Help me to choose between Brain Gavin & White Flash

[affordableluxury]

Dear All Seniors,

Please help me as I am new here and new to buying Diamond Jewelery. I am looking for a pair of Solitaire Diamond Stud Earrings.
Preference about Setting is simple, 4 prongs basket setting in 14K White Gold.
My criterion for Diamond pair are ;
Budget for Diamond - Max US$2500
Carat Weight - Min 0.8
Cut - Highest my money can get
Color - Min H
Clarity - Min SI1

After some online search I've interested the followings from Brian Gavin & WhiteFlash;

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond_pair_comparisions/compared_diamond_details/CAGS-104068593135/CAGS-104068593137/build_earring_workbench

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/diamond-pairs-details.aspx?Diamond1=3043080&Diamond2=3056931

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/diamond-pairs-details.aspx?Diamond1=3171916&Diamond2=3171980

May I get some suggestions (pros and cons) for above pairs?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[HopeDream]

Brian Gavin used to work for Whiteflash, and then they amicably went their separate directions.
I've purchased from both vendors and have been very happy with each transaction.

Just looking at the options you've provided,http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...135/CAGS-104068593137/build_earring_workbench look like the best matched set to me, with http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-dia...etails.aspx?Diamond1=3043080&Diamond2=3056931 a close second.

I based my evaluation on closest match of mm size measurements of the stones, and facet appearance. Any of them would make a lovely set of earrings.

 

[affordableluxury]

Brian Gavin used to work for Whiteflash, and then they amicably went their separate directions.
I've purchased from both vendors and have been very happy with each transaction.

Just looking at the options you've provided,http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...135/CAGS-104068593137/build_earring_workbench look like the best matched set to me, with http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-dia...etails.aspx?Diamond1=3043080&Diamond2=3056931 a close second.

I based my evaluation on closest match of mm size measurements of the stones, and facet appearance. Any of them would make a lovely set of earrings.

Dear "HopeDream",
Thanks a lot for your suggestion.

But I have some concerns with them;
1. Braingavin pair, for (CAGS-104068593135) presence of Crystal inclusions. Aren't they too close to Table facets? Aren't they too easy to see? Or their Photo quality way too good? For (CAGS-104068593137) the remarks on the Cert "Additional Clouds are not shown".

2. WhiteFlash (F Color) pair, for (AGS-104071504081) the remarks on the Cert "The clarity grade of this diamond is based on
clouds that are not shown" and for (AGS-104070924022) the remarks on the Cert "Additional clouds are not shown".

3. WhiteFlash (H Color) pair, are they a GOOD Deal or not? Because of H color, Not bing ACA cut? Fro (AGS-104068810007) the remarks on the Cert "Additional clouds are not shown".

I've browsed both JamesAllen and Bluenile.
JamesAllens within my budget are not in favor with HCA Score.
Blueniles can be cheaper by US$200 to US$300 but to buy in blind.

Or anyone in this forum may able to guide me to find Better Deals somewhere else?

 

[affordableluxury]

Decided to settle down with Brian Gavin Signature, 0.8CTW, F, SI1 pair, set in 4 prongs basket screw back in 14K white gold.
During Checkout.........
.
.
Oh Crap!
They do not offer FREE International Shipping like WhiteFlash, JamesAllen or Bulenile.
Must spend Extera US$83 for Fed-Ex Shipping to Singapore.
That is Extra 3.3% over Earrings' price.
.
Browsing again for Better Deal.

 

[HopeDream]

Hi Affordableluxury,

Keep in mind that you wont actually be able to see the earrings with your own eyes when your wearing them, except at mirror distance, and anyone else will also be viewing the diamonds from a comfortable distance, so minor incisions (SI1) will not be visible.

I don't think the clouds will impact the appearance of your studs in a noticeable way, but maybe someone can comment further on clouds in earring stones.

There are no "deals" in diamonds unless you buy used.

You could make an offer of $2500 on this pair 1.22tcw (if it's still available) if you like them http://loupetroop.com/listings/earr...mond-stud-earrings-in-14k-wg-martini-settings Take a look at the certs and see if they fit what you're looking for. (Note: I've never bought from this seller)

If BGD doesn't have free international shipping, then I guess WF is your best bet (although 3.3% is worth it if you're getting exactly what you want).

 

[affordableluxury]

Dear HopeDream,

Thanks again for your help.
I chose 0.8Ctw, E, SI1 pair from Brian Gavin Signature, as you suggested.
They offered me 5% Bank Wire Discount on Diamonds and I paid FedEx Shipping.

I've checked the following link as you suggested;
http://loupetroop.com/listings/earrings/gia-certified-1-dot-2ct-excellent-cut-diamond-stud-earrings-in-14k-wg-martini-settings
The price is very good.
Although HCA Score for 0.59,H,SI2 diamond is 1.1 (E,E,E,VG),
HCA Score for 0.63,G,SI1 diamond is 5.2 (G,F,F,VG). Way too out, right?

Will share my experience once I received them from Brain Gavin.

 

[AprilBaby]

You will be thrilled! Can't wait to see photos!

 

[Houston]

I bought similar diamonds SI1 for matching studs from Brian when he was still at WhiteFlash. I had 3 different pair selected (was fortunate enough to visit in-person). He was able to select a compromise pair, in stock, that I hadn't considered...he'd gone up to D but down to SI1 in order to get a larger size (0.388 ct each).

Seeing the stones in person gave new meaning for me to the term "eye clean" for diamonds of this quality. The SI1's from WhiteFlash are awesome.

And you won't go wrong with BGD either. Just yesterday I received a beautiful pair of princess studs from them.

By the way, the studs from WhiteFlash used their "W" setting in platinum...expensive but beautiful.

 

[HopeDream]

Hi Affordableluxury,

I think you made a great choice. I can't wait to see pictures when they arrive!
I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised by how beautiful they are.

Yeah, the used pair of earrings, wasn't the greatest match as far as HCA score, but sometimes new PS visitors care more about price and size than cut quality, and I wanted to make sure you had considered all your options.

I can't wait until you receive your new earrings! I'm so excited for you!

 

[marcy]

Re: Help me to choose between Brain Gavin & White Flash

I think what you ordered will look great. I can wait to see them.