WF or BN your opinion PLS...

[DenLogal]

I have been working with someone at WF and I was wondering the pros and/or cons of going with one or the other.

Also-Is it true that a larger table can look like a window reflecting light and it will NOT have much/any fire

Thx

 

[Kaleigh]

WF hands down. I have bought from them several times. I have no experience with BN... Sorry if my response is of no help.

 

[honey22]

Another vote for WF, they are renowned for their impeccable customer service, and they provide lots more info on their stones. BN is a drop shipper, and I would never buy a diamond from them to be honest.

And yes it''s true, too large a table can make the table look like glass and the fire will be reduced. You want to aim for a more balanced stone, table not too big or too small. Many make the mistake of looking for a stone with a large table, or one that faces up (looks larger) for it''s size than it should, but the light performance will be compromised, and it won''t sparkle as much. Good luck with your search.

 

[DenLogal]

What is considered a "not too big or too small" table for a princess cut?

 

[diddy]

Date: 4/23/2009 11:59:00 PM
Author: honey22
Another vote for WF, they are renowned for their impeccable customer service, and they provide lots more info on their stones. BN is a drop shipper, and I would never buy a diamond from them to be honest.

And yes it''s true, too large a table can make the table look like glass and the fire will be reduced. You want to aim for a more balanced stone, table not too big or too small. Many make the mistake of looking for a stone with a large table, or one that faces up (looks larger) for it''s size than it should, but the light performance will be compromised, and it won''t sparkle as much. Good luck with your search.

Absolutely WF!!! I just purchased an e-ring from them and they were SUPER helpful! Everyone from sales, to photography, to customer relations .... all highly professional and more than willing to go out of their way to please!

(my ring is coming in early May, so I will post my story when I get it!).

 

[xander8888]

I recently contacted BN for more info on some stones. I requested pics and ASET images and they wouldn't send them. Received a very long e-mail back that seemed like a form letter, explaining that a) images don't do the diamonds justice (which I kind of understand - but it is still nice to see something you're going to spend $$$ on even with a return policy) and b) they don't trust consumers to be able to interpret an ASET. I know I can't properly interpret an ASET but planned to seek expert advice here in this forum.

I'm not saying they are trying to scam anything but all of this just didn't sit right with me and with all the other vendors out there that offer much more transparency I no longer wish to do business with BN.

Just my opinion...

 

[kcoursolle]

Both are great vendors, but for different types of purchases. Hands down for WF with larger purchases and purchases of fancy-cut stones. You really need images to look at fancies or an expert''s eye and BN can''t do this for you. In addition, WF offers a trade in policy that can''t be beat. I purchased my wedding band from them and their service, their custom design, and their stones were top notch. BN has slightly lower prices and fantastic inventory. They are great for smaller purchases you don''t plan to upgrade. I purchases a small bezel pendant from them and had a good experience, but I wouldn''t purchase something big from them or a non-round which can''t be judged by numbers.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/24/2009 12:01:01 AM
Author: DenLogal
What is considered a 'not too big or too small' table for a princess cut?

No hard and fast rules, it is how the proportions work together that determines the beauty of the diamond. ASET images, photos and a trusted vendor are the best way to proceed with this. You are in good hands with WF.

 

[Daisi2112]

For buying stones, I vote whiteflash ( I think for plain platinum bands and the like BN is okay).

 

[Imdanny]

Date: 4/24/2009 1:16:57 AM
Author: xander8888
I recently contacted BN for more info on some stones. I requested pics and ASET images and they wouldn''t send them. Received a very long e-mail back that seemed like a form letter, explaining that a) images don''t do the diamonds justice (which I kind of understand - but it is still nice to see something you''re going to spend $$$ on even with a return policy) and b) they don''t trust consumers to be able to interpret an ASET. I know I can''t properly interpret an ASET but planned to seek expert advice here in this forum.


I''m not saying they are trying to scam anything but all of this just didn''t sit right with me and with all the other vendors out there that offer much more transparency I no longer wish to do business with BN.


Just my opinion...

Second.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 4/24/2009 7:50:17 AM
Author: Imdanny

Date: 4/24/2009 1:16:57 AM
Author: xander8888
I recently contacted BN for more info on some stones. I requested pics and ASET images and they wouldn't send them. Received a very long e-mail back that seemed like a form letter, explaining that a) images don't do the diamonds justice (which I kind of understand - but it is still nice to see something you're going to spend $$$ on even with a return policy) and b) they don't trust consumers to be able to interpret an ASET. I know I can't properly interpret an ASET but planned to seek expert advice here in this forum.


I'm not saying they are trying to scam anything but all of this just didn't sit right with me and with all the other vendors out there that offer much more transparency I no longer wish to do business with BN.


Just my opinion...

Second.

It isn't rocket science.

Once you have read up on ASET it is not beyond the bounds of an interested consumer to get a good idea from such an image with a little study and reading.

For example....

http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=education-performance

 

[HornAround]

You know, I've been going back and forth with this question in mind too. Whiteflash's customer service is second to none. They provide all kinds of images and feedback a customer could want. Granted, it's only on there ACA stones but those are of the best cut and quality. I've been playing with numbers for all kinds of diamonds and it seems to me like you can pretty much guess what your diamond is going to look like provided you have all the right dimensions (this is for round diamonds). Most people don't want to take that risk of not seeing the actual diamond hence the reason they go with Whiteflash (or other vendors who provide these things). I'm still on the fence of that I'm going to do. Rest assured, this process can drive you mad.

P.S. (My vote is still for whiteflash, my only dilemma with them is I live in Texas where they are based so I have to pay sales tax

).

 

[Daneel]

I have been lurking in the forums here at PS and for the most part there is not too much talk bout BN. The main difference between BN and WF is that BN is a "drop shipper" which means that nobody physically inspects the diamond before it is sent out. Whereas, at WF there can be more of a discussion regarding what qualities a particular stone possesses or lacks which will be verified by a WF agent before being sent to you.

Also BN only provides a copy of the certificate for the stone. Though these list a lot of information including Ct/Cut/Color/Clarity as well as info regarding Fluorescence and a detailed map of the diamond''s dimension and inclusions.

I found that BN offered more competitive pricing than WF, albeit you are provided with less information. Having said this, I thought BN had a better interface for searching their inventory and it proved very easy to compare diamond data side by side. The settings selection was much better on WF.

I made my purchase on BN and was happy with the diamond I received. It is now with the appraiser so I will have more info regarding "value" once that process is completed.

Hope my comments are helpful.

 

[BB2]

I am in a similar boat. I''ve been looking at diamonds from both sites as well as James Allen. The good news is that they all have great return policies so the buying experience should be worry free. Let us know who you decide to go with.

 

[xander8888]

UnionDiamond has been great. I'm very close to purchasing an Asscher and setting from them. Top notch customer service from Leah. Very patient, willing to send many images, no pressure. All around great experience so far. Hope their ongoing customer service is as good if I decide to buy it. Only negative is no ASET image available but with the 30 day return policy it's ok.

 

[neatfreak]

Whiteflash hands down. But there ARE other vendors if you are from TX and want to avoid tax (although you are supposed to pay it on out of state purchases too).

Have you checked out Good Old Gold? Or High Performance Diamonds? Both would be great choices.

 

[DenLogal]

Thank you all for the input!!!!

 

[beach]

I have a stone from WF and BN and they are both great cuts. You just need to know what to look for. Regardless of where you go you should always get an independent appraisal. Both WF and BN have issues just like any other store so do not assume that all because you go somewhere issues cannot or will not arise... The idea that BN has bad diamonds is not true at all and I think that many people here send that message to new people. You just need to get more info and they have a nice return policy which allows you to get an independent appraisal. Their prices are often less too so if you find a nice diamond you can really save. WF is great too and they provide alot of info that BN does not but they are not perfect either... Go where you feel comfortable.

 

[Abril]

I''m a do-it-yourselfer. This is what I would do:

Search the diamond selections at both, get the HCA score <2-2.5, and go for whichever vendor is cheaper. You''ll get a great diamond most of the time this way. If not, take advantage of the liberal return policy. By not providing the ASET and IS images, BN might be able to save you some money.

 

[musey]

Just based on their customer satisfaction history as I know it from pricescope: WHITEFLASH, easy.