When buying granite, beware of slabs you haven’t seen.  Different slabs can look extremely different despite having the same name.  Pictures can be deceiving too.  Even seeing the granite can fool you if it is under different light.  Here are 3 photos I just took of the exact same slab in the same position, just different degrees of close-up:

1. The whole slab in our warehouse:

New Venetian Gold slab

2. Close up #1

New Venetian Gold Close-up

3. Close up #2, taken from a slightly different angle

4. A picture of a sample next to a big piece of what was actually delivered to the customer (by a competitor)

New Venetian Gold

Just a warning that pictures can be deceiving.  Names can be deceiving.  Lights can be deceiving.  This is a big decision that you will live with for years.  Make sure you have people you trust doing the work.  Ask questions; its the only way to get what you truly want.