Long before Shane Co. commercials made me want to jump through the speakers and strangle Tom Shane, I learned that the first rule for dudes in the engagement process is that you need "a guy". None of my buddies were stupid enough to buy a diamond from an actual jewelry store. The only people who buy diamonds from jewelry stores probably have degrees from USC, and we know how stooopid those people are. No my friend, you need "a guy". This means that you are not quite sure of the legality of the business, but you also know that you are getting a first rate diamond.
Back in the spring, I had squirrelled away enough discretionary income to warrant shopping for a piece of compressed carbon to place on my girlfriend's left ring finger. I did some research, talked to some people, and received a recommendation from a good friend at the office. This friend spent over 25 years as a cop with the SFPD. Cops know everything about cities. They know where to get the best everything. (And I don't mean donuts! This joke is so old and tired. These brave souls walk out the door everyday knowing that there is chance that they won't come home, and we grace them with donut jokes. If you do this..STOP.) Anyway John the cop directed me to the Anello Brothers.
I called them up, and Barry Anello asked me what I was looking for. I gave his some specs. He then said that he would find some stones, and then call me to come in and look at them. WARNING!!! You have to know a few things about diamonds first. Barry is not there to hold your hand. You have to do some research beforehand. When I went to the actual office I was a little freaked out. He buzzed me and my cop buddy in. The office was about the size of a closet. He went to an alcove where there was a HOOOOGE safe and pulled out some envelopes. I was waiting for some federal law enforcement to come crashing through the windows at any moment because none of this seemed legal. He pulled out the stones, had me look at them through that cool monocle and told me the 5 C's for each stone. I picked one out, but called him later to confirm.
From there he asked me how I wanted the stone set. I gave him some more specs and sent a fax of the design my girlfriend wanted for her setting. Barry did everything himself and even added some nice smaller stones. I did not agree to this beforehand, but the added stones made the ring look even better. (At least that's what my fiance's friends tell us.)
When the ring was finished, he called again, and I came to pick it up. I won't say how I paid, but some forms of payment are better than others. Barry is not only a great ring maker, but also a discreet business man...wink, wink.
When I gave the ring to my girlfriend, and she inexplicably accepted my marriage proposal she was in tears. She loves her ring...once again, at least that's what she says. I have Anello Brothers to thank for it. I cannot recommend them any higher! read more