1.7 Carat - Brian Gavin Black vs James Allen True Heart

[DiamondAmateur007]

Hello Everyone,

Been doing a lot of research, but I feel like I am still very poor at any imaging analysis. I have been looking at two different 1.7 Carat, G Color, VS1 clarity diamonds, one from Brian Gavin Black and one from James Allen True Heart.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../1.708-g-vs1-round-diamond-bkags-104092743012

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2634010

I am just having a tough time figuring out whether the Brian Gavin Diamond is worth an extra $2500 (I have the James Allen one on hold). I looked over the James Allen diamond proportions (table%, depth%, crown angle etc.) and they seemed close to "ideal". Is there anything concerning about the James Allen diamond? Is there too much contrast near the center in the IdealScope? Any thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[EvaEvans]

Hi, I would pay the extra money and go with the BG diamond!

 

[flyingpig]

Are you sure it is only 2.5k difference? The JA stone from what I see is 17.9k. The difference is more than 4k or 22%.

 

[DiamondAmateur007]

Oh wow my math.... I meant to say $3500

I was looking at the bank wire prices (Brian Gavin gives a 3% discount vs JA's 1.5% discount) which is closer to $3500.

Any thoughts on where the JA diamond comes short?

 

[marymm]

I calculated the HCA score for the JA stone and it came up 1.7-Excellent - - however, it fell outside the white AGS O Candidate box, and received only a "Very Good" for Light Return [and "Excellent" for Fire and for Scintillation, and "Very Good" for spread (which is common)]. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca
I also ran the AGA Cut Class Tool on the JA diamond, and it received a total grade of 1A, scoring 1A in all categories excepting a 1B for crown angle. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/AGA_NAJA_Cut_Class_Grader

If you had both stones in hand, or set in identical settings, it is hard to predict whether you/your SO would see any appreciable difference in the two stones.

FWIW, for myself, with all the ideal-cut-quality MRBs out there, I don't think I would choose to buy a diamond that scored "Very Good" in Light Return. At the same token, I don't think I'd pay the premium for the BGD Black diamonds either, unless constrained by time/available inventory.

 

[DiamondAmateur007]

Thank you for the response and analysis!!

I'm having a hard time weighing the balance between getting a H&A (or near H&A) and optimal proportions. For example, I found this diamond below. Proportions are better than the other J&A diamond, but it did not receive their H&A rating for whatever reason. Without an H&A image, would it be advisable to buy this?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2653911

 

[flyingpig]

I will ignore any discount for wire transfer, as I get more than 3% in reward when I use credit card. In addition, you get more protection.

Between the two, I would pick the JA stone. It is very well priced for a vetted/branded stone with ideal proportion. It may or may not be a super ideal H&A. At very least, it is very close.

I would not pay 23%+ for a BG black. Their upgrade policy is very inflexible for the price they charge.
22k is alot of money locked in a stone. For an example, if later, you want to upgrade your stone to 2.0c+ G/H VS, technically you cannot, as you must upgrade at least two of carat,color,clarity. You will be FORCED to upgrade color or clarity as well, which comes at a hefty premium.

JA is not flexible in this regard either. You must spend at least 2x the price of the original stone.

If I am spending 20k, my choice is WF at $19.7k. A good balance between price, cut, and upgrade flexibility
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3730021.htm

Just FYI at 24.6k. Most expensive, with the greatest financial flexibility. and great cut quality.
http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/g/HPD7909/?shop=yes

All these stones at 1.7c G VS1 with "ideal" proportions, prices ranging from 17.9k to 24.6k.
Read ALL fine prints in regards to upgrade, buy-back, cut quality, etc.. and choose the best vendor that works for you and your budget.

No correct answer here.

 

[msop04]

I will ignore any discount for wire transfer, as I get more than 3% in reward when I use credit card. In addition, you get more protection.

Between the two, I would pick the JA stone. It is very well priced for a vetted/branded stone with ideal proportion. It may or may not be a super ideal H&A. At very least, it is very close.

I would not pay 23%+ for a BG black. Their upgrade policy is very inflexible for the price they charge.
22k is alot of money locked in a stone. For an example, if later, you want to upgrade your stone to 2.0c+ G/H VS, technically you cannot, as you must upgrade at least two of carat,color,clarity. You will be FORCED to upgrade color or clarity as well, which comes at a hefty premium.

JA is not flexible in this regard either. You must spend at least 2x the price of the original stone.

If I am spending 20k, my choice is WF at $19.7k. A good balance between price, cut, and upgrade flexibility
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3730021.htm

Just FYI at 24.6k. Most expensive, with the greatest financial flexibility. and great cut quality.
http://highperformancediamonds.com/shop/g/HPD7909/?shop=yes

All these stones at 1.7c G VS1 with "ideal" proportions, prices ranging from 17.9k to 24.6k.
Read ALL fine prints in regards to upgrade, buy-back, cut quality, etc.. and choose the best vendor that works for you and your budget.

No correct answer here.

I agree... I'd go with WF for the reasons @flyingpig mentioned above.

Also, if you would consider going with an eye clean VS or SI stone, you could get a lot more diamond for your money... I understand if you want to stay with G and higher color, but unless you need "mind clean", the higher clarity grades are kind of a waste and eat up the budget. Just my $0.02

 

[Stephan]

I would not go with the Whiteflash expert selection stone.
Look at the hearts, they are not even.
It's more expensive and its spread is not as good as the JamesAllen diamond.

For the cut, I think the Black is gorgeous, with the 55% table.

 

[ac117]

I wouldn't pay the extra premium for the BG stone...not worth it in my opinion.

I really like the WF stone flyingpig selected. Although the hearts are slightly off, this will not be perceivable IRL and you get a much better upgrade policy than JA. If you don't plan on upgrading, though, the JA stone is a beautiful stone and will save you some $$.

 

[DiamondAmateur007]

Thanks for looking and responding everyone! Much Appreciated