I've owned over 50 rings, and carefully studied them all carefully before and after buying them, which gives me a bit of credibility, I should think. However, If you read my book, I explicitly state that TK research is a work in process, and I am but the next stone-layer in the pathway toward future work. I explicitly stated that TK ring research is NOT rocket science, and anyone who wants to study TK rings need only have an original or two to compare, a strong loupe, and a sharp mind. I stand by that statement, and do NOT hold myself up to be some "replacement Don" - I don't have any wish to charge $250 for certificates, and control the market. Studying a ring from "okay" photos IS difficult if not impossible, which is I believe,the source of a lot of confusion on forums.
For these reasons, if someone wants me to write a letter on a ring, I am happy to do it for $100 including express mail postage and insurance - with just enough left over to cover the hour or so I spend researching the ring, studying it, taking photos, and writing a letter, and talking about it on the phone. I also arrange research through Mike Constandy so that the owner can pursue this research if he wants to. I'll never make money on my book through COAs with this schedule of fees, and book sales pay about $2 per book sold, and given my hundreds of hours of work producing it, my daily rate works out to be a couple bucks an hour. I would make more as a porn star (not much).
Regarding what Jeff states was "clear" was going on with Don, we really don't need him to reply here (although it certainly would be nice), as his COA for this set is the only reply I need to know what he was probably trying to do. Poor quality reproduction? Ring missing the flaws? Come on. Remember, it's not rocket science. Still, I give him the benefit of the doubt, and would love to hear his explanation for the COA.
I am still planning on bringing not only the Klohn ring and box to the MAX, but also another box that HAS a Don Boyle certificate, that is also a striped box. I have this being mailed to me from Europe. These two boxes, plus the Teply box, should be available at my table for study (I say should, because with respect, I have not asked Larry if he wishes me to display his box, make it available for careful study, or restrict my use to taking photographs). It's his item, and he is graciously lending it for the project.
For these reasons, if someone wants me to write a letter on a ring, I am happy to do it for $100 including express mail postage and insurance - with just enough left over to cover the hour or so I spend researching the ring, studying it, taking photos, and writing a letter, and talking about it on the phone. I also arrange research through Mike Constandy so that the owner can pursue this research if he wants to. I'll never make money on my book through COAs with this schedule of fees, and book sales pay about $2 per book sold, and given my hundreds of hours of work producing it, my daily rate works out to be a couple bucks an hour. I would make more as a porn star (not much).
Regarding what Jeff states was "clear" was going on with Don, we really don't need him to reply here (although it certainly would be nice), as his COA for this set is the only reply I need to know what he was probably trying to do. Poor quality reproduction? Ring missing the flaws? Come on. Remember, it's not rocket science. Still, I give him the benefit of the doubt, and would love to hear his explanation for the COA.
I am still planning on bringing not only the Klohn ring and box to the MAX, but also another box that HAS a Don Boyle certificate, that is also a striped box. I have this being mailed to me from Europe. These two boxes, plus the Teply box, should be available at my table for study (I say should, because with respect, I have not asked Larry if he wishes me to display his box, make it available for careful study, or restrict my use to taking photographs). It's his item, and he is graciously lending it for the project.
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