I read Craig's reply and all I can say and offer is this. I liked Craig. I did good business with him. I purchased from him. Not in the six figures but in the high teens, which was more than I EVER spent with those dealers whom I respected. Chuck Scaglione, John Casino, Paul Hogle, Bill Shea, Gerard Stezelberger, Bob Iqbal, Tom Johnson, Bruce Hermann, Peter Whammond, Martin Stiles. These are some of the GOOD guys in my opinion. I know them all, have dealt with them all, have had some in my home and have been in some of their homes. Never a bad deal. I know some will have their detractors but as long as we are "friends" and do good business I do not entertain the gossip. I was this way with Craig..I liked him. I sold him some "good stuff" and Craig was never cheap and always paid...Then there were three "purchases" made by me in a row that were less than what they were advertised to be. These left me feeling a little awkward but Craig always made good. Then there was the "ring fiasco" that, in my opinion could have been handled so much better. Suddenly I became the "bad guy" I started to question everything and listened to my "collector and dealer friends" who brought me up to speed on the state of Craig's reputation. I am sorry that things went this way as I never like having a falling out with someone with whom I once was "friendly" I couldn't count Craig as a friend but I did like him. Now I don't factor as a meaningful purchaser in the over all realm of things but every collector who is a customer should be treated decently. All of the fellows that I have mentioned have both sold to me and purchased from me. I am not a dealer but at 48 have been active in the German hobby since 1982 when I first began selling and buying. I have sold to 100s of collectors in Europe, Canada and within the US.I have never had one somplaint or had one item returned, even though I sell everything with a full unconditional guarantee!!!! I got beaten up on this forum for what one seller said....I backed out of a deal. This was untrue but Dave, you made a determination based on one comment and on not even knowing me!!!! and my reputation was attacked!!! Craig has an extensive history now....I will not attack him or jump on the "bash Craig bandwagon", but I will not feel empathy or sympathy. He made his bed and has no one to blame but himself. Even his last posting smacks of self pity and arrogance and seems to blame everyone else. It is so much easier to say that you made a mistake.. It is too bad that one of the guys that we thought would bring a breath of fresh air to the hobby seems to have done just the opposite. Cheers Ryan S