BGD or whiteflash for custom 5 stone?

[mjg]

The title pretty much says it all! Would you work with BGD or whiteflash for a custom 5 stone (1.5 tcw)? I'm sure they would both do lovely work, but I want to get some opinions! Assume the price difference is negligible. Thanks!

 

[flamingoezz]

I can't speak as to BGD, but I have a custom ring being cast as we speak, and I can say that I've been satisfied with WF overall. I had one hiccup where a person I was dealing with went on vacation, but it turns out she kept the process moving. I've had a billion questions and more than 1 change to the CAD and everyone at WF has been patient and answered questions with expertise without trying to up-sell me.

My ring isn't finalized yet, so I can't give a full review on quality of workmanship, but their processes and customer service have been pretty darn good.

 

[liaerfbv]

I had a negative experience with WF several years ago, so I personally would go with BGD. I've seen great work from both here, though.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I usually deal with WF, so they would be my preference because I am extremely pleased with the items I have purchased! But really, when planning a 5 stone ring project, I look at the diamond inventories of the two vendors and see who has the diamonds I want for my ring. It makes no difference if we say we prefer one or the other if they don't have the 5 diamonds you need!

 

[mjg]

I usually deal with WF, so they would be my preference because I am extremely pleased with the items I have purchased! But really, when planning a 5 stone ring project, I look at the diamond inventories of the two vendors and see who has the diamonds I want for my ring. It makes no difference if we say we prefer one or the other if they don't have the 5 diamonds you need!

Ok this leads me to another question. With either the BGD signature or WF ACA, I basically would just pick 5 with the same/similar stats right? Should I be concerned about evaluating each stone in more detail (HCA, etc) or with these cuts, are they all at such a high standard they will be good? Both seem to have inventory that would work. I'm not sure between F-G color, VS-SI clarity and I think either would be ok. Thoughts from the experts?

Thanks all for the help!

 

[chrono]

If selecting from a pool of their signature cuts, then I would not be concerned about evaluating the cut but focus on getting matched up in colour, size and proportion.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

No, you do not need to ever use the HCA on AGS ideal cut diamonds. With WhiteFlash, you can mix their ideal cut Expert Selection with the ACA's in a 5 stone because they are ideal cut and in-house, too.

 

[mjg]

Ok, thanks! In that case either would have diamonds that are good I think. I guess I'll look to see who has a more cohesive set, but I don't know if that can be my deciding factor because I think they both have a good set.

Edit: Actually diamondseeker, after looking more closely, I think I found a set of 5 that look more cohesive. Thanks so much for your advice!

 

[stargurl78]

I prefer working with BGD but I really don't think you can go wrong either way for a 5-stone ring. I would go with whatever costs less Although I'm guessing the quotes won't be that much different...

 

[mjg]

I prefer working with BGD but I really don't think you can go wrong either way for a 5-stone ring. I would go with whatever costs less Although I'm guessing the quotes won't be that much different...

No they are very close. I'm just really apprehensive because I've never ordered anything custom online. There's a lot of variables and I'm picky!

 

[yssie]

If both have sets of stones you like I'd suggest calling in and telling them what you want, see if you feel you 'click' better with your rep at one or the other. Working with a rep who understands the overall look and feel you're going for and with whom you effectively communicate makes things go a lot more smoothly! I've worked with both, and prefer WF.

 

[mjg]

If both have sets of stones you like I'd suggest calling in and telling them what you want, see if you feel you 'click' better with your rep at one or the other. Working with a rep who understands the overall look and feel you're going for and with whom you effectively communicate makes things go a lot more smoothly! I've worked with both, and prefer WF.

Thank you for the advice! I realized that BGD actually has a better set, but I do feel that I clicked with the rep at WF so I'm still not sure. Also, WF has their one year service whereas I don't believe BGD has anything similar.

 

[Laila619]

I've not had good luck with BGD, so I prefer WF.

 

[Enerchi]

I have not ordered from WF but have enjoyed chatting with a few SA's and Vera! I have ordered 3 items from BGD and I do love the quality and workmanship of all the pieces!

I don't think you could go wrong no matter which one you decide!

 

[Bosie]

I have bought from both, and find them to be equal in quality and support. I will say that Lesley at BGD is fantastic to work with, she is so patient!
OP: I don't know if you know this but Brian was the senior cutter and guess you would say inventor of the WF ACA, then he started his own co and took Lesley with him.

 

[chrono]

I've not had good luck with BGD, so I prefer WF.

Same here.

 

[mjg]

I have bought from both, and find them to be equal in quality and support. I will say that Lesley at BGD is fantastic to work with, she is so patient!
OP: I don't know if you know this but Brian was the senior cutter and guess you would say inventor of the WF ACA, then he started his own co and took Lesley with him.

Yeah I deduced that from reading on here! I guess I'm just worried because this is a huge purchase for us and I'm no expert so I don't want to make the "wrong" decision. I am really particular, plus it's going to be custom and I just want it to be perfect. I wish I could get a clear consensus to tell me what to do haha! I see so many people saying they prefer one over the other. It's stressful for a novice!

 

[mjg]

I've not had good luck with BGD, so I prefer WF.

Same here.

When you say that you haven't had good luck, can you specify in what way? Craftsmanship, pricing, service?

 

[Roxy]

I've not had good luck with BGD, so I prefer WF.

Same here.

When you say that you haven't had good luck, can you specify in what way? Craftsmanship, pricing, service?

I too would like to hear your perspective, because I was thinking of using BGD.

 

[yssie]

mjg, you likely aren't going to get a consensus because WF and BGD are about as close to rival vendors as it gets. They cater to the same niche markets, they provide high-quality products and very similar services at (usually) similar pricepoints, both have cream of the crop H&A lines w/ virtually identical specifications and characteristics (unsurprising given the evolution of said lines)... there's really no wrong choice here.

My first projects were with WF. I chose to have BGD rework one of their stock designs for my MIL and it went very well, so I turned to them again for another project when their quote came in under WF's. This second project was not a good experience - I felt that neither my rep nor Brian understood what I wanted, and there were multiple mistakes that I ultimately sorted out on my own with my local jeweller. At the end of the day I have a piece that I love and enjoy wearing regularly but the getting there was stressful, and now I go to WF exclusively because they "know" me and my tastes. Another long-term poster Gypsy prefers BGD - she and her rep/Brian really *click* and she's talked about how he reads her mind with custom design, and that's exactly what you want! So I think a lot of it really does just depend on how well you and your rep can communicate. Both vendors are capable of beautiful work

 

[yssie]

.double

 

[chrono]

When you say that you haven't had good luck, can you specify in what way? Craftsmanship, pricing, service?

Pricing and service. We never progressed beyond that to the point where I commissioned a piece of jewellery.