Brian Gavin stories please share...

[luvsdmb]

Hi,

To make a long story short, I am considering a Brian Gavin Grace split prong or Eternal Grace setting 1.01 round diamond. Also they are willing to use the diamonds I have and re-set in a matching Grace band both in platinum. The diamonds I have to be re-set are 1ct total weight GH color and SI clarity.

My question's I have for everyone are the following.

Can my diamonds even be made into a ring I would like maybe 3/4 eternity?

Would pave be better for my diamonds?

For anyone who purchased a set from them did they give advice to help narrow down what you wanted?

Have you had problems with sending the ring back to them for any up keep?

Was anyone nervous about doing all of this over a computer/phone?

If anyone has any advice I would love to hear it?

Thanks so much

 

[Rosebloom]

I can't answer most of your questions but I'm sure those more knowledgable will chime in. But I wanted to say that I helped my dad get my mom a stunning, amazing, gorgeous, knock- your-socks-off ring from Brian Gavin this past spring. It is such a beauty! Working with them was very easy and fun. I'm in Chicago so it was all long distance but they took very good care of me and we ended up with a ring I never thought possible on our budget. I love them!

 

[Niel]

These are all things i think you should ask BGD directly
They are very friendly and helpful

 

[iheartscience]

I think you'll need to ask Brian Gavin Diamonds most of the jewelry-related questions directly, but I've worked with them on a few projects and have not been disappointed. Their work is fantastic and I've had great experiences with Denise as well as with Brian and Lesley themselves. I was not nervous to work with them over email/phone because I'm a big online shopper anyway, and Brian Gavin Diamonds are a highly recommended vendor.

 

[Enerchi]

I have 3 items from BGD - the signature stones in 18K WG 3 prong handmade martini setting stud earrings; my OEC set in a plain Barbara pendant at 17.75" length (hey, its custom, what the heck - pick a weird length, right? lol!) and my avatar pic of my beautiful princess 3 stone reset. The last project was more custom than the stock of the other 2. I have always dealt with Denise and she is a hoot!!! I love my conversations with her - she will "GET YOU" right away with what you are trying to describe. With the 3 stone, I also spoke with Brian directly (what a lovely lovely man!!! and that accent --- super cool!) and had many conversations with Lesley about fine details and then just chatted about our lives!

Very easy to talk to, to share ideas with, to develop a concept or customize things specific to you. Pricing seemed very good for what I purchased - I was basically not veering very far off the beaten path. Delivery was a breeze - even shipping my diamonds from Canada to Texas was easy peasy and they received them in a day.

If you are debating between a few settings, ask your sales rep to send you some pics of other completed projects in that style - that may help you finalize the one you want. They are VERY easy to deal with and want you to be happy so I'd just call them up and chat. Sometimes the phone can make things clearer than an email, but follow up with an email summary of the chat! Closed on Saturdays but I've spoken with Lesley on a Sunday morning before.

Let us know what you discover!

 

[luvsdmb]

I guess I was a little concerned only because when I ask questions they try to help but until I send them my rings that I want re-set they can't answer anything for sure. As for them already stating that yes they can add my fleur detail, they haven't actually stated how this will be done. So I am not sure if I have to pay for the ring before they give me idea's which in this case that is what is making me nervous. I guess I also need to narrow down exactly what I want and then take it from there. I'm kind of flip flopping between the grace and the split prong grace.
It's nice to hear that everyone has had a good experience with them and I look forward to working with them sometime very soon.
If anyone has pictures to share feel free.

Thanks

 

[FancyDiamond]

Although I haven't yet had the opportunity of purchasing a diamond from BGD, I regard the jeweler highly, and will not hesitate purchasing from them. Brian recut my diamond, and I had a wonderful/educational experience. He also tried to help me source a rare (large size) diamond. Unfortunately, this gem slipped by me, because I had to leave the country when it became available for inpsection. If a similar stone becomes available, you bet I shall be calling them.

Answers to your question:
"Can my diamonds even be made into a ring I would like maybe 3/4 eternity?
Would pave be better for my diamonds?
For anyone who purchased a set from them did they give advice to help narrow down what you wanted?"
Brian and especially Leslie will help and give good advice. Leslie gave me great advice on which setting to get for the recut diamond based on my limited budget and style preference.

"Have you had problems with sending the ring back to them for any up keep? "
I sent two diamonds for recut. No problems whatsoever both times. Make sure you send via First Class Registered Mail with insurance. No need to pay for Priority Mail, as Registered Mail already provides both safety insurance and online tracking (shipment progress). Shipping/insurance cost is minimal, and safety is the best. BGD will email you when your package arrives.

"Was anyone nervous about doing all of this over a computer/phone?"
No. I feel safe and confident doing business with BGD both via email and over the phone. I also pay cash (personal check/wire). I use credit card only if it is convenient to do so.

Enjoy your BGD purchase and experience.

 

[Anise]

This was the culmination of our recent experience, but I don't think it was typical:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/brian-gavin-review.182104/

I think as long as whatever setting you want is close to something in their catalog or custom portfolio you should be OK. E-mail seemed to work all right, but I think they work better over the phone.

 

[Maisie]

I live in the UK and I have worked with Brian Gavin Diamonds many times. My daughter's engagement ring was also purchased from them. I enjoy working with Lesley as we get on very well. I'm sure the other staff are wonderful too, but I've only ever worked with Lesley.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Maisie, is that photo on your avatar you, or your daughter? Whichever, what a darling photo!

I have worked with Brian and Leslie a couple of times and it has been great. I don't think you can go wrong with them!

 

[luvsdmb]

The following was my response from BGD when I e-mailed and asked exactly how my detail would be added to the Grace setting. If I under correctly this response, I have to pay up front and if I don't like it I will just be charged the $250 which seems so scary to me, because nothing has been discussed and I have no idea what this ring will look like. I have been quoted the price for what I have emailed them so far and tried explaining what I want.

Any thoughts?



Hi Kari,

Thank you for your email. A custom version of the grace will be made to accommodate a fleur de lis design on the sides as shown in your original design. Before the ring goes into casting you will receive a CAD image of the ring to view and approve. Payment is required upfront- in the event that you do not proceed after the CAD you will be refunded less $250 which covers the CAD fee.

Please let me know if you have any further questions!

Warmest Regards,

 

[luvsdmb]

This was the culmination of our recent experience, but I don't think it was typical:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/brian-gavin-review.182104/

I think as long as whatever setting you want is close to something in their catalog or custom portfolio you should be OK. E-mail seemed to work all right, but I think they work better over the phone.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I often wonder if the different companies that are so common on here check this site?
So what are your plans now for your ring?

Thanks

 

[04diamond<3]

The following was my response from BGD when I e-mailed and asked exactly how my detail would be added to the Grace setting. If I under correctly this response, I have to pay up front and if I don't like it I will just be charged the $250 which seems so scary to me, because nothing has been discussed and I have no idea what this ring will look like. I have been quoted the price for what I have emailed them so far and tried explaining what I want.

Any thoughts?



Hi Kari,

Thank you for your email. A custom version of the grace will be made to accommodate a fleur de lis design on the sides as shown in your original design. Before the ring goes into casting you will receive a CAD image of the ring to view and approve. Payment is required upfront- in the event that you do not proceed after the CAD you will be refunded less $250 which covers the CAD fee.

Please let me know if you have any further questions!

Warmest Regards,

I don't believe this is allowed. You originally asked us questions that we cant answer - you HAVE to speak to them! It's the only way to get your questions answered. We talked out your design options which is fine, but after that, it's between you and the vendor. If you wanted to know how others experiences with this vendor was, you needed to search and find others that posted about their experience, but I don't think what you're doing is allowed. You shouldn't be posting emails between you and the vendor on here. We're not jewelry designers and aren't aware of what labor prices are so we really can't offer any other "advice". I really believe you're putting them in an unfair place.

 

[Maisie]

Maisie, is that photo on your avatar you, or your daughter? Whichever, what a darling photo!

I have worked with Brian and Leslie a couple of times and it has been great. I don't think you can go wrong with them!

Thats me

 

[stargurl78]

I have worked with Denise from BGD on 4 occasions and have been extremely happy with the service and the product each time.

 

[rosetta]

My avatar pic is from BGD. I also have earrings, a pendant and band from them. No problems at all

Thread jack: Maisie you are such a cutie!

 

[Maisie]

My avatar pic is from BGD. I also have earrings, a pendant and band from them. No problems at all

Thread jack: Maisie you are such a cutie!

well thank you very much

 

[Efriede]

I commitioned 3 pieces from BGD, studs, ring and custom DBTY necklace. Each item was perfectly executed to my full satisfaction. I was working with Lesley and it has been always great.

 

[luvsdmb]

The following was my response from BGD when I e-mailed and asked exactly how my detail would be added to the Grace setting. If I under correctly this response, I have to pay up front and if I don't like it I will just be charged the $250 which seems so scary to me, because nothing has been discussed and I have no idea what this ring will look like. I have been quoted the price for what I have emailed them so far and tried explaining what I want.

Any thoughts?



Hi Kari,

Thank you for your email. A custom version of the grace will be made to accommodate a fleur de lis design on the sides as shown in your original design. Before the ring goes into casting you will receive a CAD image of the ring to view and approve. Payment is required upfront- in the event that you do not proceed after the CAD you will be refunded less $250 which covers the CAD fee.

Please let me know if you have any further questions!

Warmest Regards,

I don't believe this is allowed. You originally asked us questions that we cant answer - you HAVE to speak to them! It's the only way to get your questions answered. We talked out your design options which is fine, but after that, it's between you and the vendor. If you wanted to know how others experiences with this vendor was, you needed to search and find others that posted about their experience, but I don't think what you're doing is allowed. You shouldn't be posting emails between you and the vendor on here. We're not jewelry designers and aren't aware of what labor prices are so we really can't offer any other "advice". I really believe you're putting them in an unfair place.

Hi,

I posted the email from them just so anyone who has had a idea about this ring could see exactly what they said. I asked question's thinking someone else may have had the same question at one point which is then why I just decided to ask about stories.I realize I have to speak to them. I did not post this thread with mean intentions and so you know I have searched but was not finding anything that would have helped my situation.
So as for being allowed, I have not done anything wrong, the email from them is nothing confidential and is also nothing different than probably anyone who has worked one on one with them. I am not badmouthing them or tying to cause problems or hear "bad" stories, I just wanted to hear stories (advice) from someone who has done custom work.
I do not feel that I am putting them in a unfair place at all. If you feel that way, then maybe you should be advised not to read my threads.

Sincerely
Brooke

 

[Niel]

I think you might be stretching the forum guidelines by posting there email

but based on that email, sounds like they would be starting from scratch, not just sticking them on an existing setting. Sense they said they would need to have a new cad and all.

 

[04diamond<3]

The following was my response from BGD when I e-mailed and asked exactly how my detail would be added to the Grace setting. If I under correctly this response, I have to pay up front and if I don't like it I will just be charged the $250 which seems so scary to me, because nothing has been discussed and I have no idea what this ring will look like. I have been quoted the price for what I have emailed them so far and tried explaining what I want.

Any thoughts?



Hi Kari,

Thank you for your email. A custom version of the grace will be made to accommodate a fleur de lis design on the sides as shown in your original design. Before the ring goes into casting you will receive a CAD image of the ring to view and approve. Payment is required upfront- in the event that you do not proceed after the CAD you will be refunded less $250 which covers the CAD fee.

Please let me know if you have any further questions!

Warmest Regards,

I don't believe this is allowed. You originally asked us questions that we cant answer - you HAVE to speak to them! It's the only way to get your questions answered. We talked out your design options which is fine, but after that, it's between you and the vendor. If you wanted to know how others experiences with this vendor was, you needed to search and find others that posted about their experience, but I don't think what you're doing is allowed. You shouldn't be posting emails between you and the vendor on here. We're not jewelry designers and aren't aware of what labor prices are so we really can't offer any other "advice". I really believe you're putting them in an unfair place.

Hi,

I posted the email from them just so anyone who has had a idea about this ring could see exactly what they said. I asked question's thinking someone else may have had the same question at one point which is then why I just decided to ask about stories.I realize I have to speak to them. I did not post this thread with mean intentions and so you know I have searched but was not finding anything that would have helped my situation.
So as for being allowed, I have not done anything wrong, the email from them is nothing confidential and is also nothing different than probably anyone who has worked one on one with them. I am not badmouthing them or tying to cause problems or hear "bad" stories, I just wanted to hear stories (advice) from someone who has done custom work.
I do not feel that I am putting them in a unfair place at all. If you feel that way, then maybe you should be advised not to read my threads.

Sincerely
Brooke

You should read the guidelines before saying you did nothing wrong. And there's an enormous difference between what you're "looking for" on this forum and what you're actually doing. There are a ton of ways to find out what other's experiences were without posting emails between you and the vendor. As far as the vendor knows, it is between you and him. If you want to know what others experiences are (and there have been a lot posted recently) do a proper search OR go to their website and look at their testimonials http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/testimonials/index . The underlined portion is what you're "looking for" and as stated before, we can't help with that. Only someone that works there can.

 

[Anise]

I think several vendors read and post on here, but I doubt anyone 'monitors' the site closely.

We are going to go with a stock ring that a different vendor has; it's 1/4 size too small for me though so we need to have it resized, which the vendor will do for us.

And yes, as far as I know their policy is that you must pay them in full upfront before they do any work on your project.

 

[luvsdmb]

I think several vendors read and post on here, but I doubt anyone 'monitors' the site closely.

We are going to go with a stock ring that a different vendor has; it's 1/4 size too small for me though so we need to have it resized, which the vendor will do for us.

And yes, as far as I know their policy is that you must pay them in full upfront before they do any work on your project.

Happy to read that you found your ring after the experience you went through.(or wait am I allowed to say that) Apparently the real "monitor's on this site" have issues with mentioning names of stores, designers, information etc....which seems funny to me considering when someone like's a ring they gush about it and tell everyone where it's from and all of the details and every single aspect of it and what was done or is going to be done. Not sure the difference between the two.

Thanks

 

[luvsdmb]

The following was my response from BGD when I e-mailed and asked exactly how my detail would be added to the Grace setting. If I under correctly this response, I have to pay up front and if I don't like it I will just be charged the $250 which seems so scary to me, because nothing has been discussed and I have no idea what this ring will look like. I have been quoted the price for what I have emailed them so far and tried explaining what I want.

Any thoughts?



Hi Kari,

Thank you for your email. A custom version of the grace will be made to accommodate a fleur de lis design on the sides as shown in your original design. Before the ring goes into casting you will receive a CAD image of the ring to view and approve. Payment is required upfront- in the event that you do not proceed after the CAD you will be refunded less $250 which covers the CAD fee.

Please let me know if you have any further questions!

Warmest Regards,

I don't believe this is allowed. You originally asked us questions that we cant answer - you HAVE to speak to them! It's the only way to get your questions answered. We talked out your design options which is fine, but after that, it's between you and the vendor. If you wanted to know how others experiences with this vendor was, you needed to search and find others that posted about their experience, but I don't think what you're doing is allowed. You shouldn't be posting emails between you and the vendor on here. We're not jewelry designers and aren't aware of what labor prices are so we really can't offer any other "advice". I really believe you're putting them in an unfair place.

Hi,

I posted the email from them just so anyone who has had a idea about this ring could see exactly what they said. I asked question's thinking someone else may have had the same question at one point which is then why I just decided to ask about stories.I realize I have to speak to them. I did not post this thread with mean intentions and so you know I have searched but was not finding anything that would have helped my situation.
So as for being allowed, I have not done anything wrong, the email from them is nothing confidential and is also nothing different than probably anyone who has worked one on one with them. I am not badmouthing them or tying to cause problems or hear "bad" stories, I just wanted to hear stories (advice) from someone who has done custom work.
I do not feel that I am putting them in a unfair place at all. If you feel that way, then maybe you should be advised not to read my threads.

Sincerely
Brooke

You should read the guidelines before saying you did nothing wrong. And there's an enormous difference between what you're "looking for" on this forum and what you're actually doing. There are a ton of ways to find out what other's experiences were without posting emails between you and the vendor. As far as the vendor knows, it is between you and him. If you want to know what others experiences are (and there have been a lot posted recently) do a proper search OR go to their website and look at their testimonials http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/testimonials/index . The underlined portion is what you're "looking for" and as stated before, we can't help with that. Only someone that works there can.

Not sure what's making you feel the way you do, and really not a concern of mine. "Looking for" or "doing" shouldn't make a difference, just trying to gather information since my ring has a little bit of different detail to add, but since I now seem to be in a argument or something weird I will do myself a favor and stop now with all of it.
I thank you for your help and making me feel like I've done something wrong, when I have not. Really makes me want to continue on this site, I thought it was for fun and helping make decisions and just girl talk stuff that I clearly can't talk to my hubby about!
Good Job!

Brooke

 

[04diamond<3]

I don't understand what your problem is. I'm simply pointing out that what you discuss with a vendor should be kept between you and the vendor not just because it's the rules but also because it's common courtesy. I'm sorry you can't speak with your husband about these things, and this forum is for fun. There's another thread in Rocky Talk similar to yours, which is probably where this should have been put. And just a side note- once everything is completed, you can post where your product is from etc. That's also in the rules. Just trying to be helpful - I'm sorry you're having a rough day. I hope you have a better day tomorrow.

 

[luvsdmb]

I don't understand what your problem is. I'm simply pointing out that what you discuss with a vendor should be kept between you and the vendor not just because it's the rules but also because it's common courtesy. I'm sorry you can't speak with your husband about these things, and this forum is for fun. There's another thread in Rocky Talk similar to yours, which is probably where this should have been put. And just a side note- once everything is completed, you can post where your product is from etc. That's also in the rules. Just trying to be helpful - I'm sorry you're having a rough day. I hope you have a better day tomorrow.

Okay maybe I took you the wrong way(at first), maybe I should have relayed my information differently even though what I shared was not a big deal at all. You could have simply reported concern but did not. You are taking what I have written and are still trying to turn it into something it is not, even with just this last post. One thing you do have right, was I am having a rough day...after I got your first message, it was kind of shocking in a way, you may say this site is fun, but really you have to admit when you go back and read how you stated things, it doesn't come off as fun or helpful at all, just pretty rude and a little hurtful.

 

[Ella]

Ladies, please do not assume about our policies. We are happy to discuss them via email if there are questions, but posting prices and names of vendors is certainly allowed and what PS is about.

Generally vendors do prefer that you not post personal emails verbatim on websites, but that is just common courtesy.

 

[luvsdmb]

POINT MADE, Thank you!!

Brooke

 

[VRBeauty]

Brook - it sounds like BGD will be creating a Grace setting for you with the fleur de lis included as an integrated part of the design, rather than a separate design element that's soldered onto an existing setting. You should ask whether there's a fee for revising the design if you don't like the CAD - I think some jewelers charge such a fee, but I'm not sure if BGD is one of them. In either case, it would be worth your while to provide as them with as much information about what you have in mind before they even start work on the cad - like providing a drawing or mock-up of how you want the design element placed in the setting, guidelines about the size of the design element relative to the rest of the setting, and one or more detailed pictures of the fleur de lis you have in mind, including such details as how much relief within the design, etc.

Payment up front does require a leap of faith of course. However, that is in part what PS is here for - you can use the search function and other or just poke around to find out what others have to say about their experience with BGD, or several other jewelers that have a PS track record. I haven't worked BGD personally and I've only started spending much time here in SMTB recently, so I'm not the right person to ask. That said, I have some vague recollection of one person having run into problems with BGD... but I think you'll find that almost all PS'ers who have posted about BGD report very positive experiences.

Good luck with your project! You seem to be working towards a very clear idea of what you want - I hope that you and whichever jeweler you end up working with are able to bring your dream ring to life!

ETA - by the way, have you checked out Dougsgirl's daisy ring? I think she the way she incorporated a daisy motif is similar to what you have in mind?

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...re-my-avc-daisy-ring-and-6-stone-band.180579/

 

[luvsdmb]

Brook - it sounds like BGD will be creating a Grace setting for you with the fleur de lis included as an integrated part of the design, rather than a separate design element that's soldered onto an existing setting. You should ask whether there's a fee for revising the design if you don't like the CAD - I think some jewelers charge such a fee, but I'm not sure if BGD is one of them. In either case, it would be worth your while to provide as them with as much information about what you have in mind before they even start work on the cad - like providing a drawing or mock-up of how you want the design element placed in the setting, guidelines about the size of the design element relative to the rest of the setting, and one or more detailed pictures of the fleur de lis you have in mind, including such details as how much relief within the design, etc.

Payment up front does require a leap of faith of course. However, that is in part what PS is here for - you can use the search function and other or just poke around to find out what others have to say about their experience with BGD, or several other jewelers that have a PS track record. I haven't worked BGD personally and I've only started spending much time here in SMTB recently, so I'm not the right person to ask. That said, I have some vague recollection of one person having run into problems with BGD... but I think you'll find that almost all PS'ers who have posted about BGD report very positive experiences.

Good luck with your project! You seem to be working towards a very clear idea of what you want - I hope that you and whichever jeweler you end up working with are able to bring your dream ring to life!

ETA - by the way, have you checked out Dougsgirl's daisy ring? I think she the way she incorporated a daisy motif is similar to what you have in mind?

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...re-my-avc-daisy-ring-and-6-stone-band.180579/

I have checked out the Daisy ring it's very pretty and similar to what I'm thinking. Thank you for the good advice, those are great questions to add to the one's I have already asked them.