A Gem of a Custom Experience

 

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,

After spending years (on and off) trying to find the perfect gemstone for an engagement ring I needed to find the perfect ring setting. I looked at hundreds of photos online but couldn’t find exactly what I was envisioning; in fact, I didn’t even know if it was possible. I decided to deal with Whiteflash due to their numerous positive reviews on the Pricescope forum though I still had my doubts. Jewelry was completely new to me and I didn’t know any of the terms to describe what I wanted. I was afraid my descriptions wouldn’t be accurately portrayed without meeting the designer in person. I was also concerned regarding boarder/shipping issues because I’m Canadian. Whiteflash was quick to respond to my questions and overall did a great job. Most importantly their custom jewelry design process, was simply flawless. Whiteflash was unbelievably patient and extremely attentive. Also, at the end of every conversation, without prompting, they reviewed all points we had finalized.

Overall, my Whiteflash experience was just as I had hoped.

 

A Sparkly Treat for Mom

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,
 
So I picked up the Legato Sleek Line Solitaire Engagement Ring and it looks great!  I am sure my mom will be happy with all aspects of the ring.  It’s funny…I ended up wearing it around (as a pinky ring with the diamond turned in) for the day since I didn’t want to let it out of my sight and every once in a while I would end up staring at the diamond and think that it was very “sparkly”. 
 
Anyway, thanks again for all of your help in this matter.  Next time I’m in the market for a jewelry purchase I’ll definitely be in touch.  Until then, best wishes!
 
Regards,
Joe

Fantastically Delighted

 

 

Dear Whiteflash Sales Team,   

I was able to pick up the diamond earrings on time for the event and my wife was absolutely delighted. They were even better than we had hoped for. Thank you for taking me through the process and helping to work through all the details, you were just fantastic. The bad news is that I don’t buy all that much jewelry, but the good news is that you will be my first call next time I do. Thanks again for your help, you and your company greatly exceeded my expectations.

Thank you,

Jeff 

 

 

  

Whiteflash Selected for Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011

Whiteflash® has been selected to win the prestigious Bride’s Choice Award 2011 by WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company. The Bride’s Choice Award is awarded annually based on reviews and surveys shared by the over 750,000 newlyweds that rely on WeddingWire for wedding planning resources. Whiteflash was selected because so many past clients shared their experiences with Whiteflash on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the country.

WeddingWire features consumer reviews on every element of wedding planning, from florists to caterers to bridal gown boutiques. Of all of these wedding professionals, Whiteflash remains in the top five percent for top quality products and service excellence. The Bride’s Choice Awards are awarded annually to the top wedding professionals in twenty categories of wedding planning necessities, from wedding venues to photographers.“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Whiteflash for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”
Whiteflash was selected as one of the top bridal jewelry experts in the WeddingWire network, which includes top wedding planning sites like Martha Stewart Network, Project Wedding, and WeddingBee. “We extend our greatest appreciate to our customers who recognize our desire to provide them with a brilliant diamond buying experience”, supports Debi Wexler, CEO of Whiteflash.com.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/whiteflash-com-houston/15cd13427789244d.html.
About Whiteflash:
The award winning Whiteflash.com website enables shoppers the world over to view, compare and purchase top quality loose diamonds, design rings and fine jewelry in a convenient and secure environment. Our expertise in e-commerce reflected in extensive information, imaging and education resulted in Whiteflash being named “Lord of the Online Rings” by the prestigious Kiplinger Magazine. And our talented team gemologists and professionals are always available to answer questions and provide white glove customer care. For more information, log on to www.whiteflash.com or call 877.612.6770.

Wedding Shopping in Houston

Cross-posted from Whiteflash.com: Wedding Shopping in Houston: From Engagement Ring to Wedding Cake

If you are planning a wedding in Houston, you have possibly previously noticed that there are hundreds of options for all aspect of your big day, from hairstyles to dancing shoes. So before you buy an engagement ring or commit to a caterer, use the weight of the Internet and the wisdom of crowds to help you tidy out the so-so florists and the jewelry stores that offer sub-par service. Websites like Yelp.com and iVouch.com total real-life shopper reviews and ratings to stop you attain the finalize wedding vendors in Houston.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best of the best in each group, from the best Houston engagement ring vendors to the hottest wedding cake bakers in all of Texas.

Florist: Online reviewers could not get enough of Le Jardiniere, an independent florist shop that specializes in exceptional wedding arrangements. Kathleen, who worked with the florists for her daughter’s wedding, raved that “their flowers were gorgeous” and treasured that “their cost estimate was far better than the six others I had met with earlier.” Justin noted the quality and that the “flowers looked very fresh and so very fussy.”

Photography: Photographers all over Houston got online raves for their creative shoots, bright turn-around time, and competitive prices, but no one beat master photographer Viet at Opulent Photography. Danda wrote that he “had a great time. He was professional, fast and easy to work with.” Devyn agreed that friendliness was key. “He showed up early, stayed late, and exceeded my expectations.” In a new review, Jackie and noted the sociability of Opulent’s photographers. “By the end of the wedding, I felt like they were our friends also.”

Wedding Dress: In a town crowded with David’s Bridals and malls filled with run-of-the-mill bridal gowns, one bridal salon stands head and sparkly shoulders above the rest. Winnie Couture is a bridal boutique that believes every element of your wedding planning experience should reflect the easy-going vibe that Houston is all about. “They were so helpful. Laura took time to help me,” writes Kelsy, “I recommend anyone to shop for their wedding dress with her.” Other fans praised Winnie’s cozy boutique environment and personalized experience. “I loved the experience and my dress,” raves Kayley, “it was worth every penny.” The most personal elements of wedding shopping, like choosing an engagement ring or wedding dress, can be the mainly stressful, so companies that take private care of every client end up charming the largely online fans. Houston has so many engagement ring and wedding dress options, so spiraling to the Internet to select the best option is the smartest way to go.

Wedding Cake: Although they are so a quite functional cafe and bakery, Decapo’s Pastry Cafe has won rave reviews for their affordable but creative wedding cakes. “My wedding cake was so gorgeous and at a competitive price,” writes Amy. “Literally the best cake I’ve ever eaten and all my guests are STILL talking about it.” Other fans praised the special service and customizability of Decapo’s, while others noted their old-school commitment to pure, plain hint. Lauren calls Decapo’s a source of “outstanding cakes with a special touch.” Marla, who is also a huge fan of Decapo’s cafe menu, sums up the experience like this: Attention brides, consider Decapo’s for your wedding cake. It was amazing.”

Engagement Ring: iVouch.com, a consumer review website that specializes in local and online shape vendors, ranks Whiteflash.com, a Houston-based engagement ring vendor that primarily sells diamonds and engagement rings owing to its site. With a five star rating and a 95% recommendation rating, Whiteflash.com stands apart for its superior diamonds and friendly customer service. Rodham wrote a long, heartfelt letter to their new friends at Whiteflash, saying, “Thanks for your on-time quick delivery. My fiancée-to-be loves the ring as do I. The ring looks amazing and it is exactly what I hunted.” Customers from Houston loved the in-person engagement ring shopping experience, while online customers from around the world raved about the quick shipping time and superior online service. “Unlike the other online jewelry retailers, I can constantly expect superb quality, value and customer service from Whiteflash,” writes Owen. Many online fans noted the exclusive brand of Hearts and Arrows diamonds sold at Whiteflash, A Cut Above, and praised the sparkly look and the uniformly high appraisal value for these stones. “Buy from Whiteflash and rest assured that you will receive more than what you paid for,” promises Paul. An engagement ring in Houston can mean anything from a mass-produced piece available at the mall or an antique family heirloom, but Whiteflash.com stands apart for its consistency and friendliness.

So whether you are coiffure Houston for the perfect engagement ring, the height wedding dress, or the wedding cake of your wishes, you can use the weight of the consumer to make smart decisions!

The Yelp Report: Jewelry in Houston

Jewelry Stores in Houston

Amid 15 million reviews and over 45 million monthly comers , Yelp.com is a consumer’s paradise. Packed with useful reviews for every service and product, from coffee shops to shoe stores, Yelp is the finest way to find out what real people deem about the businesses in your home town. With that in mind, here is a round up of the jewelry stores in every category with the highest Yelp ratings. Whether you are looking for a plain pair of diamond earrings or a one-of-a-kind turquoise necklace, there is a jewelry store in Houston that has what you want!

Designer: Tiffany and Co

The iconic jewelry store with its classic baby-blue box has been pleasing its elite clientele for over a hundred years, and the Houston Galleria location is no different. Yelpers acknowledged the premium that a Tiffany shopper must pay for the brand name, but asserted that the first class service and elegant environment makes shopping at Tiffany’s a movie-star experience. Ellen summed up the Tiffany’s experience like this: “If you can and are willing to drop the bucks, know that it will be entirely worth your while.” Gidget raved over her classic Tiffany sterling silver charm bracelet, while others insisted they were treated like celebrities while shopping. Says experienced jewelry shopper Warrigal, “I know you can get better deals from reputable online vendors (including Houston-based Whiteflash), but shopping there feels like you are in Breakfast at Tiffanys.”

Diamond and Engagement Ring Specialist: Whiteflash

Although they are primarily an Internet retailer, Houston based company Whiteflash does make its office open to Houston residents and visitors who want to see their diamonds before purchasing. The casual office atmosphere provides a relaxed shopping experience that is perhaps unmatched by any jewelry store in Houston. Yelpers who love Whiteflash include online shoppers from around the world as well as master Houston jewelry shoppers. “I haven’t ever seen a diamond that looks as good as the super ideal ACA diamond!” raves Navendra about the exclusive line of Hearts and Arrows diamond sold only at Whiteflash. Charles praises the “extraordinary service and communication,” while Rodham agrees that “great service has been the key reason for my getting the ring completed with you.” Alicia from Burbank was happy with her loose diamond purchase: “Their prices for loose diamonds beat any of the local jewelers I contacted in LA.” But perhaps most telling of all was the testimony of one Kevin H. “It passed the real test,” he wrote, “I proposed with it and it blew my fiancee away.”

Antique: Green Dragonfly Jewelry

Tucked away in a quiet corner of a busy shopping plaza, this little-known antique jewelry store is Houston’s jewelry store best-kept secret. Yelpers expressed reservations about showing their love for Dragonfly, afraid of ruining the special atmosphere and elite in-the-know status of shopping there. Ruth writes, “the price range provides something for everyone,” while Heather sums up her experience as, “neat jewelry, unique pieces, nice folks and reasonable prices.” Dani especially loves the sterling silver pieces that Green Dragonfly specializes in, and comments that she is “always greeted with a smile” when she walks in. W. Ross expresses the success he’s had shopping for gifts at Green Dragonfly, and says that his wife loves the “unusual and imaginative jewelry” that she finds every time she stops in.

Craft Jewelry: The Bead Shop

Once only a hobby for serious crafters, making your own jewelry is gaining appeal across a wide spectrum of society—from teenagers looking for a funky beaded bracelet, to fashionable older women looking for a statement-making necklace. The Bead Shop is well-known among all jewelry stores in Houston for offering a dazzling variety of costume and semi-precious beads, all the equipment needed to make simple and complex jewelry pieces, as well as just enough help to get you started. Ed writes, “I can easily spend hours here. I really enjoy visiting this store.” Gretchen calls the Bead Shop “the place to be” and emphasizes that among all the craft jewelry stores in Houston that she’s been to, the “staff is nice and helpful.” Liz sums up her experience by writing, “Best bead store in Houston,” while Jackie expresses herself even more simply. “Your store is so cool!” she writes.

Metal Smithing: Erica Delgardo Jewelry Designs

Metal smithing may be a little-known craft with few experts, but Houston jewelry stores tend to emphasize hand craftsmanship and artisan skills over almost all else, so it makes sense that this metal smithing jewelry boutique would have a cult-like following in Houston. Liz raves over the “gorgeous necklaces, earrings, and bracelets,” and the “refreshingly kind and authentic” Erica Delgardo who interacts personally with her clients. Ruth calls it a “great little shop with one of a kind jewelry,” that features “unique stones and incredible metalwork.” Few jewelry stores in Houston provide the up-close-and-personal look to the jewelry making process and few offer the local artisanship that Erica’s fans hold so dear.

Discount/Costume Jewelry: Accessory Plaza

Teenyboppers and fashionistas alike need a place to get inexpensive jewelry by the armload, and Accessory Plaza is the jewelry store in Houston where you can get oversized feather earrings, skull rings, and macrame bangle bracelets, all without spending your whole allowance. Cameron calls this glittery Houston jewelry store her “best kept secret.” Although she admits that it can be a little overwhelming when you first walk in, she finds Accessory Plaza to be a “great place to go for trendy jewelry that you won’t want to wear forever.” Rasheeda calls the sparkly store a “must stop for fashion lovers” because she can “walk out with a couple pieces for under twenty bucks.” Phoebe perhaps summed up the ever-youthful appeal of Accessory Plaza best: “Oh Em Gee. Love it!”

OneWed.com and Whiteflash Diamond Bangle Bracelet Winner Announced!

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend… Amethyst  gemstones bring good luck… nothing glitters like gold… And we’re thrilled to reveal the winner of the Diamond Bangle Bracelet!!

Nearly 1,700 brides -to-be entered our Multicolored Shared Prong Diamond Bangle Giveaway with Whiteflash ! So without further adieu, the lucky winner is…

Amanda B! Congratulations, Amanda!

Thanks to all of our fabulous brides who entered!

A Few words from our winner “OMG, NO WAY!!!!  Are you serious?!?!  I am so excited!  What a great thing to win!  Oh my goodness, how exciting! Thank you so much, Savvy Scoop and Whiteflash! My engagement ring is from Whiteflash and I adore it, so I’ll be honored to wear another gorgeous Whiteflash piece. Yay!”

FAQ: Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Cross-posted from Whiteflash News: Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

Question: How can I add some further glitter to a simple solitaire or wedding band?

Answer: Brief of inveterate the ring, there are lots of stuffs you can do to jazz up a simple solitaire engagement ring. Ring enhancers, or wraps, are derived bands that are tatty mutually with the engagement ring and add exclusivity and style to a simple solitaire ring. A diamond-encrusted wedding band can add a glamorous feel to a simple engagement ring.

Question: What is the best shape for a center stone in an engagement ring?

Answer: Since the loose diamond is the main attraction in a solitaire engagement ring, you can choose any one you like for a solitaire setting. Unusual shapes like hearts or marquise diamonds look their best in a simple solitaire setting. However, if you want to be sure she will like the engagement ring, you can’t go wrong with a classic round shape.

Question: What carat size diamond do I need for an engagement ring?

Answer: If you open any fashion magazine, you’ll see that the sky’s the limit in terms of engagement ring sizes. But for an common person’s finances, it’s important to balance property and extent in instruction to get a ring you are dazzled with, at a price that you are comfortable amid. Intricate, complex diamond settings are observably pricier than plain solitaire settings, so if you are choosing a solitaire engagement ring, you should concentrate your budget on choosing the finest loose diamond you can afford. While the size of the stone no doubt contributes to its solemnity, the quality of the cut matters just as greatly. A top-attribute cut will ensure that your diamond sparkles and shines, no affair how big it is.

Question: What are prongs and does my engagement ring have them?

Answer: The prongs are the small metal pieces that hold the diamond in place in the ring. Prongs are available in a variety of styles, from the classic Tiffany-style four prong ring, to unique decorative prongs that add visual interest to an otherwise simple ring. Some interesting prong styles to check out include the X-prong, petal prong, W-prong, cathedral setting and the classic four and six prong styles.

Answer: The prongs are the small metal pieces that attach the diamond to the ring. Prongs are available in a variety of styles, from the classic Tiffany engagement ring, to unique decorative prongs that add visual interest to an otherwise simple ring. Some interesting prong styles to check out include the X-prong, petal prong, W-prong, cathedral setting and the classic four and six prong styles.

Question: When choosing an engagement ring or wedding band, how do I choose a shank profile?

Answer: The term “shank profile” refers to the shape of the shank, or band, of the ring. Ring bands can come in several shapes, from more rounded to more angular. A flat shank profile lies close to the skin, while a knife-edge profile has sharper edges and a more modern look. One easy way to choose a shank profile is to match the roundedness of the shank to the diamond shape, i.e. a rounded band with a round diamond and a sharper edge for a  square-cut diamond.

Diamonds From Coarse to Polished

Cross-posted form Whiteflash News: Diamonds –From Rough to Polished

A diamond is recently a gleaming little colorless rock that looks pretty in an engagement ring, or set into a pendant or pair of earrings. So why is it the center of every engagement, the symbol for all effects costly and precious, and the common girl’s best friend? How is a rough diamond made into a dazzling gem? Why do we buy diamonds anyway?

The variation between a piece of rough diamond and a perfect jewel is a time-consuming process of hurtful and polishing. The secrets of diamond cutting have been honed over generations, passed down in the small circles of knowledgeable diamond experts. When you buy a certified loose diamond, you hold a piece of that confidence knowledge and authority craftsmanship in your hand.

A rough diamond crystal has none of the sparkle and brilliance of a cut diamond

Cutting diamonds is unlike cutting any other gem because of the unique hardness and value of the diamond. Diamond cutting requires special knowledge, tools and techniques, and is done in only a few cities worldwide. Antwerp, Belgium is one major diamond cutting center, as well as Surat, India. Cut diamonds are also manufactured in New York City and Tel Aviv, Israel. When you buy diamonds, you are purchasing a piece of that globe-circling tradition.

The first step of diamond cutting is planning. The diamond cutter analyzes the rough diamond with computer imaging technology and with his own highly trained eyes to determine how the loose diamond will be cut. He tries to plan a diamond shape that will maximize the size of the finished stone and minimize waste, as well as a popular shape that will sell quickly. Any inclusions or imperfections are notes and incorporated into the 3-D computer model, so the cutter can cut the stone in a way that excises or hides the imperfections

Computer imaging helps the cutter plan the ideal cut for each crystal

Nothing replaces the painstaking process of examining each stone by hand

During the planning process, the cutter evaluates the yield and weight retention of the diamond. His goal is to extract maximum value from each piece of rough. This means that he looks for the best way to create a finished gem on the basis of its per carat value. For example, by one plan a 2.00 carat rough diamond may produce two gems of .50ct each when finished.  Planning differently might yield diamonds of .70ct and 30ct. If the value of the latter combination is more than the former, then that is what his plan will be.  Clarity characteristics or inclusions in the rough stone will also factor in to the plan as certain approaches might exclude some flaws thereby increasing the value of the finished diamond.

The natural shape of the diamond crystal will also impact what shape diamond is cut. Octahedron crystals are usually cut in round or square brilliant cuts, while odd shaped crystals such as macles  will often be cut into fancy shapes like emerald or radiant.

Despite the cutter’s skill and precision and the advanced technology used, the cutting of a diamond always results in the loss of about half the weight of the original rough diamond. The planning stage of diamond cutting always involves critical decisions balancing cut quality against carat weight.  Certain carat weights are considered special such as 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00.  You will often see liberties taken with cut quality of stones right at these “magic marks”.  To perfect the cut often means dropping below them and therefore losing some per carat value.  This is because diamond per carat value is a geometric progression as the diamond gets bigger in size and rarer in nature.  For example, where a 1.00 ct diamond is worth X , a 2.00 ct diamond may be work 3X.  So the price per carat increases for the same quality as the diamond increases in size, compounding the total value of larger diamonds.

The next stage of diamond cutting is cleaving or sawing. This involves the use of a diamond-edged saw or laser to carefully cut the diamond into the specified pieces. Because of the diamond’s natural hardness, the saw must be edged with actual diamonds in order to cut through the rough stone.

The diamond then undergoes the process of bruting. Two diamonds are set on spinning axles and made to grind against each other, to shape each diamond into its destined round shape. Next is the crucial step of brillianteering—the delicate and all-important placement and cutting of the facets. This step is one of the most important in determining the light performance and brilliance of the finished diamond. Finally, the diamond is polished—facets are cut into the stone and the cut surfaces are polished to a mirror finish.

Of course, after the diamond is cut and polished, it is thoroughly inspected. The loose diamond is cleaned in acids to ensure that not a speck of dust remains, and then it is examined to see if it meets the quality standards of the manufacturer. Not all manufacturing facilities are alike—some hold each diamond to the highest standards of excellence, while others focus on mass-producing diamonds cheaply.

Cut diamonds are sorted before being packaged and sent to wholesale markets

Once inspected, the diamond is sent to grading facilities and labs to be officially weighed and measure as good as graded for color, clarity, cut and cut quality. All certified diamond is given a exceptional testimony number. A few retailers buy diamonds for their own inventory while others are brokers who sell diamonds that are loaned to them on consignment.

Finally, the diamond arrives into your hand, each loose or probably setting into a brilliant engagement ring.  The various facets act as tiny mirrors creating a dazzling show of light.  The end effect is a gripping tribute to ancient experience and modern technology, and an eternal symbol of love and devotion.

A truly well-cut diamond has un-matched brilliance and fire