Mooning Over New Yellow Cushion Ring

[Trinkette]

For those of us who are over-the-moon in love with Dori's sensational new vivid yellow cushion ring, http://coloreddiamon...-ring/msg105813/#new , good news, there's another new beauty to moon over!

Recently, David posted a lighter colored twin to Dori's ring: check out 2.01ct Y-Z with half moons R2996, yummmmm. http://rockdiamond.c...iamond-gia-beautiful






So, David, I am wondering... looking at the side view for R2996, the setting work reminds me of diamond and sapphire ring R2864. Were the rings crafted by the same setter? Just curious. (Ummm, maybe it is all that TRICK photography you use... hehe.   )


R2684 1.17ct L OMC w/1.38ctw sapphire sides

[Trinkette]

Ahh, Wait! Or, did the new moonster come from the same place as gorgeous R2776? Or, are they ALL from the same factory... (of course, there is that TRICK photography element...)


R2776 5.09ct WX w/1.24ctw J sides

[oldmancoyote]

From your subtle irony, T, do I take it that the discussions on Psychscope on David's "photo tricks" have restarted?

I think I'll bring my camera to NY in April, and take a picture of David taking a picture, so perhaps we can post both and lay the thing to rest once and forever. Bah, humbug!

[Mikla]

I don't read that "other" forum, so I have to ask whether any of David's detractors have actually purchased anything from him.  On what do they base their claims of trick photography?  Inquiring minds want to know.   

Mikla

[oldmancoyote]

No, I don't think anyone who criticises has actually tried the goods; some are competitors. I think what throws them, more than anything else, is that David's technique for photography is like most things he does: simple, spontaneous and elegant. But not traditional. And therein lies the rub...

[Trinkette]

WARNING! *** SOAPBOX ALERT *** WARNING! *** SOAPBOX ALERT *** WARNING!
Ahhh, the trickery. No, I haven't been "over there" lately; the bickering depresses me. For the record though, the argument regarding one gem dealer's candidness in photography, compared to the authenticity and candidness of other dealers IS most self-serving by intent, and ridiculous overall.

Uh oh... the door is open here, I'm feeling the need to climb on my soapbox...    

Most of us realize that ALL photography is subjective, and there is no "true" or constant light (either artificial or natural) and there is no "right" or "perfect" lighting source or angle.  Moreover, it IS very difficult to capture the color(s), essence, or performance of any gem – whether it be in one photo or a dozen.

That's because gems are absorbing and reflecting light. They are impacted by the colors and light around them, and color, light and things like fluorescence are seen differently by the camera than they are perceived by the eye.

Moreover, everyone sees color differently. And yes, a background color will impact one's perception of a gem. The same stone, photographed in relatively similar lighting, will appear different with a grey background than it will with a black, white, fleshy, pink, and etc., background. It's not hard to figure these things out. Where you are on earth, and what season it is, also make a difference. As too, the distance the of the focal plane from the subject, the camera angle, the lens, the shutter speed, the lens opening, the film or image sensor, the lens filter, the camera, the software program, the computer screen... I could go on. ACK!

Keep in mind, this lecture is coming from a woman who has won several national photo awards and had several solo photo exhibitions. ANY photograph represents a two-way interpretation of a subject: an active interpretation, or view, by the photographer, as well as a passive interpretation by the viewer. And, if you are shopping, it DOES require a certain effort to "read" gem photos, whether they be shot uber-close-up in a lab with a "neutral" grey background and artificial light, or photographed at the office, in-hand next to a sunny window.

Also, I've been to DBL and seen the jewelry IRL – many, many pieces on several different visits – so I have an excellent idea of the accuracy of David's photos, as well as his intent (um, that would be to sell gems and jewelry. If he were trying to hoodwink people, it wouldn't be long before he'd be out of business).

Besides, if you ask, David is always willing to take MORE photos in various lighting, and from various points of view, so one can get a better idea of how a piece or gem performs IRL. I ask him all the time. And, he's willing to make extra photos even when he knows darn well that I – or someone else who is asking – is not prepared to purchase the item.

By contrast, I can think of several, very highly regarded, first-class, tip-top colored-gemstone cutters and gem dealers whose photographs routinely look VERY different from their stock IRL. I know. I've purchased from them. And, I've been very pleased with my purchases, and I've been VERY disappointed with my purchases (BTW, I've NEVER been disappointed by a purchase from David). However, for some reason, the accuracy of their photography is never an issue.

Long way of saying, while we are on the subject, that I appreciate David's approach to photography and I know enough to report that I've not been "hoodwinked." The arguments on the other site are silly and, for me, extremely off-putting. They only serve to undermine the motives, credibility, likeability, and – at times – the sanity and soundness of antagonistic posters. Moreover, I am shocked by some of the negative, sometimes quite aggressive, comments made by "professionals" and I would NEVER make a purchase from anyone who not only takes the time, but seems to relish the opportunity to slam someone else.

OMC, regarding taking photos of David taking photos, I wouldn't bother because, 1) Why give people the satisfaction of thinking anyone REALLY cares? 2) It only makes ANOTHER  opportunity to discuss/trash someone's photos without any positive resolution to come of it. 3) David has expressed a desire to keep his photo-taking private. If it irritates others, so be it. I say, touché!

Besides, I KNOW if your visiting, you've got MANY more interesting things to do with your time! 
 

[Trinkette]

Yellow cushion diamond ring with half-moons anyone? 


R2996

[annie1]

I love the Dori Budget Special ring!  I saw it listed on Facebook.  I'm a big fan of Y-Zs, and SI1s for that matter.



Oh, and   at the apparent photo drama going on.  I stopped reading other diamond forums many, many moons ago.  There's one I refuse to give the benefit of a page visit towards their traffic numbers and a few more where the snark isn't worth the (often ample) eye candy, lol.

[Trinkette]

I thought it was interesting that both my son and DH noted a preference for the lighter Dori Double color to the more saturated fancy yellows...

[Trinkette]

Annie, to make it clear, I am not aware of any recent photo drama. I haven't looked. It's just been such an ongoing part of life on the Other Side that I took to teasing Gramps (um, like I NEVER do that   ). OMC picked up on it... then, I'm afraid that I couldn't resist climbing on my little soapbox (years of not interceding have, clearly, taken their toll)!

 

Bean dip, anyone?

[Trinkette]

Half moon?


R2996

[annie1]

Annie, to make it clear, I am not aware of any recent photo drama. I haven't looked. It's just been such an ongoing part of life on the Other Side that I took to teasing Gramps (um, like I NEVER do that   ).

Duly noted.  Although, given the history, I think it's pretty fair to operate on the assumption that there's probably some drama going on somewhere at any given time.    Oh, and I fully appreciate needing to take any opportunity to get a jab in at D.

Bean dip, anyone?

Oh, and I'll take queso dip with tortilla chips today, if you don't mind.  I'm from Wisconsin.  I have a thing for cheese, especially while pregnant.  

[Trinkette]

  ALL YE, ALL YE, IN COME FREE!


Ok, I'm done now. It is safe to come back!

[Trinkette]

Hey, speaking of pregnant, how's it going, Annie? The time is getting CLOSE! I am excited for you.

Yesterday, my late husband's daughter just had her first baby, a boy, so I'm step-grandma AGAIN. 

[oldmancoyote]

Egh - my misreading strikes again. I read "my daughter's husband had her first baby". Now, that would have been a first.

Congratulations, anyway!

[annie1]

Congrats step-grandma!

For being 33 weeks pregnant, I have no complaints!  My biggest grumble is that my abs are starting to split apart.  Not exactly a pleasant experience, but I knew it was going to happen since this little guy doesn't really have anywhere else to grow but out.  

[SaoriViola]

really really beautiful ring.  ack, diamond lust, gotta take a cold shower.

[Trinkette]

Annie, those abs will be tight as can be in no time! And, I have heard that new diamond jewelry can speed-up the healing process.   

Thanks, OMC. Don't tell David though... HE'S the only one OLD ENOUGH around here to be a grandparent. Not me... nooooooooooooooo. 

[saqsay1]

wow. thats a y-z? your right it is a budget of dori's ring. but i admit that i like dori's better. dori's ring gave me a true appreciation for vivid's.

[Trinkette]

Dori's ring is to die for.

[Diamondsbylauren]

Thank you all soooo much!!

It is extremely difficult to be an artist.
Tell your kids.

Seriously, when I started taking photos of diamonds, it came very naturally to me- an extension of all those years using a loupe and tweezer.
Over the past 12 years, there has been an inordinate amount of criticism of these pictures.

What I came to realize was that if something did not draw strong reactions, it was not going to be able to convey emotions-= which is a big part of what art is to me.
The result is that images that DO cause strong reactions can be seen as far more effective than those that draw minimal reaction.
IN this specific instance, "effective" means people will take out their credit card to buy it- if the photos were not taken to promote this business, there would be a few hundred of them- instead of tens of thousands ( literally)
The other side is that some people HATE the photos.
I can live with that.

The motivation - on EVERY single diamond and jewelry photo I take- is not to sell diamonds. My motivation is to share my love of what I perceive as beauty in diamonds.

I did have an idea last night about "calibration"

The 2.01 Y-Z diamond is a great stone to use.
I have photos of it where the color is faint, and other photos where it looks like an intense yellow.
Amazingly both extremes are accurate- depending on the lighting......
My idea involves a chart showing the lightest and darkest to give people an idea of the color in real life......

[Mrs Mitchell]

A few thoughts:

Congrats on being a step grandma, Trink! Pics?!

That yellow ring is ridiculously beautiful.

The photos on the site sell the diamonds because they are fantastic photos that give a range of representations, so you know how it's going to look in various situations. If they weren't accurate or if they were misleading in any way, there would be return after return every week. As far as I know, that isn't the case.

David once took a pic of a yellow radiant using my point and shoot sony camera. I'd taken a couple of pics first. When I looked at them later, there were two blurry, obviously amateur shots of a diamond, one clear, attractive pic of the same stone, looking like many of the pictures on the DBL site, then some more blurry, odd ones. Same camera, same room, same lighting, same everything else. Just different people holding the camera. That tells me all I need to know about David's trick photography. The trick is being good at it! There are some nervous, jealous competitors (and their groupies) in the world.

Ok, my soapbox is as enticing as Trinkette's!

[Trinkette]

 

[Trinkette]

Thanks, Mrs. M. No pics yet. New baby is in New England. I won't see him for a bit...

[saqsay1]

i don't know how anyone could criticise david's photos. i agree with the above post that he takes many photos in different lighting ,angles, etc. what could be misleading about that? besides where else have you ever seen a diamond posted with the word booger used in the description??