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Advice for a Canadian please

@Redgram the 2.197 I VVS2 lool amazing! It has a really nice spread at 8.36mm! You could ask Victor to compare it next to the 2.023 I VS2 and give you his feedback. Stones within the same color grade may vary, but are usually pretty similar/close in color. Victor can crease such a spectacular setting for it!
 
SimoneDi said:
@Redgram the 2.197 I VVS2 lool amazing! It has a really nice spread at 8.36mm! You could ask Victor to compare it next to the 2.023 I VS2 and give you his feedback. Stones within the same color grade may vary, but are usually pretty similar/close in color. Victor can crease such a spectacular setting for it!
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It does look great but truth be told, I do worry that the yellow tint might be too obvious. I'm starting to wonder if I should prioritize the colour a bit more. I really wish I could browse these diamonds in person...
 
So, VC's return policy is "The refund period begins at the point of purchase (invoicing) of an in-house loose diamond and not the date of receipt of a custom design order." That means that the 21-days runs from when you pay for the stone and is ticking during the time to set, mail the stone, receive the stone and give, and agree to send back the stone. Make sure that will work for you. I don't see an upgrade policy, so you should ask. I would only worry that if in 2 months or 5 months of wearing, your GF might find herself color sensitive and VC does not appear to offer any upgrade or buyback option. You'd be stuck. VC makes incredible settings, so I'm not saying to not work with him, but just want you to consider the whole process. Also, make sure VC can get a less expensive setting than the $1900 one on his site (which is the least expensive one if it will truly be used for a short time). He is a small company and I love to support the little guy, but with all your constraints, I just want to point out the differences.

If you want to upgrade color, this looks the closest with VC. It is gorgeous. https://www.victorcanera.com/diamonds/ags104094578001-2.023-f-vs1-ideal-hearts-arrows-round

BG says "Brian Gavin Diamonds extends a 15-day inspection period on all diamonds and jewelry. Day 1 is the day that you receive the package....We offer a ONE YEAR Buy Back Policy on Brian Gavin Signature hearts and arrows diamonds and Brian Gavin "Blue" diamonds only. We will issue a check for 70% of the purchase price...Lifetime Upgrade Policy...include two of the three following variables - size, color and clarity, additional charges may apply at time of upgrade."

HPD's 21-day period starts "Your inspection period begins the day your ring is delivered to you, or arrives at the designated FedEx pickup location. once the ship the diamond (or ship the set stone)...include two of the three following variables - size, color and clarity, additional charges may apply at time of upgrade."

I honestly think going with WF or HPD is a safer choice for you to acquire the stone and get the presentation setting. VC's diamonds are lovely and if you had a clear idea of the GF's color sensitivity, maybe a good choice. But, that it not your reality. In general, larger stones make color more apparent. I still don't mind an I in a 2+ carat, but I do have friend that do.

HPD 2.18 I VS1 has the same spread as the VC and HPD has a more generous return/upgrade policy that either VC or BG (and has a range of stock settings).

More than your $25k budget, same size range, but G color if you are anxious about color
http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7592

Closest at WF
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3824316.htm

Comparable with VC/HPD at I color
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3849909.htm
 
Redgram said:
It does look great but truth be told, I do worry that the yellow tint might be too obvious. I'm starting to wonder if I should prioritize the colour a bit more. I really wish I could browse these diamonds in person...
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Well, I have a 2.1ct I color stone, I am obviously biased, but I do think that it is white, not "D" color white, but definitely not "yellow" either. I prioritized size above all else, but I picked my own stone. I think that it would be good to find out if your fiancée-to-be has certain expectations of the diamond. If you are worried about the color, why not go for a 1.9ct whiter stone? It will very much look like a 2ct stone. My stones were all through BGD and I have nothing but great things to say about them, they were super accomodating when I decided to change up my diamond selection multiple times. Not to say that the other vendors are not great, but I personally have limited experience with them. Here is another stone: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/2.013-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104050449012 it seems that BGD will be running a promotion on Monday, perhaps you can wait and see how much of a discount they would offer, it will most likely put the stone in budget.
 
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Redgram said:
It does look great but truth be told, I do worry that the yellow tint might be too obvious. I'm starting to wonder if I should prioritize the colour a bit more. I really wish I could browse these diamonds in person...
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why don't you make another trip to Tiffany, Cartier, and Debeer and see some I, H, G, F colored stones?
 
@LLJsmom I was going to link the LT listing for that one!! Such a gorgeous stone!
 
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SimoneDi said:
@LLJsmom I was going to link the LT listing for that one!! Such a gorgeous stone!
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I have tried on this ring. It is stunning. I have pics of it. An E in an Erika Winter brushed platinum bezel. Can you stand it????
 
LLJsmom said:
I have tried on this ring. It is stunning. I have pics of it. An E in an Erika Winter brushed platinum bezel. Can you stand it????
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I can't even! I was seriously trying to figure out how I can explain to my husband that a good chunk of change is missing from our account and just buy it :lol-2: I also think that BGD's upgrade policy is transferable, so whoever gets that ring will be a lucky one ;)
 
SimoneDi said:
I can't even! I was seriously trying to figure out how I can explain to my husband that a good chunk of change is missing from our account and just buy it :lol-2: I also think that BGD's upgrade policy is transferable, so whoever gets that ring will be a lucky one ;-)
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@SimoneDi we can Come up with something good for you. What if you told him it was an investment in your future? How about "Happy Wife, Happy Life"? Ummm... how about all celebrations for the next 2-3-5 years??? Ugh it kinda kills me to even recommend this ring to people who may not appreciate it. :(
 
LLJsmom said:
@SimoneDi we can Come up with something good for you. What if you told him it was an investment in your future? How about "Happy Wife, Happy Life"? Ummm... how about all celebrations for the next 2-3-5 years??? Ugh it kinda kills me to even recommend this ring to people who may not appreciate it. :(
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lol I love your enthusiasm and ideas! :kiss2: The thing is, I just upgraded 2 times in the past 6 months and my bling budget has been used up :(2 but this is such a beauty! Exquisite! I really hope that someone who can appreciate it, gets it!
 
rockysalamander, thanks so much for breaking down the return and exchange policies for me! Yes, it's something I really do need to consider given the circumstances.

SimoneDi, I'm finding that not all I's are created equal. In fact, I was just looking at a photo of an I that looked whiter than an H. But since I'm buying online, I'm starting to lean towards looking for a G with VS2 or better.

New list with the original budget out the window:

1. 2.01ct G VS2 $30,047 (I have some concerns about the inclusions based on the AGS report)
http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7776
2. 2.02ct G VS2 $32,016
http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7616

3. 2.18ct G VS2 $34,551
http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9111

4. 2.053 ct G VS2 $30,327
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3859317.htm
5. 2.056 cg G VS2 $30,281
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3859318.htm

6. 2.050 ct G VS2 $33,600
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../2.050-g-vs2-round-diamond-bkags-104095160008

7. 2.090 ct G VS2 $34,255
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../2.090-g-vs2-round-diamond-bkags-104095160007

If anyone has any thoughts on these, please do share. I don't quite understand the substantial price differences among the brands and diamonds with the same grades.
 
Redgram said:
rockysalamander, thanks so much for breaking down the return and exchange policies for me! Yes, it's something I really do need to consider given the circumstances.

SimoneDi, I'm finding that not all I's are created equal. In fact, I was just looking at a photo of an I that looked whiter than an H. But since I'm buying online, I'm starting to lean towards looking for a G with VS2 or better.

New list with the original budget out the window:

1. 2.01ct G VS2 $30,047 (I have some concerns about the inclusions based on the AGS report)
http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7776
2. 2.02ct G VS2 $32,016
http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD7616

3. 2.18ct G VS2 $34,551
http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9111

4. 2.053 ct G VS2 $30,327
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3859317.htm
5. 2.056 cg G VS2 $30,281
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3859318.htm

6. 2.050 ct G VS2 $33,600
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../2.050-g-vs2-round-diamond-bkags-104095160008

7. 2.090 ct G VS2 $34,255
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../2.090-g-vs2-round-diamond-bkags-104095160007

If anyone has any thoughts on these, please do share. I don't quite understand the substantial price differences among the brands and diamonds with the same grades.
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If you are looking at color variation and all are top-tier cut/super-ideal, it is easy to compare within a brand as they have a fixed camera setup. But, comparing between brands within the same color is more difficult, as the camera setups vary a bit and small difference in light color can impact your perception of the color. Also, all diamonds have undertones, although the report will disclose that under certain criteria See https://www.victorcanera.com/blog/diamond-color-undertones

Off to look at your choices...:wavey:
 
All told, #3 (pending video) is the largest. After than, 7, 5, 4 (in order of size). I have no clear reason I can point to, but I like 7 better than 6. HPD has the most generous buyback/trade up followed by WF then BGD IMHO. I'm curious how others feel...

3. 2.18ct G VS2 $34,551
http://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD9111
*ask for video, I would want to see inclusions*

4. 2.053 ct G VS2 $30,327
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3859317.htm
*really liking this one; get gemologist to review the area I circled to confirm it is as inconsequential as I think*
upload_2017-8-20_21-46-12.png

5. 2.056 cg G VS2 $30,281
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3859318.htm {looks perfect. not a single thing to worry about to my eyes}

7. 2.090 ct G VS2 $34,255
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../2.090-g-vs2-round-diamond-bkags-104095160007 {looks perfect. not a single thing to worry about to my eyes}

2.090 BGD (left); 2.18 HPD (right), size 6.
upload_2017-8-20_22-5-0.png
 
Who are you people and why are all you all so unbelievably kind!? :mrgreen2:

rockysalamander, may I ask which one you would choose between 4 and 5 and the reasons why? And again, thank you so much!
 
LOL. We are all really very selfish people. By helping you we get to drool over lovely diamonds, obsess over every detail, and don't go broke in the end :lol-2::geek2:.

The difference between 4 & 5 is so slim on paper, that one yellow circled area aside, I would leave it to the WF gemologist to give me their professional opinion. Some things need actual human eye balls to determine. If you wanted to decide right now, then #5 is safer in that the only inclusions are off toward the girdle and one right at the very edge of the table (but I had to make the diamond over 20 cm wide on my monitor to see anything). Maybe another PSer can see something between them I'm missing.

I still think the HPD 2.18 may be quite lovely. But, it is the cost of a setting (or nearly so) more than the two WF options. So, you'll have to decide if you want to wait to get a video.
 

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I just came across a Canadian diamond site: http://vancouverdiamonds.ca/diamonds/purchase-loose-diamonds

Looking at the diamonds with comparable or even better grades, the prices are significantly lower (prices are in Canadian). Is this purely because of the cut? Does an "Excellent" cut grade not necessarily means hearts and arrows? What am I missing?

Here's an example:

2.21ct G VVS2 Excellent ~$26,000 USD ($32,590 CAD)
http://apps.gemfind.net/Ringbuilder...ryCode=&Track=&IsFB=0&IsMLDL=0&MyRetailerID=0
 
http://apps.gemfind.net/Ringbuilder...ryCode=&Track=&IsFB=0&IsMLDL=0&MyRetailerID=0
This stone is a virtual inventory stone.

All stones we have suggested are in-house. You stated "the best cut possible" as well.
If you are willing to compromise on the cut a bit and focus on the other 3Cs, we can help you find you one, that is still at least Tiffany/Cartier cut level (most likely above)

The one you posted is not well cut.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3336656
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3231683
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3247484
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3228276
 
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Redgram said:
http://www.agslab.com/only-my-diamond/index.php?sid=adtubgvjppggb740aa65nh25h6
Click on the second thumbnail for the video. The inclusion does seem very apparent at this magnification.
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Sigh. Did you get direct feedback from HPD as to if they would consider this eye-clean? I fear not, but they will be straight with you. It is such a nice size and cut...if they don't feel it is eye-clean, then you have the WF ones.

Did you look at the JA ones from @flyingpig? #1, 2, 4 are lovely. So many changes. It would come down to your comfort with the returns and trade-ins.

JA says, "If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your order, you may return it within the first 30 days of shipment for a full refund or exchange - we even pay for the return shipping. Free returns only apply to U.S and Canada customers and are limited to three per customer. Please note: There will be a $25 re-polishing fee if an engraved item is returned....Yes. Any diamond can be exchanged for 100% credit towards a new purchase valued at least 2x the original amount. The diamond being upgraded must be in original condition and accompanied by original laboratory grading document. We can also remodel most rings to accommodate the new diamond for a minimal charge."
 
rockysalamander said:
Sigh. Did you get direct feedback from HPD as to if they would consider this eye-clean? I fear not, but they will be straight with you. It is such a nice size and cut...if they don't feel it is eye-clean, then you have the WF ones.
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Yes, they said that it is not visible to the naked eye face on and as per the brilliant scope image, it does not interrupt light return.

I did take a look at flyingpig's suggestions and while they are indeed beautiful, I want to stick with crisp hearts and arrows (I also just started to use the HCA tool). I am very happy with my current shortlist (big thanks to everyone in this thread!). I only asked about the Excellent grade diamonds because I wrongfully assumed that Excellent was basically hearts and arrows. Chalk that up to me being a total rookie and having some big purchase anxiety.
 
Redgram said:
Yes, they said that it is not visible to the naked eye face on and as per the brilliant scope image, it does not interrupt light return.

I did take a look at flyingpig's suggestions and while they are indeed beautiful, I want to stick with crisp hearts and arrows (I also just started to use the HCA tool). I am very happy with my current shortlist (big thanks to everyone in this thread!). I only asked about the Excellent grade diamonds because I wrongfully assumed that Excellent was basically hearts and arrows. Chalk that up to me being a total rookie and having some big purchase anxiety.
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Take the time you need. It is a lot of money and a big purchase. Pull the trigger when you feel it is right. You can always go smaller and less expensive without giving up any performance (and then leave room for an upgrade :dance:). That upgrade could be upon getting a forever setting made...give her the option.

Some smaller options under $15k
H Color - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3855442.htm

G Color - https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3878761.htm*

Setting (temp; just ask for claw prongs). https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...ni-1rz7242-solitaire-engagement-ring-3996.htm
 
I'm currently leaning heavily towards the one from WF. Unless I'm missing something, this seems like a really amazing rock! But please do let me know if I'm missing something or if there are any other challengers I should be considering. I want to make a final decision before the end of this week.

2.056 cg G VS2 $30,281
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3859318.htm
 
I'm very late to this thread & I'm Canadian. You've been given some great advice on here so far. I'd stick with Whiteflash personally. They are cheaper than BGD & easier to upgrad in future if you might consider that option. Too bad you aren't able to pop in to Buffalo, cause that's definitely a huge advantage to cross the border. If you order from WF, have no hesitation to do so.

I'm not always reading the posts but if you have ANY opportunity to cross the border, contact me & I will direct you on the best Fed ex location to go to. :-) Contact me here.. My email is on the listing. So far, you've been given great advice.:-)

https://loupetroop.com/account/listings/16444

Judy
:-)
 
flyingpig said:
lovely. great choice
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This is a fantastic choice. You'll have to chat with WF about delivery time to see if they can meet your desired delivery window.
 
Another video view of the WF diamond:
https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/verify-a-diamond-grading-report
AGS #: 104094120002
Weight: 2.056
(go to the URL, enter the info, hit Submit, and then click on the video thumbnail)

flyingpig said:
lovely. great choice
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rockysalamander said:
This is a fantastic choice. You'll have to chat with WF about delivery time to see if they can meet your desired delivery window.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, you've both been a tremendous help!

ccuheartnurse said:
Too bad you aren't able to pop in to Buffalo, cause that's definitely a huge advantage to cross the border. If you order from WF, have no hesitation to do so.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip but crossing the border would be extremely difficult with my timeline. I checked out the link you posted to send you a message but I'm getting a "doesn't exist" error message.
 
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