ODBA Reader Orders Custom Jewelry From Brian Gavin Diamonds

Q:

Hi Liz,

I am looking for a ring like the one you can see at the following address: http://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Pave/Ruby-and-Pave-Engagement-Setting/18KYellowGold/1480

Not sure what Adiamor is using for rubies and diamonds. One Jeweler has already tried to sell me a Forevermark but after reading reviews I am reluctant to go that way. I have seen several excellent reviews (including yours) about the Brian Gavin hearts and arrows signature diamond. I originally was thinking of a heart cut diamond but now wondering if a round or cushion cut (Brian Gavin) would be better?? If purchasing a diamond online, how would I get it into a setting? Would I buy the setting separately and have a jeweler set it?? If going with Brian Gavin, could they replicate the setting in the address above?? Help!

Thanks,

Terry

Custom E-Rings – Start With A Diamond, Choose a Setting, Tweak As Necessary

A:

Hi Terry,

I love the ring you have chosen, it is very beautiful. In terms of diamond shape; ‘better’ really doesn’t exist. It’s simply a matter of personal preference. However, as your setting has round accented melee diamonds and round rubies, it would look aesthetically pleasing to compliment the setting with a round brilliant diamond; though any shape would be fine.

My recommendation would be to start with a loose diamond first. BGD has stunningly perfect H&A diamonds that are all cut to show off maximum brilliance and fire resulting in gorgeous scintillation/sparkle. After you choose a suitable diamond, you may contact them about creating a custom ring similar to your Adiamor setting. This is a simple process so don’t be intimidated. The advantage to custom creating a ring is that you get to tweak the design even further; for example I would add ‘claw’ prongs to the center stone head instead of the bulky and traditional round prongs. The head holding the center stone can either be in platinum (as pictured) or in yellow gold. You can ask them to create a CAD mock-up showing both and you can decide which you prefer.

The ring setting will likely cost around $1,500 or so, leaving you with $3,500 for the loose diamond. For example, this .715ct I VS1 is a lovely option: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.715-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104077304088

So, this is where I would start. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Liz,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I’m curious, what was your reason for picking the diamond you listed below?? I have used your diamond search tool and see other Brian Gavin diamonds listed that might be suitable. Was it a certain combination of cut, color, clarity, price, etc.??

Thanks for your input,

Terry

A:

Hi Terry,

I chose that diamond as it offered a suitable color grade for your chosen setting with eye-clean clarity. Of course, you may choose a higher color grade for $1K more, but there would be no visible advantage to this as your ring is going to be set in yellow gold and the rubies next to the center stone will all reflect within the center stone giving it a warmer tonality. In other words, a ‘G’ diamond set in a yellow gold setting with rubies to accent will absorb some of the warmer color. Therefore, investing in an ‘I’ color still offers the same sparkle and white light reflection without spending an extra $1K

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Liz,

Thanks for your advice! I purchased the diamond that you recommended in the link and Brian Gavin Diamonds is currently working on the CAD mock-up for the setting. I had one last question. In your opinion, would it be any advantage to have the center stone setting done in platinum verses yellow gold (note: setting will be 18K yellow gold)?? I wasn’t sure if that would have any affect on the perceived color of the stone? I know from your previous email below that the rubies will already have some affect on the center stone.

Thanks for all your help,

Terry

A:

Hi Terry,

That is great news, congrats.

Platinum protects a diamond better than gold as it is more dense and doesn’t lose material over time. However, do not let this deter you as engagement rings require regular maintenance over the years anyway (check how tight the prongs are, polish off scratches, etc.). Therefore, it is more a preference of personal taste. There are many rings out there with a gold shank and platinum prongs. It’s actually rare now to see an entire ring made from gold. I think in your case either would look beautiful. I would ask BGD to create two CAD mock-ups; one with platinum prongs and one with gold so you can see how they visually look.

Let me know if you have any questions, or feel free to send me the CAD images and I’ll offer my personal opinion.

All the best,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you for checking up on my progress. I just received the CAD Tuesday and gave them the approval yesterday to go to casting. There was a hold-up on the rubies because they felt the ones they first ordered were not a good match. They reordered the rubies from a supplier who cuts the rubies like Brian Gavin Diamonds cuts their diamonds. They felt these would be a much better match.

I decided to go with the 18K yellow gold for the center stone prongs. The approximate ETA for completion of the ring is 2 weeks from today. I will be sure to let you know when I receive it and also send you a picture.

Just a note, I have been working with Catherine Pflughaupt at Brian Gavin Diamonds and she has been fantastic. She has been professional yet very friendly and helpful. I have e-mailed and talked with her many times as she guided me thru the whole process. She has kept me up to date on where they are in the process and why there were some delays. Based on the service I have received so far, I would not hesitate in dealing with them again.

Thanks so much for your help!

Terry

And A Few Weeks Later…

Q:

Liz,

Finally received the ring. The first 4 attachments are photos of the ring taken by Brian Gavin Diamonds and the 5th is one I took with my Iphone. BGD must filter the reflective light in order to better view the details of the ring. The ring sparkles so much (even in poor lighting) that the photo I took looks a little blurry.

Custom ruby ring from BGD with H&A .715ct I VS1 diamond, H&A rubies, and 18k gold claw prongs.

The photos probably don’t do it the justice it deserves. I gave this ring to my wife this morning as a 20th anniversary gift and she is thrilled with it. It looks unbelievably good on her. I couldn’t be happier with the great job BGD did in creating the ring. I owe all of this to you since you were the one that put me on the right track. I can’t thank you enough for all the great advice you gave me. It was a lucky day for me when I stumbled onto your ODBA site. Let me know your feed back once you have viewed the photos.

Thanks again,

Terry