I have a 7 stone u-prong from ID Jewelry and the only real difference I can see is that mine is a little more swoopy where
the shank meets the end stones and BGD is more straight.
Here is my 7 stone. You can see a slight curve where the shank meets the first stone (upper left corner of picture).
BGD 5 stone is straight where shank meets first stone.
Really, the bigger deal is what level of stones you are looking for and your budget. BGD will be Super Ideal branded stones with certs (depending
on size) and Id Jewelry will be non-branded stones with GIA certs. Unless you are looking for smaller carat weight...BGD will still be better stones.
However, depending on your budget IDJ provides really nice PS quality stones (more bang for your dollar).
Hopefully someone with an Id Jewelry 5 stone will come a long and point out the differences they see in the setting.
I would like to get a 2ct 5 stone U prong ring. Can someone please tell me what the difference is between Brian's branded stones, and ID's unbranded stones? Visually, would I be able to see a difference?
I have gotten a quote for these stones from ID:
All GIA Certified Triple Excellent
Rd: 0.41 E:VS1
RD: 0.42 E:VS2
RD: 0.42 E:VS1
RD:0.42 EVS1
RD: 0.41 D:VS2
And the following from Brian Gavin:
•Black by Brian Gavin 0.408 G VS2
•Black by Brian Gavin 0.403 G VS2
•Black by Brian Gavin 0.411 G VS2
•Black by Brian Gavin 0.412 G VS1
•Brian Gavin Signature H&A 0.417 H VS1
Do you ever think you might want to trade them in for bigger? WF has the best trade in policy. I dont think you would want to go much bigger
on your finger (we do have PSers with 2.5ctw 5 stones) but in the future you could trade in/up for say studs and a 3 stone or something like that.
Just something to consider.
I'm interested to read comments on this subject as well. Been after a 5 stone ring for awhile now. Though, my budget isn't quite as grand Maybe one day....
If you're color sensitive, I would be careful with the current lot you have for BGD. I had a band with their signature melee of much smaller size than yours, and I could see the tint compared to E/F melee I saw elsewhere. If it doesn't bother you, BGD cut is amazing and *consistent.*
I would not want to go bigger than 2 carats, nor do I think I would ever upgrade. I actuslly got my engagement ring from Whiteflash, which I love, but wanted to consider ID and Brian Gavin just to get a feel of another designers work.
Would you rank Whiteflashs ACA on par with Brian Gavin Black line?