Like every hairy-chested ogre lucky enough to convince a beautiful woman to hang around, I was out to buy a diamond. THE diamond, amiright? Now, I am a very disciplined shopper with zero interest in high-pressure sales tactics and gimmicks. I like doing my research. Hyde Park was actually the 4th jewelry store in my quest for all that sparkles, and I am quite pleased I stumbled in. The experience, overall, was as enjoyable as spending all your savings on a rock can be!
But seriously, Erik picked up on my no-nonsense mission the first time we shook hands. And I made him wait for at least a month before I came back. After all, I had follow-up research to do on cut, clarity, color, carats, AGS, GIA, and other inquiries necessitated by being Type A (or at least a solid B+). Eventually, after a few more visits, we settled on the perfect stone. I was, and still am, very happy with it.
Thereafter, every time I came back, we made progress on the custom setting. My soon-to-be fiance (fingers crossed) was not necessarily picky (because she's an angel, duh), but she was particular in what she liked. I was very thankful Erik and Kerry (the wizard who made the setting) remembered what she said from the time we came in together, many months prior. Erik showed me a plastic mold of the custom ring, and after a metal casting, then another mold, I was done making minor changes and received THE ring I have today. It's pretty much amaze balls.
Bottom line, I was helped rather than hounded, and it felt more like a service than sales. I will do more business there.