BG Diamond Studs Question

[SomethingClassic]

So I decided to get my wife some diamond studs - her Birthday is tomorrow and Christmas is next week.

I looked at the Tiffany's bezel setting and really love the look - although I am not sure how my wife feels about bezel, but I think she would love it.

I priced out 2 .31 G VS2 Brian Gavin signature stones and the platinum bezel setting and it is much more reasonable (approximately 35% less) than the cost of the Tiffany's piece (they want almost $3k for .21 G's)

I have a couple of quick questions/concerns -
Does anyone have experience with the setting and how similar it is to the Tiffany's setting? They look virtually identical with the BG's being hand made.

Can anyone speak to the difference between a BG diamond versus a GIA? I did a little searching and it sounds like an Ex/Ex GIA is probably very similar to a BG diamond - just want to make sure I am making the right choice here.

Finally, I am concerned about the final sale aspect of the bezel pieces since my wife is pretty particular (although she does not own any diamond studs).

Otherwise I thought Lesley was fantastic and I am pretty excited about the order.

 

[stargurl78]

I think the BGD bezels are stunning and are just as nice as the Tiffany ones. I just bought very similar diamonds from them and had them set in the 8-prong settings (my stones were .31 ct each, F SI1's, BGD Signature Ideals). The stones are seriously firecrackers! Do not worry about the cut on these stones, you will be very pleased with AGS000. And I think the size is perfect for everyday.

The only thing I'd be concerned about if your wife is particular is going with the bezel style, since its not everyone's cup of tea. I love bezels and have several rings with bezel-set stones. I thought this is what I wanted for studs too but when I tried them on, I just wasn't thrilled. I would try to find out what style she likes best before going ahead with the purchase.

 

[SomethingClassic]

I think the BGD bezels are stunning and are just as nice as the Tiffany ones. I just bought very similar diamonds from them and had them set in the 8-prong settings (my stones were .31 ct each, F SI1's, BGD Signature Ideals). The stones are seriously firecrackers! Do not worry about the cut on these stones, you will be very pleased with AGS000. And I think the size is perfect for everyday.

The only thing I'd be concerned about if your wife is particular is going with the bezel style, since its not everyone's cup of tea. I love bezels and have several rings with bezel-set stones. I thought this is what I wanted for studs too but when I tried them on, I just wasn't thrilled. I would try to find out what style she likes best before going ahead with the purchase.

Thank you for the quick response, I appreciate it. The question is how to do that without ruining the surprise

 

[slg47]

I think the BGD bezels are stunning and are just as nice as the Tiffany ones. I just bought very similar diamonds from them and had them set in the 8-prong settings (my stones were .31 ct each, F SI1's, BGD Signature Ideals). The stones are seriously firecrackers! Do not worry about the cut on these stones, you will be very pleased with AGS000. And I think the size is perfect for everyday.

The only thing I'd be concerned about if your wife is particular is going with the bezel style, since its not everyone's cup of tea. I love bezels and have several rings with bezel-set stones. I thought this is what I wanted for studs too but when I tried them on, I just wasn't thrilled. I would try to find out what style she likes best before going ahead with the purchase.

Thank you for the quick response, I appreciate it. The question is how to do that without ruining the surprise

I have the BGD bezels and love them. I don't think you can go wrong!

 

[SomethingClassic]

I placed the order - I think its a no brainer considering the price comparison with Tiffany's - and I end up getting more for the money.

It's too bad diamond prices have gotten so expensive though! They were much better last year. I will post pics when I get them.

Thanks again.

 

[piggies]

Yay, I want to see them! To answer your question anyway, I've seen the Tiffany ones and I own a pair of 0.82 ctw from BGD set in milgrained bezels. Had Tiffany made their pair with milgrain, I would probably have bought them because I like Tiffany and don't really mind paying extra for the service. That said, my BGD earrings are gorgeous... really well made and perfectly set. And the cut of his stones are actually a bit stricter than GIA Ex/Ex/Ex. And I did save a boatload of money. Now that I have them, I would have actually preferred a smaller size for everyday wear, as I have little earlobes, so the size you picked will be great for your wife.

 

[stargurl78]

I placed the order - I think its a no brainer considering the price comparison with Tiffany's - and I end up getting more for the money.

It's too bad diamond prices have gotten so expensive though! They were much better last year. I will post pics when I get them.

Thanks again.

I'm sure she'll be thrilled! Please post some ear shots once you give them to her!

 

[SomethingClassic]

I placed the order - I think its a no brainer considering the price comparison with Tiffany's - and I end up getting more for the money.

It's too bad diamond prices have gotten so expensive though! They were much better last year. I will post pics when I get them.

Thanks again.

I'm sure she'll be thrilled! Please post some ear shots once you give them to her!

Thanks - I agree that the bezel style isn't for anyone but I think they will fit her style nicely. They have a nice clean look about them, especially if they sit flush with the ear. I will let you know how things go - definitely excited, she will be very surprised!

 

[lktx]

I'm getting a BGD bezel pendant for Christmas. I may have taken a peek at it , and the diamond is out-of-control sparkly. Like others have said, you will not be disappointed by the cut of the diamond. I was blown away, and I'm sure you will be too.

Like your wife, I am quite particular. I didn't think much of bezel settings until I saw BGD's work. The bezel itself is lovely and delicate looking, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the setting.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have the milgrain bezel pendant, and they did a beautiful job! AGS certifies BG diamonds, and it is considered as reliable as GIA. In fact, the AGS 0 Ideal grade has higher standards than some GIA excellents! So it is possible you would be getting better quality diamonds than the ones from Tiffany. There are certain items that I'd rather have from Tiffany, but these are easily as nice as the ones you'd get there.

 

[SomethingClassic]

taken care of

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Great! I am sure she will be thrilled!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Great! I am sure she will be thrilled!

 

[Enerchi]

Just received an email from BGD that they are offering $175 off the earring setting of your choice. Coupon code is STUDS11 but click on their site for further info. Not sure it will apply if you've already purchased tho... worth a phone call to check it out!

 

[SomethingClassic]

Just received an email from BGD that they are offering $175 off the earring setting of your choice. Coupon code is STUDS11 but click on their site for further info. Not sure it will apply if you've already purchased tho... worth a phone call to check it out!

I actually posted this in here but edited it after I reached out to BGD - they did not adjust my order since I already placed it (only a couple days before) - however they did offer me a discount on a future order. If my wife likes the jackets maybe I will apply it towards those someday.

Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[SomethingClassic]

Looks like the studs shipped today, should have them tomorrow and I will compare them with the set from Tiffany's (I purchased them before consulting Pricescope - I knew it was a mistake but they have a great return policy!).

The Tiffany's set is 2 .21 G SI1's versus the BGD .314 G VS2's (BG Signatures)

Attached are some pics of the BGD studs, cant wait to see what my wife thinks!

 

[Enerchi]

GORGEOUS! Awesome gift, Something Classic! (and glad you will be getting a discount for a future purchase... jackets??? would look amazing on there too!)

 

[SomethingClassic]

I just wanted to follow up on the studs with some additional details. I received them today, they shipped a day early so that is a huge plus in the customer service category. I opened them up and they are exactly what I wanted - 99% similar to the Tiffany's Elsa Peretti diamond bezel earrings. Below is a list of what I have observed in comparing the two experiences/studs:

1) BGD allows you to customize which type of back you want (friction or screw on) while Tiffany's come with screws (I believe you can change them if you want)
2) Tiffany's bezel sits a little tighter around the diamond - almost like the diamond is set higher. It is s very minor difference but worth noting. It looks a little cleaner but it is not something you would notice unless you were really nit picking.
3) For the price, you get a lot more with BGD - you can customize the size of the diamonds as well as other stats (color, cut, clarity, etc) and you will get more stone for your money.
4) The quality of the work on both appears to be about equal. They are both really nice sets of studs, I give the slight edge to Tiffany's because of the bezel sitting lower.
5) You get the diamond certs with BGD, you do not get them if you purchase from Tiffany's but they will tell you the stats (I think you can pay to get a cert if you really want it, but I think they should include it).
5) The Tiffany's box is nicer, but not worth the markup if you ask me.
6) Lesley at BGD was very helpful and I would make another purchase from her in the future. The help at Tiffany's was also very good although they stress internally flawless and other aspects of the stones that probably do not matter for studs.

The lesson I learned is always consult PS before making a purchase. A quick search helped me find the exact style I was looking for, at a better price, with bigger diamonds. I would like to thank the forum for again providing awesome info in helping me make this purchase for my lovely wife.

I have included some pictures - they were taken with my phone so they are not the best quality, but will give you an idea of comparing the two.

The Tiffany's are on top and the BGD's are on the bottom.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Great review!!! And your earrings look beautiful! I definitely think BG does work comparable to Tiffany in the items I have seen here as well as the pendant I have from them! (The only thing I would comment on is that Tiffany diamonds are not internally flawless, so if someone told you that, they were wrong! I called Tiffany recently and they carry diamonds down to SI1 clarity. So I am certain they aren't using internally flawless stones in earrings...maybe VS, though!)

 

[SomethingClassic]

Great review!!! And your earrings look beautiful! I definitely think BG does work comparable to Tiffany in the items I have seen here as well as the pendant I have from them! (The only thing I would comment on is that Tiffany diamonds are not internally flawless, so if someone told you that, they were wrong! I called Tiffany recently and they carry diamonds down to SI1 clarity. So I am certain they aren't using internally flawless stones in earrings...maybe VS, though!)

It's interesting that you say that because the sales person said flawless and when I called Tiffany's to get the stats they said SI1 - so I believe you are correct. Again, another point for BGD.

 

[SomethingClassic]

So I gave them to my wife on Christmas and she absolutely loves them - she had been in Tiffany's over the summer and really liked the bezel studs (I didn't know because she didn't tell me) - needless to say they worked out perfectly and look fantastic.

 

[Enerchi]

Glad your purchase was well received! do post some 'ear shots' - we'd love to see them on her!

 

[shortee78]

Your "1-6" recap was very helpful! Thank you, I'm sure it'll help out many people in the future who are considering Tiffany's vs BGD bezel studs

 

[starshine]

Beautiful earrings! Your follow-up post was very helpful! Thank you!