What would be more aesthetically pleasing?

[DiamondStudent123]

Hi all,

I'm having a difficult time making a decision on a diamond/setting pair. My main concern is what would look nicer/prettier/not boring with a budget of ~$2500. I'm trying to pick what would be nicest on my girlfriend's hand, which is about a size 6-6.5, average sized girl's hand?? Most people tell me to "get what I think is nice" but I have no idea what looks nice or not nice sometimes when it comes to jewelry. I thought I'd come here to see what other people's opinions are who know their engagement rings!

The first pair has this diamond http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.503-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104072399040
and this setting http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14
The HCA score is 1.2 and the images seem to be pretty good. This is about the best diamond I can afford, but the setting is somewhat plain. I'm attracted to it because I know the sparkle would be top-notch! And I've heard amazing things about BGD.

The second pair has this diamond http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-436351
and this setting http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/james-allen-exclusive-engagement-ring-item-49519
The diamond says sold because I already bought it so I can see it in person. It hasn't shipped yet. The HCA score is 1.6 and has the attached images. I'm attracted to this one because the diamond is pretty good and has a setting with more to look at, but I don't like that I'm not getting the "best" diamond I can due to the cut not being as good as the BGD, as well as the color being a couple steps down.

Should I get the better BGD diamond with the plainer setting, or the not as precisely cut JA diamond with the setting that has more going on with it?!?! I'd appreciate your opinions to hopefully help move me in a direction that will make me satisfied with whatever I will get. This is one purchase I don't want to have regret on.

Please help! Thanks for reading!

 

[RockyRacoon]

Might I suggest this BG stone?

.585ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.585-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104072398129

Same color as the JA stone, larger than both, equally eye-clean, but about $400 less, which you could put into the setting.

You would then be able to afford this setting, with the same budget:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14

If you could up your budget a bit, you'd be able to get this setting, for only a couple hundred more than the JA option:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-valentine-micro-pave-1-18k-white-gold-5688w18

 

[Fancygems]

Definitely BGD can not go wrong with their signature diamonds and their workmanship, I would want the classic six prong setting with the plain shank as well.

 

[DiamondStudent123]

Might I suggest this BG stone?

.585ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.585-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104072398129

Same color as the JA stone, larger than both, equally eye-clean, but about $400 less, which you could put into the setting.

You would then be able to afford this setting, with the same budget:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14

If you could up your budget a bit, you'd be able to get this setting, for only a couple hundred more than the JA option:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-valentine-micro-pave-1-18k-white-gold-5688w18

Would the step down in clarity affect the visual performance very much? Or the hearts image which is not as symmetrical as the one that I posted? I don't mean to be so picky, but at the same time I do.

Thanks though. I feel I want to get a BGD so I'm carefully considering my options.

 

[tyty333]

Might I suggest this BG stone?

.585ct, H, SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.585-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-c-104072398129

Same color as the JA stone, larger than both, equally eye-clean, but about $400 less, which you could put into the setting.

You would then be able to afford this setting, with the same budget:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/ashleigh-14k-white-gold-5853w14

If you could up your budget a bit, you'd be able to get this setting, for only a couple hundred more than the JA option:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/the-valentine-micro-pave-1-18k-white-gold-5688w18

Would the step down in clarity affect the visual performance very much? Or the hearts image which is not as symmetrical as the one that I posted? I don't mean to be so picky, but at the same time I do.

Thanks though. I feel I want to get a BGD so I'm carefully considering my options.

I couldnt see where BGD is saying it's eye-clean but it looks like it could be. Ask BGD to be sure. The H&A difference will not make
a difference. Either of those settings that RR posted would make a lovely ring.

 

[Niel]

In my opinion the James Allen option is better The setting from James Allen is nicer than from Brian Gavin and the stones will hardly be distinguishabledistinguishable

However, I think you have other options tootoo

Let me look.

 

[DiamondStudent123]

BGD says the 0.585 is eye clean, shines bright and all that good stuff. That's great because the larger stone will look much better in a solitaire!

I think I may go ahead and get that to see it in real life as I haven't been able to find anything comparable. Thank you for your guys' input!

 

[RockyRacoon]

BGD says the 0.585 is eye clean, shines bright and all that good stuff. That's great because the larger stone will look much better in a solitaire!

I think I may go ahead and get that to see it in real life as I haven't been able to find anything comparable. Thank you for your guys' input!

No problem. Glad that one worked out!

I have purchased a similar size/spec stone from BGD and was very pleased with it.

 

[Niel]

BGD says the 0.585 is eye clean, shines bright and all that good stuff. That's great because the larger stone will look much better in a solitaire!

I think I may go ahead and get that to see it in real life as I haven't been able to find anything comparable. Thank you for your guys' input!

Exciting! I looked I didn't seen anything that amazing.