Distinctive Gem

I have worked with Jonathan before, so I knew what to expect of his products, exacting standards, and level of service. Somehow he exceeded even that very high bar. His responses were impossibly timely, informative, thoughtful, empathetic, candid and transparent. His wife Vicki makes this a dynamic duo, and her communication is also professional and timely. If you don't know anything about him, Google any combination of "Rhino" and/or "August Vintage" and revel in the plethora of videos on YouTube and Instagram and PriceScope and Reddit testimonials (in addition to his own created content, he makes occasional appearances on forums in a way that is both informative and humble.) If you watch his videos, you will never read his words without hearing his..."distinctive" way of speaking ever again. It's very conversational and easy-going, but not in any way lacking technical and important details. Great stuff. Although I did not buy one of his custom cuts, I got an unbelievable deal on one of his personally hunted/vetted "Steal of the Day" Lab grown round modern brilliants, and if he feels that he can put his name on something he found, then that is more than good enough for me. I had an existing Vatche U-113 setting in platinum that once housed a mined stone of basically the same size that I had sold years ago, into which the new lab stone was mounted for a small and reasonable setting fee. I love my new ring. Can't wait to come back someday for an August Vintage Old European Cut Lab someday when I celebrate another milestone, and can't wait to see where this disrupted and exciting custom cut lab diamond market looks like then.

My boyfriend and I worked with Jonathan to find the perfect lab-grown diamond. I had a specific designer I wanted to work with for the setting and Jonathan was eager to facilitate the work with him. Jonathan was super responsive to emails during the process and when the original diamond we picked wasn't available from the lab, he was able to find us an exact comp (slightly bigger even!) for the same price.

My boyfriend (now fiance!) received the ring yesterday and rushed over to propose as he could not wait after seeing the ring in person. The ring is gorgeous! I never thought I would have such a beautiful ring in a million years!

Thank you Jonathan and the AV team for taking an intimidating process and making it fun, comfortable and exciting for us!

Jonathan was very helpful with the whole process. I had many questions and he did not hesitate to answer them and he was very prompt to respond. Everything that was described by him and on his website was accurate. The diamond and the ring setting I bought are amazing! My gf (future fiancé) loves it! Highly recommend Jonathan and his team.

All of the positive things and glowing reviews you've ever heard or read about Jonathan are true. He is an amazing person and is so great at what he does. He's so helpful and honest and patient. I was convinced that I was driving him crazy with all of my questions, but he never once made me feel like I was bothering him. In fact, he went so far above and beyond my expectations when he did a ton of work to help me find a beautiful diamond WHILE HE WAS ON VACATION. During our emails back and forth (there were MANY!), I honestly felt like I was talking with a friend. I wish I had a new diamond project to work on, because I miss our chats! Thank you for everything, Jonathan! You are truly extraordinary and I'll be a customer for life!

Storytime: I initially purchased two of the Takara lab grown diamonds(due to their AGS ideal optics) online to have made in to earrings, unfortunately the diamonds I purchased had already been sold. Johnathan was quick to reach out to me to let me know of the error, and offered to find me a matched pair with slightly better specs (and ideal optics) for the same price due to the inconvenience. It has been an amazing customer service experience, and I'm very excited for the finished product.

I was buying a diamond from US - I'm a private purchaser in Australia, and after reading a lot about the quality of this company's products and services, I decided to give them a go. The hic cup was with my delivery address, which caused problems to FedEx and Australian Border Force as I wanted it delivered to a jeweller of my choice to be set (instead of to my home address). When I notified Distinctive Gem of the "road-block" I had reached, they went out of their way to ensure that the overseas purchase experience went smoothly, even having regard to the difference in time zones etc. I highly recommend this vendor thankyou for helping me.

I worked with Jonathan for an anniversary ring upgrade & both myself and my husband are blown away with the ring. I wanted an oval, but was concerned about a bowtie, after some research I reached out to Jonathan to inquire about the Elyque. If you want a perfect cut oval, the Elyque is the way to go. It is perfection.

Overall, Jonathan is extremely knowledgeable, has unlimited patience, excellent communication, & is great to work with. He answered all questions I had & wasn't pushy. He asked about overall budget early in the process and was conscious of it throughout. I ended up getting both the diamond & setting from Jon & the total ring came out to be ~$100 over budget, however, it is worth every single penny. I truly feel like I got the best ring my budget allowed.

I went and purchased a 18K gold pendant for my son from here as I was recommended to it and it was priced right, arrived super fast and is beautiful. I'm a time where religion is not believed by some, I bought a religious pendant for my son in the ARMY for his birthday. It is beautiful and worth every penny and more. Don't waste your time on Amazon or other websites that are big and sell bulk. I will always buy my jewelry from here from now on. My ex wife had a friend who owned a jewelry store and o bought her ring there way back in 1998. I believe he ripped me off, and we were not very pleased. I know the owners are a well respected, charity giving couple as well through the recommendation. You want the best at a VERY FAIR price? This is where you should buy your jewelry. THANK YOU DISTINCTIVE GEM!

I'm writing this review while looking at my brand new, absolutely stunning 4ct emerald cut -- which I purchased sight unseen (!) on Jonathan's recommendation.

I could not be happier with this purchase and Jon's thorough analysis and assessment on clarity, color, and cut were right on the money and invaluable in making the decision to purchase this stone. Shopping for fancy shapes is especially difficult, and before starting this process I knew that I only wanted a stone that was up to Jon's very high standards. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to evaluating diamonds, and I HIGHLY recommend that all future purchasers take advantage of his expertise. Seriously, you would be crazy not to!

So just in case it wasn't clear, in summary I cannot recommend Jon enough and THANK YOU for my gorgeous, one of a kind forever diamond!

I think like the vinage cushions most of all, especially the idea of creating vintage looking diamonds with the highest tecnical standard possible. What I like especially is the colour range, which include the warmer diamond colors as well. The result is, that it is possible for many people to buy a beautifully cut diamond in a remarkable size in a warmer tone. They are sparkling just as beautiful as the stones from the colourless range. So thank you for your invention of the August Vintage Cushion cut diamond.

I was excited to get a diamond to replace the one I had lost with my wedding set. I placed the order on July 19,2022. I inquired about my order each month until I got my stone on November 9,2022. I hadn't expected the stone to take so long to be shipped. Jonathan Weingarten was awesome with me when I explained my frustration and hesitancy to accept my order - the stone was larger than I had ordered, making it impossible to set it in the setting I had purchased for my order. Jonathan had the stone set into a Tiffany-style solitaire setting for me to wear until I find my diamond it's permanent setting. The stone, a transitional cut, lab-grown diamond is absolutely beautiful. I am thrilled with the stone. The current setting's profile is a little tall/high for me, but it works for now. Jonathan also offered to do the CAD design for a new wedding ring for me free of charge. It's nice to know that is an option when that time comes.