Black by Brian Gavin vs ACA

[endless_summer]

There was an earlier thread on Black by Brian Gavin, but I was wondering if anyone has seen an example from both lines or has a general opinion / preference between the two regarding cut, all other specs equal. Noticeable difference? (for a detail oriented person). Any thoughts are welcome. Obviously, I would want the brightest posdible stone without gray under the table, but I don't recall this being a complaint re: ACAs (or other H&A lines) - all of these lines strike me as go to's with availability of specs and slight pricing differences being the distinguishing factors, so I'd love to know if someone has observed a general difference. Thanks!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My understanding is that the black line is hearts and arrows stones in higher color and clarity which WF can provide as well. I have been a customer of Whiteflash for about 10 years including the time that BG was there. I have respect for both. But I decided to stick with Whiteflash because I believe they have very high standards for their hearts and arrows stones (ACA), they have a great upgrade policy, often the best selection, and their prices are often better. They earned my loyalty over the years for those reasons as well as for providing great customer service.

That said, I have not observed those particular stones side by side and it would be unusual to find someone here who has. And no, I seriously doubt any of us can just look at the H&A stones from any top H&A vendors here and tell the difference. But my decision is based on the factors I listed above. Good luck to you in your search!

 

[endless_summer]

DS, I really appreciate the above - no doubt customer service is another bullet to add for WF

Re: the Black line, even if someone hasn't seen examples from both, I'm more curious about the reduction in leakage under the table by slightly adjusting the angles, which apparently removes green in the ASET that one would see upon really zooming into the images - wondering if this difference between Black and other H&As is actually discernible in real life, recognizing that this is likely splitting hairs (even the BGD website notes that most people would be happy with either Black or Signature). I really just care about a crisp H&A pattern without a gray or slightly gray ring under the table. It sounds like you are really happy with WF, so I'm guessing you haven't seen this in ACAs? Thank u!!!

 

[DrS]

I purchased a BGD BLACK and I can tell you first hand you will not be disappointed! It surpassed my expectations the H@A pattern is as crisp and defined as possible! If your looking for a ideal cut stone BGD Black you can't go wrong coming from someone who has seen one! Not too mention their customer service is excellent can't say enough great things about BGD.

 

[gm89uk]

DrS, congratulations on your new stone. Have you seen any ACA stones in person?

I'm glad you are happy with your purchase, and that is a common reaction to anyone that purchases a super ideal stone.

An ACA stone would never be dark under the table. The nuisances between BGD Black and their signature range is more to do with finesse, that they admit may not be noticeable to the naked eye, certainly nothing to do with one will be beautiful and another will be dull and grey.

 

[LawmaLlama]

I havent seen one, but wanted to post the old thread for you.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/black-by-brian-gavin.226063/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/black-by-brian-gavin.226063/[/URL]

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh, no, there is nothing whatsoever negative about the light return on ACAs or I wouldn't have kept buying them! My diamonds just look like solid round balls of white light on my ears! That's really why I stuck with those for my ears versus going with OECs. M2b has an incredible collection of WF ACA stones, and while I haven't yet seen her newest upgrades, her previous ones were incredible!

 

[ChristineRose]

Black are a proprietary cut which adjusts the minor facets to increase face up white light return.

Over the years there have been some of these (Eightstar) which haven't really caught on. If you increase white, you necessarily decrease contrast and color. But they have to be judged on their own merits.

 

[endless_summer]

Thanks all for your very very helpful responses - really appreciate it!