Enbcsobe, they must have deleted the thread despite the fact that it contained a number of different stories from forum users about their experiences with this seller. I did not request thread deletion. They did this on the basis that they think I am a seller, even though I do not see myself as a business, I do not have a registered business, and I have only sold to friends and acquaintances locally at materials cost when people have asked me after seeing g the pictures I post I n Facebook of the things I have made. My website (which I listed here and not on the other forum) serves as a gallery/portfolio and I included prices at the request of my friends. I do not take custom orders or ship anywhere or otherwise promote the things I have made. And in that thread all I discussed was the buying experiences and expectations. So I don't think it's reasonable for them to assume I have any agenda other than as a buyer who wanted a refund and to inform others as well.
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Promote cultured and natural pearls as the world’s most popular and ecologically responsible gemstone
Protect consumer confidence in the online pearl industry
Protect consumers from unethical trading practices
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Promote honest and ethical pearl retailers and wholesalers
Break the industry’s shroud of secrecy through open discussion and debate
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This is why P-G is so exceptional:
KaySD -- It's actually good (though sad) to hear that it wasn't just me being cranky about PS. I thought I was getting overly sensitive, nice to know I wasn't totally out on a limb.
JerseyPearl -- I'd love to do something with my colored stones, but they are almost all faceted stones that need to be professionally set, which means having a bunch of $$ at one time and a plan for a piece that I will actually wear (I've also got pave rings collecting dust b/c they aren't practical for my current life). Some of the loose stuff (fire opals, eg) I don't even have someone I'd trust to set them even if I could afford it. I also have a lot of what are really "learner" stones that I'm not sure are worth setting. I should probably divest some of the stuff on DB or LT, but I haven't been able to bring myself to do it. I love that with help from you all I've found places to get "learner" pearls that I can assemble myself, that can be re-assembled a million times, for not very much $. Its like almost-instant gratification, with low committment and a lot less guilt.