Help with decision! 1.15 BGD blue 1.15 vs 1.2 JA

[hungy]

Hey Guys,

I really need your help. It has come down to these two stones. I really love the BGD blue line. I am fascinated by the blue fluorescene diamonds. What I love about the BGD line of diamonds is that there is a guarantee that the diamonds will not have the milky look. But I have just found a James Allen diamond that is slightly bigger, higher in color, excellent cut, symmetry, and polish. The only difference between the two is that one is a medium fluoresence and the BGD is strong. Both are within my budget and the James Allen is more bang for the buck. Please help me choose and decide. Which diamond will give more shine? Both are excellent on the HCA. Thanks in advance

BGD choice: 1.150 I color VS2 Strong blue fluor
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.150-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104062571011

James Allen: 1.2 H color VS2 medium blue fluor
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-198098

 

[diamondloveaffair]

There is a guarantee on the BGD diamonds for the milky appearances. For james allen, you need to get them to bring in the diamond for a review.

 

[Venti25]

Med Blue shouldn't be milky. I'd go with the H, larger, higher colour and cheaper if I'm reading you right? You could always ask for an idealscope for the JA stone .

 

[sparkle_more]

I just purchased a bgd blue and received it last week. It is beautiful! It is a 1.05 J. While it has a slight tinge from the side, it is perfectly white from the top and set next to G/H stones and looks perfect. It is the sparkliest diamond I have ever seen. I don't know about the JA diamond, but I will probably never buy anything but another bgd blue (at least that is what I'm telling myself now). Also, I really love my setting from bgd. Do you have your setting picked out yet? You might want to see what they have JA vs. bgd and take that into account.

I have nothing against JA. In fact, my wedding band is set to arrive this morning from them. I ordered something in stock, so that's really all the interaction I've had with them. But it has been easy so far. Working with bgd was pretty easy although it did seem like any change (no matter how minor) cost several hundred dollars and put the ring into the custom category which I am assuming can't be returned.

They also have different upgrade policies, so you might want to check those if you think you will ever want to upgrade in the future.

 

[ame]

I'd go with the BGD over the JA. It's pre-vetted. It's in their hands already. And you're seeing the actual stone on their site. The .05ct difference isn't going to be super noticeable sizewise.

I just looked at both links and unless you bought that JA stone, it's not available.

 

[Snowy]

I have a BGD blue and I certainly can vouch that it is so very sparkly! I would go to the BGD since its a sure thing it won't be milky and sparkles. But maybe you can get them both shipped to you and do the comparison instead. Maybe the JA will be amazing as well and the lower price is better that you can get toward your setting.

 

[Christina...]

There is no doubt that BG Blues are gorgeous stones, but I think that the JA one that you picked out has lots of potential too. I wouldn't try to make any decisions until after you get the IS scope from JA and their gemologist has had an opportunity to evaluate it and give you an opinion. If both stones end up being good candidates, then I would think about which vendor has the setting I want, and which can provide me with the services and policies that I need to feel good about my purchase. Sometimes you just feel more connected to one vendor than another. It's important that you feel comfortable with both the product and the information they can provide for you now as well as what they can provide for you in the future should there ever be issues with the ring or if you want to upgrade at some point.

 

[hungy]

Thanks for the great support and advice guys. I contacted JA and had the stone placed on reserve. I also requested an ideascope and a gemologist to verify it does not appear hazy and oily. Here is the link for those that want to view it again. I really do love the BGD blue but when comparing apples to apples it does seem JA wins. In order for me to get an equivalent spec BGD blue diamond I would be paying $1k more. From the review based on the magnification I do not seem concerned over the cloudy oil look. Decisions, decisions. Keep the thoughts and advice coming.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-198098

 

[Nomax]

The BGD stone is only 0.02 mm smaller than the JA stone, so they will look the same. However, you are guaranteed a to get a great cut from BGD, whereas with JA you will have to rely on an IS image only. BGD also has a larger selection of settings than JA and they look better to me as well.

 

[Niel]

For me strong fluor is always the best!

 

[hungy]

Hey Guys,

Based on your opinion do you think the JA diamond has a lot of inclusions for a VS2. I have contacted JA to have a gemologist evaluate the diamond for the milk/oily look but I am concerned about all the whisp and crystals. I know based on the diamond being a VS2 none of the inclusions are visible by the naked eye but it does appear that this diamond has more inclusions then the other VS2's I have seen. Will all of these inclusions cause the diamond to sparkle less?

My other question is do you think a BGD diamond is superior to the diamonds on JA site? My whole logic between these two diamonds is that it appears the JA diamond is bigger, better color, with the same clarity for only 400 dollars more. The JA does also appear to have a terric HCA score at a 1.4 with an excellent cut, polish and symm. Does the BGD diamond carry that much more sparkle because it is cut by Brian Gavin?

I am really torn and I can not decide on what to do.

Thanks

 

[ecf8503]

You just can't go wrong w/ a BG stone. Period. And there is no noticeable size difference between the 2 - they will look exactly the same.

I like the peace of mind that comes with stones that have been prescreened for excellence and have ASET's to back it up. I vote BG.

 

[bunnycat]

You just can't go wrong w/ a BG stone. Period. And there is no noticeable size difference between the 2 - they will look exactly the same.

I like the peace of mind that comes with stones that have been prescreened for excellence and have ASET's to back it up. I vote BG.

Ditto. I have a BG Blue and don't plan on purchasing from anywhere else again. They are fab! My previous stone was an AGS000 (though not a branded cut, just a generic AGS0) and was a really nice stone too, but hubs and I (and a diamond buyer who looked at it) agree there is something about this BGB that is special.