BGD or Whiteflash for in-person fancy shape shopping

[leukolenos]

Long story short, we decided not to reset my old ring. So it's UPGRADE TIME!!!!!!

I've been diligently studying all of the sage advice here and doing lots of online browsing, but I think I just need to see some stones in person before I make a decision. We're making a trip to Houston soon, so I thought I would make an appointment at BGD or Whiteflash. Would one be better than the other for fancy shapes?

I *think* I just want another oval, but I'm open to other elongated shapes. I don't want to rule anything out.

So- who should I go see? Is there anyone specific I should request when I call? How long do they usually need to get stones in, and how far in advance do I need to make this appointment?

Thank you for all your help! Let me know what you think!

 

[WinkHPD]

With two great vendors in the same city, why would you choose one or the other. Call both and schedule appointments. One or the other will surely be able to find what you are looking for, and it is likely that you will be able to see beautiful gems at both.

Then you just have to decide which YOUR EYES like the best.

Wink

 

[leukolenos]

With two great vendors in the same city, why would you choose one or the other. Call both and schedule appointments. One or the other will surely be able to find what you are looking for, and it is likely that you will be able to see beautiful gems at both.

Then you just have to decide which YOUR EYES like the best.

Wink

Thanks Wink.I didn't plan on discounting one, I just didn't know if there was a "oh definitely try X or Y first" consensus. I'm looking forward to seeing both!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would definitely not cause both vendors to go to the expense and trouble of calling in stones. Choose one and allow them to work with you until you find what you want. I personally have dealt the most with Whiteflash. I have been to their showroom and I highly recommend them. But whichever you choose, stick with them unless they cannot find what you want. Then start over. It costs them money to call in stones, not to mention the time it takes to go through countless virtual listings to try and find the best stones to call in.

 

[leukolenos]

Good point- that's what I was thinking initially and why I wanted to get opinions here.

I haven't been to either showroom, so I wasn't sure what to expect or if there was an obvious direction to take that I was unaware of.

 

[WinkHPD]

I would definitely not cause both vendors to go to the expense and trouble of calling in stones. Choose one and allow them to work with you until you find what you want. I personally have dealt the most with Whiteflash. I have been to their showroom and I highly recommend them. But whichever you choose, stick with them unless they cannot find what you want. Then start over. It costs them money to call in stones, not to mention the time it takes to go through countless virtual listings to try and find the best stones to call in.

As much as I appreciate your consideration about not unduly costing either vendor money, I suspect that if our OP is up front with both vendors about what she is doing that both of them will want to compete for her business. They may also have stones in house, although that I can not know. I do know that bringing in diamonds is part of our cost of doing business. What rankles is when we are asked to bring something in and then not getting the courtesy of a look from our prospective client when the diamonds are in.

The jewelry and diamond business is a very competitive business and postage is nearly always cheaper than normal channels of advertising such as TV, newsprint and radio. As strong Internet vendors, the chance to meet in person with a potential client is likely to appeal to both of these fine houses.

Wink

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I guess we just have a difference of opinion there, Wink. I think it is unlikely that either will happen to have a selection of ovals within her specs. I think any vendor would not be so happy to go to the expense of calling in multiple stones just to have the customer asking other vendors to do the same. In fact, some vendors will ask her for a deposit to do so. I don't blame them. I look at what multiple vendors have in stock, but I would do my utmost to allow one vendor to find me a stone and then hopefully buy from them since they have done work for me.

 

[WinkHPD]

Which is why I suggest that she be upfront with both vendors, then they get to make the decision.

I think you are correct that neither of them is likely to have any ovals around, but I also think that both of them know where to find some that will be worthy of being seen. I know that I would want to play if the client was in Boise, and I know that both of these vendors are strong competitors and will also probably want to play.

If she was going to be going to be going to many people with the same request I think I would strongly agree with you.

Those were just my thoughts and I fully acknowledge that you may be correct.

Wink

 

[tyty333]

I vote Whiteflash. The people are so nice and will go out of their way to find you a lovely stone. Plus they have lots of
settings and extra goodies to look at in their showroom. They are also in a cool part of town with some nice
restaurants where you can go have lunch/drinks and think things over. Before going I would nail down what kind of look you
want in an oval and send them pictures and specs (help them help you).

Plus...they take great glamour shots!

I'm sure BGD can do a good job as well but I have never been there.

 

[leukolenos]

Have you had them source a stone outside of their inventory?

I'm reading in their (WF) sourcing policies and it looks like they want me to pay - not a deposit- but for the whole stone up front- and then refund if I don't love it....and no mention of sourcing multiple contenders. I'd be quite happy to pay some sort of retainer fee or deposit, but essentially buying the diamond to have it shipped to them for review, one at a time...seems exhausting and overkill- and if that's the case, why am I going to bother making a trip?

I guess I'll just have to give them a call tomorrow and have a chat to discuss the possibilities.

 

[poshmommy]

I have dealt with both these vendor and like both very much. As far as I know, Whiteflash only has ACA heart and arrows and a few expert selection rounds in stock. We were trying to source a cushion with them recently and was told each stone must be paid for to be shipped. Not sure what Brian's policy is.

 

[leukolenos]

I have dealt with both these vendor and like both very much. As far as I know, Whiteflash only has ACA heart and arrows and a few expert selection rounds in stock. We were trying to source a cushion with them recently and was told each stone must be paid for to be shipped. Not sure what Brian's policy is.

Yeah, that's what they said! I think that's kind of strange- because to the consumer, I'm not sure how that's any added value as opposed to say, ordering from James Allen with their gemologist's review and then returning if you don't like it. It feels like adding a middle man.

Where did you end up getting your cushion in the end?

I'll give BGD a ring today and see what they have to say.

 

[poshmommy]

I have dealt with both these vendor and like both very much. As far as I know, Whiteflash only has ACA heart and arrows and a few expert selection rounds in stock. We were trying to source a cushion with them recently and was told each stone must be paid for to be shipped. Not sure what Brian's policy is.

Yeah, that's what they said! I think that's kind of strange- because to the consumer, I'm not sure how that's any added value as opposed to say, ordering from James Allen with their gemologist's review and then returning if you don't like it. It feels like adding a middle man.

Where did you end up getting your cushion in the end?

I'll give BGD a ring today and see what they have to say.

I'm actually visiting Los Angeles this week and just saw Victor Canera's European rounds and cushions in person. Beautiful!! I think I'm going to go with one of those instead.

Did BGD have a better option for you? Congrats on the upgrade!! It's a very exciting time! Not sure where you are located, but you can also try good old gold. I think they called in some ovals for another PS member not long ago.

 

[Gypsy]

I would pick BGD. I've seen Brian pick a LOT of really nice fancies for people here on these boards. Some of them truly spectacular.

And I've spoken to him about ovals myself. So if you are looking for an oval. He gets the Gypsy vote. For whatever that's worth.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have dealt with both these vendor and like both very much. As far as I know, Whiteflash only has ACA heart and arrows and a few expert selection rounds in stock. We were trying to source a cushion with them recently and was told each stone must be paid for to be shipped. Not sure what Brian's policy is.

Yeah, that's what they said! I think that's kind of strange- because to the consumer, I'm not sure how that's any added value as opposed to say, ordering from James Allen with their gemologist's review and then returning if you don't like it. It feels like adding a middle man.

Where did you end up getting your cushion in the end?

I'll give BGD a ring today and see what they have to say.

It's vastly different from ordering from James Allen if you want a really great cut stone. I have found that JA's gemologists' advice is questionable fairly often. They are going to tell you that one of the 3 stones is best and you should buy it even if none of the stones are great. The thing is, both WF and BG specialize in superideal cut and ideal cut rounds, princess, and BG carries some modern cushions and those are the stones they keep in stock. As I said before, there is a considerable expense involved in shipping in stones from NY. Unless you just live in that area, I would suggest Good Old Gold (who will require a deposit, I think, but not full payment) in order to call in stones. The reason vendors do this is because we have seen in the past where someone would take advantage of their service of evaluating stones and then buy the same stone from a drop shipper for a lower price. I have bought diamonds from WF and GOG and always have had the stones sent to me to look at (put on credit card) and then return if I decided to look at others. GOG will make you a video of the stones and do light return images and frequently help people find fancy cut stones.

 

[leukolenos]

I have dealt with both these vendor and like both very much. As far as I know, Whiteflash only has ACA heart and arrows and a few expert selection rounds in stock. We were trying to source a cushion with them recently and was told each stone must be paid for to be shipped. Not sure what Brian's policy is.

Yeah, that's what they said! I think that's kind of strange- because to the consumer, I'm not sure how that's any added value as opposed to say, ordering from James Allen with their gemologist's review and then returning if you don't like it. It feels like adding a middle man.

Where did you end up getting your cushion in the end?

I'll give BGD a ring today and see what they have to say.

I'm actually visiting Los Angeles this week and just saw Victor Canera's European rounds and cushions in person. Beautiful!! I think I'm going to go with one of those instead.

Did BGD have a better option for you? Congrats on the upgrade!! It's a very exciting time! Not sure where you are located, but you can also try good old gold. I think they called in some ovals for another PS member not long ago.

Thank you, PM! I'm equal parts excited and nervous. I haven't called BGD yet, but I plan to today.

VC's stones look fabulous, I was just looking at them yesterday. You have to show us when you chooose!

We live in DFW and have a trip to Houston coming up to visit family, so that's why I had hoped I might be able to see some in person at BGD or WF. I'm open to using a NY or other distance vendor but was hoping seeing some stones in person would ease my nerves about it a bit.

 

[leukolenos]

It's vastly different from ordering from James Allen if you want a really great cut stone. I have found that JA's gemologists' advice is questionable fairly often. They are going to tell you that one of the 3 stones is best and you should buy it even if none of the stones are great. The thing is, both WF and BG specialize in superideal cut and ideal cut rounds, princess, and BG carries some modern cushions and those are the stones they keep in stock. As I said before, there is a considerable expense involved in shipping in stones from NY. Unless you just live in that area, I would suggest Good Old Gold (who will require a deposit, I think, but not full payment) in order to call in stones. The reason vendors do this is because we have seen in the past where someone would take advantage of their service of evaluating stones and then buy the same stone from a drop shipper for a lower price. I have bought diamonds from WF and GOG and always have had the stones sent to me to look at (put on credit card) and then return if I decided to look at others. GOG will make you a video of the stones and do light return images and frequently help people find fancy cut stones.

I *do* want a great cut stone, but as you say, they specialize in their own superideal rounds, so for me, WF it's not a good option. I have just never dealt with them before, so didn't know if I should approach them.

I don't live in the area- we live in the DFW area- but will be visiting family in Houston soon so was hoping to kill two birds with one stone. I'm really nervous about the purchase and was really hoping seeing some stones in person would help with that.

I'm certainly not arguing about vendors requiring a deposit, retainer, or other skin in the game. I am quite happy to do that, they provide a very valuable service that I am more than willing to pay for! I actually reached out to GOG first a few weeks ago, but they didn't seem interested. Maybe they're super busy, or maybe my budget isn't enough to entice them, or both...? I don't know. Back to the drawing board.

 

[leukolenos]

I would pick BGD. I've seen Brian pick a LOT of really nice fancies for people here on these boards. Some of them truly spectacular.

And I've spoken to him about ovals myself. So if you are looking for an oval. He gets the Gypsy vote. For whatever that's worth.

Great-thank you, Gypsy! Your vote is worth its weight in gold I totally trust your opinion.

I don't relish the idea of paying sales tax on such a big purchase (who would?), but it's worth it to me if they can source some great contenders that I can look at in real time.

I *think* I want another oval- I just love the shape of my first one, but I don't want to be boring so I'm thinking I should try on some different things too.

 

[Laila619]

You're gonna pay a lot of $$ in sales tax at WF or BGD since you are in TX. I would buy from a place like Good Old Gold or James Allen or ID Jewelry. They will give you pics, analyze the diamond for you, and help you pick out a lovely stone. And no sales tax either.

 

[Rhino]

I'm certainly not arguing about vendors requiring a deposit, retainer, or other skin in the game. I am quite happy to do that, they provide a very valuable service that I am more than willing to pay for! I actually reached out to GOG first a few weeks ago, but they didn't seem interested. Maybe they're super busy, or maybe my budget isn't enough to entice them, or both...? I don't know. Back to the drawing board.

Greetings Leuk.

Just caught your comment and wanted to clarify as we recently re-launched the goodoldgold.com website and are experiencing a few growing pains with regards to updating the site and the emails went through a slight transition. Most everything is fine now except for a few more tweaks. Just wanted to say ... we are never disinterested in serving and have been doing so here on the web since 1998. When we are serving people we don't care what budget range they're in and treat all people equally. If you're interested I'm here for you.

Kind regards,
Rhino

 

[Laila619]

To me, if you're looking for an oval, it just doesn't make sense to go to either one, even though they are fine companies. Fancies are just not their specialty. It's like wanting Italian food at a Chinese place. I know you mentioned you are nervous about not seeing in person, but with all the images you will get, you don't need to worry. Plus most online vendors have great return policies.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Rhino brings up a good point. He is a professional. He has lots of satisfied customers.

I have done business with both WF and BGD, however both times with Leslie, when she was at WF, and now of course at BGD.

However, I do not see any problem going to both WF and BGD. They are business people and they know there is competition out there. They deal with it every day. Yes, there is a cost to call in stones, but I have to think they have that cost built into their business model. You are trying to get the best stone for your money. You want to shop around. Its a learning process. I see nothing wrong with that.
Sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to get to the Prince.

 

[Elepig]

I don't think you can go wrong with either BGD, Whiteflash, or Goodoldgold. It's not like you are buying a pair of shorts. It's a big purchase. Shop at a few to find the one that sings your song.

When I'm back in the market for another diamond (just bought one from WF and LOVE it), I'm going to be checking out Goodoldgold for an August Vintage (or Solasfera). Love the info/specs, and videos available for those of us many hundreds of miles away.

 

[Elepig]

Just saw this on youtube. GOG created/set a client's .71 oval diamond into a beautiful new setting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZKdT1TLV_c

 

[leukolenos]

I'm certainly not arguing about vendors requiring a deposit, retainer, or other skin in the game. I am quite happy to do that, they provide a very valuable service that I am more than willing to pay for! I actually reached out to GOG first a few weeks ago, but they didn't seem interested. Maybe they're super busy, or maybe my budget isn't enough to entice them, or both...? I don't know. Back to the drawing board.

Greetings Leuk.

Just caught your comment and wanted to clarify as we recently re-launched the goodoldgold.com website and are experiencing a few growing pains with regards to updating the site and the emails went through a slight transition. Most everything is fine now except for a few more tweaks. Just wanted to say ... we are never disinterested in serving and have been doing so here on the web since 1998. When we are serving people we don't care what budget range they're in and treat all people equally. If you're interested I'm here for you.

Kind regards,
Rhino

Hey Rhino! Thanks for checking in, I really appreciate it. Perhaps there was just a miscommunication when I called- it happens to the best of us! I may have to be in touch when I get a better direction.

Thanks again

 

[leukolenos]

I don't think you can go wrong with either BGD, Whiteflash, or Goodoldgold. It's not like you are buying a pair of shorts. It's a big purchase. Shop at a few to find the one that sings your song.

When I'm back in the market for another diamond (just bought one from WF and LOVE it), I'm going to be checking out Goodoldgold for an August Vintage (or Solasfera). Love the info/specs, and videos available for those of us many hundreds of miles away.

THANK YOU! You're absolutely right.

 

[leukolenos]

You're gonna pay a lot of $$ in sales tax at WF or BGD since you are in TX. I would buy from a place like Good Old Gold or James Allen or ID Jewelry. They will give you pics, analyze the diamond for you, and help you pick out a lovely stone. And no sales tax either.

Yes...the sales tax is very discouraging! That's 8.25% extra I can plow into a nicer stone or setting!

GOG and IDJ are looking better and better by the moment.

 

[poshmommy]

Thank you, PM! I'm equal parts excited and nervous. I haven't called BGD yet, but I plan to today.

VC's stones look fabulous, I was just looking at them yesterday. You have to show us when you chooose!

We live in DFW and have a trip to Houston coming up to visit family, so that's why I had hoped I might be able to see some in person at BGD or WF. I'm open to using a NY or other distance vendor but was hoping seeing some stones in person would ease my nerves about it a bit.[/quote]

I live in DFW too! I was considering an oval for awhile. I went to William noble in highland park and looked at his rings. He had some really great pieces in stock. He had at least 4 ovals at that time, including a 4 carat in a halo. Beautiful! It helped me narrow down my shape preferences for the upgrade. I just looked at his stock pieces. I did not have him call any in. You could give them a call too and see what they have to look at if you are at all uncertain with the shape choice. They are appointment preferred so call first if you plan on visiting. Other than that I have seen zero ovals in Dallas.

 

[leukolenos]

Oh how fun- we're practically neighbors!

I've never been to William Noble. We live on the *other* side of town...it might be worth a trip though! I haven't seen any ovals around either. I tried on some things today locally and didn't love anything. I was at least hoping it'd help me nail down a shape preference.

 

[poshmommy]

William noble is worth the trip over. We are in southlake so I understand the hike. Not sure what carat weight you are looking for, but he has lots of things in the 3+ range. Again, I think it's good to try if you are narrowing down shape still. Keep us posted!!