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Q&A: Getting a Brian Gavin’s Extremely Brilliant Diamond on a $15k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Good evening,

I’ve been doing some research about engagement rings, but I was hoping I could contact you for more in-depth advice. I would also be interested in any suggestions you have on specific diamonds. I’ve looked at all of the websites you mention here, but there are so many to choose from and it’s a bit overwhelming.

If you offer this kind of service please email me and I can provide you with more specifics concerning size, type, and budget.

If you want me to make some specific recommendations, can you please tell me what setting style (solitaire/pave/side stones/halo) and metal (white gold/rose gold/yellow gold/platinum) you’re planning to go with? Different colors suit different setting styles better (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/).

Do you have a ballpark budget in mind? What shape do you like? This info will help me set the right search parameters. Then I’ll gladly send you some suggestions.

I am looking for a round brilliant stone in a solitaire setting with four prongs. My girlfriend keeps going back and forth on white gold vs. platinum, but I can have that finalized this coming week (along with her size). In terms of the diamond, sparkle is most important to her. For color, I know she wants to avoid anything with yellow (or any other color) tint. My total budget is between 13k and 15k.

Here are some diamonds you may like:
Blue Nile LD12129131

Blue Nile LD12924224

Blue Nile LD12192167

Blue Nile LD12856782

If you’re looking for a truly spectacular diamond, Brian Gavin Diamonds is the way to go. Brian Gavin is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds (https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/brian-gavin/). They focus on each aspect of the stone, therefore, all their diamonds are extremely brilliant. Here are some perfect options:

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.528-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104106086133?a_aid=y

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.512-h-si2-round-diamond-ags-104093051006?a_aid=y

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.534-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-cbl-104107285035?a_aid=y

Regarding the metal, it’s up to you if you choose platinum or white gold. You’ll need to maintain both metals. As our article says (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/), the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. But there is one advantage of platinum – it’s hypoallergenic. Regarding 14k vs.18k gold, I can just say that 14k gold should be more durable and resistant to the tarnishing than 18k gold.

I’m pretty sure this is the one:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.512-h-si2-round-diamond-ags-104093051006?a_aid=y

Just out of curiosity, can you tell me a little bit about fluorescence? I like this one also, but I still think I like the one above the best.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.534-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-cbl-104107285035?a_aid=y

I’m also a little worried that my top choice might get sold – one of the BN diamonds you sent is already gone. I’m very busy with work today. Should I call BGD tomorrow and ask for a 24 hour hold?

Well, good diamonds get sold quickly. Of course, you can call them or contact via live chat and they might reserve it for you.

If you want, you can read some info about their Blue Collection (https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/). The medium fluorescence is a slight bonus in case of J-H colored diamonds, it helps them look a tad whiter. We have an article about this topic: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/. Both are perfect choices. BGD is a niche market for people who want extremely brilliant diamonds. It’s worth paying the premium if that is what you’re looking for.

Thanks. They’re holding the diamond for me until tomorrow. I’m calling them in the morning to make the purchase. I’ll keep you posted.

That’s great news! I’ll be awaiting your message.

I’m all set! Paid and should have the ring next week. Thank you so much for all of your help – I would have been lost without you.

That’s wonderful news! It was my pleasure helping you.

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
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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
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