Dear Gems - This is the hardest letter I have ever written...

[cabbagesahoy!]

But I need to tell you it's over*.

When we first got together things were so good. You were such a fun cheap date. Oh and the jewellery was gorgeous. I thought there was a catch - I thought you were unethical or fibbing about what you were really giving me. But you weren't. You were wonderful.

I mean - I know it was difficult balancing you with my husband. I know we had to meet at illicit times of day - but you were worth it.

But now things have changed. You've gone stale. You say and show me the same things everyday and, though you still smile at me, I don't think you really care. You're not even that cheap anymore. And now you are giving me 2 minute ultimatums.

I realise I am sticking around waiting for you to change. But I don't think you will and, so, I think it would be best if we parted....

Thanks for the memories and we'll always have Paris - I mean Paraiba Tourmaline.


Love,

CA XX





*By the way if you do change back - I'll come back.....

 

[Klosblue]

:Applause: Very Well Said!

 

[SUPERCOOLWILLOW]

there is reasons why there is a clock there now

 

[Beady Belle]

Have to say Cabbages, I agree with the sentiment. I used to LOVE Gems, it was always on during the day, even if I wasn't buying, the voyeur in me liked to watch. I hardly watch anymore, even during my recent enforced sofa sitting, it wasn't on. Such a shame, I know gold is more expensive, but although I still like Scotty, Caroline and Liv, there are just some presenters I can't even force myself to watch. I was often tempted by something sparkly that I definitely didn't need but bought anyway. Too many changes for my liking, call me an old fuddy duddy, but I enjoyed the good old days, when you knew who was who there, but since Steve A's departure, it just isn't the same.

 

[the-valleygirl]

I have to say I am not keen on the timed auctions now, but, having said that, I do understand that they could not continue the way they were. They must have been losing money. I would rather they do something like this, rather than they continue how things were and eventaully went bust.

 

[jacqualina]

SCW I'm afraid I'm rather sceptical about the reasons given for the timed auctions. They now no longer need to sell at a loss because they can just time out when they get to the lowest price they want to go to - just as tjc often does. In my opinion this is another financial decision and I doubt very much that it has anything to do with new regulations.

 

[ALWAYSSKINT]

the fun has gone and so have the guests i used to love big DON the gem hunter and GAVIN. I sometimes feel that the presenters are not happy and sure some will leave very soon.

 

[Gemcrazynan]

the fun has gone and so have the guests i used to love big DON the gem hunter and GAVIN. I sometimes feel that the presenters are not happy and sure some will leave very soon.

i agree ,all the fun has gone since don,pete bennett and steve ashton have gone ( did they know something way back then?) and the timed games i'm afraid do nothing for me they only put me off watching as i hate to see the presenters struggle like poor matt did last night and i have never seen so many games end without a single sale

SAD SAD Times

 

[Sammi]

what a well crafted letter Cabbage. breaking up is hard to do but atleast you've got some lovely memories and keepsakes.

 

[Oops-a-daisy!]

i agree ,all the fun has gone since don,pete bennett and steve ashton have gone ( did they know something way back then?) and the timed games i'm afraid do nothing for me they only put me off watching as i hate to see the presenters struggle like poor matt did last night and i have never seen so many games end without a single sale

SAD SAD Times

Well said CAhoy! I think most of us are feeling the same way. I pop in now and again, but I'm afraid to say I've gone over to the other side lately.

I agree Gemcrazynan. I was watching Matt last night present the Patroke Kunzite hour. I felt so bad for him as nothing much was selling. I almost bought something just because it was so embarrassing to watch! lol

 

[Marble]

Blimey! Is it that bad at the moment then?! I had no idea - don't watch very often. Have found it dull every time I have tuned in of late though.

 

[Tabs]

I just have no interest in watching Gems anymore, all excitement is gone.

 

[Lynda]

Great post (and I love your name!) CA.

I have to admit, I have never been a big fan of their jewellery although paradoxically I have bought the most expensive piece I own (and adore it) from them. I have returned far more than I have kept although I saw some fabulous pieces some members bought, but they never seemed to be on when I watched!

I loved watching the channel when some of the presenters were on, just as I loved watching some other channels present jewellery - although being with Virginmedia meant I have less choice of channels.

The auction format has always saved me money as unless it was love-at-first-sight I preferred to think about it and usually took too long to make up my mind on the nicer pieces and therefore lost my chance.

One thing I am forever grateful for is the knowledge that I could buy gems from them for much less than anywhere else and it put paid to me buying all but the most desirable of pieces elsewhere. They turned me into a real bargain hunter and I have saved loads.

I wished all the other channels had the same level of CS that Gemstv had and wished I loved more of their jewellery, now it seems that most of the good reasons for buying are disappearing (as happened on IW) although they still have some great presenters and as if to confirm this, Angeline is on at the moment and she's one of - if not the - best.

Now as a watcher more than a buyer, I prefer the quicker turnover as it's less boring as I've said elsewhere.

The only way I would keep buying is if everything that arrived was exactly as it looked on the TV - just as it is with IW and QVC - but sadly I seem to buy more in hope than expectation and that was always the problem with Gemstv in my experience.

 

[reanebeanie]

I just have no interest in watching Gems anymore, all excitement is gone.

I totally agree with you Tabs. Sadly Gems TV now seem to have lost that "something special" that they had. I will watch when my fav presenter Derek is on to see if I change my mind, (I just love his way of presenting and he could be selling anything, I just love watching him!) but somehow, sadly, I don't think I will.

 

[originalmeggie]

Well said CA - seconded, thirded & fourthed!!!

 

[yazrose]

Well said hunny <a href="http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&ref=11" target="_blank"><img src="http://content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/00020165.gif" border=0 ></a>

I just do not get why they are doing timed auctions now <a href="http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&ref=11" target="_blank"><img src="http://content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/0002014F.gif" border=0 ></a>
Plus I seem to be seeing the same bloody items over and over and over and over and over and over <a href="http://www.sweetim.com/s.asp?im=gen&ref=11" target="_blank"><img src="http://content.sweetim.com/sim/cpie/emoticons/0002011C.gif" border=0 ></a>

 

[Glinda]

well said cabbage!

 

[cabbagesahoy!]

Thankyou all. You know I almost wanted you to tell me to stick with it. To not walk out at the first sign of trouble....I think I'm stretching this relationship thing a bit far now aren't I?

But seriously things have got silly. The endless item repeats, the endless silver specials (and I'm a silver/white gold person) and now the timer. The presenters are still great - but - oh the sparkle has gone.

 

[Tabs]

I just flicked over..channel hopping and landed on Gems. A timed game was showing 12 seconds left with the price at £64...they then dropped to £59 ...How on earth do they expect anyone to dial in and press 1 in under 12 seconds? Bliddy stupid if u ask me!

 

[jacqualina]

Good post CA, but this is not the first sign of trouble. IMO things have been going downhill since Steve B and Don left last year.