My first post... Where to begin

[creepin]

Hi all!

I joined Pricescope after spending a few months reading all about diamonds. When I first started, I did not think there was so much information. However, I am very glad I did some due diligence to help my money get the best possible engagement ring. I am very thankful for this forum and the contributors. What I have learned has been very rewarding. However, it is starting to become a bit overwhelming to find the perfect diamond/ring. Besides the fact my family thinks I am crazy for not going with the family jewelry and considering buy a diamond online. I don't worry about that too much though. So I thought I would post thanking everyone and seeking some help.

I do have a few weeks to wait, if I have to, to get the perfect diamond, but how often do vendors update their inventory? More specifically, Brian Gavin and Whiteflash. I have narrowed the setting down to this one from BGD: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/six-prong-fishtail-pave-platinum-5509p

Whiteflash has the Harmony, and I have inquired about changing the head for a 6 prong like the BGD, hopefully. I do not care for the WF Tiffany style head. I don't know why or if it is just a bad picture. Does anyone have the BGD setting? I really would like to work with them. However, I sent them an email and their has not been a response. Granted it has been just over 1.5 days. So I understand there might be a back log, but what is going on at BGD. I hope everything is okay, as I have read a few post where customer service is a little bit slower than in years post. However; WF has responded with multiple answer to questions on the setting. Any thoughts on these Pave or other recommendations. the BGD is a little thing for me, I was hoping for 2.3mm, but 2mm should be okay.

The big thing was the budget. It started at 8K went to 8.k then 9k now it is at 10k and I have to stop it there, I think. I think it is possible to get this pave, ~$2,400 before any discounts. Leaving roughly $7,600 to stretch out for the round, excellent cut stone.

I think SI1 is where I am going to stretch my limit to. However BGD has eye clean SI2. Anyone have experience with an eye clean SI2? I want this to be a life-long purchase so I keep telling myself spend a little more to make sure.

Color: F is where I wanted, but I really do need to see some more G's. For some reason I think color is easier to see than an inclusion with SI1/SI2. Hence the F.

Cut: WF ACA or BGD Signature

Ct: I was thinking in the .9ct range but if I could get 1.001 you can always say it's that magic 1ct. Also, will the 6 prongs come into play here. I keep reading mixed thoughts with this size stone the 6 prongs are overwhelming, but I really enjoy the 6 prong Tiffany-like look.


As I continue to look I will be seeking more help, I am sure. However, I wanted to just type as the diamond buying process is a lot harder than I ever could have imagined. I do hope BGD gets back to me too.

Thanks again to everyone who contributes on this forum. It is very educational and a great benefit to have while shopping.

 

[WillyDiamond]

As far as quick response is concerned, please remember that Valentine's Day is just a few days away and they must be crazy busy getting stuff out. I have bought from both WF and BGD, but bought from WF when Leslie was there, now she and Brian are at BGD, or course. I would pick up the phone and speak to Leslie, she is fantastic to deal with, she will answer all your questions and you will be satisfied. Good luck.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Leaving roughly $7,600 to stretch out for the round, excellent cut stone.

I think SI1 is where I am going to stretch my limit to. However BGD has eye clean SI2.

Here are some of the best options at BGD for your budget -

1.247ct, H, SI2 (seems too good to be true, so probably not eye-clean. Still worth finding out)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.247-h-si2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104064814008

1.11ct, F, SI2 (says it is eye-clean)
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.110-f-si2-round-diamond-ags-104049084007

1.11ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.113-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104066186026

1.01ct, G, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.010-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104064814001

1.083ct, H, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.083-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104063639008


Out of your budget a bit, but a beautiful stone -

1.016ct, G, VS2
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.016-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104067973020

 

[creepin]

Wow. Thank you gals/guys for responding. I didn't think anyone would.

That is very true. I do need to be more rational with V-day this week. Not sure what I was thinking! Probably not he best week to send an email.

The BGD diamonds listed do look really nice. I've starred at them fours hours the G has me scared, even though to my un-trained eye F/G is probably negligible and the few I have seen in person I could not tell a huge difference.

The one SI2 you mentioned was the one I was considering. An eye clean SI2. I might have to call them tomorrow to find out more. It seems very odd and almost an oxymoron, like the one thread, to have any eye clean SI2. There must be something I am to ignorant to and do not know why it is this. However, from all the reviews I have read, probably an un-healthy amount, if BGD says it's eye clean it can not be too far off.

 

[JulieN]

There are a lot of eye-clean SI2s.

 

[creepin]

That's good to know there are more than I thought. I guess it get's back to the mind clean/eye clean debate. Especially for an E-ring.

Should I run from this stone? It is confirmed to be eye clean, but I am looking into what the parameters of this eye clean were. ie 8" angles top/bottom