First time buyer. James Allen or Brian Gavin?

[nshah]

Hello everyone! I have been searching for a diamond ring from last month both in stores (Melbourne) and online. I am after a 0.3- 0.45 carat (though a smaller size) with Ideal / Hearts & Arrows cut and a good color and clarity (probably an eye clean). I have been looking for online Vendors such BG and JA. JA is a little reasonable (currently 25% off on a setting) but not a great collection of solitaire settings. However, I am not sure if JA is easy to deal with online (such as shipping and returns, custom forms). I have chosen some from JA. Could you please assist in choosing the best one.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...color-vs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-1299481
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...olor-vvs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-2637065
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...olor-vvs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-2637064
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...olor-vvs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-2637061

Another thing is the ring sizes, I have got my ring sized at two local jewellers (measured K by one jeweller and K1/2 by another). What would be the best way of making sure the ring size chosen is perfect.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Nshah and welcome!

If you're in Melbourne, have you tried Holloway Diamonds? If not, I definitely would visit.

https://www.hollowaydiamonds.com.au

 

[rockysalamander]

James Allen True Hearts are really "near" H&A. H&A is a term used to be the very top echelon of precision cutting. If you want a true H&A, then I would look at BrianGavin Select, Whiteflash ACA, HighPerformanceDiamonds CBI, Good Old Gold Ascendancy, Victor Canera... These will all be called super-ideal. They are precision cut and have ideal optics. They post all the images needed to prove performance.

But, if you are using the term to mean a modern round with 8 visible arrows, then there are more options to find an extremely well-cut stone. It will take some legwork in that you'll want to request Idealscope images on these to assess light return.

Of the stones you posted, I would exclude 299481 due to the inclusion and its not as nice as the others.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...lor-vvs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-2637064; this is nicely cut and has fat arrows, which improve contrast. So, its my favorite of those you posted.

At your budget, these are the same price and are super-ideal with H&A cutting standards met.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3963081.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3936432.htm

To get to .45 c, you'll need to look at lower color or clarity. These are well-cut and within ideal proportions. All are beautifully eyeclean.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3716173 (.44 D, VS2; request IS and H&A)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3190392 {.44 G VS1; request IS and H&A)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947639.htm {.413 F SI1, super-ideal, high end of budget)

For your ring size, you are between a 5/14 and 51/2 in the american system. That is a very small difference. I tend to choose the larger for a few reasons. Wearing a wedding band will make your ering feel tighter. Finger sizes tend to go up over time (due to weight fluctuating, pregnancy, age, etc.). You can add sizing beads to a slightly big ring.

 

[Lorelei]

James Allen True Hearts are really "near" H&A. H&A is a term used to be the very top echelon of precision cutting. If you want a true H&A, then I would look at BrianGavin Select, Whiteflash ACA, HighPerformanceDiamonds CBI, Good Old Gold Ascendancy, Victor Canera... These will all be called super-ideal. They are precision cut and have ideal optics. They post all the images needed to prove performance.

But, if you are using the term to mean a modern round with 8 visible arrows, then there are every more options to find an extremely well-cut stone. It will take some legwork in that you'll want to request Idealscope images on these to assess light return.

Of the stones you posted, I would exclude 299481 due to the inclusion and its not as nice as the others.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...lor-vvs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-2637064; this is nicely cut and has fat arrows, which improve contrast. So, its my favorite.

At your budget, these are the same price and are super-ideal with H&A cutting standards met.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3963081.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3936432.htm

To get to .45 c, you'll need to look at lower color or clarity. These are well-cut and within ideal proportions. All are beautifully eyeclean.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3716173 (.44 D, VS2)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3190392 {.44 G VS1)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947639.htm {.413 F SI1, super-ideal, high end of budget)

For your ring size, you are between a 5/14 and 51/2 in the american system. That is a very small difference. I tend to choose the larger for a few reasons. Wearing a wedding band will make your ering feel tighter. Finger sizes tend to go up over time (due to weight fluctuating, pregnancy, age, etc.).

Dang it Fairy!

I was just typing now you saved me the trouble!

 

[YoLaL]

I prefer BG.

 

[rockysalamander]

I prefer BG.

BG is great. I was just unable to find anything better priced for this person's brief. Maybe you have a suggestion I missed?

 

[nshah]

Thank you so much for your input. This will definitely be a help. I looked up BG too, but it is difficult to choose from many. Could you please suggest some good ones (in the carat range I mentioned)?

James Allen True Hearts are really "near" H&A. H&A is a term used to be the very top echelon of precision cutting. If you want a true H&A, then I would look at BrianGavin Select, Whiteflash ACA, HighPerformanceDiamonds CBI, Good Old Gold Ascendancy, Victor Canera... These will all be called super-ideal. They are precision cut and have ideal optics. They post all the images needed to prove performance.

But, if you are using the term to mean a modern round with 8 visible arrows, then there are more options to find an extremely well-cut stone. It will take some legwork in that you'll want to request Idealscope images on these to assess light return.

Of the stones you posted, I would exclude 299481 due to the inclusion and its not as nice as the others.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...lor-vvs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-2637064; this is nicely cut and has fat arrows, which improve contrast. So, its my favorite of those you posted.

At your budget, these are the same price and are super-ideal with H&A cutting standards met.
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3963081.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3936432.htm

To get to .45 c, you'll need to look at lower color or clarity. These are well-cut and within ideal proportions. All are beautifully eyeclean.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...d-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3716173 (.44 D, VS2; request IS and H&A)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3190392 {.44 G VS1; request IS and H&A)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947639.htm {.413 F SI1, super-ideal, high end of budget)

For your ring size, you are between a 5/14 and 51/2 in the american system. That is a very small difference. I tend to choose the larger for a few reasons. Wearing a wedding band will make your ering feel tighter. Finger sizes tend to go up over time (due to weight fluctuating, pregnancy, age, etc.). You can add sizing beads to a slightly big ring.

 

[Tanalasta_01]

The best way is to actually ask your vendor for their sizing calibration and see if they can send you some sizing rings. Sizing will vary depending on time of year, temperature and rings can feel tighter/looser depending on their width.

To be honest, given the current exchange rate and the fact you're after a 0.3-0.45Ct I would contact Holloway in Melbourne also. By the time you factor in GST and exchange rate vagaries, it may be better to buy local and have peace of mind over sizing and adjustments.

BG, WF, CBI etc... tend to have a better reputation for "super ideal" stones than JA.

 

[ac117]

I'd really aim to hit the .4 mark...unless there are cultural reasons for such high color/ clarity, I like this stone from WF: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3189835.htm

 

[ac117]

BG also has this E SI1 (which will certainly be eye clean at this size): https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...nd-ags-104097387007#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/

 

[ac117]

Lastly, I don't know if size is at all important...with a $100 referral discount, PS/advantage discount and the 3% wire discount, these should be just under $1200 and gets you a half carat AND are also AGS 0!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-f-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3823991
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-f-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3823982

 

[WillyDiamond]

I have no experience with JA.
Numerous experiences with BGD, 100% satisfaction. I deal with Lesley.
She just fined a right hand ring for my wife, excellent job!

 

[JoJa12345]

Between the 2 I'd go with Brian Gavin ( I am partial though as I have a BGD e-ring).

 

[Dancing Fire]

BG also has this E SI1 (which will certainly be eye clean at this size): https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.404-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-104097387007#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/

Beautiful stone!..Lesley is great to work with.... I don't have any experiences buying from JA, so I can't comment about the company.

 

[nshah]

Thank you all for your useful inputs. I am inclining now more towards BGD aiming for 0.4-0.5 carat. The reason of choosing the smaller diamond was that I wanted a delicate look.

 

[nshah]

Thanks for your help. This is beautiful.

BG also has this E SI1 (which will certainly be eye clean at this size): https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.404-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-104097387007#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/

 

[nshah]

I checked these two diamonds and look pretty good. Do you think inclusions will not be visible?

Lastly, I don't know if size is at all important...with a $100 referral discount, PS/advantage discount and the 3% wire discount, these should be just under $1200 and gets you a half carat AND are also AGS 0!
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-f-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3823991
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...rat-f-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3823982

 

[Rpb]

My guess is that they would be eye clean but it's best to check with JA.

 

[Rpb]

Also good to have the aset and IS images. You can request them

 

[ac117]

I checked these two diamonds and look pretty good. Do you think inclusions will not be visible?

I highly doubt they will be visible at this size but ask JA to be sure!

 

[nshah]

So finally I have chosen this diamond
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/0.404-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-104097387007
with this setting
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...assic-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18

I would like your suggestions whether this setting will suit with the selected diamond size?
Any other setting styles suggestions will also be highly appreciated.

 

[YoLaL]

What! a lovely classic tapered six claw setting. Can't wait to see the final product.

 

[ac117]

So finally I have chosen this diamond
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ls/0.404-e-si1-round-diamond-ags-104097387007
with this setting
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...assic-style-half-round-18k-white-gold-5540w18

I would like your suggestions whether this setting will suit with the selected diamond size?
Any other setting styles suggestions will also be highly appreciated.

Awesome! The setting is a beautiful classic - the only thing I'd ask of BG is that they give you delicate claw prongs so they don't overpower the stone (may be standard but doesn't hurt to reiterate)!