We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Choosing an Diamond from Brian Gavin for a Solitaire Setting Within a $7k-$10k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

Looking to buy a diamond engagement ring to propose to my girlfriend at the end of next month. I know very little about diamonds (probably like most men) but here is my starting point:

Looking to spend between $7K – $10K.
Want 1 carat.
Don’t want any diamonds on the bands, just a simple band.
Looking for something timeless, simple, and classy.

If you want something truly impressive, yet very elegant and simple, I recommend Brian Gavin’s collection.
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.047-j-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104067957015?a_aid=y

www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14?a_aid=y

Brian Gavin is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. BGD’s Signature diamonds are truly fantastic. They are all incredibly brilliant.
I also chose the six prong solitaire (close to the classic Tiffany style) for the elegant look you like.

Let me know what you think.

Thank you for the quick response.

I’ve been reading up on Brian Gavin online and it seems like he is the real deal so I’m eager to move forward with one of his diamonds. I also really like the options you sent. Here are a few follow up questions for you.

1.) Can you explain the Cut Grade metric to me? What is difference between Ideal and Advanced Ideal? It seems like most of the Advanced Ideal Diamonds I click on on their site are unavailable.

2.) How does the fitting of the ring work? Could I send them one of my GF’s rings to match or do I need to get a specific measurement?

3.) What are your thoughts on the Princess shape?

4.) What’s the difference between VS1 and VVS2 clarity?

1) Do you mean their Signature Advance Selection? If so, those diamonds are all available.

2) There is a lot of ring sizers available online. If you have her current ring, then you can find out the size online. Just google ring sizers and pick one of the sites.

3) Princess cut is beautiful if you like the sharp edges on a diamond. It’s more about personal taste.

4) There doesn’t have to be a big difference. As long as the diamond is eye-clean, is can be even lower.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/

Can you send me a link to a similar diamond from the Signature Advance Selection? Also, could you maybe just explain to me a bit more about what the cut levels mean? Is Ideal good?

The Signature Advance selection contains diamonds that are still in the finalizing cutting stage. When you order a stone from there, they complete the cutting and then it’s sent to AGS for final grading. However, it can take a min. of 3-5 weeks. So if you’re in a hurry, it’s not the best solution for you. Moreover, they don’t have that many diamonds there and none of the largest options I found there (around 0.90ct) isn’t as big as the one I already sent you.
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-signature-advance-selection?a_aid=y

Ideal cut is the highest cut grade you can get. And especially with Brian Gavin, you don’t have to worry about this at all.

Ahh ok. Thank you! I’ll be ordering a diamond in the next week. Just going to figure out ring size now.

Excellent. Let me know how it goes.

Could you do one more thing for me. Could you recommend some 2 carat diamonds as well? I’m now trying to figure out if I should go that route or not.

I ended up buying my ring from Brian Gavin, thank you!

Great news. Let me know how the diamond looks when you receive it.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
Arrow down
Arrow up
Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.