After several decades, I finally discovered that platinum was the only thing I was NOT allergic to. So, I purchased a nice pair of diamond studs set in platinum. That was 15 years ago, and I recently lost one. So I am now researching and educating myself on diamonds before purchasing another pair. I have found your reviews very helpful.
I am looking for maximum brilliance and sparkle.
Can you please tell me the difference between:
1)James Allen True Hearts
2) Brian Gavin Signature Hearts & Arrows
3) Blue Nile Signature
Or are all 3 considered “equal”?
They are not. Brian Gavin diamonds are truly amazing and they give you the most brilliance possible. Brian Gavin is very strict about the diamond cutting and doesn’t let any bad diamond to slip through. If you want the best look possible, I’d go that route.
I have been looking at diamonds, and settings, and also tried on some earrings at a local retail jeweler to get an idea of what size I want. I tried on 3/4 ctw, and thought they were a little too small. I tried on 1 ctw, and thought that they were about as big as I wanted to go. So, I guess that would give me a range of around 0.85 or 0.9 to just over 1 ctw to search.
I found this setting that I really like on James Allen:
www.jamesallen.com/fine-jewelry/design-your-own-studs/platinum-pair-of-scallop-basket-diamond-earrings-mounting-item-56090?a_aid=dmnd1357
And this very similar setting on Brian Gavin:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-earrings/studs/six-prong-studs-platinum-6016p/?build=earring?a_aid=y
The setting has to be platinum due to allergies to other metals. I didn’t know if it would be a big hassle or expense to purchase the setting from one and the diamonds from the other?
I pretty much have my heart set on Brian Gavin Signature, from all the great things I have read about them, but am not completely closed to other suggestions. I would consider the Brian Gavin Blue but I would like to know a little more about them. When exactly would they appear blue? In natural sunlight? Fluorescent lighting? I placed a few matched pairs in my “wish list” on the Brian Gavin site, and was amazed that they were gone so fast.
I do not need to buy them today or even next week. Finding “my” perfect diamonds is more important that finding them fast. My price range is $3000-$4200. I could possible go a little higher for something really extraordinary.
I don’t know about color/clarity – I will leave that to you. I want “knock your socks off” sparkle and brilliance, to the naked eye. No one is going to be looking at these through a loop.
Thank you for your help.
It’s not worth it to buy the setting from one company and diamonds from the other. You want the warranty to be complete and if you purchase them separately, you might not get it.
I understand that finding the perfect diamonds is more important. And, I’m going to repeat myself, any diamonds you choose from BGD will be just like that. They are selling stones fast because people know that they are getting quality.
For now, you can read more about their Blue Collection here:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/?a_aid=y
I am looking at a couple sets of Brian Gavin diamonds, and would like to know what you think of them.
AGS-104091555028
AGS-104091555026
BFG-22533
BFG-22535
The first set looks incredible. They match perfectly and both are eye-clean.
I can’t find the second pair. Are you sure you sent me the right numbers?
I had both sets in my wishlist. The second set is gone – not even showing in my wishlist anymore.
……
I have another pair of diamonds that I would like you to look at and compare to the first set. I will be ready to purchase soon based on your recommendations.
First set
AGS-104091555028 0.506 I VS2 $3186
AGS-104091555026 0.503 H SI1
Second set
AGS-104091064038 0.513 I SI1 $3039
AGS-104091555026 0.503 H SI1
……
Sorry for so many fragmented emails. Could these two be put together as a matched pair?
AGS-104091064038 0.513 I SI1 $2957
AGS-104091555028 0.506 I VS2
I saw the other pair as well. I don’t like the inclusion on the last diamond.
I like this combination the most:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.513-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104091064038?a_aid=y
They match perfectly and the price is also terrific. The color isn’t the same, but because they are both super ideal cut, it’s not an issue. I double checked with Brian Gavin and they told me the same. They are also willing to take a photo of those two for you to see that there will be no color difference.
If you wish to receive them, contact their customer service people. They will be more than happy to help.
I made my decision and sent payment to Brian Gavin this morning. I chose the 0.513 I SI1 and the 0.503 H SI1 that you recommended. That was the easy part. The hard part for me was choosing the setting. I finally decided on the truth stud setting in platinum with la pousette backs:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-earrings/studs/truth-studs-platinum-5773p?a_aid=y
I can’t wait to see them! Thank you for your help! Jamie at BG was very helpful, as well.
That’s great news! I’m glad that everything went smooth. The setting looks amazing.
Let me know how you like them when you receive them.
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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