diamond news and views

We got engaged on Sunday June 22nd. That morning my fiancee Bethany had her graduation ceremony for the PhD program she has been attending. Her aunt and uncle and a bunch of friends where in town and many of them where staying with us for the weekend. After the graduation ceremony we had lunch and then went back to my condo. I told everyone that I had to go pick something up and took Bethany with me without telling anyone where we where going. Our first big date had been at an all day outdoor concert in a park about 45 minutes from my home. I had decided that I wanted to recreate part of that date in the proposal. I drove us to the park taking a route that she wouldn’t recognize and had her blindfold herself when we where a couple miles away. I guided her out into the middle of a field in the park and gave her an iPod headphone to put in her ear. On the iPod I played one of our favorite songs from the band that had been the closing act at the show. The song had been playing during our first kiss. I kissed her while removing the blindfold, gave her a second to figure out where we where and then pulled the ring box from my pocket, got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. Somewhere between tears she said yes! We took the attached photos a few minutes later. We both think the custom ring Whiteflash made is gorgeous and I’m glad I spent the time finding a ring that was just right for her. -Mike
I’m a savvy and discriminating buyer when it comes to a high ticket items. That said, I’m the type of person that is always willing to pay more for quality under the right circumstances. When it comes to selecting a diamond engagement ring I’ve always believed that quality and cut are more important than size or stone volume. So, I knew going into it that I wanted a high quality single diamond set in a simple, yet elegant ring setting. I knew of Whiteflash through a business colleague, and heard they carried an exclusive collection, but had reasonable pricing. Like most people I struggled a little with the understanding that I couldn’t see the diamond before I purchased it. Before I bought from them a checked out a few local jewelers, so I could get an idea of what an SI1 quality diamond is supposed to look like.
I made the decision buy with Whiteflash for 4 reasons. 1) They had very good reviews online, and have very good service people. 2) While they do not sell cheap stones they are still on average more competitive than local jewelers offering similar quality stones 3) All of the stones I viewed carried certifications and appraisals and 4) Most importantly, Whiteflash offers a special cut called “A Cut Above.” This is a signature cut, which quite frankly is “a cut above” the rest. I received my diamond ring today and it is hands down the best looking diamond of all of the stones I previewed. Here’s a tip, pay by wire and they will give you a discount.
WOW, look at this proposal and what beautiful surroundings! Of course she said yes!!! Chris wrote……
Traci,
Julia and I had a private dinner on the beach at the Princeville Resort in Kaua’i last night, and we had a personal waiter taking candid photos throughout the evening. Here are some photos from the proposal; thanks again for all your help! –Chris
Traci - we went to the Rockefeller Center in Manhattan and I gave her a “Christmas Present” which was a scrapbook of photos of us together. Then when she got to the last page there was a picture of the ring and i had written “Will you Marry me” next to it. Then I got on one knee and presented her the ring! - Tim & Trish CT

Congrats to my clients Ryan & Mika from CA. They look so happy! :)

Here are photos from Stephen and Kerri’s wedding. They are great clients from Canada who have also recommended us to some of their friends. Congratulations Stephen & Kerri.

Traci - I wanted to give you an update. After recieveing the ring at my parents house, I was only able to look at it for a few brief moments before I was supposed to take out my girlfriend for dinner. It looked beautiful. Later after dinner, I proposed on the lakefront in our hometown. She was extremely surprised and just overwhelmed. She told me that the ring is ‘perfect’. So I am happy. She absolutely loves the ring and has been showing it off ever since. Obviously, she said yes. I even like looking at the ring because it’s so brilliant. Thank you for all your help. I’m glad I was able to find the right ring to fit. We are both very happy and can’t wait to start planning the wedding. Thanks again. - Keegan & Courtney, TX

Traci - Thanks again for helping me out the the rings! I can’t wait to pick it up and show Leah. Attached are two pictures. The first one is from a cool wine bar at Lake Como during the italy trip where we got engaged. The second picture is from costa rica…we are at Arenal Volcano. - Jeff & Leah, MD
I wanted to give a big Congrats to Jeff and Leah! I have worked with Jeff since March when he first came to Whiteflash for her engagement ring. He came back this month for the wedding bands! I wish them the best of luck! They look like an awesome couple. Hopefully, he will send me wedding pictures soon.
From Rapaport - The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) has launched a new website to provide information about corporate responsibility in the jewelry sector, CIBJO announced November 5, 2007. The site, www.sustainablejewellery.org, will also report the industry’s role in promoting sustainable economic and social development in the countries where it is active. The launch coincided with a meeting between CIBJO representatives and United Nations officials a week ago in Geneva, which discussed the issues of corporate responsibility and sustainable development. CIBJO said the meeting was part of an ongoing liaison program with the UN following CIBJO’s acceptance in 2006 as an NGO with consultation status to the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC.) “The website is not only intended to act as a source of information for our industry about what we can do, but it will also inform both our members and the world about what is actually being done at the grass roots level,” said CIBJO president, Gaetano Cavalieri. (more…)
My customers made it on the Today show! WOOHOO! This couple is sooooo cute. Joesan worked really hard to find the perfect diamond for Karen. He was an absolute pleasure to work with!

Traci - Here’s the clip from the Today Show. We met Meredith Viera and we discussed how our engagement happened. I was nervous the day I proposed because it was suppose to rain. I was thinking “Great, after how many months of planning the weather wasn’t going to cooperate with me!” There was some light rain during the day, but luckily it stopped by the time I proposed (which was around 7:20pm). An hour later, the city was drenched with thunderstorms, so I was lucky! Hehe, the wedding gods were watching me that night! =) Again, thank you very much. You have been so helpful making this day possible. I am so glad I made my final decision with you and Whiteflash! I look forward doing business with you again in the future! - Joesan & Karen, CA (album of photos here)
This has to be one of my favorite weddings so far. It reminds me of weddings back home in Louisiana! The entire party looks like they are having so much fun! I wanted to give a big congratulations to this couple. John and Rachel are amazing to work with! See a fabulous slideshow by Shawna Herrington here: www.shawnaherringphoto.com/albumshowcase/snow/

Hi guys! I wanted you guys to see this bird. I ran upon this blog when I was helping my friend look for a Cockatoo. It is too funny not to watch. It definitely shows the true character of this bird. Who would not want to have one?
If anyone knows of a cockatoo that needs a good home let me know!
LSU v. South Carolina this weekend!!!!!! WHOOHOO!!! GEAUX TIGERS!!! I cannot wait ’til the game. I wanted to show you guys a great video. This video will give you an idea of how true LSU fans are, even from 1300 miles away in Colorado!
I hope this will get everyone in the spirit for the game tomorrow!!!!!!
Michigan puts its perfect season (Tongue in cheek) on the line vs. Notre Dame Saturday. On the positive side, (Blank). Oh yes, Notre Dame stinks.
For those Michigan fans who once claimed that there are not 3 “L’s” in Lloyd (Michigan Coach Lloyd Carr), they might discover some very unusual spellings by the end of the season (Lllllllloyd or Lllllloyd) as the Wolverines face a tough Big Ten slate in the upcoming weeks laden with teams bent on payback for the many years of grief at the hands of Michigan.
In their defense, the Wolverines lost to solid Oregon team last Saturday loaded with talent. For those who’ve seen the highlight, I digress but the fake statue of liberty play run by Oregon was beyond slick. It was set up by a 10-12 yard statue of liberty run earlier in the game and was truly a great play call. It’s about 2/3’s the way through this link.
This is so great. He proposed at the zoo!
Hey Tracy, it went great and the ring is beautiful. We went out for a really nice dinner Friday night and then Saturday we went to the Zoo, I asked her at the Toronto Zoo because I was able to set up some behind the scene tours. I asked just some random person to take our picture and that is when I asked so I got pics of it. -Scott & Carolyn, Ontario

I wanted to let you know that I received the diamond this morning and also had it checked out at a local jeweler and it was exactly what you said it was…verified and gorgeous! I’d like to commend you and WF for the exceptional experience. I think it was THE best customer experience I have ever received in my 28 years of being alive. You made me feel like I was the only customer you had. You were always there when I needed to speak to you. You did everything you said you would do. The whole process occurred in such an expedited manner. You never rushed me or tried any sleazy sales techniques. You were patient and informative and you really went above and beyond to make me happy and comfortable. I cannot thank you enough. -Kim, NJ
Did anybody get to see the USA today’s ranking of college football? LOOK WHERE LSU IS!!! NUMBER 2!!! I cannot wait!!!!
Only 23 days, 2 hours, and 55 minutes until the Tiger season is underway!!!! Can you tell that I am just a little excited?? We will be playing Mississippi Sate in Starkville. (Stark Vegas) Geaux Tigers!! As for my Saints- well, we had a rough weekend. Defense needs to get it together. However, I am not concerned. Last year preseason was a bit trying and look how well we did. Thank goodness football season is here!!
Hey check out this site. It really got me going.
Here are photos of one of my coolest clients, Karla from MI. This is her and Mark at the Venetian, over the holidays and in her incredible wedding dress. She sent me a whole album of photos from the wedding, click here.

Hi guys! I’ve been working like crazy these days. I am so jealous of my roommate. I had to drop him off at the airport so he can lay in the sun for a week in Puerto Vallarta. It should be me lying on that beach. Maybe next time I guess. I returned home from the airport thinking I’d go see my friends (so they can make me feel better about not being on the beach). So I get back in my car and it will not crank. UGHH!!! At this point I decided just to stay in.
When I walked back in my house and realized I didn’t need to go far for comfort. My dog Lundin was right there to greet me. Lundin is so special to me. He lifts me up when I’m having a bad day. He keeps me in line. He protects me and is the best walking partner I’ve ever had. He even likes football. Isn’t he precious?!
I’ve had a great experience with Whiteflash and Tracy - and I spent quite a bit of time educating myself before I bought anything. We are very happy with what we have gotten. - Tim & Kimberly, Florida
I cannot believe the week is finally over!! Hooray for Friday! I definitely will have fun this weekend. I have two of my good friends from New Orleans coming in to visit. It is so much fun to hang out with old friends! I am sure we will be out and about tonight! I am so happy! I have not had time to go out lately. I will let you guys know what happened next week. Stay tuned!