Help! Deciding Between 3 Stones

[clueless1985]

After way, way too much time spent reading threads and looking at pictures here on Pricescope, searching through different sites, watching Youtube videos and time at the local jewelers, I've narrowed my search down to 3 stones. I'm hoping for some help and input.

1. http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?builder=BYOR&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&pid=LD03387782#DIAMONDS_STEP|LD03387782

1.82 I VS2 Blue Nile Signature Ideal Cut


2. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.812-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104065334002

1.81 I SI1 Brian Gavin Signature Cut


3. http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-3-carat-very-good-cut-j-color-si1-clarity_LD03312392?keyword_search_value=LD03312392

3.00 J SI1 "Very Good" Cut, but scores 1.9 on the HCA tool. Looks to be eye clean from the report, and has medium blue florescence so I would think that would help it appear more white. Along with the high HCA score, this might be a good find?


I know that she would prefer a bigger stone as long as it is good quality (I asked a few females about size vs quality and they all immediately said size). Sounds awful, but most people just care how big the stone is, as long as it doesn't look like a yellow rock.

The Pricescope crowd has helped get me to this point, so I'm looking forward to hear what you have to say. Thank you so much!

 

[pomellina]

Personally, I'd opt for either the Signature Ideal (I have one and love it!) or the BGD H&A depending on the setting choice.

That 3 carat stone is quite deep: 8.95 x 9.02 x 5.79 mm. Think the usual dimensions for an ideal cut 3 carat diamond are more like 9.27 x 9.33 x 5.76. It might be a 3 carat diamond but it won't necessarily look like one. That 3 carat diamond will probably look like it's around 2.25 to 2.5 carats.

 

[AnneinGA]

I would not do the 3 carat blue nile stone. If you do a search for that exact spec, there's not a stone out there that's not at least $5000 more. There's gotta be a reason for that. https://www.pricescope.com/diamond-search-results/UamuzoFt

I think the other two are more similar. I have not experienced BN signature ideals, but I have the BGD stones. You can't go wrong with a BGD stone but there is a definite premium on price.

 

[clueless1985]

Thank you both for your input. I figured it was one of those "if it's too good to be true..." type of deals with that 3 carat stone.

Is there going to be any difference between the other two stones? They're almost identical on paper, but the BG one is $3000 more. Is it worth that much of a premium?


By the way, I'm looking at similar settings.

For the Blue Nile stone: http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?forceStep=STYLE_STEP&offer_id=8022

And the BG: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/sabrina-platinum-5522p

 

[AnneinGA]

I have not seen a Blue Nile signature ideal, all the paperwork looks good. I have two pieces from BGD and know their product.

That being said, I am not sure if the BGD is worth $3K more than the BN one, especially since the BGD one is a clarity grade lower (SI1 vs. VS2). I mean, you can pay for the setting with the difference, right?

Other things to think about: BN's upgrade policy requires you to double the price of the diamond; BGD requires you to do two of three things when you upgrade- increase clarity, color, or carat. Will you upgrade and do you want to have to spend $30K to upgrade with BN?

The other thing, and this is a very personal thing, is if you want a jeweler for life. I have heard of many who happily use BN. I used BGD for my upgrade, and a few weeks ago did another project with them, and I love that the folks there know me and I can pick up the phone or call any time and get the same people and the same good service. And I am a "use small businesses as much as possible" maniac, so that fits the bill for me.

I might suggest calling BGD and show them the specs of the BN diamond and ask the question about the price difference. You may get enough info to make it OK to either spend the money, or not, or be completely happy with a BN purchase.

Truly, I don't think you could go wrong with either.

 

[04diamond<3]

Could you stretch your budget for this?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938301.htm

It's a lot bigger than your other options (the better cut ones), and it's beautiful!!!