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First off, thank you for the extensive in-depth education on diamonds. I feel that I have learned the most from your site. I have chosen a 6 prong 2.0 mm solitaire setting from James Allen. I am having difficulty choosing the stone. My budget is $13,000 for the stone with carat ranging from 1.3-2.0. I know the 4C’s in order go from cut, color, clarity, carat. My question is: are the exclusive signature cuts (JA true hearts, BGD signature hearts & arrows, BN signature ideal) better to spend more of the budget on than color and clarity? I was aiming for G-up and SI1-up but I realize these are not realistic expectations.
For example, what would be a better buy? a JA 1.7 F SI1 excellent cut or a similar priced BGD Hearts & Arrows 1.51 I VS2 ? Are the “exclusive” cuts worth sacrificing color and clarity? Are the brilliance and fire that prominent compared to excellent or ideal cuts?
If possible, please suggest some stones! Thank you in advance and again for your informative website.
Mike wrote this article where he explains what we think about True Hearts and Signature Cuts:
https://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 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.
And yes, I’d rather go for a slightly lower color grade and an extraordinary cut. As long as the stone looks colorless, I don’t see a reason for you to pay extra for the color grade. At the same time, your eye notices the brilliance of a beautifully cut stone.
Have a look at this diamond:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.524-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104095011011?a_aid=y
What do you think?
Thank you for replying to my inquiry. The diamond you quoted looks like a very viable option for me.
I plan on buying the setting from James Allen and the diamond from Brian Gavin. What would be the best way to get the ring set?
Thank you for your help.
……
One more question. I really like the setting from James Allen:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-presentation-solitaire-six-prong-item-7989?a_aid=dmnd1357
but I don’t seem to find a similar setting from Brian Gavin. I prefer to have the setting and diamond from the same place for future maintenance and problem solving simplicity. Have you heard of any problems with settings and diamonds from different sources causing problems? Would I be better off finding a local third party to set the stone? I’ve been reading that some of James Allen’s settings are sometimes not built well and require repair, can you comment on this?
Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
As for the settings, we usually recommend purchasing both, the stone as well as the setting, from the same company. It’s easier for you in terms of shipping and possible repairs, returns and maintenance.
I suggest contacting BGD directly. I can’t speak for them but they might be able to find a solution.
I found this style of setting on their site:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/melanie-platinum-5374p?a_aid=y
It looks similar to the one from JA. But I can see that there are certain differences you might not like.
In case you don’t find anything on BGD, I suggest contacting one of your local jewelers.
Keep me posted, please.
Thank you for your suggestion. I’ve decided to go with a different setting and have the Brian Gavin stone set by a local jeweler.
Thank you for all your help.
My pleasure helping you.
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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