Difference between WF ACAs / BGD signatures? None that most people can tell?

[TJK]

So, having wracked my brains through trying to find out the difference between the signature diamonds at both WF and BGD, I'm turning to our trusted pricescope team.

The overarching question is this: Are there any noticeable differences between two WF ACA stones or BGD signatures stones if they are the same spec?

I've tried to look through the various different images (IdealScope, ASET, etc) - but don't know exactly how to interpret them in a way that tells me which one is "better". Yes, I know in general that "red is good", "symmetry", etc, but I'm assuming that all these "signature diamonds" already are best of the best, so are there really differences in between them?

Here's one example - attached image shows a notice-able "green" area at the 7 o'clock area. Should I be worried about this?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/certificate.aspx?idno=2231256&file_name=4

 

[Lula]

Date: 4/29/2010 6:57:43 PM
Author:TJK

but I'm assuming that all these 'signature diamonds' already are best of the best, so are there really differences in between them?

You assume correct; the differences will be small between stones in a brand that prides itself on quality and consistency, such as BGD and WF, the two you mention, and other brands as well. That's one reason I choose to buy branded stones -- it takes the guesswork out of assessing the cut quality!

If cut is superb across the brand, then you can concentrate your efforts on choosing your size, color, and clarity preferences within the brand.

ETA: Make sure you read the vendor webpages to see what the standards are for the brand. Not all brands are created equal -- some have more quality control than others.

 

[slg47]

I''m pretty sure both WF ACA and BG Signature stones both have beautiful stones...but when you are going to decide which stone to buy you should evaluate the stone itself, not the brand.

Also check into their policies that may push you one way or the other.

 

[butterfly 17]

i don''t believe there is a difference. I know Brian designed the original ACAs and left to start his own company, BGD, but I don''t think you would really notice a real difference since I believe that the cutters of the ACAs were trained by Brian and therefore cut the same type of diamond.

There used to be a difference with the ACA line years ago. The had a classic line of ACAs and then a new line of ACAs. The classic line had thinner arrows I believe and the new line had fatter arrows resembling more like an Eightstar.

At least that''s what I can remember. I owned both the classic and the new line ACA and currently own a new line ACA. I also have a five stone band with BGD diamonds.

I honestly don''t notice a difference.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/29/2010 7:17:34 PM
Author: slg47
I''m pretty sure both WF ACA and BG Signature stones both have beautiful stones...but when you are going to decide which stone to buy you should evaluate the stone itself, not the brand.

Also check into their policies that may push you one way or the other.

Ditto this. Both are luxory brands -- like Mercedes and BMW -- but in the end you need to assess a particular diamond on its own merits given what YOU want.

Policies are similar at the two companies, though there are some differences. Perhaps the setting will decide it for you...

 

[Bella_mezzo]

ditto dreamer-I have bought from BGD and from WF-wonderful experience at both places. I would just compare price and settings--that''s what swayed me in one direction or the other each time.

 

[legallyspoiled]

When I met with Brian Gavin a few weeks ago, he said this regarding the difference:

"They have the recipe. However, I am the chef. You may duplicate the recipe without the chef. However, nobody knows the recipe better than it''s creator."

That being said. Like everyone else has said already...you can''t go wrong with either.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 4/29/2010 11:17:46 PM
Author: legallyspoiled
When I met with Brian Gavin a few weeks ago, he said this regarding the difference:

''They have the recipe. However, I am the chef. You may duplicate the recipe without the chef. However, nobody knows the recipe better than it''s creator.''

That being said. Like everyone else has said already...you can''t go wrong with either.

I love Brian, he is hilarious.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I have had both, and I do think there is a slight optical difference. Both were drop dead gorgeous stones. This is how I felt about it. Brian created and was and is the overseer. The man knows diamonds
and cuts. When I went for my upgrade, I wanted a diamond he had picked out, so I went to BGD. If he tells you it is a gorgeous stone, it is. That was enough for me.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I have had both, and I do think there is a slight optical difference. Both were drop dead gorgeous stones. This is how I felt about it. Brian created and was and is the overseer. The man knows diamonds
and cuts. When I went for my upgrade, I wanted a diamond he had picked out, so I went to BGD. If he tells you it is a gorgeous stone, it is. That was enough for me.