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Minor upgrade

SimoneDi said:
Ok.. it will most likely be eye-clean, but you can be the judge of that really. I had a much larger stone with a table inclusion and I found it to be eye-clean most of the time.

With that said.. is there any way that you can upgrade to this one: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d....878-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104094817055#

I really love that stone and I think that the price diff is worth it.

If that is not an option, how about this one? http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...0.832-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104094817062

Perhaps ask bgd to compare the two?
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I just had a lengthy chat with someone and they had all 3 stones pulled and said you can't tell the difference between them next to each other and their opinion is that I should stick to the one I have....very confusing. They explicitly said they don't think it's worth paying $1000 more. They were the opposite of trying to sell me the .878. Paying slightly more for the .832 was something they didn't feel was worth it either as they assured me the .833 will be eye clean without magnification. They said if I need the mind clean factor to change but visually the 3 are basically the same.
 
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Shellcm said:
I just had a lengthy chat with someone and they had all 3 stones pulled and said you can't tell the difference between them next to each other and their opinion is that I should stick to the one I have....very confusing. They explicitly said they don't think it's worth paying $1000 more. They were the opposite of trying to sell me the .878. Paying slightly more for the .832 was something they didn't feel was worth it either as they assured me the .833 will be eye clean without magnification. They said if I need the mind clean factor to change but visually the 3 are basically the same.
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What do you think? I understand that you have a wedding coming up, do you think that you want to splurge a little more for "mind clean", or would you be alright with the current choice? Again, it will most likely be eye-clean. I have purchased form bgd multiple times, so I definitely trust them, but I also know myself and I personally always go for the "extra" (size, color, etc.) if I can afford it. That said, you can always upgrade in the future and it will be easier to upgrade a J/SI1 vs an I/VS2, something that you might want to think about. Lastly, I am yet to see a diamond from bgd that I have not been happy with, so whatever you choose will be gorgeous!
 
SimoneDi said:
What do you think? I understand that you have a wedding coming up, do you think that you want to splurge a little more for "mind clean", or would you be alright with the current choice? Again, it will most likely be eye-clean. I have purchased form bgd multiple times, so I definitely trust them, but I also know myself and I personally always go for the "extra" (size, color, etc.) if I can afford it. That said, you can always upgrade in the future and it will be easier to upgrade a J/SI1 vs an I/VS2, something that you might want to think about. Lastly, I am yet to see a diamond from bgd that I have not been happy with, so whatever you choose will be gorgeous!
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I really don't know! It will be hard to fund the extra $1000. But if it gives me a stone I am happy with vs one where I can see lots of tint again I would do it. But, they assure me that there is no visual difference. So I really am not sure what to do right now. Size isn't playing into it because they are so close, it's all about tint at this point and I am hesitant to pay the extra when they have effectively said there is no point other than it being a mind clean issue. I guess what isn't computing for me is how L-J is going to have a big colour difference, but J-I will have none, you know? Surely you'd be able to tell the difference in one grade if two is obvious?

You have a point about future upgrades.
 
Alright, if it would be difficult to come up with the extra $1k now, I would hold off on upgrading, no need for financial burden. Also, if color is your concern, I would not be concerned. A J with blue flouro will be much whiter than your current L! And J next to I will be very, very similar. You can always enjoy this one for a number of years and upgrade again when you are ready! Either way, don't stress too much over it, you are choosing between super ideal diamonds, if budget right now is important - stick to it ;)
 
While J isn't the whitest colour out there, I HAVE one (in a pendant which isn't the same obviously) and mine with strong blue fluoro is a heck of a lot whiter than my K with no fluoro... so in the same context, would be even more noticably whiter than your L!

If it is going to be difficult to come up with that 1k now, tbh I would go with the J if BGD have assured you that it's eye clean. I think you'll notice a massive difference in tint between it and your current stone.

And what SimoneDi Said is true- it's also going to be easier to upgrade that J SI1 in the future :)

I recall reading somewhere here on PS too, that as you go lower down the alphabet in colours, that each category becomes 'wider'. So while there is a colour grade difference between J and I, it is going to be a relatively smaller difference if that makes any sense at all... if not, feel free to ignore that haha
 
Keep it and show us pics !
 
Ok, I'm starting to worry. I got my shipment notification yesterday - I had made it clear that I didn't want to pay tax again. I kept the improved value under our tax threshold. I just got a call from FedEx and they asked what the story was with the ring as it is marked return and repair. I was honest and said I didn't like the diamond so they put another one in. She has asked for an invoice to be emailed. I have emailed my payment receipt but I don't have an invoice (can't find one from my mobile). I'm really hoping I don't have to pay for tax on the full value again. I was told paperwork would be sorted so I wouldn't but I don't know if I was as supposed to bend the truth to fedex
 
Your invoice is on their website under your account (last orders). An invoice copy is also in the box.
What is the threashold and what did you pay?
I think that you are worrying unnecessarily, if you know with certainty that the upgrade value was below your tax threadhold.
 
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SimoneDi said:
Your invoice is on their website under your account (last orders). An invoice copy is also in the box.
What is the threashold and what did you pay?
I think that you are worrying unnecessarily, if you know with certainty that the upgrade value was below your tax threadhold.
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Well the invoice on their website has the full cost of the ring but that's not what I paid, I obviously only paid the difference. I am 10000% sure the difference is below the threshold. My concern is that they might see it as a return and a fresh purchase and maybe that attracts tax. Anyway I have emailed BGD and I'll see what they say, and if they can give me an invoice that is only for the improved value.
 
Shellcm said:
Well the invoice on their website has the full cost of the ring but that's not what I paid, I obviously only paid the difference. I am 10000% sure the difference is below the threshold. My concern is that they might see it as a return and a fresh purchase and maybe that attracts tax. Anyway I have emailed BGD and I'll see what they say, and if they can give me an invoice that is only for the improved value.
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Hm.. I upgraded with BGD and the invoice that I paid was only for the difference. I bet the bgd team can create a new invoice and put a footnote saying that the transaction was an upgrade from order # blah blah and then you can show them the old invoice and the new invoice. I think that you have to specifically request this from BGD as I am not sure how familiar they will be with GST in Australia.
Here is what I would request if I were you -
An invoice stating the following:
New diamond debit
Old diamond credit
Balance paid
Footnote listing the prior order number

Print your old order showing the number and show the two invoices to FedEx.

Good luck.
 
Fedex are saying I have to pay GST and duty on the whole value. Someone is calling me back after it has been escalated but I don't like my chances as I was not able to get a new invoice from bg. They just added a footer to the new one stating the difference in price between the two invoices. I'm not sure why this has not been an issue for anyone before and why my shipment has become a problem. I read many times that you only will pay tax on the improved value, not the whole balance.
 
Honestly, I wouldn't give up that easily, but again I don't know your laws. What is their reasoning for paying double tax for an exchanged product? I would print a couple of your email exchanges with bgd listing the upgrade details and I would look into all invoices sent. Just have evidence explaining the situation and be persistent, that works in many cases. If I were you, I would also look up information regarding GST laws and regulations regarding exchanges.
 
They have the old invoice from 2015, my new invoice with the footnote, and a declaration from BGD that it was a return for repair. I've had two calls now asking for me to pay. I've said both times that it needs to be escalated. My simple understanding is that GST is payable on any value over $1000, and the improvements are under that but not the whole ring. If you pay GST on something and the item leaves the country shortly after you can be reimbursed- but not after two years. So most exchanges probably occur shortly after, not years later. I think it will be dependent upon whether they determine that a new diamond is a repair or a new purchase. I am going to try to argue the case that it's the same ring and just a part was changed.
 
Shellcm said:
They have the old invoice from 2015, my new invoice with the footnote, and a declaration from BGD that it was a return for repair. I've had two calls now asking for me to pay. I've said both times that it needs to be escalated. My simple understanding is that GST is payable on any value over $1000, and the improvements are under that but not the whole ring. If you pay GST on something and the item leaves the country shortly after you can be reimbursed- but not after two years. So most exchanges probably occur shortly after, not years later. I think it will be dependent upon whether they determine that a new diamond is a repair or a new purchase. I am going to try to argue the case that it's the same ring and just a part was changed.
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I hope it all works out. I would consider it a "repair".. I mean it is ridiculous, what happens if you upgrade again? Will they want to tax you for a 3rd time on the purchase? I would be very firm with whoever the supervisor is. Also, you might want to start a new thread. I am sure that there are people from Australia and other countries where tax on imported goods is applied, I bet that they will have useful suggestions.

@bmfang any advice here?
 
It's pretty poor that it took me arguing it for them to look at the evidence properly. Their immediate response - despite having all the paperwork available - was to charge GST on the whole value. Lots of people probably just pay it.
 
Shellcm said:
It's pretty poor that it took me arguing it for them to look at the evidence properly. Their immediate response - despite having all the paperwork available - was to charge GST on the whole value. Lots of people probably just pay it.
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Yay! Good job! I am glad that you didn't give up easily! Hope you love your new stone. Please post pictures :)
 
SimoneDi said:
@bmfang any advice here?
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I would have though it would have only been on the improved value of the item. Which appears to be the advice that the OP has received. :)
 
My ring and coincidentally the wedding band both arrived today. The diamond is good. I can see tint but not enough to bother me. It's sparkly as expected. My one unexpected disappointment is that it seems to be set lower than my last one. They used my setting so I am not sure what happened but it doesn't have the same top heavy feel which I really liked about my old setting. In reality it's probably only .5-1 mm difference so I will wear it for a few days and see how I feel before approaching BG. Though I have no proof of how it was set before other than my memory :(

Here are some pics. It's a warm day and I was rushing around so my fingers were a bit swollen - not ideal! Hence a couple on my little finger as that's how it would usually fit! Love the one of my little one year old grabbing it :D

IMG_1727.JPG IMG_1733.JPG IMG_1734.JPG IMG_1737.JPG IMG_1725.JPG
 
IMG_1749.JPG IMG_1750.JPG
Profile. I wondered if it looks lower just because it's a tiny bit bigger and the arms are splayed further? Just a thought. Not sure if that's realistic though.
 
Congratz! I'm glad you got it all sorted and it's finally back in your hands :) the ring looks beautiful on you! Enjoy!!
 
Beautiful @Shellcm ! Your new diamond and your wedding band look absolutely stunning!!! I am glad that the tint in this one doesn't bother you, although you are able to notice it. It is still a J, not a colorless stone, but perhaps you can just keep on upgrading until one day you get to a color that you really like:) it is a gorgeous diamond nonetheless and I hope that you enjoy it for a while. Regarding the setting, where you say that the stems are spread wider, that is true and it is exactly why your diamond sits a little bit lower. In order to match the old profile, they would have to re-do the head, which will be an extra expense. For what it worth, I think it looks great! You can still see the culet, so it is not really that low set. I hope you enjoy it!

PS your little one's hand - adorable!
 
It's gorgeous! I think it certainly could be that the basket is wider and looks lower to you. I agree with SimoneDi that you can still see the culet of the stone so it's not set that low.
 
Sadly I feel that this is just not my diamond. I can see too much tint. I am debating if I get it changed now or wait till funds recover a bit (we are finishing off our house and wedding is in a month). I can also see the inclusion under the table (I have to look for it, but I can see it).

There is a nice H in the mid 7 carat range on BG. I can't see much size difference between this and my old .758 so I don't think I will notice if I go down to it again. Sigh. I really just want to be done. I guess that's another reason why I am thinking if I wait I can maybe get a .9 H and that will be it.
 
@Shellcm this is how I look at people and diamonds.. there is the kind that loves and cherishes the connection between the "diamond" and the proposal, the kind that will never upgrade/think about changing the diamond and on the contrary - there is the kind of people who will always be looking for the next best thing when it comes to jewelry and diamonds, you are clearly the second type (and so am I btw).. with that said, I would hold off on upgrading until November. BGD always runs nice promotions and has new inventory around thanksgiving day and I think that you may be able to find a better diamond at a better price then. I wouldn't go down in size, I love how the 80pt+ looks on you: take the ring out on a sunny day and you would see how much brighter it will be when exposed to UV light. Concentrate on your wedding, babies and all the important things and start looking again after your wedding. I think that you will be able to make a more thorough vs "rushed" decision after that.
PS I once upgrade with BGD to a diamond that even thought beautiful, it had things that bothered me and I knew that it was not my forever diamond, that didn't stop me for enjoying it for a couple of months and trading it back when I found a diamond that really excited me ;)
 
I'm with SimoneDi on waiting as well... I'm sorry you don't love your new diamond.

BGD tends to do a black friday deal- given the tint is not obvious and you've just upgraded it, I'd say hang onto it for the next 2 months till after your wedding, then have everything ready to go when that deal goes live. Enjoy this ring for a little while first :) Sometimes you need time to learn how your stone behaves!

I'm curious though- how do you like the stone with fluoro in bright aussie sunlight? does it bother you? I remember you were a bit hesitant about it at first
 
SimoneDi said:
@Shellcm this is how I look at people and diamonds.. there is the kind that loves and cherishes the connection between the "diamond" and the proposal, the kind that will never upgrade/think about changing the diamond and on the contrary - there is the kind of people who will always be looking for the next best thing when it comes to jewelry and diamonds, you are clearly the second type (and so am I btw).. with that said, I would hold off on upgrading until November. BGD always runs nice promotions and has new inventory around thanksgiving day and I think that you may be able to find a better diamond at a better price then. I wouldn't go down in size, I love how the 80pt+ looks on you: take the ring out on a sunny day and you would see how much brighter it will be when exposed to UV light. Concentrate on your wedding, babies and all the important things and start looking again after your wedding. I think that you will be able to make a more thorough vs "rushed" decision after that.
PS I once upgrade with BGD to a diamond that even thought beautiful, it had things that bothered me and I knew that it was not my forever diamond, that didn't stop me for enjoying it for a couple of months and trading it back when I found a diamond that really excited me ;-)
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You are quite right, I had been looking at it in my office and I was sure that I would need to change it. I leave the office and out in natural light it looks wonderful :lol: I think my problem also is stopping to breathe and think before rushing into investigating my options and thinking the sky is falling.

The good news is I have adjusted to the height and am happy with that now!
 
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