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| HOME : FORUM : COMMUNITY : Testimonials : The Facts and Truth about the 2.01 A CUT ABOVE |
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Post#1 @
04-04-01
, 10:31 AM
I have been an avid reader of DiamondTalk for ages and decided it was time to enter the forum. Fortunately, my busy schedule has not allowed me to contribute to the forum, but I have been watching the events of the past few days closely and feel that there needs to be some clarification of the facts from the source The 2.01 G SI1 A CUT ABOVE under discussion was one of the first hearts and arrows diamonds to be manufactured by Alpha Inc. here in the US in 1998. In the early days of the manufacturing process, the standards for polish and symmetry, which are external features, were not as stringent as they are today. We started out by meeting at least the minimum polish and symmetry standard of the other branded diamond that was on the market at the time. The only A CUT ABOVE diamond that has ever been given a VG G, was the diamond whose certificate Jonathan posted a few days ago. The VG for polish was due to minute polishing marks and G for symmetry was because the meet point symmetry was slightly out. (SEE IMAGES BELOW). Interestingly enough, as you can see from the posted images, this diamond still exhibits a TRUE hearts and arrows pattern. Cupid can attest to this as he saw it with his own eyes. We moved forward, tightened up the standards and raised the bar to make sure that every A CUT ABOVE diamond was either a GIA EX EX or AGS000 (ideal cut, ideal polish, ideal symmetry). The interesting thing about this whole event is that contrary to Jonathan’s information in his post, the diamond under discussion belongs to Alpha Inc., not Whiteflash.com, and is in our safe along with the certificate. The diamond has always been represented as exactly what it is and the price had been adjusted accordingly. We agree that the diamond should not have originally been inscribed with the logo, but the diamond was submitted to the GIA with a batch of other diamonds in late September of 1999 and was automatically inscribed. This all happened more than one whole year before Superbcert had even entered the market. The inscription has been removed. A few months back, when the Superbcert diamond was revealed as not having a true hearts and arrows pattern, the price being charged was a full market price, and the certificate was very recent (November 2000) http://www.goodoldgold.com/1113.htm . Was this an isolated incident? One Important Fact: The tight tolerances and deviation in angles and facets has nothing to do with expertise in cutting.. This is only governed by the condition of the cutting equipment. Another important fact: The finishing up of the stone, that is the lower and upper girdle facets and stars, is where the art and expertise comes in - True heart patterning, The hearts don’t lie; it’s all in the hearts. (More to come) The logo for A CUT ABOVE has always stood for a TRUE hearts and arrows pattern, and represents a grading standard of a minimum of either a GIA EX EX or an AGS000 We have always been completely focused on ensuring a TRUE hearts and arrows pattern, with 8 perfectly matching hearts and 8 symmetrical arrows. In this country, no lab has undertaken the grading of the hearts and arrows pattern for various reasons. CGL had laid the standard in Japan years before, and we have always attempted to adhere to these strict original standards. Whiteflash.com is an e-tail corporation that sells A CUT ABOVE diamonds and is one of the most professional organizations I have had the good fortune to work with. Alpha Inc., my company, is the company that cuts A CUT ABOVE TRUE Hearts and Arrows diamonds. I believe Jonathan, Drew and other posters here who have initiated and jumped on the bandwagon in castigating Whiteflash, owe Whiteflash an apology. You guys looked for a way to catch Whiteflash out, and you manipulated the facts without any background information. Like saying “this is a recent stone or A CUT ABOVE lets one out”. If any thing, this should have been directed at me and Alpha Inc. You are here to give the consumers the facts, maybe you should contact the source before you embarrass yourselves. Since the 2.01 G SI1 is now so famous, it has become a very rare one of a kind collector’s item and the price has just doubled. Brian Gavin President, Alpha Inc. Cutter of “A CUT ABOVE”, True Hearts and Arrows. The pattern never lies.
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THANK YOU, Brian!!!!!!!
Post#2 @
04-04-01
, 10:34 AM
Glad you finally broke the ice and posted! Welcome! AGBF |
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Post#3 @
04-04-01
, 10:47 AM
Hi Brian, Thanks for the post. S |
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Post#4 @
04-04-01
, 11:00 AM
Brian, Thanks for coming in and offering your opinion. I, for one, truly appreciate it. I've tried to stay out of this discussion because its growing awfully tiresome seeing everyone bash each other and try to point out flaws in each others products. I actually don't really think one diamond is representative of anyones work. Anyone can find a flaw in any company in my opinion. I haven't found anyone yet that is perfect, and from what I've heard and seen you offer a wonderful product. I am curious, though about your statement that this diamond "still exhibits a true hearts and arrows pattern". Bob always points us to the pricescope page to look at what a true hearts and arrows pattern means. Is it just the photo that makes the hearts look like there are pieces missing in the bottom of the hearts? Also, the "v's" don't appear to be of even size/shapes and most of the diamonds that get posted as H&A's seem to have very consistent v's as well. Are the v's not important? With all the discussion of H&A's around here, I guess I'm still not sure what a "true pattern" is. Thanks again for joining us. |
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Post#5 @
04-04-01
, 10:04 PM
Brian, I remember a post a little while back about Whiteflash buying a controlling interest in Alpha, and I was under the impression that they were one and the same now. This was my reason for addressing Diamondbob, and Whiteflash in my post about "ACA let's a Bad One Out". If that is not true than I fully apologize to Diamondbob and Whiteflash. Despite what alot of people think in the diamond or jewelry business, I did not start the post as a "slam campaign" against Whiteflash or ACA. I was upset about the advertising that these "branded" companies do, and than the failure of them to live up to their claims and guarantees. Last month I was upset with the Superbcert stone, and their guarantee and advertising. Barry admitted that stone should never have had his trademark on it, and he promptly removed it(As you have stated about your ACA stone, and have since done). Diamondbob was exceptionably harsh in his post, and left me with the feeling that he was rightfully so. I also was left with the impression that ACA's QC, claims, and guarantee's were solid, and this could never happen to them. When I saw this cert. I was quite upset and it left me wondering how many of these branded stones with these guarantee's and claims are actually out there. My understanding of these Branded stones was that there are no "different grades" of them available such as a, b, or c grade of ACA, or Superbcert. My belief is if there were, the "brand" as a whole would not command as much a premium, and thus it would be no great deal to own one. I felt a little taken in by all the hype and advertising, and I wanted both consumers to know about this, and to have the companies know that "we" the consumer ARE watching, and you cannot claim something, and sell something else, just for profit. A few years back, before the internet, it would be real easy for companies to do this, but I don't believe so now. I also believe that because of these two stones and all the publicity over them, that these "branded" companies will be ALOT more careful about what gets there trademark's on them, and that's all the better for us consumers, who after all, is what this forum is all about. I guess on the bright side, this whole debate between branded stones, has somehow landed Cupid(fellow consumer) a free trip, and has now given us the oppurtunity to see how some of these Branded stones measure up against each other. Lastly, the following was the post that led me to believe that Whiteflash owned ACA. "Due to the current changes in the diamond industry and in the supply of rough diamonds, Whiteflash.com, Inc. felt it necessary to secure an uninterrupted supply of A CUT ABOVE branded Hearts and Arrows diamonds for you the consumer to purchase. As a result, Whiteflash.com, Inc has successfully bought a controlling interest in Alpha Inc., the cutter of A CUT ABOVE branded Hearts and Arrows diamonds. This includes their Houston, Texas and Antwerp, Belgium cutting facilities. This will continue to ensure our continued success and growth, as well as an uninterrupted supply of A CUT ABOVE diamonds to the consumer. This acquisition will add depth to the company and to our already dynamic team with over 100 years of combined diamond cutting experience and the foremost experts in the ideal cut hearts and arrows diamond industry. Alpha Inc. will continue normal operations, supplying retail stores across the country." Debi Wexler CEO, Whiteflash.com |
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Post#6 @
04-05-01
, 01:39 AM
(Brian - I hope you have seen my earlier posts verifying the above) This stone was a subject of conversation when I visited Brian at Alpha. As I said previously, it is a beautiful diamond - and the hearts and arrows pattern is consistent (the reflection of the inclusion seems exaggerated in the posted photo - I could see the H&A well when I viewed it live). In my opinion Brian Gavin is a model of integrity and cares passionately about his craft. This is evident in the concern he has displayed regarding the misinformation about this stone (which is still a great diamond). Live long and... you know I wanna play the saxophone. |
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Post#7 @
04-05-01
, 09:48 AM
I didn't put Whiteflash in the heading, but I did single out Diamondbob, and Whiteflash in those reply post's in that topic. Once again, I apologize to Diamondbob, as this stone was certed before Whiteflash bought a controlling interest in ACA. So obviously this was a problem with by Brian at ACA, and had nothing to do with Diamondbob. Diamondbob still has an unblemished record in my book again. Peace to all!!!!!!!!Now if I could only think of one of Ice's famous line's. oh well, NUFF SAID!!!!(copyright ice) |
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Oh, shoot!!!!!
Post#8 @
04-05-01
, 11:56 AM
Quote:
I *hate* doing this and I seem to be doing it very, very *often* lately! Deep breath: I apologize to *you*, Drew! And yeah, that *did* hurt me!! But you seem worth it  AGBF |
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Post#9 @
04-05-01
, 12:09 PM
AGBF, Peace, I was upset at the thought of people thinking I was someone else, or thinking that I had some kind of smear agenda. I just want the companies to give us the truth, and I belive Diamondbob, Barry, and Brian have. Hat's off to them!!!!!!!!!Some great dialect going on here. Now, I can't wait to hear from Cupid and his fiance upon their return. It's also very nice to have Broadway around again. He seem's like a very level headed consumer with alot to share. Peace to Brad also, who might have thought I had something personal against him. Not here!!!!! PS you can correct my spelling or grammer anytime, teach!!!!LOL |
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Clarification time!
Post#10 @
04-06-01
, 08:26 PM
Drew, you are a gentleman and I appreciate and thank you for your apology to Bob and Whiteflash which they rightfully deserve. Nevertheless, I do feel I need to emphasize the difference between the two incidents Following is a time line to illustrate this whole event. This is both important and relevant in clarifying the issue at hand. I will place it in a chronological order to make it clearer. A CUT ABOVE stood behind whatever it said within its time frame evolvement. Jonathan chose to leave the most crucial piece of information out: "The Date of the Certificate" and portrayed it to be a current stone as an exception. Quote: "From my understanding it is a pretty recent stone too." (Superbscert's stone was 31 October, 2000) Which is more recent? Timeline AUGUST 1998: Alpha Inc. begins cutting Hearts and Arrows Maintains same standards as other branded H & A and similar products on the market as far as polish and symmetry and but we had True Hearts and Arrows and held by this standard of True Hearts and Arrows. Others did not. This is what I built my brand on and have always maintained that Standard. Checkout this link. http://www.professionaljeweler.c o...99/1299dg1.html JULY 1999: In brief, Barry Gutwein calls me and starts asking questions about Hearts and Arrows. We discussed many issues of which two in particular stand out. He told me how difficult it is to get perfect hearts and ex polish was another. He purchased an Alphascope H & A viewer from me and asks me if I could manufacture them for him. SEPT 1999: 2.01 is certed and inscribed with other diamonds at GIA, one whole year before Superbcert entered the market. NOV 1999: Before the start of the season I raised my own standard to exclude anything but GIA ex ex and of course AGS000 for polish and symmetry in order for the diamond to be branded A CUT ABOVE. True Hearts and Arrows was a given. Computers are great! I am willing to make my history records on this stone available: August 2000 Internet booms - Alpha strikes deal with Whiteflash.com to sell A Cut Above online. Sept/Oct 2000 SuperbCert are sold online I continually strive to keep improving A CUT ABOVE. I believe our current production will be the best of the best because of advancements in the study of light return and angles. This is the standard I maintain and have expected others to reach and keep consistent in order to call their diamonds True Hearts and Arrows, which will ultimately assure the consumer the best possible stone weather it's A CUT ABOVE or another brand. Jonathan, maybe you can answer these questions? You use A Cut Above and Bob who I do believe represents Whiteflash here on this forum, as an example to try and get even and make a point with Ice. This I believe was your issue. Lets call it a double edged sword or killing two birds with one stone. Quote: "…my posting of this in no way reflects what I think ACA puts out on a regular basis, and please Bob... do not take this in the wrong spirit………. So what was the spirit. Teaching Ice a lesson about Humanism? Quote: "This is not an attack on anyone, any company or diamond for that matter ……..." So who was this directed at? Which company? What stone? I got the answer The 1.01 from Hearts of Truth cut by Fred! Quote: " I just want to show Ice that we're all human here and I believe this is a rare exception to the ACA rule,………" Yes indeed it is, compared to what we produce today it is a collectors item. dating back to October of 1999 and was par for the course for that time with True Hearts and Arrows Quote: "you will not find any crude or unkind words towards you or your product Bob in an attempt to smear." What would you call it praising A CUT ABOVE True Hearts and Arrows Quote: " just as that example you brought up (which I posted as well) is an exception……….." NO IT IS NOT ! an exception there are more. I ,too, have an anonymous client who has e- mailed me some pictures of more Inconsistency in the hearts of Superbcert but I won't put them up. Ice does not need a lesson in humanism from me and I don't have to show up any company, person or diamonds to make my point. My sword is only one sided and I don't kill birds, not even one never mind two. That's because I don't throw stones either. Let's all agree on one thing. What Bob's criticism on Superbcert did, was to raise the standard of Superbcert's product. http://www.diamondring.com/forums/s...65&pagenumber=4 Drew Quote: Drew "Brad, I suppose you wouldn't be upset if you were paying a premium on a stone that was supposed to be rated a EX,EX, or Ideal and it came back as VG, G. Give me a break……." This stones was priced accordingly for what it was. No premium was ever charged or quoted - Unlike the Superbcert Brad summed up the stone of the thread very succinctly Quote: " First of all Drew don`t try and put words in my mouth. You don`t have the details but yet you pass judgement? How do you know who sold it or even what it was represented as. Do you really think it was represented as an EX, EX, when it clearly was stated VG, GD? How do you even know if it was sold by Whiteflash ?A cut above has other dealers. This stands out as a vivid smear campaign" The whole tone of your thread is directed at Bob who I do believe represents Whiteflash Please re read the thread http://www.diamondring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7338 Need I go on…………….. Brianthecutter Alpha Inc. - A CUT ABOVE |
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Brian, seeing that you are doing a timeline, can you tell me when the ACA 2.01 stone was repolished to take your trademark off? Was it in Nov.,1999 when you changed your policy to include only stones that achieve AGS Ideal, or GIA EX,EX grading? Or was it just recently? If it was back when you changed your policy in Nov.of 1999 than I commend you for it, and I believe you are justifyably annoyed by this portrayal of your product. However, if it was just recently, than I ask why did you wait till now? Thanks!!!!!!!!!! |
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