I contacted Jay and Adriene about designing an engagement ring after having gone to several of the local chain stores around Nashville (Genesis, Shane Co.) and getting tired of their sales pitches and overpriced diamonds. After going to those places, I decided that (with the help of my dad who had done the same thing for my stepmom a few years earlier) that I would buy a loose stone and then have it mounted at a local jeweler. From the moment I stepped into their office, I was treated like a member of their family. They were extremely helpful in teaching me all I needed to know about designing the perfect ring for me. The first thing we did was examine and verify that the stone I had purchased fit the specifications that went along with its GIA certification. They said that I had done well with the marquise cut diamond that I had purchased, but I know now that had I gone to Jay and Adriane from the beginning, I could have been even more selective and satisfied with my choice of stone and would have gotten a great price from them as well. They showed me how the loose diamonds that you buy from the internet are at the lower level of each grade even if they do fit the grade they are given, and that there is actually a huge window of color and clarity even in just the F VS2 grades alone. I know that for the next gemstones I buy I will go directly to Jay and Adriane to pick the loose stone from the beginning. \r
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After we verified the diamond I had purchased, we discussed a setting for the diamond. I showed them a picture of my girlfriend and they agreed that a marquise cut diamond was great for her. I then told them what I had in mind and Jay wrote down some information on my budget and design and told me he would get back to me with the design in a few weeks since I was not on a strict schedule. Within the month Jay got back to me with a beautiful design and began making the ring. It turned out better than I could of imagined; I can't wait to propose.
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