Blue Nile Diamonds vs. Brian Gavin Diamonds

Q:

Hi Liz,

You’re amazing! I bought a used (looks brand new) Tacori Reverse Crescent ring (HT 2515 RD 7) that takes a round diamond between 6.8mm and 7.2mm. I was hoping to spend $5000 for a center stone to replace the CZ, but was wondering if I should take the leap and on this Brian Gavin diamond. I only have a 24hr hold, so your advice is much appreciated! =)

1.255ct ‘Brian Gavin Blue’ from Brian Gavin Diamonds

Brian Gavin ID BLAGS-104087126021
AGS # 104087126021
Link: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.255-j-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104087126021

Tacori ring:
http://www.since1910.com/tacori-ht2515-channelset-and-pave-round-diamond-engagement-ring

Thanks,

Will

A:

Hello Will,

First of all, you have great taste! I absolutely love the Tacori channel set and pave e-ring you have chosen. Very classy, and will show off the center stone well.

The 1.25ct J VS1 for $6,931.00: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.255-j-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104087126021

is a fantastic diamond for so many reasons. First, of course the diamond has perfect optical symmetry which offers the highest amount of virtual facets (translation = sparkle/bling). A ‘J’ color paired with strong blue fluorescence will make the diamond appear whiter (as the slight warmth of the J will be canceled with the fluorescence).

The diamond measures 6.94×6.96mm which would fit perfect in your chosen setting; no problem there. The pairing of this diamond and that setting will be super stunning. I definitely think BGD is worth the extra price as they are the very best in top diamond quality (top 1% of all diamonds cut); plus he’s a 5th generation diamond cutter! I love that about them!

Definitely go for it! Let me know if you have any last minute questions (I’m away from my desk for two hours after sending this to you), but I’ll be sure to reply today if you need anything else from me to make sure you are 100% confident. 😉

Oh, and I have included my referral code in the link for the diamond above. May I ask that you please click this before you purchase so that BGD knows that I’ve helped/assisted you? This is how I’m able to offer prompt service and free consultations. Thank you in advance!

Talk soon.

Best,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you, I’m glad you like that ring! I will definitely use the referral code, too. Sounds like this diamond checks out, that’s great news. I was hoping the florescence would help because the G diamonds on the Tacori ring are quite white. My other two options are:

1) Roll the dice and go with these three blue nile diamonds:

a) Stock # LD07322413 and GIA # 1229985443 for $4805 (they said it has no body color)

b) Stock # LD07116869 and GIA # 2226447005 for $5028 (they are checking to see if it’s eye-clean)

c) Stock # LD07226580 and AGS # 104085336009 for $7541 (could this really be better than the Brian Gavin?)

2) Have you suggest another diamond from another retailer (Ritani, etc).

Thanks again!

Will

A:

Hi Ryan,

Ok, so taking a look at your blue nile diamonds and their GIA report proportions….

– 1.30ct J VS2 (LD07322413) – Definitely not! The proportions are all wonky on this one, with the depth being too deep and the pavilion angle being too wide. The math doesn’t work out (with or without pictures). Also there are crystal inclusions directly under the main table facet. It may or may not be eye-clean (cannot confirm without images).

– 1.30ct J SI1 (LD07116869) – This diamond’s proportions are much better. I’m concerned with the clarity grade – so it’s great that you’ve already asked Blue Nile to confirm whether it is eye-clean or not. Also, it does have strong blue fluorescence which they will also need to confirm that it doesn’t cause the diamond to have a milky/oily appearance. Some strong blue fluorescent diamonds do have this feature as a concern (note, not BGD’s ‘Blue’ Signature diamonds, as these have all been handpicked and specifically chosen to not showcase this negative feature).

If the diamond checks out, here’s my link: http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07116869 (embedded)

– 1.22ct I VS1 (LD07226580) – Gorgeous!!! ;-D I love this one – AGS confirms that the ASET is perfect, cut grade is triple 0 ideal, and nothing to worry about with the clarity. In this case, the GCAL report has images of the hearts and arrows pattern. We can confirm that this diamond is indeed a super ideal heart and arrows diamond. Therefore, as it’s being sold for $7,541.00, you are essentially getting a bump in color grade for nearly the same price as the alternative BGD stone.

Here’s my link: http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD07226580 (embedded)

So, if it were me, my top two would be the BGD or the 1.22ct I VS1.

Let me know what you think about the above and if you have any questions!

Best,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you for your review of the blue nile diamonds and your great advice. My decision just got easier after I expressed my concerns to Brian Gavin about how the strong florescence will look in the daylight, the fact that I’m choosing a J color to set into such a white ring.

Yay!!! We did it, we found the one! A huge thank you for your time and your expertise once again. This ring is going to be the perfect 10-yr replacement / anniversary gift.

Thanks again for your help, now go help more people out there!

Will