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| HOME : FORUM : COMMUNITY : Testimonials : Consumers: My exp with A Cut Above diamonds |
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Post#1 @
04-02-01
, 08:33 PM
 Like many who read this forum, I’m an info-minded consumer, nasty-bitten by the diamond bug. The following is an experience I’d like to share...For 6 weeks I have looked at hundreds of stones. Under loupes, under scopes, indoors, outdoors - you name it. However, I had never seen a “superideal” cut until Sunday when I spent time with cutter Brian Gavin of “A Cut Above” diamonds. Urgent!! Any diamond shopper who has not seen a superideal diamond needs to. Right away. I mean it. Get in your car and drive. Turn off the oven and go now! The difference between unbranded stones and a superideal cut is dramatic. How can I describe it? You know movies where the wealthy socialite shows her diamond the camera does a close-up and these dazzling flashes of light and color play around the stone? (hint - it looks like special effects) - I never expected to see that live, but I did Sunday. No special effects. No hot lights. No stunt doubles. As a matter of fact, the best performance I saw happened in sunlight and “restaurantesque” half-light. In my travels I have seen diamonds with great sparkle but the superideal stones have a depth and dancing life of their own which is surpassing in beauty. During the five-hour drive home I thought of a correlation to my line of expertise... “Comparison”  Good home stereos sound excellent these days. However, the average consumer never hears music in * true * mix and balance. If you go to a professional studio and listen to digitally mastered tracks played on reference-standard equipment there is a depth of tone and ambiant musical color which transcends description. This, visually, is what I saw taking place in the ACA diamonds Sunday. Now, just like “superideal” diamonds, these brands of high-fidelity equipment (brands like Bang & Olufson and McIntosh) are only available in specialty shops. And, just like “superideal” diamonds, they command a premium that stuns the average consumer. “Gemophile, yo.” So how far do you want to take it? For some listeners, a stock car stereo is fine. But serious audiophiles seek out sound equipment of the most superb quality. Many couples will be happy with commercial diamonds, but for the gemophile, this kind of quality would seem the only way to go. Oh - one more thing... After seeing the wheel & plate, the tongues and other tools of the cutter’s trade it is hard for me to believe such feats as these “superideal” cuts are achievable, much less with the kind of consistency I viewed. Mr. Gavin is at the top of his craft. He is truly an artist and his product speaks for itself. Disclaimer: As Marvin may tell you... My opinion + 35 cents will get you nothing but a local phone call. I’m not a gemologist, jeweler or jedi knight... Just a guy who loves his girl!  Live long and... use the force, Luke! |
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Post#2 @
04-02-01
, 10:13 PM
Cupid, Thank you for sharing your perspective. I too have been bitten by the diamond bug except mine has lasted for about 10 years and it's not going away.  Did you decide to buy an "A Cut Above" diamond? Is Brian Gavin the only cutter for "A Cut Above" diamonds? Thanks, Atalantah |
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Thanks for the story, Cupid!
Post#3 @
04-02-01
, 11:09 PM
I enjoyed reading your perspective. Mine is a bit different because when I saw branded stones I did *not* find them as impressive as you found A Cut Above's stones. Maybe we have different taste. Maybe you see the cut more clearly. Maybe A Cut Above is better cut than the brand I saw (which I won't mention here). My experience *was* different, though. The supposed super-ideal was not as nice as my AGS000 unbranded stone ,possibly because it was of lower color. It didn't even compare. AGBF |
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I had what she's having.
Post#4 @
04-02-01
, 11:38 PM
Side by side I could not tell the non-branded from the branded. The Sarin machine verified the preciseness of my unbranded (still paid an arm and a leg though! ).R/A |
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Post#5 @
04-03-01
, 12:48 AM
Quote:
Atlantah - I did not ask Brian Gavin if he is the only cutter. I draw that conclusion - or perhaps members of his family are involved (he is a 5th generation cutter!). My eyes are large for my budget right now - but I am trying to answer your second question soonest! I *DID* find 2 stones that sing to me though.Live long and... there you have it! |
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It's a personal thing...
Post#6 @
04-03-01
, 01:00 AM
Quote:
AGBF - After reading your posts I know you're too observant to have "missed" something Maybe the superideal stone you saw just wasn't "locked in" like the ACAs I saw... Either that or I'm losing my mind. I really have looked at hundreds of diamonds in the last few weeks and to me there was a big dif. You're so right about color making a difference - that's for sure. Though I was very impressed by all the stones I saw, the D which came out of the box knocked me out. I hope you get a chance to view ACA live sometime - I'd be interested to hear your opinion. Regards. Live long and... there you have it. |
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Post#7 @
04-03-01
, 12:15 PM
Good post, Cupid. I too, have been bitten by this diamond thing. I was never intrested in diamonds, or at least not anymore than the average guy. But when I started looking for an engagement ring I started to become educated about diamonds. My business deals in strictly precision measurements, so I can really appreciate what it takes to turn out a quality stone. I purchased a branded stone because I couldn't spend alot of monthes looking at very good quality un-branded stones and I felt much more assured of what I was getting. My fiance was soooooo happy because I took the time to become quite knowledgable about something that most guys would probably just throw down some coin and buy. It really meant alot to her, and it has given me alot of stories to share with her about our engagement. It was all the more special. Your fiance will no doubt appreciate the time and interest you take in giving up alot of your time for this precious gift. NO GO AND DO IT!!!!!!!!!Good luck, and best to you and yours!!! |
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Post#8 @
04-03-01
, 02:23 PM
Drew tell me about your diamond. What brand did you buy? You sound a lot like me going from know nothing and not caring to the other extreme of wanting to learn more and more. Never thought it would happen to me. |
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Post#9 @
04-03-01
, 03:21 PM
Riverrat, I will send you a private e-mail, as my story is quite long, and possibly boring to some who were around when I was shopping for a stone. I had alot of posts with questions back in Dec./Jan. of 2001. I did however end up with a Superbcert, F, VS-1, 1.78. I am VERY happy with my selection, and believe you can't go wrong with most of the branded stones available, be it superbcert, A Cut Above, or 8star. I can't believe anyone would say any of these super-ideals are "ugly", however everyone see's differently and likes different things. With that being said, some people like what they see in 8's, some don't, some like ACA's, some like Superbcert's. And I'm sure there are alot of non-branded stones that are just as nice, I just didn't have alot of time to look at alot of different un-branded stones. I was returning my original stone, and I had only 30 day's to decide on another. It is a little crazy how a little knowledge can get you hooked on this site!!! |
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Addiction
Post#10 @
04-03-01
, 04:39 PM
Quote:
You're not just whistlin' dixie, bub... I spent about 40 hrs last week on nothing but diamonds! If go this hard much longer I may wind up with the world's best diamond and no girl to propose to Live long and... "Honey, when are you going to spend time with ME?"
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Post#11 @
04-03-01
, 06:54 PM
I also got caught up in learning about diamonds, and had a GREAT, GREAT time searching out our 1.70 F VS2 engagement ring (which is in the mail as we speak). I've shared some of that adventure before on DT, especially the awesome time I spent with Jonathan. But I just want to make the point that it is extremely helpful to us consumers to hear from other consumers who have researched diamonds and have seen a lot of diamonds in person. Bringing togehter the technical information with actual observation of diamonds gives practical insight to consumers who visit this site. Cupid and others who have seen a lot of these diamonds can really help those who do not have the opportunity. Is there a difference between these different types and brands? Do H&As really make a difference? Does the HCA correlate with reality? Are variances in angles a real concern? Which companies or jewelers are knowledgeable and consumer friendly? Keep it cookin you guys; keep it upbeat; keep the good information coming. |
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Post#12 @
04-03-01
, 07:03 PM
Neal, congrat's on your recent purchase!!! I coundn't agree with you more. I bet you can't wait to have that precious stone in your/her hands. Enjoy it, and the many compliments you are sure to receive. |
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Post#13 @
04-03-01
, 07:22 PM
No sleep for Neal. LOL |
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Really psyched to see that beauty again! "10:30 am tomorrow morning". . . and really happy with the way the whole thing came down. A lot of good technical information, great direction and advice from people on this site, and a couple awesome seminars at GoodOldGold (via website and live in concert), and a lot of cool lookin diamonds up close. It will be our second engagement; the original ring was stolen (a whole wild story itself). Lookin at a limo, dinner in the city, and an opera. A great lady, a great diamond, and a good time. |
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