who to work with...?

[kimikocat]

As some of you already know, I''m starting a new project and am considering sourcing stones from an online vendor, like WF or GOG, instead of a local B&M.

Should I ask for a specific person, by name? Are there folks who are more knowledgeable and more likely to put up with someone who likes to ask tons of questions, and doesn''t mind answering them over the telephone (I work in an open office and it''s embarrassing to ask about carat weight/cut/clarity in the middle of the work day...hehe).

 

[kcoursolle]

You''ll probably be fine with anyone from those places, but I''ve had excellent experiences with Lesley H at WF.

 

[Deelight]

All the folks would be equally be able to help you IMO but I personally really like Sarah from GOG mainly cause I worked with her before and I think she is a gem .

 

[kimikocat]

Hello deelight and kcorsolle,

Thanks for the recommendations. I''ve been corresponding with a SA at WF, but she seems to occasionally "disappear" from the radar. Not sure if they are just really busy right now or if I''m not asking the right questions.

 

[Ellen]

How long a time are we talking?

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 6/16/2008 7:48:47 PM
Author: Ellen
How long a time are we talking?

Just a few days...it usually takes her about a week (business) to respond.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/16/2008 8:22:27 PM
Author: kimikocat

Date: 6/16/2008 7:48:47 PM
Author: Ellen
How long a time are we talking?

Just a few days...it usually takes her about a week (business) to respond.

Ok, that''s way too long. Call and ask for Lesley, tell her your situation, and that you would like it if she could help you out from here. That''s just nonsense to take that long. I''ve rarely waited 1 day with Lesley, it''s usually almost immediate, to a couple hours.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/16/2008 8:26:08 PM
Author: Ellen

Date: 6/16/2008 8:22:27 PM
Author: kimikocat

Date: 6/16/2008 7:48:47 PM
Author: Ellen
How long a time are we talking?

Just a few days...it usually takes her about a week (business) to respond.

Ok, that's way too long. Call and ask for Lesley, tell her your situation, and that you would like it if she could help you out from here. That's just nonsense to take that long. I've rarely waited 1 day with Lesley, it's usually almost immediate, to a couple hours.

Me too, Lesley is pretty quick and great. Vera is great too!

 

[Cocosgirl]

Jonathan or Marie at GOG would be a great option too -- or even Mark Turnowski at ERD.

 

[Kaleigh]

WF, Lesley, she''s great. GOG, Jonathon or Marie. Have worked with all of them and have been very pleased.

 

[kimikocat]

Hello Kaleigh, Ellen, Skippy, & CocosGirl:

Thanks for the recommendations. How would you describe GOG vs. WF (in terms of style, service)? I''m not asking for comparisons in terms of "who is better," but just trying to learn more about the differences between the companies and what they offer.

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

Date: 6/17/2008 1:12:44 PM
Author: kimikocat
Hello Kaleigh, Ellen, Skippy, & CocosGirl:

Thanks for the recommendations. How would you describe GOG vs. WF (in terms of style, service)? I'm not asking for comparisons in terms of 'who is better,' but just trying to learn more about the differences between the companies and what they offer.

I don't know anything about WF, but I have bought 2 diamonds from GOG and both times, Jonathan endured countless questions via email and talked to me on the phone when I was getting down to the wire. Jonathan's style is to educate the consumer so that the consumer can feel good about what they are buying; he is never pushy or demeaning.

On the first diamond I bought from him, I couldn't decide between 2 diamonds. One was an unusual cut that I loved but it was way out of my price range. The other one was also a branded cut, not rare and less expensive. I finally decided to purchase the less expensive one but I couldn't get the first one out of my head. It bothered me so much that I called him and told him my thoughts and he told me that the first diamond was still available since they had not put it back on the site. The diamond I had chosen first was literally packaged up complete with receipt and detailed appraisal and about to be picked up by UPS, and I told him I wanted the more expensive one. Believe me, I even thought I was crazy at the time.

Jonathan didn't bat an eyelash, huff and puff or anything like that. He said something like, "Whatever you want!" and they sent me the other diamond. Believe me, it turned out to be the diamond of my dreams! Not once did Jonathan ever make me feel like I was annoying him. If fact, he has never done that. That is why I can't vouch for any other diamond vendors on PS because I am so totally sold on the products and services offered by GOG! As icing on the cake, they have an awewome upgrade policy.

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 6/17/2008 2:08:47 PM
Author: NeverEndingUpgrade

Date: 6/17/2008 1:12:44 PM

Author: kimikocat

Hello Kaleigh, Ellen, Skippy, & CocosGirl:


Thanks for the recommendations. How would you describe GOG vs. WF (in terms of style, service)? I''m not asking for comparisons in terms of ''who is better,'' but just trying to learn more about the differences between the companies and what they offer.

I don''t know anything about WF, but I have bought 2 diamonds from GOG and both times, Jonathan endured countless questions via email and talked to me on the phone when I was getting down to the wire. Jonathan''s style is to educate the consumer so that the consumer can feel good about what they are buying; he is never pushy or demeaning.


On the first diamond I bought from him, I couldn''t decide between 2 diamonds. One was an unusual cut that I loved but it was way out of my price range. The other one was also a branded cut, not rare and less expensive. I finally decided to purchase the less expensive one but I couldn''t get the first one out of my head. It bothered me so much that I called him and told him my thoughts and he told me that the first diamond was still available since they had not put it back on the site. The diamond I had chosen first was literally packaged up complete with receipt and detailed appraisal and about to be picked up by UPS, and I told him I wanted the more expensive one. Believe me, I even thought I was crazy at the time.


Jonathan didn''t bat an eyelash, huff and puff or anything like that. He said something like, ''Whatever you want!'' and they sent me the other diamond. Believe me, it turned out to be the diamond of my dreams! Not once did Jonathan ever make me feel like I was annoying him. If fact, he has never done that. That is why I can''t vouch for any other diamond vendors on PS because I am so totally sold on the products and services offered by GOG! As icing on the cake, they have an awewome upgrade policy.

I am just like you. I''m indecisive, can never make up my mind, want to see a million options, want to know everything about my potential purchases ("Where did you get it?" "Who cut it?" "Who made that setting?" "Was it made in the US?" "Is it natural?" "Is it conflict free?" etc. etc.), want lots of attention and handholding and want to hear opinions. A lot of times I just want one of everything, and need help figuring out which one is the "right" thing for my situation.

Sounds like I should get in touch with Jonathan.

 

[Ellen]

I have purchased from both, and they excel equally in terms of service (well, except for who you worked with, lol), quality merchandise, great upgrade policies, etc.

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 6/17/2008 3:46:23 PM
Author: Ellen
I have purchased from both, and they excel equally in terms of service (well, except for who you worked with, lol), quality merchandise, great upgrade policies, etc.

I think maybe she read my posts, because she''s responding to me now!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/17/2008 4:07:54 PM
Author: kimikocat

Date: 6/17/2008 3:46:23 PM
Author: Ellen
I have purchased from both, and they excel equally in terms of service (well, except for who you worked with, lol), quality merchandise, great upgrade policies, etc.

I think maybe she read my posts, because she''s responding to me now!

Funny how that works.

 

[honey22]

Lesley at Whiteflash is a saint sent from heaven!!! She was wonderful and answered all my silly, neurotic, countless questions. Couldn''t have asked for better service!!

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

Date: 6/17/2008 2:55:11 PM
Author: kimikocat


I am just like you. I''m indecisive, can never make up my mind, want to see a million options, want to know everything about my potential purchases (''Where did you get it?'' ''Who cut it?'' ''Who made that setting?'' ''Was it made in the US?'' ''Is it natural?'' ''Is it conflict free?'' etc. etc.), want lots of attention and handholding and want to hear opinions. A lot of times I just want one of everything, and need help figuring out which one is the ''right'' thing for my situation.

Sounds like I should get in touch with Jonathan.

YES, you are a lot like me. But I was spending A LOT on that first diamond, so it had to feel right. Jonathan even made me a video comparing the 2 diamonds. In fact, he has made more than one video for me. Very helpful! I am the same way wanting one of everything. My first diamond was a 1.05 ct. Jubilee cut, and I just bought a .63 ct. round for a right hand ring just because I wanted one. I bought a smallish one so as not to break the bank, but Jonathan was just as great on the second purchase.

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 6/17/2008 5:30:29 PM
Author: NeverEndingUpgrade

Date: 6/17/2008 2:55:11 PM

Author: kimikocat



I am just like you. I''m indecisive, can never make up my mind, want to see a million options, want to know everything about my potential purchases (''Where did you get it?'' ''Who cut it?'' ''Who made that setting?'' ''Was it made in the US?'' ''Is it natural?'' ''Is it conflict free?'' etc. etc.), want lots of attention and handholding and want to hear opinions. A lot of times I just want one of everything, and need help figuring out which one is the ''right'' thing for my situation.


Sounds like I should get in touch with Jonathan.

YES, you are a lot like me. But I was spending A LOT on that first diamond, so it had to feel right. Jonathan even made me a video comparing the 2 diamonds. In fact, he has made more than one video for me. Very helpful! I am the same way wanting one of everything. My first diamond was a 1.05 ct. Jubilee cut, and I just bought a .63 ct. round for a right hand ring just because I wanted one. I bought a smallish one so as not to break the bank, but Jonathan was just as great on the second purchase.

I love that you bought a round for a RHR just because. I don''t know if you saw my responses to the OMC thread in Jewelry Pieces, but I believe I told the world that I wanted one of every antique cut. *sigh*

How do you like the Jubilee cut? How would you describe it?

 

[Allison D.]

Date: 6/17/2008 4:07:54 PM
Author: kimikocat

I think maybe she read my posts, because she's responding to me now!

I suspect that's likely because I was concerned when I read your post and did a little homework on this. Because my focus is Consumer Relations, it concerns me if clients don't experience fantastic service.

I reviewed all the emails exchanges and I see Jamie's responded within a business day to all of your emails. The last email she received from you was your June 5th note asking her for info on where stones originate from and advising that you were having a hard time making a decision. I see in our records the response email she sent that same afternoon, so I'm wondering if perhaps her reply may have been snagged by your spam filter. The last several times we've had situations like this, a spam filter is usually at the root of it.

If you sent another email beyond June 5, we didn't receive it. If so, let me know so I can have our folks scour our spam filter.

I'm glad you made mention of it here so we could look into it for you.

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

Date: 6/17/2008 7:31:08 PM
Author: kimikocat

How do you like the Jubilee cut? How would you describe it?

I LOVE it. It is a cut-corner square modified brilliant. It is a 1.05 ct. H/SI1. Needless to say, the light return is amazing! I'll try to attach a montage I did showing the Tacori platinum 3-stone ring with trillions and baguettes that the diamond is now mounted into. Unfortunately, the ring is still on layaway, but I will post photos when I get it. My version is the half-way version with a solid bottom band, but you can get an idea of the look.

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

Here is a link to my round brilliant. I get it tomorrow. I''m so excited!!!

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3823

 

[honey22]

Date: 6/17/2008 9:31:01 PM
Author: Allison D.

Date: 6/17/2008 4:07:54 PM

Author: kimikocat


I think maybe she read my posts, because she''s responding to me now!

I suspect that''s likely because I was concerned when I read your post and did a little homework on this. Because my focus is Consumer Relations, it concerns me if clients don''t experience fantastic service.


I reviewed all the emails exchanges and I see Jamie''s responded within a business day to all of your emails. The last email she received from you was your June 5th note asking her for info on where stones originate from and advising that you were having a hard time making a decision. I see in our records the response email she sent that same afternoon, so I''m wondering if perhaps her reply may have been snagged by your spam filter. The last several times we''ve had situations like this, a spam filter is usually at the root of it.


If you sent another email beyond June 5, we didn''t receive it. If so, let me know so I can have our folks scour our spam filter.


I''m glad you made mention of it here so we could look into it for you.

Well there you go! This is exactly why WF have such a great rep - their customer service is fantastic!! Well done WF!!!