HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue)

[ddlox]

Hi Everyone,

I've been a long time "lurker" on Pricescope as I am on the hunt for an engagement ring for my girlfriend. I first can't describe how great this site is for obtaining useful information on diamonds, specs, vendors and general FAQ. Everyone is very well educated and provide great insight. Even though I have read a lot of posts on Pricescope I'm still a "noob".

That being said, hopefully I can pick a few individual's brains about some diamonds and diamond vendors I've been looking at.

My budget is not extremely restricted and I am always looking for the best bang for my buck! On a side note, any diamond I choose will probably be set in the Brian Gavin Novela (love that setting):
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/novela-platinum-5372p

I originally was looking at Blue Nile and their Signature Ideal cut diamonds specifically in the 0.9-1.1 ct, F-G, SI1 range. I've noticed that if I go with Blue Nile's Signature Ideal (H&A) cut I can get a diamond with the specs below for $7575 :

1.00 ct, G color, SI1 clarity, Excellent symmetry/polish, Less than 1.5 on the HCA
http://www.bluenile.ca/diamond-search?track=head#diamonds_pid=LD02436993


However, throughout my research on Pricescope I have noticed a lot of talk about Brian Gavin Diamonds and how they are rated to be top notch, but also more expensive.
I searched their site, talked to Denise (very helpful) and am somewhat interested in three different diamonds at BGD. They are as follows (in order of price, not preference):

1. 0.923, G, SI1: Signature H&A --> $6635
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.923-G-SI1-Round-Diamond-AGS-104055448002

2. 1.023, H, SI1: Signature H&A --> $8446
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/1.023-H-SI1-round-Diamond-AGS-104051364006

3. 1.218, F, SI1: Brian Gavin Blue H&A --> $9783
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/1.218-F-SI1-round-Diamond-AGS-104054186005#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/


My pros and cons for the 3 Brian Gavin diamonds are as follows:

1. Pros: Best Value (just under 1.00ct price hike), G color
Cons: Could be a little bigger, H&A images don't look as clean as others (does this matter???)

2. Pros: Above the magic 1.00 ct mark, H&A images look great
Cons: Down 1 color grade for an extra $1800?!

3. Pros: BG Blue is so cool IMHO, 1.2 ct (large), H&A images look great, F color (colorless range)
Cons: Practically a budget breaker!!, Could look a little too large on size 4.5 ring?

So what I am looking to inquire from my fellow Pricescopers, are your opinions on the above diamonds and maybe to answer the following questions:

1. Is the Blue Nile Signature diamond (with what looks like great H&A) going to provide the same effects as the BGD Signatures? The cut dimensions look spot on. Or will the BGD diamond have much larger WOW factor?

2. If I were to select Brian Gavin, which of the three diamonds should I go for?

- The 0.923 G looks like an awesome value and does have the "right" specs. However, will my fiancee start to get the dreaded shrinkage syndrome I've heard so much about?

- The 1.023 H does hit the magic 1.00 ct mark. Is the extra 0.1 ct increase BUT also a DECREASE in color worth the extra $1800??

- The 1.218 F BLUE looks amazing, BUT it may look a little too large on my girlfriends 4.5 ring finger (I'm not quite sure if she's into having a considerably large rock on her finger....will it look that BIG??? Also, as per my cons above, this diamond alone was around my initial budget for the whole ring.


One more thing, I've heard different opinions about BGD offering a Pricescope discount of 5% (with wire transfer) for their Signature diamonds. Is this true? Has anyone heard of this discount applying to BGD Blue?



Thanks in advance for everyone's responses.

 

[LizH]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

The issue with the BN diamond are the dark crystals right under the table. Depending on eye-sight and lighting, this stone may not be eye-clean.

 

[0-0-0]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

If you are set on a BGD setting I think it's best to stick with a BGD stone. How about this one for a compromise? A slight bump in clarity as well: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.047-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104055121002

Just ask about the PS discount and BGD will tell you all about it.

 

[Ravinmad]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1443975.asp

Here's a 1.02ct H VS2 that looks excellent, should have good HCA numbers just by looking at the angles, and a pricetag for PS members of $7400.

take a peek!

 

[ddlox]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Hi thbmok,

That's actually a great compromise. What are your thoughts about going up in clarity SI1 to VS2 and down in color G to H in terms of value? I was kind of set on an SI1 because you would never see the differences in a VS2 from normal viewing. Would you notice the difference in color from the G to H...or would the flourescence mask that?

THANKS

 

[ddlox]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Hi Ravinmad,

I actually quite like the diamond from James Allen also. What is your (and anyone else's) opinion on James Allen H&A vs. BGD?

Thanks

 

[slg47]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

if you want a BGD setting I would get a BGD diamond.

 

[0-0-0]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Well, my SO actually prefers stones in the H/I color range so I think you are asking the wrong person! But yes, blue fluorescence will mask the color difference somewhat in environments with UV. IMO clarity is only a concern as far as whether the stone is eye/mind clean enough for your standards.

Keep in mind that neither the BGD Blues nor the JA stone linked by Ravinmad are sold as H&A cuts. If you want to be absolutely certain that you are getting a H&A cut you'll have to go for the BGD Signatures, JA True Hearts, etc. that come with images of the hearts to support the H&A claim.

Also bear in mind that getting the stone and setting from 2 different vendors will likely incur extra shipping/setting/insurance fees.

 

[OCgirl]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

I have nothing else to add except

I have a BGD Blue in exactly the same size as #3 1.22 ct and my finger is also 4.25/4.5. Don't worry about it being too big

That's all I wanna say

 

[Ravinmad]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Get an idealscope image of that JA stone if your interested in it would be my suggestion. I can agree that having additional vendors can add price but if your overall savings is greater then the cost, what is there to fret about?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

if you want a BGD setting I would get a BGD diamond.

I absolutely agree. You need to stick with a BG diamond. I think the best choice is #3 if it isn't a budget breaker. A 1.2 is not too big for a size 4 finger.

I agree that this one would be my second choice:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.047-H-VS2-Round-Diamond-AGS-BL-104055121002

 

[ddlox]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Thanks for all the replies. So would anyone consider the 0.923 G/SI1 because of its great value, or should I consider moving toward the 1.047 H/VS2 and 1.218 F/SI1 BLUE diamonds?

If I were to pick one of the Blue diamonds, would the extra increase in size (0.171) and color (H to F), but decrease in clarity (VS2 to SI1) merit the extra cost of approx. $1500?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Just to help you with size perspective, here is a picture with 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 ct diamonds:

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

I think the 1.2 F SI1 has "good" inclusions and would be a good buy if it fits in your budget. Do any of her friends and sisters have diamonds yet? If so, do you know what size they have?

 

[ddlox]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

My girlfriend would actually be one of, if not the first to take "the plunge" within her social circle so I really have nothing to compare it to. I may slowly be leaning toward the 1.2 F/SI1, but I talked to Denise at BGD and she said that a 1.2 on a size 4.5 ring would look quite LARGE and "blingy"...something I believe my girlfriend may not be into.

Opinions? Can a 1.2 still have a conservative look, or should I take Denise's advice and go with a 1.0? Based on the picture above I would say it's just on the edge for me.

 

[OCgirl]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

I am the first one to "take the plunge" so-of-speak in my circle too but I picked out my own ring. I was first leaning toward 1 ct (it was the *perfect* size in my head for the longest time). But after I tried on a few rings, I realized 1.2 ct has a better look and a bit of a "wow" factor without being over the top. I think a 1.2 ct solitaire is deinitely not TOO blingy, in my opinoin. Unless you are considering a halo or three-stone, then I think 1 ct is probably enough if you are going for a more modest look.

Let me see if I can post some hand pics for you since I own the same size diamond and I have the same ring size

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

They are probably used to saying diamonds are blingy because that may be what the majority of customers are asking for! I am actually one who is sensitive about wearing too much bling. But I do not in any way think a 1.2 is going to greatly stand out over a 1 ct. I do think if you go with the 1.2. it might be a diamond she would be content with forever. I started out with a 1 carat long ago and after many years got a 1.5 for an anniversary. I might not have considered that if I had started out with a 1.2.

 

[OCgirl]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

That was a difficult journey to upload pics *wipe sweat off forehead*

Anyway, here is one. I think it looks bigger in the picture than in real life since you only see *partial* hand instead of the whole hand. But here it is for your reference. It's a 1.22 ct G SI1 Brian Gavin "Blue", size 4.5.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Beautiful ring, OCgirl!!! I, too, think it looks larger in that close-up view.

 

[OCgirl]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Beautiful ring, OCgirl!!! I, too, think it looks larger in that close-up view.

Thank you. Diamondseeker! I love solitaire rings and your ring (esp. the new one) is what I think all solitaire rings should aspire to be I love the elegance and not to mention the prongs on your ring! Unfortunately when we got our stone my fiance insisted on seeing it unset first so I got a "stuller"ish setting from a local jeweler afterwards. It's sturdy and polished but the prongs look a little too prominent for me. I talked to my jeweler about shaving them down but decided against it for the time being. I don't want the diamond to fly out

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Beautiful ring, OCgirl!!! I, too, think it looks larger in that close-up view.

Thank you. Diamondseeker! I love solitaire rings and your ring (esp. the new one) is what I think all solitaire rings should aspire to be I love the elegance and not to mention the prongs on your ring! Unfortunately when we got our stone my fiance insisted on seeing it unset first so I got a "stuller"ish setting from a local jeweler afterwards. It's sturdy and polished but the prongs look a little too prominent for me. I talked to my jeweler about shaving them down but decided against it for the time being. I don't want the diamond to fly out

Good point! And thanks about my ring! I really think a classic solitaire is so timeless! My original 1 ct. diamond was set in a basic Stuller type setting and it worked just fine! Only on PS do we learn about things like prong tips!!! But you can always change the setting later if it continues to bother you.

 

[frankiextah]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

here's my 1.20ct E VVS2 stud resting between fingers for size reference / real life perspective / different lighting condition ... ring size is 4.75.

 

[ddlox]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Thanks for the pictures OC and frankie. That definitely help put things into more perspective. Now I have to just get my head and wallet into the same perspective!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

I think both blue stones are an excellent choice. Don't choose the more expensive diamond unless if it is going to be over what you think you should spend. It won't be too big, but it does cost more than the 1 ct. H, obviously. Diamond prices are very tough at this time.

 

[ddlox]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Do you guys think the 1.2 F,with the extra 0.17 size and two grades higher in color be worth the extra $1500 in price? Would you be able to tell the difference in color between an F and an H?

Also, the F has medium blue and the H has strong blue. Will there be a significant difference in blue "hue"?

OCgirl, does your Blue have strong or med fluorescence? (Great looking ring BTW)

 

[luv2sparkle]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

yes, I think it is. I think it is a great size. I agree with DS, I think it would be a diamond she would love for a lifetime. Just a bit above
the 1 ct. mark but not to big that she would feel uncomfortable.

 

[winternight]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

My girlfriend would actually be one of, if not the first to take "the plunge" within her social circle so I really have nothing to compare it to. I may slowly be leaning toward the 1.2 F/SI1, but I talked to Denise at BGD and she said that a 1.2 on a size 4.5 ring would look quite LARGE and "blingy"...something I believe my girlfriend may not be into.

Opinions? Can a 1.2 still have a conservative look, or should I take Denise's advice and go with a 1.0? Based on the picture above I would say it's just on the edge for me.

You know its funny when I was looking at rings I tried on a bunch and for me there was something elegant about the 1 ct mark. I had a salesperson at Tiffany actually say what Denise at BGD said, which is that the size was perfect for my size ring finger - and I'm a size 6! Given your girlfriend's ring size, yes it will look larger. Larger diamonds looked good too, but it is a different look and yes some people don't want that look. I had to get used to wearing my diamond by the way you probably want to immediately get insurance for the ring because you never know. I must say that for certain things like diamond studs I personally don't like them too large, so I can understand the feeling for a ring as well.

I think you should stick to your budget and go for a 1 ct which is a great size of diamond IMO. You have to remember audience, so many people in here are into upgrades but in my real life circle of mostly attorney friends I don't know a single person who has upgraded! There is no reason to up your budget based on what people on the internet are doing!

As for color F/G is great, I would stick there or down to an H personally. I don't know about the blue line, some love it, some don't. I also prefer to be in the VS range, rather than the SI range.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

I do agree with everything that has been said about a 1 ct. being totally fine, etc. I forgot that there is only a $1500 difference. I was thinking it was more than that. I normally prefer VS clarity myself, but my daughter's e-ring diamond was an SI1 with twining wisps very similar to this one and the inclusions are really invisible to the eye, so that is why I lean toward the F SI1 (plus the higher color and size).

 

[mrssalvo]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

I do agree with everything that has been said about a 1 ct. being totally fine, etc. I forgot that there is only a $1500 difference. I was thinking it was more than that. I normally prefer VS clarity myself, but my daughter's e-ring diamond was an SI1 with twining wisps very similar to this one and the inclusions are really invisible to the eye, so that is why I lean toward the F SI1 (plus the higher color and size).

I agree. I love a good SI stone for value and the higher color and size are a bonus!

 

[OCgirl]

Re: HELP Blue Nile Sig vs. Brian Gavin (2 Signature, 1 Blue

Do you guys think the 1.2 F,with the extra 0.17 size and two grades higher in color be worth the extra $1500 in price? Would you be able to tell the difference in color between an F and an H?

Also, the F has medium blue and the H has strong blue. Will there be a significant difference in blue "hue"?

OCgirl, does your Blue have strong or med fluorescence? (Great looking ring BTW)

Thanks!!! My Blue has medium fluor. I don't really see it unless the sun is strong I see a slight blue tint. I live in california though so we see sun quite a bit. I like fluor so I definitely don't mind. It makes the diamond looks icy white.

I think the $1500 is worth it for the size bump and color upgrade. I prefer higher color over clarity because eye clean is eye clean to me, it doesn't matter whether it's SI2 or VS2 or FL. I don't wanna pay for something I can't see. But I see a color difference between F and H.

You can ask Brian to put the stones side by side (face down and face up) so you can judge the size and color difference. I prefer higher color diamonds so I would prefer the F even given the same size. But it's a very personal choice. Good luck and let us know how it goes.