. If I were to follow the same rules/thinking/philosophy that all other cushion cutters did there would be no August Vintage and if more and more people think as per the old school/status quo and demand drops I''ll simply cease to cut them and do what everyone else is doing and adapt.

All the best,

 

[cushioncushion]

Thanks for responding, Rhino.

All that makes perfect sense, but...you managed to evade the basic question. Does GOG charge a higher mark-up on the August Vintage Cushions, compared to other stones? I understand how the cutter will want to charge you more for the extra time involved and losing weight in the special cutting process, but GOG is not the cutter, so all of that is immaterial to your mark-up.

Bottom line, I think the August Vintage Cushion is a great product which you market well. In my view, GOG is certainly entitled to levy a hefty mark-up on these stones, which I assume is significantly higher than the usual mark-up of Pricescope internet vendors. I think most consumers on here would agree that, when you have a premium product like the August Vintage Cushions, your Hearts and Arrows Square Cushions or your new Octavius stones, GOG is entitled to make more money in the form of a higher than normal mark-up on the price you are charged by the cutter.

 

[kenny]

I think the exact mark up of a vendor is proprietary information.
Besides, if it is different from other vendors, so what.

I bought a fancy asscher from GOG.
I don't care what the percentage of mark up is.

They had it.
I wanted it.
The price was the price.
If I perceived someone else had the same asscher for less I would not have bought it from GOG.
With rounds it is easier to compare and find similar cut than some other cuts.

Rhino may not be evading the question.
He may just be too polite to tell you that the answer is none of your business.

 

[tulip928]

It''s gorgeous!

I love these GOG stones!

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 12/7/2009 9:20:13 PM
Author: cushioncushion
Thanks for responding, Rhino.

All that makes perfect sense, but...you managed to evade the basic question. Does GOG charge a higher mark-up on the August Vintage Cushions, compared to other stones? I understand how the cutter will want to charge you more for the extra time involved and losing weight in the special cutting process, but GOG is not the cutter, so all of that is immaterial to your mark-up.

Bottom line, I think the August Vintage Cushion is a great product which you market well. In my view, GOG is certainly entitled to levy a hefty mark-up on these stones, which I assume is significantly higher than the usual mark-up of Pricescope internet vendors. I think most consumers on here would agree that, when you have a premium product like the August Vintage Cushions, your Hearts and Arrows Square Cushions or your new Octavius stones, GOG is entitled to make more money in the form of a higher than normal mark-up on the price you are charged by the cutter.

Compared to what other stones?
Ask a clear question and you might get a clear answer.

 

[HopeDream]

Starshine that cushion looks gorgeous!

The aset has plenty of red in it (lots of light return), and a nice proportion of blue (obstruction) for contrast.

I''m sure it will look beautiful on your finger.

If you want to know more about it, have Jon shoot a video so you can see it come to life.
I find static images don''t always give the best impression of a stone''s true character.

You could have him compare it to your second choice to be sure.

 

[hihowareyou]

Re: Markup. With these stones it may be a difficult question to answer as they are still quite new to the market and while it is true that the extra cutting and weight loss costs are at the cutting stage, GOG I am sure also invested money and money in time in the setting up and design process.

I don''t even know if they are charging more because of those costs but if they are, is it really mark up if they are still offsetting the setup and design costs? Of course in time those costs would be recouped and I''m just purely speculating.

For a well designed, optimized and branded cut the price doesn''t seem outrageous at all. If you are unhappy paying the extra (be it due to cutting costs or markup) then as others have pointed out there are a few other vendor options. I''ve not personally viewed the stones of those vendors so can''t comment but I do own a GOG OMC and (in my biased opinion

) it is the most beautiful diamond I''ve ever seen.

 

[starshine]

Thank you all for the feedback! I appreciate your input! I''ve been thinking of an upgrade for 4 years now, but wasn''t sure what I wanted....there is just so much beauty out there!

I had always been drawn to the chunkier cushion cuts (Boston Jeff! *swoon*) but knew they were like a needle in a haystack to find....I knew that when we were ready to pick a stone, we''d have a lot of work to do. Fortunately, Jon developed the August Vintage cut and made my search a lot easier! When I saw them in person, I knew that that was what I wanted! I think Kenny nailed it... GOG has what makes my heart sing, I am willing to pay a bit more for it! That said, I evidently still needed a little hand-holding and the Pricescope seal of approval...lol! I have requested a video also, so hopefully that will solidify my decison. Then I will need to decide on the setting...

 

[chrono]

Here’s a little extra info that might be unnecessary but I feel is still important to point out: future upgrades. GOG only requires that a person spend $500 more (or at least very little) whereas ERD requires one to spend 50% more or something to that effect.

 

[Volare]

I don''t know if this matters to you, but it sure looks to me like there is a typo in the laser inscription on the girdle!

Maybe this will make it worth even more!

 

[Liane]

Date: 12/8/2009 11:46:14 AM
Author: Volare
I don''t know if this matters to you, but it sure looks to me like there is a typo in the laser inscription on the girdle!

I think you''re right!

Tee hee.

It''s a beautiful stone. All the GOG August Vintage lines make me go

and someday (in the years-off future, when I can afford so much on frivolity again) I would very much like to add one to my collection. They make my heart sing too.

 

[risingsun]

I think the price point for the August Vintage cushions seems very reasonable for what you are getting. If I had the funds

, I would gladly purchase one for a ring or pendant.

 

[kenny]

Date: 12/8/2009 11:46:14 AM
Author: Volare
I don''t know if this matters to you, but it sure looks to me like there is a typo in the laser inscription on the girdle!

Maybe this will make it worth even more!

Good eyes.
Vinatge instead of vintage.

 

[stitch]

The stone looks pretty. I like the fact that the inscription is misspelled. This will cause your stone to be unique.

 

[elmo]

Date: 12/6/2009 7:55:37 PM
Author: cushioncushion
The August Vintage cushions have a significant premium.

This is not true across the board, only for some stones. I was looking for a cushion recently and saw that price per carat on these varied quite a bit, from something like 10 back to 30 over. Like Jon says, it was highest on the oversize stones, at least when I was looking. So I don''t think what you''re saying is entirely fair. If the premium on a particular stone is more than you''d like, look for something else.

 

[Collee]

Date: 12/7/2009 9:30:52 PM
Author: kenny
I think the exact mark up of a vendor is proprietary information.
Besides, if it is different from other vendors, so what.

I bought a fancy asscher from GOG.
I don't care what the percentage of mark up is.

They had it.
I wanted it.
The price was the price.
If I perceived someone else had the same asscher for less I would not have bought it from GOG.
With rounds it is easier to compare and find similar cut than some other cuts.

Rhino may not be evading the question.
He may just be too polite to tell you that the answer is none of your business.

I couldn't agree more. IMO it really isn't appropriate to pose such a question and to challenge a vendor or business to disclose their pricing policies. Bottom line, if you like the product and services offered and believe the price is fair then add yourself to the happy customer list. If not, move on and shop elsewhere. Nuff said!

 

[cushioncushion]

Wow...some interesting responses. It appears that this forum is becoming more like a cheerleading section for several Pricescope vendors, as opposed to one devoted to consumer education. I suggested that the poster at least check out another vendor with a smaller mark-up before making a decision, the seller jumps in with some assertions which I ask to be clarified and lots of people get upset.

The latest response is particularly telling. How dare someone ask a Pricescope vendor about pricing policies. Yea, it would be really terrible if consumers used this forum to discuss how to get the best possible deal.

Interestingly, no one was bothered at all by the vendor''s potentially incomplete response. These diamonds cost more becasue the cutter charges more and gives up weight. No other reasons given. If there''s another reason--a higher mark-up by the vendor--should that have been mentioned as well?

In my view, a vendor who makes the decision to post on here has the absolute right to politely decline to answer any question posed by a consumer. If, however, a vendor chooses to respond to a question or assertion, does the consumer deserve a 100% accurate and complete response?

The ironic part is, as I specifically stated several times in this thread, I think the August Vintage Cushions are fantastic and well worth the higher price. And to be clear, I''m not suggesting that the vendor involved intentionally misrepresented anything--in fact I know he and his company have built a teriffic reputation for honesty and integrity. I''m just suggesting that, in the vendor''s well deserved excitement about his great product, perhaps he inadvertently left out some information in the response.

Funny how, when a B&M store question comes up, no one hesitates to tell a consumer that a certain mark-up is a ripoff. But heaven forbit anyone mention the question of markup when a Pricescope vendor is involved. Very sad!

 

[cushioncushion]

P.S. So there is no doubt about what I''m saying, I''ve purchased a diamond from GOG before (and ERD as well). My experience with GOG was 110% positive--in fact I would go so far to say that they are one of the best firms I have ever deal with! I''m currently in the process of trying to save enough money to potentially upgrade to or buy an August Vintage Cushion, which is pretty tough in this economic situation.

The point of my post was not to impune GOG in any way. In fact, I appreciate that Rhino took the time and effort to engage in a dialogue on here. Just suggesting that consumers should be able to ask questions and raise issues about pricing to improve consumer awareness and competition.

 

[Liane]

I don''t necessarily disagree, but in the context of this thread -- where the OP went to go see the August Vintage cushions in person and fell in love not only with that look but with that one specific stone -- I''m not sure how helpful it is/was to direct the OP to another vendor who also supplies beautiful cushions, but not cushions of that particular proprietary cut.

It''s like if someone came to PS saying "I love this Solasfera! Any reason I shouldn''t get it?" and you tried to point them to a seller of H&A rounds. The H&As could be beautiful stones and they might be a little less expensive than the mark-up on the proprietary cut, but if the OP loves Solasfera and the other diamonds are not Solasfera, it''s not entirely helpful. The stones just have a different look, and it''s not an apples-to-apples comparison.

 

[Collee]

Date: 12/8/2009 8:43:10 PM
Author: cushioncushion
Wow...some interesting responses. It appears that this forum is becoming more like a cheerleading section for several Pricescope vendors, as opposed to one devoted to consumer education. I suggested that the poster at least check out another vendor with a smaller mark-up before making a decision, the seller jumps in with some assertions which I ask to be clarified and lots of people get upset.

The latest response is particularly telling. How dare someone ask a Pricescope vendor about pricing policies. Yea, it would be really terrible if consumers used this forum to discuss how to get the best possible deal.

Interestingly, no one was bothered at all by the vendor's potentially incomplete response. These diamonds cost more becasue the cutter charges more and gives up weight. No other reasons given. If there's another reason--a higher mark-up by the vendor--should that have been mentioned as well?

In my view, a vendor who makes the decision to post on here has the absolute right to politely decline to answer any question posed by a consumer. If, however, a vendor chooses to respond to a question or assertion, does the consumer deserve a 100% accurate and complete response?

The ironic part is, as I specifically stated several times in this thread, I think the August Vintage Cushions are fantastic and well worth the higher price. And to be clear, I'm not suggesting that the vendor involved intentionally misrepresented anything--in fact I know he and his company have built a teriffic reputation for honesty and integrity. I'm just suggesting that, in the vendor's well deserved excitement about his great product, perhaps he inadvertently left out some information in the response.

Funny how, when a B&M store question comes up, no one hesitates to tell a consumer that a certain mark-up is a ripoff. But heaven forbit anyone mention the question of markup when a Pricescope vendor is involved. Very sad!

My reply was based SOLELY on the poor taste and inappropriateness of the questions posed. Totally my opinion but I do find it rude to ask a seller (of ANY goods) to justify their pricing policies (mark-up computatinos). Not to mention the questions posed in re: to the pricing of GOG's AVCs had NOTHING to do with the OP original question. The thread was started to seek confirmation and PSers stamp of approval on a stone that she was considering. The pricing question hijack was totally unwarranted. By all means start a new thread posing these questions but to continue to debate these on this thread is IMO totally inappropriate.