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Great website. I found it very useful in researching the diamond buying process.
I am looking to purchase a cushion cut diamond, around 1 carat and would like to keep the cost around $7,000 (USD). I have read your website and am thinking that the Signature series from Brian Gavin could be a good option. If I were to purchase a Brian Gavin Signature diamond would you still suggest that I purchase a cushion cut diamond that is “H” or above in terms of color, or would “J” be acceptable? Would it be better to purchase a non-signature series diamond with better grade in terms of the color and avoid the signature series with the “J” color grade? Any advice would be much appreciated. Additionally, if you have any other suggestions in terms of comparable quality diamonds from other retailers such as Blue Nile or James Allen I would love to hear them.
Thanks for the help!
If an extraordinary brilliance is what you’re looking for then I I’d suggest Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows. That’s exactly what they focus on and you can be sure that you’ll receive the best of diamonds. Not only do these conform to the strictest of cut parameters, but Brian himself selects them for optimal brilliance. Brian Gavin is known as one of the worlds experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. If you want to spend extra on their cut, it’s a great way to go.
Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use? It will help me to decide about the color grade. But I wouldn’t go with J. A J color cushion cut will have a warm tint in any style of settings.
Thanks for the reply.
I would be putting it a pave style platinum setting, similar to a Tiffany Novo.
Thank you for the information. Then I’d stick with the H+ color grade. To make sure that the stone is colorless especially in a pave style setting.
Have a look at these diamonds:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2212144?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are both very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless. And we’ve had great experiences with JA.
As I mentioned in my last email, Brian Gavin offers diamonds with an extraordinary brilliance. At the same time, you pay extra for this quality. We would have to sacrifice size if you want to see a stone from their side within the budget you mentioned.
Let me know what you think.
Those look good. SKU 2212144 looks a bit elongated and yellow to my eye. What do you think of the diamond below?
Also, what is your opinion regarding the quality of the settings that the various companies produce? Provided they are in the same price range, are any noticeably better?
Thanks.
……
I have a few other options from James Allen that look good to me. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on which of these look best from a value stand point. Thanks for all your help.
I sent you a square as well as rectangular shape stone on purpose. I wanted to know which of them is your favorite.
The stones you sent have great overall specifications. The only issue is with the G color 1.01. I’m afraid that the inclusion right on the table will be eye-visible.
At the same time, I don’t see a reason it’s worth paying extra for these stones. The H color I sent you is colorless and eye-clean. That’s why I’d stick with my suggestion. If you want to spend more, I suggest going for a bigger stone.
Let me know what you decide.
Thanks. Do you have any recommendations for larger stones that are priced similarly to those I sent you last night?
Have a look at this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.22-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2212351?a_aid=dmnd1357
This would be a perfect option around this price range.
What do you think?
That’s looks great. However, I phoned James Allen and it’s in India and wouldn’t get here in time to be set in a ring for when I need it. Any other options that could arrive sooner? I’m also considering one of the two 1ct. Brian Gavin signature cushion cuts. They look eye clean to me but could you give me your opinion.
Thanks for all your help.
I didn’t find a bigger carat and eye-clean stone that would arrive in time. I’d stick with my first suggestion:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2378995?a_aid=dmnd1357
Did you find any stones form BGD that you like in particular? If so, can you send me their link? I’ll be happy to comment on them.
The stones from BGD I was considering were as follows.
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-e-si1-cushion-diamond-ags-104083556022&a_aid=y
Thanks.
I’m afraid that both diamond have eye-visible inclusions right on the table. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend purchasing them.
I found one more diamond for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.05-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1765901?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s beautifully cut and it’s bigger than the other stone.
What do you think of this one?
Thanks for all your help Joy. I really appreciate it. I went with the diamond you suggested below. I hope it looks good in the setting I chose. I used this email address to purchase it at James Allen.
That’s fantastic news! It was my pleasure helping you. I’m happy to hear that we found what you were looking for.
Let me know how you like the ring once it arrives.
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
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
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