I am a fabricator. The country of origin is unimportant as all countries have stones of varying quality. Additionally, most quarries have 2 or 3 "grades' with residential (and government where money is no object) getting the best stone. A 1st rate fabricator uses only 1st grade stone for residential as the cheaper grades are simply not worth the hassle you can cget from "Mrs. Smith" re the flaws. A competent fabricator will steer you away from problem stone. The previous comment about dyed stone (particularly black) is accurate. In general you want to stay away from dyed stone although it is slowly gaining acceptance because some of it is really attractive. Black dyed stone is generally crap.

Thanks so much everyone! I have a hard timing picking out color detail sometimes so I am so glad for the help. DH took he door today so tonight I am going to put it up tonight and look at the red. I do see an orange in the exotica sample, but don't remember seeing it in the slab. I do not want to pull out anything orange I know that for sure. igloo and sheileaaus... I am going to look at the BordeauxÂs online. Now to convince DH we can't make the decision until another trip to the granite yard. We don't have any yards closer then 2 hours and he thought one trip would be all that it would take. lol Thanks for a good eye and seeing the colors. alku05, I like movement too, but I can see why you husband liked the Andromeda. I still get excited looking at your island. Are your cabinets more of a burgundy cherry or brown in true form? You are so right, Dmlove's kitchen is beautiful. I already have it saved in my file. The granite is so rich in color. redroze, thanks. What is your granite choice that is similar to Delicatus? gneesgirl, do you have any pictures? I am scared of salmon too and I see some in the one of my choices. berryberry and mustbenuts.. My husband is pushing hard for the exotica. He wants to be brave. My decorating style is defiantly is more transitional/modern. I like more sleek straight lines although nothing in the kitchen is representing that. lol The exotica does represent a more modern look that I love. Thanks so much for the advice, keep it coming. Thanks, Crystal

how weird! I don't think I'd accept that. Was this full price granite from a slab, or was this always a "remnant" job, because it looks like they pieced a bunch of remnants together to get your kitchen.

from my experience: my company gives a 1 year warranty on the granite. We never put a seam by the kitchen sink or DW. Although, as for "seam" placement: if the customer never expresses their concerns over "seam" placement: and they complain after the fact & granite is "glued" down and they never said a word: then they don't like where seam was placed: well, they still have to pay their bill. The fabricator where I work: he knows better! He goes over seams at time of "template" and the owner allows the customers to approve and witness template placement on the slab the minute it's cut on the saw table. Due to past issues! Although: there are customers like this: -they want granite -they pick the granite -they pick the sink -they never call and ask me 101 questions before install -one day the installer shows up to the customer's house to install -customer pays the bill and I never hear from them again & they are happy! Then there is the customers that complain about several things, make demands that are not possible, create their own "drama" and ask 101 questions. I have learned that making the customer happy and educated before install is better in the long run: and they will all tell their friends where they got their granite from! (you on the other hand: if someone comes to your house to ask about your granite : you might tell them: "find a different fabricator") Word of mouth is a great advertisement! I guess: what I am trying to say for people seeking: that is awesome: and I am glad people attempt to find out information before they start projects in their home. I promise: I learn something new daily about install process & procedures & how to keep customers happy! (reminds me of a lady who was bragging to me that she cleaned her granite weekly with vingar & water! I was not about to argue with her, although: I said "how is that working out for you?") ha ha ha! Best wishes and enjoy your kitchen! Maybe don't pay your bill in full until your mind is at ease about the situation. There is good advise from one of the posts what to do after the fact: sounds good to me. (my guys said no support around DW)