Connection between Brian Gavin and Whiteflash?

[I Love My Sailor]

I did a bit of research on Brian Gavin and found some information connecting him to whiteflash. I didn''t get a chance to read the whole thing because I had to get to work. I know you guys would know the correct answer.

So what is the difference between Brian''s ACA and a Whiteflash ACA.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/20/2009 8:04:11 AM
Author:I Love My Sailor
I did a bit of research on Brian Gavin and found some information connecting him to whiteflash. I didn't get a chance to read the whole thing because I had to get to work. I know you guys would know the correct answer.

So what is the difference between Brian's ACA and a Whiteflash ACA.

Brian Gavin used to be part of WF and the VP up until January of this year. He was the originator of the A Cut Above branded h&a diamonds. This detailed article written by him below explains his standards for the ACA diamond. Whiteflash are now producing the brand. Brian has now started his own company www.briangavindiamonds.com

http://journal.pricescope.com/Articles/65/1/Hearts-and-Arrows-Diamonds-and-The-Basics-of-Diamond-Cutting.aspx

 

[iraweissman]

Whiteflash''s address listed on their website is 6222 Richmond in Houston which is the city''s wholesale diamond building. When I was working in the US, I used to travel there about once a month to sell. Brian''s office is also in that building. WF shows suite #700 as their address -- I don''t remember if that''s Brian''s office # or not. I was always under the impression that WF was started and owned by Brian.

Date: 4/20/2009 8:04:11 AM
Author:I Love My Sailor
I did a bit of research on Brian Gavin and found some information connecting him to whiteflash. I didn''t get a chance to read the whole thing because I had to get to work. I know you guys would know the correct answer.


So what is the difference between Brian''s ACA and a Whiteflash ACA.

 

[I Love My Sailor]

So If you buy a whiteflash ACA or from Brian Gavin, your getting the same brand/ quality and there is no preference to purchase from one or the other?

 

[Lorelei]

As far as I am aware, WF ACA's are being selected and cut to the usual standards as always. I have not seen many Brian Gavin diamonds as yet as they are a very new company, but I have known Brian here for a long time and would be confident his new h&a diamonds will be cut to the highest standards for visual balance and beauty as has always been his aim.

 

[iraweissman]

Brian''s one of the pickiest buyers I ever had the privilege to sit across the desk from (which is to say he didn''t buy any of the diamonds I was selling

). I can tell you with certainty that whatever he''s selling is absolutely top notch.

Date: 4/20/2009 8:28:15 AM
Author: Lorelei
As far as I am aware, WF ACA''s are being selected and cut to the usual standards as always. I have not seen many Brian Gavin diamonds as yet as they are a very new company, but I have known Brian here for a long time and would be confident his new h&a diamonds will be cut to the highest standards for visual balance and beauty as has always been his aim.

 

[neatfreak]

Brian is great as is Whiteflash. You are in great hands either way.

 

[Lord Summerisle]

i believe the story goes...

Brian started/purchased Alpha Creations Inc. in about ''95 which then sold diamonds to Jewellers, having gained his cutting experiance working for the family diamond cutting business.
He wanted to expand the business and wanted to refine the cutting of Hearts and Arrows - which lead to the creation of the A Cut Above brand.
I believe he started selling the A Cut Above online in ''99 with the inital intention of selling to Jewellers, but was suprised that it was consumers who were doing most of the purchasing. this lead to a rethink in strategy

So. he teamed up with a Business Partner - Debi Wexler, together setting up Whiteflash.com in around 2000 to sell the A Cut Above diamonds directly to the public.

In December 2008, Brian and Lesley split from Whiteflash to explore new challenges. Whiteflash continue to sell A Cut Above diamonds cut to the same tight guidelines as they always did when Brian was with them, and Brian will be selling his diamonds under the new brand name ''Brian Gavin Signature'' diamonds - so as not to cause confusion with the WF ACAs

 

[megeve]

I have bought 2 stones for studs from Brian and have yet to see them in person as they are being set right now. However, that being said, I can confirmed that his H&A stones are cut to the highest standard specs.

 

[Maisie]

I am waiting for my new 5 stone ring to come from Brian Gavin. I am sure the diamonds will be top notch. The thing I have enjoyed about working with BGD is that its been a really personal service. I always speak to the same person (Lesley) and they have a telephone number (charged at a local call rate) that I can call from the UK so it doesn''t cost a fortune to speak to them.

 

[Maisie]

Date: 4/21/2009 5:13:12 AM
Author: Lord Summerisle
i believe the story goes...

Brian started/purchased Alpha Creations Inc. in about ''95 which then sold diamonds to Jewellers, having gained his cutting experiance working for the family diamond cutting business.
He wanted to expand the business and wanted to refine the cutting of Hearts and Arrows - which lead to the creation of the A Cut Above brand.
I believe he started selling the A Cut Above online in ''99 with the inital intention of selling to Jewellers, but was suprised that it was consumers who were doing most of the purchasing. this lead to a rethink in strategy

So. he teamed up with a Business Partner - Debi Wexler, together setting up Whiteflash.com in around 2000 to sell the A Cut Above diamonds directly to the public.

In December 2008, Brian and Lesley split from Whiteflash to explore new challenges. Whiteflash continue to sell A Cut Above diamonds cut to the same tight guidelines as they always did when Brian was with them, and Brian will be selling his diamonds under the new brand name ''Brian Gavin Signature'' diamonds - so as not to cause confusion with the WF ACAs

How do we know they are being cut to Brians tight guidelines? I also think that implying WF are using the same guidelines as Brian kind of takes away from the expertise that Brian brought to the company when he was there. Surely if just anyone can keep an eye on the numbers like that there would be no need for experts.

Just my take on things

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 4/21/2009 3:02:53 PM
Author: Maisie

Date: 4/21/2009 5:13:12 AM

Author: Lord Summerisle

i believe the story goes...


Brian started/purchased Alpha Creations Inc. in about '95 which then sold diamonds to Jewellers, having gained his cutting experiance working for the family diamond cutting business.

He wanted to expand the business and wanted to refine the cutting of Hearts and Arrows - which lead to the creation of the A Cut Above brand.

I believe he started selling the A Cut Above online in '99 with the inital intention of selling to Jewellers, but was suprised that it was consumers who were doing most of the purchasing. this lead to a rethink in strategy


So. he teamed up with a Business Partner - Debi Wexler, together setting up Whiteflash.com in around 2000 to sell the A Cut Above diamonds directly to the public.


In December 2008, Brian and Lesley split from Whiteflash to explore new challenges. Whiteflash continue to sell A Cut Above diamonds cut to the same tight guidelines as they always did when Brian was with them, and Brian will be selling his diamonds under the new brand name 'Brian Gavin Signature' diamonds - so as not to cause confusion with the WF ACAs

How do we know they are being cut to Brians tight guidelines? I also think that implying WF are using the same guidelines as Brian kind of takes away from the expertise that Brian brought to the company when he was there. Surely if just anyone can keep an eye on the numbers like that there would be no need for experts.


Just my take on things

Not to say that Brian isn't worth it because he's great as is Lesley. BUT once the road has been laid down (which is why an expert is needed) anyone can follow it if they have the map. So assuming that WF is keeping the same guidelines for cutting as before (which I believe Debi has said they are) should mean that the quality is just as nice as always.

I just don't think it's really right to imply that WF's ACA's are any less nice now without hard facts that they aren't as nice (which I don't think is true IMO).

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/20/2009 8:47:17 AM
Author: neatfreak
Brian is great as is Whiteflash. You are in great hands either way.

ditto! I would not hesitate to purchase from either company!

 

[Maisie]

I suppose another way of looking at it is imagine Leon Mege sold his company but let them keep the Leon Mege name. Would you be confident to buy a ''Leon'' ring even though he isn''t the one making them anymore? I just feel that Brian Gavin was the ACA brand and now he isn''t there anymore I don''t know that I am going to get exactly what he would have recommeded. I was relieved when he started his own company as it meant I could buy a Brian Gavin diamond.

Its my personal feeling of course and probably worth nothing in the great scheme of things.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 4/21/2009 5:13:18 PM
Author: Maisie
I suppose another way of looking at it is imagine Leon Mege sold his company but let them keep the Leon Mege name. Would you be confident to buy a ''Leon'' ring even though he isn''t the one making them anymore? I just feel that Brian Gavin was the ACA brand and now he isn''t there anymore I don''t know that I am going to get exactly what he would have recommeded. I was relieved when he started his own company as it meant I could buy a Brian Gavin diamond.


Its my personal feeling of course and probably worth nothing in the great scheme of things.

We may just have to agree to disagree! I think it''s a different ball of wax because Leon is creating something brand new each time he makes a setting whereas the ACA diamonds I assume are cut based on a specific formula which WF still has.

But your example may actually already be happening... we''ve heard before that Leon is outsourcing some of his work-would that change things for you? It wouldn''t for me unless the quality were shown to be less. But that''s just me!

 

[Bosie]

Perhaps Brian or Lesley could weigh in on this debate to set the record straight.

 

[Gypsy]

About what Bosie? The question neatfreak and Masie appear to be on different sides of seems to be whether or not WF's standards ACA for diamonds are the same (and can be the same) since Brian Gavin's departure. As Brian and Lesley are no longer with WF how can they weigh in on something they likely can not speak to? Debi or Allison would be the authorities on that subject, not Brian or Lesley.

Both WF and BGD have reps on the boards, I'm sure they've seen this thread. If they have not chosen to weigh in on any of the issues contained herein I'm sure they have their reasons and I know we all respect that.

According to the public posts on this board by Brian, Lesley, Debi and Allison LordS's version of the history (posted above) appears to be accurate (including the portion of regarding WF's claims that the standards are unchanged, per Debi Wexler's post. I believe there was an analogy about chef's and recipes, though I don't know who the new chef is), please feel free to do a search if you would like to verify the existence of these posts.

 

[strmrdr]

It would be against the rules for one to comment on the other.
So far the ACA quality seems to be intact.
I will be keeping an eye on it as will the other pro-sumers.
As I always say buy the stone not the name, shop the dealer.

Myself I would lean towards working with Lesley as she and Sir John have always been some of my favorite people when they were at WF and afterward to.
I don''t buy from vendors I buy from people and much prefer to deal with owners or their family rather than hired help.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 4/21/2009 7:39:58 PM
Author: strmrdr
It would be against the rules for one to comment on the other.

So far the ACA quality seems to be intact.

I will be keeping an eye on it as will the other pro-sumers.

As I always say buy the stone not the name, shop the dealer.


Myself I would lean towards working with Lesley as she and Sir John have always been some of my favorite people when they were at WF and afterward to.

I don''t buy from vendors I buy from people and much prefer to deal with owners or their family rather than hired help.

I''m with you Strm-Lesley and Brian are fabulous and I too like to deal with the owners and family rather than a large staff. I think that''s the main reason to shop with Brian and Lesley for me! I agree though that so far WF has kept up the ACA standards from what I have seen so there is no reason based on diamond quality to not work with them IMO.

 

[beach]

There will always be some interpretation of the hearts and arrows images IMO regardless of the general numbers. That is where expertise comes in... To help come to a conclusion you should look at certs, images, and diamonds that were graded when Brian and Lesley were there to certs that recently came out after they left. I have come to my own opinion on the matter and will keep it to myself

 

[Siamese Kitty]

For me personally, I have done many a deal with Lesley and think she's wonderful. I haven't bought anything from BGD, but wouldn't hesitate for a moment.

That said, Whiteflash has always been good to me as well. Their customer service is first-rate and their upgrade policy seems very liberal. I have never been disappointed with the final product from them (3 pairs of earrings, 3 necklaces, and one engagement ring later.

It seems to me you would be in good hands with either.

ETA: 4 of the stones I have are ACA's cut during Brian's tenure and they truly are gorgeous. I haven't bought anything from WF since then, but only because I'm on a budget right now.

 

[Kelli]

How about I buy a big fat ACA, and a big fat Brian Gavin Signature, and then I''ll let you guys know what I think....

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 4/21/2009 7:39:58 PM
Author: strmrdr
It would be against the rules for one to comment on the other.
So far the ACA quality seems to be intact.
I will be keeping an eye on it as will the other pro-sumers.
As I always say buy the stone not the name, shop the dealer.

Myself I would lean towards working with Lesley as she and Sir John have always been some of my favorite people when they were at WF and afterward to.
I don't buy from vendors I buy from people and much prefer to deal with owners or their family rather than hired help.

See that sums it up for me. You're more than fine buying from WF, great product through and through. For those of us that dealt with Lesley and Brian, it was all about a relationshp. A trust. That's why I will follow them.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 4/22/2009 12:53:26 AM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 4/21/2009 7:39:58 PM
Author: strmrdr
It would be against the rules for one to comment on the other.
So far the ACA quality seems to be intact.
I will be keeping an eye on it as will the other pro-sumers.
As I always say buy the stone not the name, shop the dealer.

Myself I would lean towards working with Lesley as she and Sir John have always been some of my favorite people when they were at WF and afterward to.
I don''t buy from vendors I buy from people and much prefer to deal with owners or their family rather than hired help.

See that sums it up for me. You''re more than fine buying from WF, great product through and through. For those of us that dealt with Lesley and Brian, it was all about a relationshp. A trust. That''s why I will follow them.

This sums it up for me as well.

 

[Lord Summerisle]

Date: 4/22/2009 12:29:22 AM
Author: Kelli
How about I buy a big fat ACA, and a big fat Brian Gavin Signature, and then I''ll let you guys know what I think....

I like that idea

 

[Imdanny]

Date: 4/22/2009 12:29:22 AM
Author: Kelli
How about I buy a big fat ACA, and a big fat Brian Gavin Signature, and then I'll let you guys know what I think....

As long as you post pictures too, I think that's a great idea.

 

[I Love My Sailor]

Well thank you all for commenting! I have enjoyed reading this post. My question was based on my decision to replace my wedding eternity band with one from Mr. Gavin. This thread didn''t make my mind to buy from either company,I have already been in contact with Lesley.... I agree whiteflash is a fine company filled with wonderful people whom I have spoke with. and I will be please to purchase from them in the future. I feel this project is a large purchase and I like personal experience and it doesn''t heart that I will be buying from the originator of the cut I seek!

 

[Imdanny]

Date: 4/22/2009 4:40:14 AM
Author: I Love My Sailor
Well thank you all for commenting! I have enjoyed reading this post. My question was based on my decision to replace my wedding eternity band with one from Mr. Gavin. This thread didn''t make my mind to buy from either company,I have already been in contact with Lesley.... I agree whiteflash is a fine company filled with wonderful people whom I have spoke with. and I will be please to purchase from them in the future. I feel this project is a large purchase and I like personal experience and it doesn''t heart that I will be buying from the originator of the cut I seek!

Freudian slip?

 

[I Love My Sailor]

oops.... its too early in the morning for me! My brain is a bit tired from getting up a 4:00AM to drive my husband to work every morning.

Let me correct:

it doesn''t hurt that I will be buying from the originator of the cut I seek!