I am SO happy this wasn't my first gem vendor experience

[jbkhere]

So I've been following Chrissa222's post on Linton/Gemline (I'm so happy to hear it worked out OK) and saw Chrono's post suggesting we should relate experiences.
First let me say, I have had excellent interactions and help from Lisa Elser, Peter Torraca, Dana at Master Cut Gems, Bruce Bridges and Barry Bridgestock to name a few. They have all been patient, helpful and polite. I'm sorry I don't have an unlimited gem fund so I could buy from all of them!

Another vendor I contacted was Colorado Gem (I'm also considering amethyst) In the course of just a few emails Jack Lowell has called me clueless, mean, high maintenance and a dunce.

Now I admit to being a gem newbie and I ask many questions. But this sort of correspondence is uncalled for - even if this really IS what you think of me. If that is the case than can't the answer just be "I'm sorry, I don't have anything that will work for you"?

I am SO happy that Jack was not the first vendor I encountered on this gem journey. Aside from him, I am having a lot of fun.

 

[chrono]

Jbkhere,
Thank you much for posting your poor experience with Colorado Gems. I'm sorry you had to put up with the name calling which is uncalled for no matter the circumstances. Yes, he should have kept those thoughts to himself. Regardless of what you might have asked, it speaks poorly of his character.

 

[beaujolais]

I'm so sorry, JBK.

I had bought my SO a gift certificate for Colorado Gem for a holiday gift; he collects mineral specimens.

(I've since learned not to buy the SO (or anyone for that matter) gift certificates as he either forgets them or I have to chase him to use them. I don't have the energy for it. No more gift certificates for anyone again, ever. )

I have to give credit to CG, as Colorado Gem realized, after a year or so, that the gift certificate was unused and sent us a note about that.

I'm sorry you had to deal with that, though, JBK.

 

[erinl]

JBK,

I had about the same experience with him last year, around 4th of July. I actually posted about my experience some time ago....

I know how it feels-- he told me I was the most stressed out, hyper person that he had ever spoken to, and then got really angry about how I returned his stones--which I insured for the full amount, btw...

Hugs to you!

EL

 

[VapidLapid]

I looked at their website a long time and really thought I coveted a stone or two from them.
Then someone here wanted a 4 peek amethyst and tried one from them. They insisted on sending more than the one she was interested in, none of them performed as they had been depicted in photos and when she returned them they were similarly nasty. Sorry I dont remember who it was, there should be a thread about it that search might turn up.
This is likely why they didnt make it to the respected vendor list


eta: crosspost! HI Erinl sorry I didnt remember it was you

 

[jbkhere]

Thanks all! I am sorry too that others have received the same poor treatment from this vendor. I am happy for others who HAVE had a good experience but as VapidLapid points out - from now on I will stick with the respected vendor list

 

[Enerchi]

JBK - what a terrible experience! I'm sorry you had such a nasty interaction with a vendor - I don't understand why people assume they can behave in a way that could harm their business!

There are plenty of other vendors out there who are both courteous and provide quality gems. Close the door on that guy and just move on - not worth the aggravation!

Happy gem stone shopping!!!

 

[jbkhere]

My feeling EXACTLY Enerchi! Happy shopping indeed!! Thanks!

 

[chrono]

By the same token, sometimes finding a new vendor who can provide quality stones with good service is a good thing too, to expand our options. Sometimes a certain amount of risk must be taken, but it has to be a calculated risk. Those vendors who made the list were not known to PSers years ago. Someone found them and over time, they developed the current excellent reputation they earned.

 

[VapidLapid]

By the same token, sometimes finding a new vendor who can provide quality stones with good service is a good thing too, to expand our options. Sometimes a certain amount of risk must be taken, but it has to be a calculated risk. Those vendors who made the list were not known to PSers years ago. Someone found them and over time, they developed the current excellent reputation they earned.

Indeed. Tomorrows respected vendors are todays new discoveries. One disappointment can be made up for by a great discovery!

 

[minousbijoux]

Jbk: so sorry about that experience. I don't understand why people with short tempers and a lack of filtering capability put themselves in the position of selling, but oh well! I really hope you did not internalize anything he said for even one minute. After Erini's bad experience (and as I recall, at the time, others chimed in to say that they had had bad experiences with them as well), I crossed them off my list. I had them bookmarked, but they are long gone. I refuse to do business with anyone who bullies or who lacks respect for his clients.