Shop Together or Surprise Engagement? – Q&A Strong Blue Fluorescence Diamond

Q:

Hi Liz, I’m just starting my diamond search, doing a lot of reading and research on how to buy diamonds. I could use some help but the big question I’m dealing with right now is, if I should ask my GF what kind of rings she likes and shop with her for the stone and ring or surprise her with one?

On one hand, a surprise sounds great but I don’t want to buy something she doesn’t like, whereas if I told her, she could choose what she liked but there would be no surprise.  That’s my quandary right now and I’ve been thinking about it for the last 2 weeks.

A couple of questions for you though:

1. Since a “Hearts and Arrows” cut is a certain cut for a round brilliant diamond, how does a H&A cut compare to a regular excellent/ideal cut round brilliant in terms of brilliance?  Would one out shine the other if their ratings were the same except for the cut (H&A vs ex or ideal)?
2. Fluorescence, good or bad?  Most of the literature I’ve read says that they cause higher quality diamonds to look cloudy but lower quality diamonds to look clearer.  I went into a few jewelry shops and was advised against purchasing a diamond with high fluorescence but then I read the Brian Gavin Blue webpage and he claims to have blue diamonds with no negative qualities?  Sales gimmick?  Marketing/advertising?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Magnus

A:

Hi Magnus,

Every guy in your situation thinks about the same thing. It really depends on your relationship as well as your GF. Have you guys ever talked about marriage before? Has she even “hinted” at all about what kind of engagement ring she’d like? Is she a girly girl that has lots of accessories and different kinds of jewelry? All of these questions should help you figure out if you should get some insight from her or not. Many guys go ahead and purchase the diamond and propose with a temporary setting and then go shopping together for the setting which is yet another option.

Hearts and Arrows cut refers to optical symmetry within the facet structure. A hearts and arrows diamond is a more precise cut stone. There are noticeable “arrows” with these diamonds and many people appreciate the increased light reflection and contrast these diamonds possess. Of course no diamond is the same and all are cut to infinitesimal differences, however with that being said, hearts and arrows diamonds offer the most consistent brilliance and light reflection along with contrast. There are ideal cut diamonds that offer maximum brilliance that aren’t hearts and arrows. The only way you’d be able to ascertain this is buy seeing the diamond’s ASET or ideal-scope image.

Fluorescence is a characteristic of a diamond and that’s all it is. Some people like it and some people don’t. Basically, if a diamond has fluorescence it means that it’s atomic properties are such that when UV light is reflected inside the diamond, the diamond fluoresces a color (most often blue). So, in natural daylight you may see a slight “blueish” sheen when looking at the diamond and of course in black lights (night club) it will shine various strengths of blue. These diamonds are sold a bit cheaper than diamonds that don’t have fluorescence so you can save a bit of cash if you go for these.

Diamonds can appear cloudy if they have very strong blue fluorescence, but not all of them do. Brian Gavin’s Blue collection have all been hand selected by him so they are all safe. And yes, a lower color grade diamond when paired with medium to strong blue fluorescence can appear “whiter” because the blue cancels out the yellow tones. Many people that want to maximize carat weight go for a K or L colored diamond that has strong blue fluorescence and are very happy with their choice.

Let me know when you are ready to search and I’ll be happy to offer some more advice. 🙂

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thanks for your advice. I have decided that I’m going to surprise her with a ring!

I have chosen Brian Gavin’s Blue line after doing some research both online and in the retail shops in my area because it is the Hearts and Arrows cut but at a competitive price point because of its fluorescence.  I’ve read that some fluorescent diamonds may look cloudy but according to Brian Gavin’s website, their Blue line has no negative qualities that are usually associated with fluorescent diamonds.

I’ve also read that there is a price jump at the 1 carat mark so was thinking of getting a diamond in the 0.90-0.99 range to take advantage of this.  Unfortunately diamonds in that range are few and far between on Gavin’s website.  I found a 0.926 Signature Blue Round but was sold after seeing it for less than a week online.  I need the ring in a few weeks so I have to make a decision soon.

Today, I found a new listing on Gavin’s site for a 0.910 Signature Blue Round.  I was hoping you could take a look at the stone and critique it.  If you think it’s lacking for any reason could you possibly suggest some replacements?

I was hoping to spend between $5-10K total and I’ve tentatively picked out the Classic Truth Sleek Micro Pave setting.  My GF’s hands are on the smaller side with a ring size of 5.5-6 and she works at an office job.  I’d definitely want the stone to be eye-clean.  Please let me know if there’s any other information you need.  Thank you!

Magnus

A:

Hi Magnus,

Good to hear from you. Are you talking about this diamond?: https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.910-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104063219025

A .910ct, G-color, SI-1 clarity strong blue fluorescence diamond from Brian Gavin Diamonds.

This diamond has strong blue fluorescence but very nice proportions (as usual with all of Brian’s stones). I like the fact that the size in mm is 6.23×6.25. This will be a very nice sized diamond and your fiance will never be able to tell the size difference from a comparable super-ideal 1.00ct (typically well cut 1.00ct diamonds are around 6.45-6.55 in mm, so your diamond is about 2/10ths of mm in size difference, hardly noticeable!) The AGS report looks very good, the inclusions will not be visible. I’ve attached a better copy pulled from AGS’s diamond verification query in case you wanted to see a better copy.

I think your selection on Brian’s Truth Micro-Pave ring would look great with this diamond too.

Overall, I think your strong blue fluorescence diamond is lovely. And you are right, those specs go pretty fast…so if you know that this is the diamond for you, I’d definitely tell them to put it on hold for you!

Let me know if you have anymore questions. I’m happy to help.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Thank you Liz.  I’m currently speaking with Brian Gavin’s people regarding it. You’ve been a great help!

Magnus