Hi,
I am looking for a special engagement ring. I am thinking a platinum ring with a round diamond in a solitaire with possibly a pave.
I am most interested in enduring quality and classic beauty – neither my girl nor I would go for something trendy. I have been looking at James Allen and Brian Gavin but the choice is overwhelming!
I have been doing my homework on the Cs, but am not sure how to prioritize. With infinite money, you just dial up everything – easy! I can probably spend up to 10k USD on the diamond, but for this I would have to be in love with it.
Based on reading a lot of what you’ve written, I am already convinced that Cut is probably the most important – I have included Brian Gavin based on your consistent recommendation that his cuts are exceptional.
But with a platinum ring, what should I prioritize next? Which of the others Cs would you trade off? Perhaps I can do more carats with the other Cs set right…
Thanks so much.
If you’re putting the diamond into a pave setting, the diamond should have a color of “I” or higher. As for the clarity, as long as a stone is eye-clean, SI2+ is absolutely perfect.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/
If your focus is on cut, Brian Gavin really is the way to go. Look at this diamond:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.081-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104092458046?a_aid=y
It’s eye-clean and it would look with a great fire and brilliance.
If you decide to put it into a solitaire setting with no pave, this diamond would be perfect for it:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.047-j-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104067957015?a_aid=y
Let me know what you think.
Thanks for the reply.
I’ve been convinced against the pave, so will be going for a solitaire. The second diamond looks great, but I can probably spend a bit more (up to 10k)… Would you increase the carats or improve the color or some other quality?
Thanks.
I would increase only carats. You wouldn’t benefit from a higher color in a solitaire setting.
This is the largest diamond I found:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.248-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104093051012?a_aid=y
The price is very similar to the 1.047ct I sent you earlier, but that’s because it’s from their Blue collection. They’re using fluorescence to help the diamond look slightly whiter: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavins-blue-diamonds-with-fluorescence/
It’s the perfect choice for getting a larger diamond for slightly less money.
What do you think?
Yes, looking at Brian Gavin, the next size up in carats is a big leap in price… It’s a shame that don’t have something in between. Am I better off looking at James Allen True Hearts or Blue Nile Signature? There seems to be a few more options.
I had a quick look at JA and it looks like I could get 1.5ct+, especially if I stretch the budget to 11 or 12k, which is possible. What would you recommend?
Thanks again.
You can’t compare Brian Gavin with JA’s True Hearts or BN’s Signature cut. Those aren’t even in the same ballpark. If you decide to go with JA or BN, I wouldn’t bother with their “special” cuts. They aren’t worth the premium these companies charge for them.
If the decision was up to me and the cut was the factor I cared the most about, I’d rather go with a smaller, yet absolutely gorgeous diamond (i.e. BGD), than stretching the size for a cheaper option.
It’s up to you. JA and BN is a whole different category, but their diamonds look nice as well.
This would be my recommendation from JA:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2584070?a_aid=dmnd1357
I think we’re close! I understand and agree that quality beats quantity. So I have been looking at BG again and noticed what I think are new diamonds in my range, like this:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.068-g-vs1-round-diamond-bkags-104092228001?a_aid=y
What is your opinion on the Black range, and these diamonds in particular, and do they justify the extra cost on those you referenced previously?
Thanks once again!
The cut is definitely worth the premium they are charging. The question is the improvement in color. If you feel comfortable (and you know that you would appreciate it) with getting the higher color grade, then they are an excellent choice. But if you feel like color isn’t what concerns you that much (as I explain that for a solitaire setting, you don’t have to aim that high in color), I’d stick with their regulars or the blue collection.
Hi,
Just to let you know that we just bought a diamond from Brian Gavin. Thanks very much for your help.
……
Sorry, one more thing!
We selected this diamond:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.406-j-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104093735051?a_aid=y
We are not beyond cancelling or returning it… Can you give an opinion of it??
Thanks!
Thanks for letting me know.
The diamond looks beautiful. The medium fluorescence is helping the color a little, which is great and the cut is obviously fantastic. It’s also eye-clean. It seems to meet everything needed.
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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