BGD Diamond Experience - Am I Overreacting?

[Alias]

There is a diamond at BGD that I was interested in (link: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.962-g-vs1-0-diamond-active-104066027027).

I asked a question, which I thought was valid. The question was that the ASET image on the website looks symmetrical; however, the ASET on the AGS report does not. I was told that AGS image is computer generated where the AGS lab puts in numbers, whereas BGD uses an actual camera. If this is true - perhaps it is a valid point.

The part I didn't like, and note I've been looking at this diamond for a few days now, was that I got an email after a chat session letting me know that another customer is looking at it so it might be sold - this email came through yesterday. Today, I am in the chat with the same person, asking about ASET, and I get a response that the customer who called in yesterday is on the phone and it's going to be sold. To which my response was I will not make a hasty decision.

I was a little upset over this as no one should be rushed into such a significant purchase. Perhaps the fact I was being informed of another customer was for my benefit. It just rubbed me the wrong way...

Am I overreacting?

 

[lizzyann]

You are certainly entitled to your feelings, but I think that BGD did the right thing by telling you that there was another customer interested. Think about it like this...what if you had asked a bunch of questions over a series of days, got more serious about purchasing the stone, then all of a sudden out of nowhere BGD said it had sold? You would probably be upset that they never told you there was another customer. At least this way, they were giving you a heads up so that you could either decide to purchase, hold, or move on to another stone.

Good luck on finding your special stone though! One recommendation while you are searching is to put a stone on hold if you think you may be serious about it. This way you can ask as many questions as you want knowing that you have a hold on it.

 

[craighnt]

Interesting observation. I am not an expert to comment on that part.

As for being rushed, you did the right thing. It's like buying a house, there could be other offers, although with diamonds, not so much. But in any case, even if they were trying to give you a heads up, it sounds like a push as well. Same goes for cars, there might be another buyer on the lot actually looking at the exact car, but so what, there are plenty to go around if you have the cash.

Their website did not indicate it was sold yet as of today.

 

[c-k]

You just received great advise from lizzyann....also what they told you about the ASET image is correct, AGSL is a computer generated, BGD is a picture, many times if you study both, you are able to see that they are the same stone.

 

[Rhino]

There is a diamond at BGD that I was interested in (link: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.962-g-vs1-0-diamond-active-104066027027).

I asked a question, which I thought was valid. The question was that the ASET image on the website looks symmetrical; however, the ASET on the AGS report does not. I was told that AGS image is computer generated where the AGS lab puts in numbers, whereas BGD uses an actual camera. If this is true - perhaps it is a valid point.

The part I didn't like, and note I've been looking at this diamond for a few days now, was that I got an email after a chat session letting me know that another customer is looking at it so it might be sold - this email came through yesterday. Today, I am in the chat with the same person, asking about ASET, and I get a response that the customer who called in yesterday is on the phone and it's going to be sold. To which my response was I will not make a hasty decision.

I was a little upset over this as no one should be rushed into such a significant purchase. Perhaps the fact I was being informed of another customer was for my benefit. It just rubbed me the wrong way...

Am I overreacting?

Just for the record the above bolded/underlined is not accurate. AGS doesn't put in numbers. Their ASET image is based on an actual scan of the diamond.

Kind regards,
Rhino

 

[smilligan]

There is a diamond at BGD that I was interested in (link: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.962-g-vs1-0-diamond-active-104066027027).

I asked a question, which I thought was valid. The question was that the ASET image on the website looks symmetrical; however, the ASET on the AGS report does not. I was told that AGS image is computer generated where the AGS lab puts in numbers, whereas BGD uses an actual camera. If this is true - perhaps it is a valid point.

The part I didn't like, and note I've been looking at this diamond for a few days now, was that I got an email after a chat session letting me know that another customer is looking at it so it might be sold - this email came through yesterday. Today, I am in the chat with the same person, asking about ASET, and I get a response that the customer who called in yesterday is on the phone and it's going to be sold. To which my response was I will not make a hasty decision.

I was a little upset over this as no one should be rushed into such a significant purchase. Perhaps the fact I was being informed of another customer was for my benefit. It just rubbed me the wrong way...

Am I overreacting?

Just for the record the above bolded/underlined is not accurate. AGS doesn't put in numbers. Their ASET image is based on an actual scan of the diamond.

Kind regards,
Rhino

I was gonna say the same thing. Technically, it's still computer generated, though. Correct? Does the ASET use the numbers from Sarin or does it use ray tracing? To the OP - I think they were extending you a courtesy. I would be happy to know if a diamond was being looked at by someone else. That way, you can decide if you have enough information to go ahead with the purchase. If you already thought it was the one, than you get the chance to buy it. If you're not ready or think that you can do better, you can wait. Diamonds are bought out from under people all the time.

 

[Alias]

First thank you for the replies!

Rhino, if both are scans, why would they look different? I'm going to assume the AGS asat is more accurate... I suppose.

 

[Karl_K]

Just for the record the above bolded/underlined is not accurate. AGS doesn't put in numbers. Their ASET image is based on an actual scan of the diamond.

Kind regards,
Rhino

While AGS does not type in the numbers it is still technically correct, they put a file with the numbers into their computer program either directly(automated) or indirectly(person tells it to open the file).
Either way they are still technically feeding numbers into the software.
The wording could have been better but its not false.

Anyway, the statement that the AGS image is computer generated based on numbers from a scan is correct.
This can and does at times vary considerably from an actual ASET image. The actual image should be considered as more accurate if properly taken.

 

[Karl_K]

First thank you for the replies!

Rhino, if both are scans, why would that look different? I'm going to assume the AGs asst is more accurate... I suppose.

The ASET BDG posts is an actual image taken under an ASET scope and is more accurate than the scan based image.

 

[pyramid]

I would think BGD would not put on pressure just for a sale. I once bought a diamond from GOG and returned it and was
told that they had someone else wanting it. I sent it back from the UK after about 2 days and it never appeared on their
site again because it was sold. That was in April years back, so I would think at this time of year, things are busier with all the
vendors. I also had dealings at that time with Brian Gavin at Whiteflash and he himself answered some emails with questions I
had and he was the perfect person, no hard sale etc. I was comparing the diamond from GOG I returned and did not buy from
anyone at that time, he really just told me his opinion but said it was totally up to me which way I went and he did not put down GOG in any way. I was bothered at the time with a 41 degree pavillion but understand now how the crown and pavillion inverse works and also it had to do with the color of the diamond I had chosen. With hindsight it was a great stone just not for me. Both top vendors as well as Whiteflash as it is now. These would be my top 3 to buy from in no order just depending on the diamond I was looking for at the time. They are equally as good in my opinion.

 

[Karl_K]

Telling you someone else is looking at the stone and giving you a chance to move is pretty standard for this time of year for the PS vendors and ex-PS vendors when there may be 10 different people looking at the same stone in a popular combo.
It is not just a sales pitch with BGD. Brian has more integrity than that.

 

[Alias]

Is our possible that the AGS report could be so off that it's missing an arrow?

Thanks

 

[Karl_K]

Is our possible that the AGS report could be so off that it's missing an arrow?

Thanks

yes
I don't have time to dig them up but I have some examples of far worse differences saved.

 

[pyramid]

Have I read somewhere that the AGS image is taken with the diamond in motion but the other is static. Maybe I have made it
up but seem to think I knew that from before?

 

[Alias]

Is our possible that the AGS report could be so off that it's missing an arrow?

Thanks

yes
I don't have time to dig them up but I have some examples of far worse differences saved.

Karl K, thank you very much for the informed responses.

The actual quality of the aset image is not the best - but if someone can confirm, those small spots that look black, are those leakages or am I not looking at it correctly..thanks!

 

[Karl_K]

Have I read somewhere that the AGS image is taken with the diamond in motion but the other is static. Maybe I have made it
up but seem to think I knew that from before?

Sorry Pyramid but you remember incorrectly.
The AGS image is a computer simulation of a static diamond based on the scan data of the actual diamond.

 

[Karl_K]

Is our possible that the AGS report could be so off that it's missing an arrow?

Thanks

yes
I don't have time to dig them up but I have some examples of far worse differences saved.

Karl K, thank you very much for the informed responses.

The actual quality of the aset image is not the best - but if someone can confirm, those small spots that look black, are those leakages or am I not looking at it correctly..thanks!

Not sure which spots your referring to but if you look at the ideal-scope image the leakage stands out more.
That is what is nice about having both, if you think you see something in one you can confirm it in the other.

 

[pyramid]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/aset-vs-platinum-ags-computer-generated-image.164393/


old thread about this.

 

[pyramid]

Thanks Karl.

 

[Rhino]

First thank you for the replies!

Rhino, if both are scans, why would they look different? I'm going to assume the AGS asat is more accurate... I suppose.

You have a total of 2 images and the ASET results on the AGS Report. As a vendor I am prevented from commenting on another vendors's product or manner of photography but if you carefully study all the images you can see which images corellate and which don't. Each vendors photographic setup varies and some from scope to scope. Truly it's not an easy task but what Karl is sharing is dead on.

All the best,
Rhino

 

[Rhino]

Just for the record the above bolded/underlined is not accurate. AGS doesn't put in numbers. Their ASET image is based on an actual scan of the diamond.

Kind regards,
Rhino

While AGS does not type in the numbers it is still technically correct, they put a file with the numbers into their computer program either directly(automated) or indirectly(person tells it to open the file).
Either way they are still technically feeding numbers into the software.
The wording could have been better but its not false.

Anyway, the statement that the AGS image is computer generated based on numbers from a scan is correct.
This can and does at times vary considerably from an actual ASET image. The actual image should be considered as more accurate if properly taken.

Karl is absolutely correct and thanks for clarifying my friend. Just to be clear AGS ASET imagery is based on their scan which I believe is done with the Sarin HD (although they may have switched to Helium). What makes it important is because it is their scan that determines the "Ideal" grade or not. When I am testing against my own lab equipment I ensure as closely as possible that what we are both examining, scanning and ultimately photographing are in synch with each other as I make the best attempt to show corellating imagery between us and not always it that the case too between photography and computer generated imagery as well as even comparing the computer generated ASET on AGS Reports vs computer generated ASET results in DiamCalc. The differences however are what I would consider hair splitting and minute but I can only speak for our own photography. Hope that helps.

Kind regards,
Rhino

 

[Rhino]

I would think BGD would not put on pressure just for a sale. I once bought a diamond from GOG and returned it and was
told that they had someone else wanting it. I sent it back from the UK after about 2 days and it never appeared on their
site again because it was sold. That was in April years back, so I would think at this time of year, things are busier with all the
vendors. I also had dealings at that time with Brian Gavin at Whiteflash and he himself answered some emails with questions I
had and he was the perfect person, no hard sale etc. I was comparing the diamond from GOG I returned and did not buy from
anyone at that time, he really just told me his opinion but said it was totally up to me which way I went and he did not put down GOG in any way. I was bothered at the time with a 41 degree pavillion but understand now how the crown and pavillion inverse works and also it had to do with the color of the diamond I had chosen. With hindsight it was a great stone just not for me. Both top vendors as well as Whiteflash as it is now. These would be my top 3 to buy from in no order just depending on the diamond I was looking for at the time. They are equally as good in my opinion.

Hi Pyramid!

LOL I'll never forget that time! Glad to see you've come to realize about how the crown/pavilion inverse works. That thread was one to remember for sure. Hope this finds you well over in the UK.

Kind regards,
Rhino

 

[pyramid]

The ideal scope image seems a bit tilted to the lower right, maybe nothing to do with it. Not sure what Rhino meant.

 

[pyramid]

Yes. Thanks Rhino. I read now about people finding it hard to claim back vat and import duties but I had no problem. It was also a 1.90 H VS1 diamond so a lot of money and I got a refund from your company straight away when I wanted. I know people don't like buying from the internet but I would buy through Pricescope vendors. I would not just buy from a company I found. But there again I have been on here since 1997 and Good Old Gold was the first diamond company I found on the internet who did not just spew out all the usual copied pages you see about clarity, it was real pictures back then, although the girdles were a bit wavy.Then came along the other board run by vendors rather than consumer led and as the years went by cut got better especially about 2003 onward, then Pricescope.

I learned a lot on here from the experts to an amateur level. I especially thought a lot of the late Rockdoc who was always there to reply to questions and knew a lot. A fan of Garry Holloway, Paul-Antwerp and Brian Gavin, yourself, John Pollard and Dave Atlas too and Richard Sherwood. Loved Paul Antwerp's broadcasts back in the day oh and Wink's too.

 

[pyramid]

I really did search the internet back then as I was obsessed with clarity and could not find any real pictures except at Good Old Gold, it was like no one knew anything, even my local jeweller did not have a magnified picture back then, well in the UK and there were no diamond reports, no color given, hard to imagine it now. When I asked or mentioned loupe they just looked at you like you knew nothing and were from a different planet. Wish we could see those old web pages from back then again. It was state of the art even with the large wavy bruted girdles. Maybe Garrard or Cartier had different then I don't know. We don't know how lucky we are now to see a nice looking cut on a diamond under the loupe.

Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds and James Allen and the rest were not even born back then. Just the usual couple of pages scanned with clarity markings and a bit about cut with a diamond drawn and Good Old Gold's huge as it seemed then website with
a real person to answer questions. I remember saying in the house to others to come and see this website and showing the other information was nothing in comparison.

 

[Rhino]

Yes. Thanks Rhino. I read now about people finding it hard to claim back vat and import duties but I had no problem. It was also a 1.90 H VS1 diamond so a lot of money and I got a refund from your company straight away when I wanted. I know people don't like buying from the internet but I would buy through Pricescope vendors. I would not just buy from a company I found. But there again I have been on here since 1997 and Good Old Gold was the first diamond company I found on the internet who did not just spew out all the usual copied pages you see about clarity, it was real pictures back then, although the girdles were a bit wavy.Then came along the other board run by vendors rather than consumer led and as the years went by cut got better especially about 2003 onward, then Pricescope.

I learned a lot on here from the experts to an amateur level. I especially thought a lot of the late Rockdoc who was always there to reply to questions and knew a lot. A fan of Garry Holloway, Paul-Antwerp and Brian Gavin, yourself, John Pollard and Dave Atlas too and Richard Sherwood. Loved Paul Antwerp's broadcasts back in the day oh and Wink's too.

Thanks Pyramid and yes those were awesome times. The gentleman who purchased your diamond was reading that thread so intently and couldn't wait for you to return it! LOL As you noted it never made it back on our site.

It's funny you mention RockDoc becuase I was just thinking of him this morning. He was a true gem and the person who introduced me to some of the first super ideal suppliers I did business with at that time. There are some pages on our new site I'd like to dedicate in his honor. It has been an awesome decade overall as we all watched our industry take a turn for the better with regards to cut grading and we all can't help but feel we played some small part in making it happen even if it was small. It's good to see you back online Pyramid. If there was anything I was unclear about in a post here let me know and I'll clarify for you.

Kindest regards,
Jonathan

 

[Rhino]

I really did search the internet back then as I was obsessed with clarity and could not find any real pictures except at Good Old Gold, it was like no one knew anything, even my local jeweller did not have a magnified picture back then, well in the UK and there were no diamond reports, no color given, hard to imagine it now. When I asked or mentioned loupe they just looked at you like you knew nothing and were from a different planet. Wish we could see those old web pages from back then again. It was state of the art even with the large wavy bruted girdles. Maybe Garrard or Cartier had different then I don't know. We don't know how lucky we are now to see a nice looking cut on a diamond under the loupe.

It might intrest you to know I have our original website saved and archived online. It's a gas going over some of the original articles from back when I first started using the Firescope which I still use in our countertop demonstrations till this day!

 

[pyramid]

No it was just that I know you can't comment on another vendors post so was not sure if the tilt had to do with it or not what you were meaning.


Yes that thread had all these top guys coming onto it, I as I said at the time didn't know if I should believe you all or one company or another.

 

[Alias]

Thank you all very much for the responses. Firstly, I think I am going to chalk BGD`s comments to good customer service and move on from there.

I learned quite a lot about ASET images vs. AGS images - thank you for that! Especially Rhino, Pyramid and Karl K! Hope others found it helpful and interesting as well!

 

[Alias]

Thank you all very much for the responses. Firstly, I think I am going to chalk BGD`s comments to good customer service and move on from there.

I learned quite a lot about ASET images vs. AGS images - thank you for that! Especially Rhino, Pyramid and Karl K! Hope others found it helpful and interesting as well!