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Engagement Ring Hunting Story

idealscope image looks good.
 
Date: 5/5/2010 9:31:52 AM
Author: cfernandez
I''m assuming she''s a 6.5-7. She has a ring that she never takes off, I haven''t been able to take an imprint of it, but I put it on my ring finger and it came up to about my knuckle. I tried rings at Zales to see which one would go equally up my ring finger, and I the sizes from 6.5 to 7 all fit the bill. Is the general consensus that 1-1.2cts is to small for that size?
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1-1.2 carats is a really nice size, for any size finger! It just depends on the look you want. Look in SMTR - there is a whole thread of under 1 carat diamonds, and one of 1-2 carat diamonds (finger shots) so you can get an idea of what the different sizes might look like on.
 
I''d like to think I''m down to these final three.

.962 F VS2 WF Expert Select
1.20 G SI1 BGD Signature
1.41 I VS2 AGS 000 JamesAllen

I''d prefer the Tiffany Knife Edge 6-prong platinum setting for all these stones. For the WF, the total would be $7100 for Tiffany Knife Edge 6-prong, and $6500 for regular Tiffany 6-prong. To make the BGD diamond fit in my budget, I''d have to get the regular 6-prong Tiffany for a total of $7800. For the James Allen ring set in Tiffany Knife Edge, the total would be $8100.

Opinions?
 
One other of my concerns is the upgrade policy, for which I favor WhiteFlash since they''ve been in business for a while. I''m averse to JamesAllen since the upgrade would have to be double the price, however I think the diamond is pretty fair priced. I''m a little nervous about Brian Gavin Diamonds upgrade policy. They don''t seem to have quite the inventory of signature diamonds that WhiteFlash ACA''s have and they haven''t been around as long. Let me know what you think...
 
Date: 5/7/2010 10:16:51 PM
Author: cfernandez
One other of my concerns is the upgrade policy, for which I favor WhiteFlash since they''ve been in business for a while. I''m averse to JamesAllen since the upgrade would have to be double the price, however I think the diamond is pretty fair priced. I''m a little nervous about Brian Gavin Diamonds upgrade policy. They don''t seem to have quite the inventory of signature diamonds that WhiteFlash ACA''s have and they haven''t been around as long. Let me know what you think...
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Brian Gavin has been around for a long time. In fact, he started Whiteflash and came up with Whiteflash''s ACAs.
 
Yes I knew that, but BrianGavinDiamonds.com has not been around as long as WhiteFlash.com, and their inventory of Signature diamonds does not seem as extensive as ACA/Expert Selects when it comes to future upgrades.
 
Date: 5/7/2010 11:00:05 PM
Author: cfernandez
Yes I knew that, but BrianGavinDiamonds.com has not been around as long as WhiteFlash.com, and their inventory of Signature diamonds does not seem as extensive as ACA/Expert Selects when it comes to future upgrades.
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My diamond is from BGD and I am very happy with my service from them, and I am a serial upgrader so that says something
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. BGD do not keep as large an inventory of in house diamonds and WF, but think of BGD more like a personalized boutique jeweler. If you want a diamond with certain specs and it is not in house, as long as it is not something hard to find (like an eye clean SI2), then Brian can locate the diamond for you from his supplier in a short period of time. At present, as well, their inventory is on the low side. Back in January they had a shipment of like 80 diamond and they are going to be getting another large shipment in a few weeks I imagine, because I heard that Brian just got back from Antwerp.

The main difference between BGD and WF is not the selection of super ideal branded H&As, it is the Expert selection line that WF carries. These are nonH&A diamonds. BGD only carries branded H&As in house and only those stones qualify for upgrades. If you think you may want to opt for a non H&A stone to maximize your budget, then WF is a better option because they carry such stones in their ES line.

With your budget you will not be able to jump the 1.5ct mark. I think the 1.4 I VS2 you found is the biggest you will get unless you drop clarity and color to a J SI1.

As for my priorities, they are cut, size, color and clarity. But mostly size
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If I was you gf I would want the 1.4 I VS2.

But what does your gf want?
 
Given that cut is the most important factor, why wouldn''t you go for a BGD signature 1.2 instead of a JamesAllen 1.4? Or the expert select WF diamond for that matter? I don''t think JamesAllen has quite the reputation of WF or BGD when it comes to cut. I do think the BGD diamond I selected is the most well cut as it scores .5 HCA, while the others are no slackers at 1.0HCA. What about the difference in the knife edge platinum vs the regular six prong platinum Tiffany settings? I''ve read several posts on that but have yet to come to a conclusion as to whether the knife edge is worth double.
 
Date: 5/7/2010 11:00:05 PM
Author: cfernandez
Yes I knew that, but BrianGavinDiamonds.com has not been around as long as WhiteFlash.com, and their inventory of Signature diamonds does not seem as extensive as ACA/Expert Selects when it comes to future upgrades.
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I guess I am confused why it matters if their website has been around longer. It''s the people behind the websites that matter.
 
Date: 5/7/2010 11:53:44 PM
Author: cfernandez
Given that cut is the most important factor, why wouldn''t you go for a BGD signature 1.2 instead of a JamesAllen 1.4? Or the expert select WF diamond for that matter? I don''t think JamesAllen has quite the reputation of WF or BGD when it comes to cut. I do think the BGD diamond I selected is the most well cut as it scores .5 HCA, while the others are no slackers at 1.0HCA. What about the difference in the knife edge platinum vs the regular six prong platinum Tiffany settings? I''ve read several posts on that but have yet to come to a conclusion as to whether the knife edge is worth double.
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A lower HCA score does not mean better. It is a rejection tool - anything under 2 is worth further consideration.

The setting - it''s all personal preference. Do you like a knife edge or a straight band?
 
Each diamond should be assesed on its own merits regarding cut quality, and JA jas many excellent options. With BGD and WF branded cuts you are paying a premium for the brand and the H&A status. This does guarantee you a top performing diamond, but it is not a necessary condition -- many non-branded non-H&A stones are also top performers and cost less. It is all about your own personal priorities. I like having a branded H&A and the upgrade and buyback policies that go with it. You may feel differently.

Also the HCA is a rejection tool: scores over 2 would ordinarily be rejected. But if a stone scores under 2 it is worth consdieration and variations in scores do not matter. Also, some diamonds that score over 2 are still great stones and can be assessed using an ideal scope or your own eyes, if you have the chance.
 
Seconding Dreamer!!! For sure, I would want the 1.4 I VS2
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Looks good.
 
cfernandez if you go with one of these top of the line quality stones from the recommended PS vendors you will not have a problem. does one vendor carry settings you like better than the others? that might help you decide. good luck
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Hi- 1.25 G VS2- 100% my recommendation. I''ve had an E and F and G- can''t tell the difference but the difference between 1.00 nad 1.25 is HUGE ( in my opinion) IF you are going for wow- then get the high quality stone.. BTW_ I just bought a F VS2 triple EX for 8100 from James Allen- I was thrilled with the price and quality- make sure you put in the pricescioe promo code to get the discount- or search from this site- I found that their prices were lower than Union Diamond when I was looking and significantly lower than Blue Nile. Good luck and congrats!!
 
Oh boy, the setting is a different story. I was happily content with getting the tiffany knife edge...until I saw the Mark Morrell Flame. It's another $800 more than the tiffany, is it worth it? Should I put the money towards the stone instead of the setting? This is what I'm contemplating. I'm pretty sure the majority of members prefer the Flame so I will not ask for an opinion (unless your willing to give it). Everyday PS educates me and makes me ask more questions...

One other stone I was looking at is the following BGD stone

1.075 G SI1 BGD Signature



The picture looks beautiful, but that's the problem. All of BGD signature diamonds are photographed beautifully, not realistically. I'm trying to find the inclusions in the stone because the picture does not really allow for it. According to the AGS report it has 8 inclusions on the table which are not really viewable in the standard picture. Do you know if BGD provides microscopic images of the inclusions like GOG does? Maybe I'm being too nit-picky, but when you're holding the cash I think you should be able to ask for whatever you want
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Looks like the one I was voting for- G 1.20 BGD stone is already sold. They have an excellent reputation and the inventory if you are looking to upgrade should not be an issue- they will just find you what you want when you want it- My personal opinion is that I would not be happy with an I colored diamond- H would be pushing it for me.
 
Date: 5/13/2010 8:42:18 PM
Author: cfernandez
Thoughts on this stone?


1.01 F SI1 H&A
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Doesn't BGD have any G-H VS2-SI1 1.40+ stones? To me bigger is the way to go, with a great cut of course!

I have an SI1 H and it looks as clean and white to me as my E VS2 did, only it's bigger and more stone for my money.
 
BGD does not have any signature 1.4-1.5ct diamonds within my price range. I hear they are getting new inventory soon so I will wait...
 
Date: 5/13/2010 9:13:53 PM
Author: cfernandez

One other stone I was looking at is the following BGD stone

1.075 G SI1 BGD Signature



The picture looks beautiful, but that''s the problem. All of BGD signature diamonds are photographed beautifully, not realistically. I''m trying to find the inclusions in the stone because the picture does not really allow for it. According to the AGS report it has 8 inclusions on the table which are not really viewable in the standard picture. Do you know if BGD provides microscopic images of the inclusions like GOG does? Maybe I''m being too nit-picky, but when you''re holding the cash I think you should be able to ask for whatever you want
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love this stone
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ask Brian to eye it for ya.
 
What''s the ''fire'' setting that you''re referring to? I haven''t heard this maybe I''ve managed to miss every thread that talks about it. Now I''m intrigued. :)

Did you decide to maximize for the stone? The 1.41 I VS2 james allen would be in the 8-9k range wouldn''t it? Did you adjust your budget?
 
The flame setting is called the Mark Morrell Flame. It''s a setting seems to be well liked around these parts, and it has rubbed off on me.

Mark Morrell Flame

As fort the 1.41 I VS2, JamesAllen had it priced for around $7200 with pricescope discount. I had it on hold for a while but could not pull the trigger. It''s now on hold for someone else. I wanted a true H&A stone and a favorable upgrade policy, 2 things which the JA stone did not have. I''m still shopping around, waiting to see when new inventories arrive before I make my decision.

As for the BGD stone, I emailed Lesly and she did say the stone was eye clean. She has a great reputation on PS and I trust her judgement about as much as a stranger can, but the problem is there are 8 inclusions on the table that I cannot see through any picture. Now, either the inclusions are not noticeable enough to see with the eye or the way the stone is photographed at BGD does a very good job hiding it.

I''m comparing the GOG 1.01 F SI1 to the BGD 1.075 G SI1. Thoughts? I''d like to have a BrianGavinSignature stone, and I hear that his qualification for H&A is incredibly strict. However, for a couple dollars more I can jump up in color to F and to a stone that truly is completely eye clean with no inclusions on the table in the GOG stone. Let me know what you think.
 
Date: 5/14/2010 4:30:24 AM
Author: cfernandez

I'm comparing the GOG 1.01 F SI1 to the BGD 1.075 G SI1. Thoughts? I'd like to have a BrianGavinSignature stone, and I hear that his qualification for H&A is incredibly strict. However, for a couple dollars more I can jump up in color to F and to a stone that truly is completely eye clean with no inclusions on the table in the GOG stone. Let me know what you think.
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these are top cut stones.
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bought H&A stones from both vendors.
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Date: 5/14/2010 4:30:24 AM
Author: cfernandez
The flame setting is called the Mark Morrell Flame. It''s a setting seems to be well liked around these parts, and it has rubbed off on me.

Mark Morrell Flame

As fort the 1.41 I VS2, JamesAllen had it priced for around $7200 with pricescope discount. I had it on hold for a while but could not pull the trigger. It''s now on hold for someone else. I wanted a true H&A stone and a favorable upgrade policy, 2 things which the JA stone did not have. I''m still shopping around, waiting to see when new inventories arrive before I make my decision.

As for the BGD stone, I emailed Lesly and she did say the stone was eye clean. She has a great reputation on PS and I trust her judgement about as much as a stranger can, but the problem is there are 8 inclusions on the table that I cannot see through any picture. Now, either the inclusions are not noticeable enough to see with the eye or the way the stone is photographed at BGD does a very good job hiding it.

I''m comparing the GOG 1.01 F SI1 to the BGD 1.075 G SI1. Thoughts? I''d like to have a BrianGavinSignature stone, and I hear that his qualification for H&A is incredibly strict. However, for a couple dollars more I can jump up in color to F and to a stone that truly is completely eye clean with no inclusions on the table in the GOG stone. Let me know what you think.
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Now I haven''t seen my diamond yet, and I completely understand there is a huge issue of trust (strangers mainly) and I''m not sure how long you''ve been lurking around these forums if at all. With that said, I trust the judgement of many people here on PS even though I don''t know them, and their trust in white flash and bgd is incredibly high. I don''t think they would steer you towards a ring that is not eye clean to your standards as long as you describe what that is to them.

And as you may see in someone''s signature around here, a mind clean stone is more important than an eye clean stone. If you have a problem knowing there are inclusions despite the fact that it''s eye clean, you might want to up the clarity. If BGD hid their inclusions in their photos, I don''t think there would be all these raving happy customers posting their diamonds on here if they thought they were given something that wasn''t spoken of correctly over the phone and in the pictures.

My .2 :)
 
You do know that a Mark Morell setting takes about 6 weeks? Just dont know what your schedule is.
 
Date: 5/14/2010 6:52:43 PM
Author: icetea
Date: 5/14/2010 4:30:24 AM

Author: cfernandez

The flame setting is called the Mark Morrell Flame. It''s a setting seems to be well liked around these parts, and it has rubbed off on me.


Mark Morrell Flame


As fort the 1.41 I VS2, JamesAllen had it priced for around $7200 with pricescope discount. I had it on hold for a while but could not pull the trigger. It''s now on hold for someone else. I wanted a true H&A stone and a favorable upgrade policy, 2 things which the JA stone did not have. I''m still shopping around, waiting to see when new inventories arrive before I make my decision.


As for the BGD stone, I emailed Lesly and she did say the stone was eye clean. She has a great reputation on PS and I trust her judgement about as much as a stranger can, but the problem is there are 8 inclusions on the table that I cannot see through any picture. Now, either the inclusions are not noticeable enough to see with the eye or the way the stone is photographed at BGD does a very good job hiding it.



I''m comparing the GOG 1.01 F SI1 to the BGD 1.075 G SI1. Thoughts? I''d like to have a BrianGavinSignature stone, and I hear that his qualification for H&A is incredibly strict. However, for a couple dollars more I can jump up in color to F and to a stone that truly is completely eye clean with no inclusions on the table in the GOG stone. Let me know what you think.
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Now I haven''t seen my diamond yet, and I completely understand there is a huge issue of trust (strangers mainly) and I''m not sure how long you''ve been lurking around these forums if at all. With that said, I trust the judgement of many people here on PS even though I don''t know them, and their trust in white flash and bgd is incredibly high. I don''t think they would steer you towards a ring that is not eye clean to your standards as long as you describe what that is to them.


And as you may see in someone''s signature around here, a mind clean stone is more important than an eye clean stone. If you have a problem knowing there are inclusions despite the fact that it''s eye clean, you might want to up the clarity. If BGD hid their inclusions in their photos, I don''t think there would be all these raving happy customers posting their diamonds on here if they thought they were given something that wasn''t spoken of correctly over the phone and in the pictures.


My .2 :)
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I would trust BGD, they are very well respected. Many times inclusions do not show up in photos, I don''t think this is because of special photography to hide them, just the way diamonds photograph.

Especially if you have been to GOG''s website, you will notice that it is easier to see the inclusions in the darkfield photographs than the normal ones. GOG does have the advantage of providing you with those darkfield photos as well as regular photos, so if you''re more comfortable with that then go with them. Either way, BGD or GOG you cannot go wrong, maybe compare upgrade policies?
 
Both have fantastic upgrade policies. I''m tending towards GOG since they have the stone that I like and they offer a discount on the MM flame and the stone, however I''d love to give a BGD Signature diamond. Am I asking for too much when I ask BGD to photograph the inclusions? The contrast on their photos is extremely high. I don''t think they''ll do it for me. Furthermore, I have sent two emails to BGD that have gone two days without a response so I''m not feeling the great customer service that they''re famous for. Maybe they think I''m crazy for asking them to photograph the inclusion more realistically?

One other reason I like GOG is because it seems to me their SI1 stones are more borderline VS2. The SI1 stones I''ve seen at WhiteFlash and BGD seem to have inclusions breaching the table, some eye clean and some not so eye clean. GOG''s inventory of SI1''s from what I''ve seen is all eye clean with inclusions away from the table. I was pleasantly surprised.

As for the MM flame, I''m ok with the wait time, as long as what he produces is worth the extra money and the quality of the craftsmanship is above and beyond the settings offered by WF, BGD, etc.
 
then by all means go with GOG!!!

also I think the difference between the VS2s and SI1s at both vendors may be an artifact of their current selection and not a real difference...but maybe the experts can clarify this...

but anyway go with GOG, beautiful stone, great upgrade policy, discount on setting you want...gives you all the info you could possibly want on the diamond...really can''t go wrong
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I just may, but I hear that BGD will be putting up new inventory within a couple days, I''d like to wait around for that before making my decision. Also, I''m contemplating on not buying anything yet, prolonging the proposal so I could save to afford a bigger stone. Decisions, decisions...

Thanks again for all your comments!
 
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