FAQs

You can expect to control your lights with a series of over 100 effects, 16 million colours, architectural lighting, nightlight function (gradual dimming). Along with a variety of spacing. As well, our app comes with close to 100 presets that you can access at the click of a button. Enjoy Pumpkin Spice Lights in the Fall and Bunny Hop in the Spring. Your lights can be as splashy or subtle as you like.

This is our favourite question to answer because it means our hard work is paying off. Our lights look better because we refuse to cheap out and cut corners. We do what it takes so your lights are consistently bright. Also, we have taken many date nights to create pre-sets that are beautiful and/or fun which showcase the ability of our lights to sync. Lastly, our lights look better because we are forward thinking and are moving with the times.

Our lights have hundreds of algorithmic effects which means our lights “talk” to each other.
This creates the blending and twinkling of colours which is why people comment that our lights are distinctly pretty. Algorithmic technology also means our lights are not messy but rather coordinated because lights on different levels of a house are in sync. This means our lights look like The Rockettes and not 6-year-olds in tap shoes!

Yes. We call this architectural lighting, and we agree that this a stunning way to highlight a property. The pixel lights can provide this look as well. Architectural lighting offers more than just permanent Christmas lights!

The lighting channel is attached from underneath the soffit with colour matching screws. Yes … we really do use colour matching screws. Because the difference between good and great is in the attention to detail.

Our app is based on open-source software and hardware developed, tested, and updated by hundreds of people across the world. We work closely with the main developers of the app that runs your lights. This expands the possibility for further integrations with your other smart home devices in your house. The software can even communicate with the most complex light show software. We don’t use third-party cloud services for our app connection. This ensures you have access to control your lights at home even when the internet goes out.

We care about the safety of our installers and your home. We prefer to stay off people’s roofs and siding whenever possible and for our installers to make it home each day to the people they love. We certainly don’t like the idea of drilling holes into people’s roofs - like some permanent light companies do. Yikes!

We purchase as much as possible locally. We manufacture our channels in Edmonton and hire local developers to test and update our software. We do not use third party installers. We are an in-house team. We think it would by hypocritical to encourage you to support local if we don’t. Did you know $63 of every $100 is kept in the community when you purchase local?

While we understand this question, it is not one we can clearly answer until we have looked at the property. We assess each install for the unique project that it is. We don’t cookie cutter quote.

The colour will be a very close match to your soffit colour. Most often it is an exact match. In cases where we cannot match exactly, we discuss and choose with the client the best option.

Absolutely. We encourage people to have a look at both profiles of lights to make their best decision. Just ask Susan for a list of addresses. Grab some lattes and enjoy an evening out to view our lights.

Yes, please. It is important for us to meet you and to listen to you. We find discussing your vision together and answering questions allows clients to feel confident in choosing permanent holiday lights

Yes.

Most installs take a full day. Some larger installs take two or three days.

Sadly this is a request we are receiving more frequently when people are exasperated because companies do not honour their warranty, prioritize customer service and/or don’t know how to fix the problem. Although this is not the best use of our time we understand that customers have spent thousands of dollars on their lights and want them working. Call or text Susan to arrange a chat to determine how we can help.

Gemstone lights are white labeled RGBW lights. Gemstone does not manufacture their own lights. To our knowledge all programmable LED lights in the world are manufactured in China. As far as we know our lights are the same - it is our software that sets us a part.

We would have had well over 60 reviews, if they were not removed without our consent due to business sabotage. Yep, sometimes being in business is a dog-eat-dog world.

Because permanent lights involve technology sometimes issues arise. In this case, Susan is a phone calll or text away. Most often a visit is scheduled and the customer is taken care of within 24-72 hours. We prioritize customer service because it is the right thing to do!

The way we compensate our installers creates a company culture that promotes best business practices. This ultimately benefits the customer with a quality installation. What we do prevents installers from cutting corners, rushing, and working unsafely. We also choose to use higher quality materials to ensure lights are bright and can run high-tech effects. Also, our algorithmic lights are more advanced than what is currently on the market. We believe you get what you pay for!

Yes! We do. We are fortunate to be married but also best friends and business partners. It also helps that Brent understands that Susan is the CEO.

No, because we chose to not be a cloud based system for reasons of security (data leakage, intellectual property theft, and malware attacks) you cannot control your lights from Palm Springs. However, you can set up different timers for everyday - all year long with the added benefit of privacy.

We have had fantastic feedback on our app. Seniors and others express the ease of its use while our more technical customers enjoy the more advanced options that the app offers. We have created a series of short and simple tutorial videos to support those who want to learn more or refer back to the basics. All the tutorials are on on our iStar Youtube page. The app is well suited for all levels of users. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvZEEY6RuvcHcd-KsxkkVMA