HiGems, a few words on the ‘window’ thing

[Stephan_C]

 

[Stephan_C]

Hello everyone,

I tried my best not saying or posting anything here, as a vendor is not wanted here, out of respect, I barley visit PS, as a matter of fact.

Actually I got positive confirmation from the buyer on receiving on 28th feb, and another positive feedback from her on 2nd mar, which was exactly what I expected, given the quality of the stone and price, it’s a beautiful stone, I saw a few people here mentioned that too. No wonder I was so surprised that she suddenly said there’s a window, on 8th mar, yes, it’s been 10days since receiving. (photo 1-3)

And yes, it was me who willing asked her to post a thread here, with 2 photos from her, and 1 video taken by myself, which are being objective. (Photo 4-7)

I thought I was simply a misunderstanding of window or tilt window in your word. That’s exactly why I encouraged her to be here, to get a better understanding.

I even offered a trade-in opportunity, out of kindness, if she doesn’t like the stone anymore, no matter what, though it’s been 10days and a positive confirmation made on receiving.

Well, the rest of the photos she posted were made to ‘create’ windows intentionally.

It’s hard to get it right in photos or videos, to show the true color and texture. But there’re thousands of ways to make the stone look ugly, easy and simple.

I believe you guys of being fair and square, and figure out what’s really happening here.

Thank you with all regards.

Stephan from HiGems.

 

[Bron357]

Hello everyone,

I tried my best not saying or posting anything here, as a vendor is not wanted here, out of respect, I barley visit PS, as a matter of fact.

Actually I got positive confirmation from the buyer on receiving on 28th feb, and another positive feedback from her on 2nd mar, which was exactly what I expected, given the quality of the stone and price, it’s a beautiful stone, I saw a few people here mentioned that too. No wonder I was so surprised that she suddenly said there’s a window, on 8th mar, yes, it’s been 10days since receiving. (photo 1-3)

And yes, it was me who willing asked her to post a thread here, with 2 photos from her, and 1 video taken by myself, which are being objective. (Photo 4-7)

I thought I was simply a misunderstanding of window or tilt window in your word. That’s exactly why I encouraged her to be here, to get a better understanding.

I even offered a trade-in opportunity, out of kindness, if she doesn’t like the stone anymore, no matter what, though it’s been 10days and a positive confirmation made on receiving.

Well, the rest of the photos she posted were made to ‘create’ windows intentionally.

It’s hard to get it right in photos or videos, to show the true color and texture. But there’re thousands of ways to make the stone look ugly, easy and simple.

I believe you guys of being fair and square, and figure out what’s really happening here.

Thank you with all regards.

Stephan from HiGems.

It’s difficult for sellers when buyers have unrealistic expectations. Any gem will have a tilt window when viewed “side on” because the cutting optics are created for normal viewing position which is “top down”.
I think the spinel in question is gorgeous and beautifully cut, I guess you can only reiterate that gems are cut to look best when viewed “normally” which will be face on looking down,

 

[Odyssey44]

It’s difficult for sellers when buyers have unrealistic expectations. Any gem will have a tilt window when viewed “side on” because the cutting optics are created for normal viewing position which is “top down”.
I think the spinel in question is gorgeous and beautifully cut, I guess you can only reiterate that gems are cut to look best when viewed “normally” which will be face on looking down,

I completely accepted the tilt window is fine. I DO NOT accept, as most everyone said, the middle window, which cannot be avoided when looking FACE ON, TOP DOWN! I am at a loss to explain why my pictures from the top down are not "normal" viewing for you.

 

[Odyssey44]

Hello everyone,

I tried my best not saying or posting anything here, as a vendor is not wanted here, out of respect, I barley visit PS, as a matter of fact.

Actually I got positive confirmation from the buyer on receiving on 28th feb, and another positive feedback from her on 2nd mar, which was exactly what I expected, given the quality of the stone and price, it’s a beautiful stone, I saw a few people here mentioned that too. No wonder I was so surprised that she suddenly said there’s a window, on 8th mar, yes, it’s been 10days since receiving. (photo 1-3)

And yes, it was me who willing asked her to post a thread here, with 2 photos from her, and 1 video taken by myself, which are being objective. (Photo 4-7)

I thought I was simply a misunderstanding of window or tilt window in your word. That’s exactly why I encouraged her to be here, to get a better understanding.

I even offered a trade-in opportunity, out of kindness, if she doesn’t like the stone anymore, no matter what, though it’s been 10days and a positive confirmation made on receiving.

Well, the rest of the photos she posted were made to ‘create’ windows intentionally.

It’s hard to get it right in photos or videos, to show the true color and texture. But there’re thousands of ways to make the stone look ugly, easy and simple.

I believe you guys of being fair and square, and figure out what’s really happening here.

Thank you with all regards.

Stephan from HiGems.

You have a lot of nerve saying I am "intentionally" trying to create windows with my photos. How exactly does one do that? I would not have a clue. WHY would anyone do that? I loved the color of the stone. But I am glad future customers can see what you will accuse them of after you misrepresent a window. Yes, I initially liked the stone when I saw it. I opened it and immediately put it away because I was heading out the door to an appointment. I said the review for you to be nice. I next picked up the stone to add to vendor pictures vs. your pictures, and was like, wait a minute, I see a window! I looked and looked and it always looked like it had a divet in it, FACE UP, LOOKING TOP DOWN. The camera just proved it to me. I accept the tilt window was unavoidable after PSers said that. Why can't you accept there is a window in the middle of the stone when PSers say that? You went on to insinuate they did not have the expertise to understand that was not a window. You sent me to PS and want to ignore what they said. I didn't.

IF ANY JEWELLER or PSer is in the Miami area and wants to see the window on the stone, PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL MEET YOU. I stand behind what I see. I am not manipulating my cell phone pictures.

Out of the goodness of your heart you withdrew even a trade in offer after I asked for a refund for the second time. What a guy. Potential Hi Gems customers--read this and deal with this vendor at your risk. There is a reason he takes cash only. He does not stand behind what he sells.

 

[Odyssey44]

Since Hi Gems wants to post the conversation on a new thread, why not see all of it? I accepted what PSers said about the tilt window being unavoidable. Hi Gems steadfastly refuses to accept what they said about the middle window. If you want to do business with someone who refuses to accept a window is a window and then accuses YOU of manipulating pictures, well, at least I warned you. I deserved a refund here. He did not specify a time for return--I put the stone away for safe keeping after opening it until I took it out again for pictures and saw the window. I concentrated on color when I first opened it and was delighted with the color. A window does not change in 1 day or 10 days. Or ever.

 

[Odyssey44]

Read on to see everything I have said is true. But now we add untrue slander to what Hi Gems is saying about me. And to think I said he was a nice guy! He puts on a good show when he is selling you something. I am really upset about this. And the rest of it--

And the rest of it--

 

[Odyssey44]

I was never thrilled about the trade in offer after I asked to return the gem. After so many people on PS saw the window, I decided I did not want to spend any more money with this vendor. At worst he did lie about the window, at best he does not know enough to know what a window is. Either way, not someone I want to spend more money with after my money is tied up with him for 7+ months. I was so right, because this vendor now lies to the point of accusing ME of manipulating photos to show a window. I am so furious about this slander that I should contact a lawyer in Bangkok.
BTW, he is not a member of ANY gem trade associations in Bangkok as far as I can tell.

edited to add: AND PLEASE DO NOTE STEPHAN OF HI GEMS LEFT OUT A LOT OF THE MESSAGES IN BETWEEN ME MENTIONING THE WINDOW AND HIM SAYING TO POST ON PS. I DID NOT. I POSTED MOST OF THE AFTERMATH TOO.

Initial thread for those of you starting on this one:

O

Thread 'Arguing with vendor over purchased Spinel'

Mar 7, 2025

I bought this from a well regarded vendor and was told it was cut by a master cutter with no windows. I specifically asked about the windows. This is the vendor picture.

I see windows in it once getting it. A big tilt window, and a little window in the middle. It is a lot easier to see on black. He is arguing with me now when I contacted him to say I was unhappy with the windows when I specifically asked. He says these are not windows (denies existence of tilt window--says every stone in the world has it) and claims the middle window is not a window because I am...

• Odyssey44
• Replies: 137
• Forum: Colored Gemstones

• 

 

[lovedogs]

I said this before and will say it again: the stone is very pretty. Tilt windows are unavoidable usually. But I do see a window when looking straight down. Not a huge or horrible one, but it's there.

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

I said this before on the original thread regarding this spinel. I am not in the trade, but if I was reselling one of my spinels I would describe a spinel like this to have a small window that may or may close when set. It has a small window.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I noticed the photos which more clearly show the window were not included in this OP. I also think if you're going to post the conversation publicly, it should be shared in its entirety, not just what is most favorable to one side.

I agree with the others. There's a definite window, albeit a small one, in all photos shared (even in the listing pic on the white background, if you know what you're looking for). And I've never experienced being able to "create" one that wasn't there when the photos are taken while looking straight at the gem. Also, why would the buyer want to be unhappy with the gem she paid for in good faith with an international wire, and initially thought she'd enjoy? Respectfully, it doesn't follow logic.

The buyer is a novice when it comes to purchasing CS, so I'm not surprised it took some time to fully examine the gem and understand its nuances. As a seller, it's an occupational hazard... some buyers are more experienced than others. Do you have a "no return/refund" policy clearly posted or one that states the customer must make a complaint/return within a specific timeframe? If not, 30 days tends to be the standard here in the US. But I've seen some dealers note 7 or 10 days, etc. That would be a different story.

As far as the "tilt window" is concerned, we all advised that it was completely normal and to disregard it. So that is a non-issue here.

I said it before... this is not earth-shattering. It's a beautiful gem! And clearly the buyer was not purposely misled. You seem to be a reputable dealer; I just don't think there was a "meeting of the minds" here between buyer and seller. Most folks would probably not have even noticed those few open pavilion facets. But that the buyer specifically asked before purchasing is significant. And frankly, even if the buyer hadn't, she's a customer who is dissatisfied. I'm sure she wanted very much to love the gem. She does not, and that's unfortunate. Do you want her to keep a gem with which she is unhappy? IMO, she should be allowed to return the gem for a refund. It's just smart business to make a buyer happy, within reason of course, especially when former and prospective customers are watching.

 

[VividRed]

I noticed the photos which more clearly show the window were not included in this OP. I also think if you're going to post the conversation publicly, it should be shared in its entirety, not just what is most favorable to one side.

I agree with the others. There's a definite window, albeit a small one, in all photos shared (even in the listing pic on the white background, if you know what you're looking for). And I've never experienced being able to "create" one that wasn't there when the photos are taken while looking straight at the gem. Also, why would the buyer want to be unhappy with the gem she paid for in good faith with an international wire, and initially thought she'd enjoy? Respectfully, it doesn't follow logic.

The buyer is a novice when it comes to purchasing CS, so I'm not surprised it took some time to fully examine the gem and understand its nuances. As a seller, it's an occupational hazard... some buyers are more experienced than others. Do you have a "no return/refund" policy clearly posted or one that states the customer must make a complaint/return within a specific timeframe? If not, 30 days tends to be the standard here in the US. But I've seen some dealers note 7 or 10 days, etc. That would be a different story.

As far as the "tilt window" is concerned, we all advised that it was completely normal and to disregard it. So that is a non-issue here.

I said it before... this is not earth-shattering. It's a beautiful gem! And clearly the buyer was not purposely misled. You seem to be a reputable dealer; I just don't think there was a "meeting of the minds" here between buyer and seller. Most folks would probably not have even noticed those few open pavilion facets. But that the buyer specifically asked before purchasing is significant. And frankly, even if the buyer hadn't, she's a customer who is dissatisfied. I'm sure she wanted very much to love the gem. She does not, and that's unfortunate. Do you want her to keep a gem with which she is unhappy? IMO, she should be allowed to return the gem for a refund. It's just smart business to make a buyer happy, within reason of course, especially when former and prospective customers are watching.

As always, you know how put what everyone thinks into words, calmly and politely - without taking sides beyond reason.

I agree with you very thoughtful assessment.

Chapeau

 

[Autumn in New England]

As always, you know how put what everyone thinks into words, calmly and politely - without taking sides beyond reason.

I agree with you very thoughtful assessment.

Chapeau

Thank you for the kind words, my friend. The same could also be said about you.

I do hope the seller will reconsider. I think it would go a long way in renewing our faith in his shop. It's not the end of the world... just good business, IMO.