I’ve been reading through your educational articles, and I think I’ve been learning a lot. I’m shopping for a round cut stone. My budget is up to $5,000. Based on that, I’ve been looking at stones between 0.80 and 0.90 carats (but would be happy to find something up to 1 carat).
I’ve found a stone on James Allen, but I’m not sure that it’s the best bang for my buck. Hoping you can help and tell me if I could do better. The stone I am looking at is SKU: 3465922 on James Allen.
I’ve looked through Blue Nile – I’ve bought from them before, and would be happy to do so again, but their pricing seems higher for comparable quality, than James Allen. Also checked out Brian Gavin, but his prices also seem out of my budget range for similar size/quality.
What do you think?
As much as we love James Allen, we don’t really pay attention to their Hearts and Arrows cut as we don’t find them consistently more brilliant than our own selection.
www.diamonds.pro/education/hearts-and-arrows
If an extraordinary brilliance is what you’re looking for, then I 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 world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. Their stones are noticeably more brilliant than the selection from JA or BN. It just depends whether you prefer size over brilliance or vice versa.
What style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use? Different settings suit certain colors better. Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.
I appreciate your help. I’m planning to use a white gold setting. I’m not certain yet between solitaire or halo. Originally, I had been comparing two smaller (0.82 carat) stones from James Allen in a halo setting, but may go with solitaire:
1st Stone:
SKU: 3481241
2nd Stone:
SKU: 3465922
However, based on your comments about the James Allen “True Hearts” vs. the Brian Gavin Signature, I revisited my selections and am considering a Brian Gavin stone, of larger size, but lower color rating. This stone is characterized as a blue, although the described “medium blue” fluorescence is similar to that of the first James Allen stone. Honestly, I’m a bit confused by the fluorescence rating. I would love to be able to afford a larger stone, but not at the expense wow-factor.
3rd Stone: BLAGS-104095241005
As you mentioned, medium fluorescence on a D color is an issue. It can cause a hazy look. That’s why I don’t recommend purchasing this one.
The other stone is beautiful with great overall specs. At the same time, I’d also suggest going for a BGD diamond if brilliance is your main goal. If you decide for a halo setting, I suggest purchasing an H+ color grade:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.821-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104093583035?a_aid=y
If you go for a solitaire then I suggest looking at an I or J color grade:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.817-i-vs2-78-diamond-active-104092974037?a_aid=y
What do you think?
Just wanted to follow up and thank you again for your help. I went with a stone/setting from the Brian Gavin Blue collection, and she LOVES it!
That’s fantastic news!
It was my pleasure helping you. And I’m very pleased to hear that your partner loves it!
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
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
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
