PriceScopeReviews 7

Going for advice, only to learn the the purported "experts" have no validity/designation beyond 'arm-chair', self-described "experts". The 'community' is very insular, and there's almost a cultish, bully mentality, that supersedes what they purport to offer to the public... And, I believe, they 'experts' have an agenda...and that's payola...

This site used to be a pretty mature and self-controlled crowd sharing information about gems, jewelry and etcetera. But those members are being run off by the trolls and childish cliques that have taken hold, due to inadequate moderating.

The moderator only seems to stop by every other day or so, after allowing flare ups to grow unchecked into big messes. When she does show up, what she'll do is unpredictable. She often seems to react with favoritism, join in on pile-ons, or not fully read the posts involved before choosing someone to call out. She does this publicly and even shares information about it with the rest of the forum, as if trying to win a popularity contest. Then she demands the courtesy for herself of being replied to in private only (then, likely as not, just ignores those replies).

In my experience, people who are being paid normally have to tend to all parts of their job adequately and also treat customers/members in an unbiased and polite way, handling anything that might embarrass someone behind the scenes. That is not what I've seen lately, so I was surprised to discover that the moderator is a paid employee rather than a volunteer. Things are going downhill.

If you are looking for buying advice, this is the place. A friendly, helpful, knowledgeable group of people. There are no "lurking" diamond sellers... yes, there are some tradespeople who offer technical advice, but they are clearly identified and are not allowed to "sell" on the forums.
I have bought several diamonds after consulting with people here and have gotten top quality stones at the best prices that my local jewelers could not match either in price OR quality.

A wonderful community of people passionate about high quality diamonds. A great resource, whether for pre-purchase help or becoming more knowledgeable about gems.
Also a lot of great eye candy as members share their collections.