Please understand I am a bit anal...but my search over the following 6-8 months included the usual visits to Tiffany's, Bailey Banks and Biddle, Mall stores, Cartier in Manhattan, the diamond district in Manhattan twice, and a perusal of the reputable antique jewelers in New Orleans.

I ended up buying a ring at one of the above stores (my GF liked it) and returning it as I learned more about diamonds, settings, etc. The SI2 had visible imperfections...nuff said.

Someone posted on CraigsList (www.craigslist.com) that they had never used GOG but that the feedback that the store had online was phenomenal. I researched GOG pricescope.com, rockytalk, etc prior to getting in touch. So, this was the path that led me to Jonathon and his team.

After spending a significant amount of time with me, Jonathon allowed me to pick out the stone and setting that I thought she would like best. His return policy was more than fair (this was important as it was a surprise!).

She said Yes! (is the short version of a long story that involves a Castle, a Balcony, an interruption the moment before I proposed by the secret service, followed by a new years blessing of our engagement by President Clinton)... but all the searching to find GOG and the spectacular Eighternity Diamond was worthwhile when I came around the corner to find her smiling at the ring and the incredible brilliance emanating from the stone. Her words two days later: "There is no mistaking this for anything but a diamond...it is so clean, so white and so sparkly!" It is not enormous but just right for her (1.52 C).

My sincerest thanks to the team at GOG...the night was special...the ring and the diamond are special.  There was no pressure. You were my consultant...and you steered me perfectly. My GF would have been happy had I proposed with no ring...she is not particularly materialistic...but having that ring is pretty wonderful. She went to work and in meetings, with clients...everybody notices the ring constantly. It is not overstated...just shockingly beautiful.