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This is a long past due heartfelt thank you to you and your crew at GOG for helping us put together my dream ring. ( 1.3 HSI1 center stone with 0.5 HSI1 side stones all in H&A round diamonds in a Vatche 3-stone truffle platinum mounting)
My story may be similar to many that you have heard before but I would like to repeat it one more time: We didn’t know much about diamonds, period. A local jewelry store (we live in
Indiana ) had sold my husband three diamonds several years ago which were mounted in an expensive custom platinum setting. It was large and lifeless.
We decided to replace it - my husband’s 15th wedding anniversary gift to me….and we looked for diamonds at some of the "better" stores in
Indianapolis . We were told that, "This is the stone for you…just look at the color! Or, just look at the clarity." These "diamond experts" showed me stones under scopes, took me outside in the sunlight, walked me around storefronts in malls and told me the reason I didn’t really "get the real effect of the stone" was because of store lighting, etc…. I began to think I was crazy because I wasn’t seeing what I was told I should be seeing. We were met with condescending remarks and bullish attitudes. I was told, "You obviously don’t know much about diamonds, honey…THIS is a nearly colorless 1.5 carat stone! Any woman would be thrilled to have this. What is wrong with you?" Does this start to sound familiar??? It was a miserable time. And also a huge waste of time.
Luckily, I started to do some research on the internet and discovered some diamond forums and, ultimately , Good Old Gold, which was repeatedly mentioned very favorably, as well as a couple of others. At this point we were very skeptical about actually purchasing a diamond over the internet, but we started educating ourselves about diamonds and went back to Indy for another try at it. At some stores we were literally met with blank stares at the mention of cut. We saw a
HOF 1.3, J,SI1 for $13,500 plus mounting and put a deposit on it and drove back home.
I started thinking about all that money and told my husband I had seen H&A on the internet for "way less money." I revisited three of the internet sites I had read about the most on the forums making telephone contacts with each of them. We opted out of the
HOF . Which leads me to the purpose of the letter…a huge KUDOS to you and everyone at your store.
Ultimately I chose to do business with you because:
1. You had the most comprehensive information on diamond education, in general, but, more specifically, you had the most information about each and every stone in your store. Coming from a science background, it was important to me that your stones were tested and documented in measurable and accurate terms, and that I had access to the reports prior to making a decision.
2. You had a mission statement and I liked it.
3. You also had a "real" store. You weren’t simply a diamond "broker." The stones you offer are in your possession.
4. At one point in the search we had narrowed 4 potential stones. I called each of 3 internet stores I had read about on the diamond forums with questions. Your store won my trust and my business with that first contact. I had wanted a visual comparison of two of your stones. No problem. I think Charles was my first contact… He pulled them both and talked me through them describing each stone’s particular characteristics. No question was "stupid." He was extremely accommodating and answered all my questions in a pleasant, patient manner. This was not the experience I had when I called the other two stores. I thought it over and called back, this time talking you. You seemed to completely understand my questions and tune into my level of knowledge about diamonds and were able to talk to me at that level. You redirected me to specific areas of education on your website for further consideration/study. You were pleasant. I was never pressured or given a "hard sell" by anyone at your store, ever. Your dedication to diamond education, lovely stones, reasonable pricing, customer service, and generous return and/or up sell policies could not be matched by any other company I had contacted. Marie and Christen were invaluable to me in their help with settings, and I appreciate Tim for his help, too.
5. Initially we chose a solitaire and when we had regrets about not doing a 3-stone ring, we were graciously assisted in putting together what I think is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. It is just the perfect ring for me. Some people are fortunate in that they can visualize a finished piece and may have an easier time choosing the stones and mounting. I am not one of those people. Christen and Marie spent a lot of time helping me in this area and put together different combinations of different stones and mountings and emailed pictures of them to me so that I could "see them." Another thing impressed me…every person there took the time to listen and get to know me well enough to guide me in the right direction….
I’ve worn this spectacular ring since October, and still find myself staring at it, marveling at its beauty. I get compliments on it every day. In the past, people would notice my ring and say, "Wow, that is big." Now when people notice my ring they say, "That is a beautiful ring." And there lies the difference.
Jonathan, thank you so much. I feel like I made some nice friends there and send you and everyone there my kindest regards. Please feel free to have anyone contact me with questions they may have about my experience doing business with you.
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