Drumroll please: my Brian Gavin Emerald Cut

[Bravissimo]

We pulled the trigger and the check has been sent. This is what I am getting (see below).

Emily at Brian Gavin said it was the last Signature Ideal Cut Emerald in stock & she was not sure they’ll even make them again because the cost to cut them is so high and I guess most folks don’t want to pay that markup.

After our experience in NYC and realizing the one way I could be sure to get my dream bright white 2ct Emerald cut was to sift through a zillion images, hire someone to look who might not find one, or suck it up and get one from Brian, I went back to the search engine, increased the budget and voila there she was in all her E color glory. Is an E overkill and overpaying? Probably. But in the best way. I finally feel like this will be a worthy upgrade from my Quest Jeweler of VA built GIA G 1.5 Center stone round three stone ring.

2.010 E VS1 Signature Emerald

Buy diamonds online - AGS graded 2.010 carat E VS1 Emerald super ideal cut Black By Brian Gavin Diamond. Lifetime Upgrade Policy!

www.briangavindiamonds.com

I’ve sent them some ideas but would love to hear what y’all would do with her.

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

Wow that looks amazing!! How are you going to set it?

 

[MamaBee]

It’s gorgeous! I love it!

 

[acezarra]

Stunning!! I love BGD and think this is a beautiful choice.

 

[Bravissimo]

Wow that looks amazing!! How are you going to set it?

Platinum solitaire of some sort. BF doesn’t think a bezel is feminine enough although I am still contemplating that.
Would love thoughts on prong shape,
band width, & cathedral or no?
basket or peg head?

Pictures of examples are welcome.

For example, I like these prongs but I don’t know everyday wearable they are.

 

[chere]

WOW Congratulations on the find! This stone is incredible. I love emerald cuts. I didn’t know Signature Ideal Emeralds existed. I want one now!

Do you want the claws spaced further apart to cover the corners?
Do you like high or low profile rings?

Some inspo pictures on wider prongs.

https://www.laurenbjewelry.com/3-01-ct-emerald-cut-diamond-three-stone-engagement-ring.html

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...nd-102-carat-sides-3-stone-ring/id-j_5211782/

 

[Bravissimo]

WOW Congratulations on the find! This stone is incredible. I love emerald cuts. I didn’t know Signature Ideal Emeralds existed. I want one now!

Do you want the claws spaced further apart to cover the corners?
Do you like high or low profile rings?

Some inspo pictures on wider prongs.

https://www.laurenbjewelry.com/3-01-ct-emerald-cut-diamond-three-stone-engagement-ring.html

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...nd-102-carat-sides-3-stone-ring/id-j_5211782/

Thanks for these suggestions. They are checking on single vs double claws. Right now they may be using this as a base and modifying it for an emerald cut and doing claw prongs. I do for sure want corners covered.

Classic Round

This is not your average solitaire. Handmade prongs and stone seat are forged from platinum wire and are meticulously built around your stone for a perfect fit, giving it a pristine look and finish that no casting process can achieve. This item is made to order and is a final sale. Price is for...

black.briangavindiamonds.com

 

[chere]

How did I miss this entire section on their site? Do I need to buy Blacks to get access? It's my first time buying BGD stones...

But back to you. I love that setting you picked. I think they can add the 2nd prong based on the Kallista and Graciosa bands. You may need to modify the base to fit both prongs.

FWIW I'm 99% sure my ER setting has wire prongs. I remember the SA explained the prongs were custom shaped & hand made around every solitaire setting (with my stone cut) and I had to wait 4-6 weeks for my ring.

The wires look delicate but I can attest they are sturdy. I once punched a metal filing cabinet really hard and knocked the stone slightly loose. I get my ring inspected twice a year and the setting has always been tight, except for that one accident.

 

[EClove]

Congrats! I obviously love emerald cuts (ha!) I vote a platinum set three stone - love the emerald with baguettes example above so she really stands out!

 

[blingmeupscotty]

You can’t take it with you….good for you!!!! This is stunning.

 

[Bravissimo]

WOW Congratulations on the find! This stone is incredible. I love emerald cuts. I didn’t know Signature Ideal Emeralds existed. I want one now!

Do you want the claws spaced further apart to cover the corners?
Do you like high or low profile rings?

Some inspo pictures on wider prongs.

https://www.laurenbjewelry.com/3-01-ct-emerald-cut-diamond-three-stone-engagement-ring.html

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rin...nd-102-carat-sides-3-stone-ring/id-j_5211782/

Below I put a link to a blog about them. I have not seen her in person but I know she’s going to be awesome because he patented this cut to ensure maximal light reflects back to your eye. Are we “overpaying”? Probably in a way. There are much cheaper 2 carats out there and E color was probably overkill.

On the otherhand I didn’t want a stone cut to maximize rough. I wanted a stone cut to turn off and on like the hall of mirrors and reflect light back out. This will be my forever stone and I did not want to search forever for it through a zillion images on other vendors sites to find a well cut one, order it in and maybe not feel confident in it. Brian shows an ASET and the cert and there’s a patent describing exact parameters of these. I doubt the diamond police are out checking if others are using these cut parameters but there’s a built in incentive not to in that most people aren’t PriceScopers and if they get a meh looking emerald cut they won’t realize it.

I don’t know if they will custom cut one for you but it’s worth asking. Or maybe going to another cutter who specializes in EC.

Brian Gavin Signature Emerald Cut Diamonds

Discover Brian Gavin's Signature emerald cut diamonds. Featuring AGS "0" for light performance and Brilliance Like No Other!

www.briangavindiamonds.com

 

[kah42]

This is gorgeous! I'm also really sad to hear BG may not be doing emeralds anymore. I've had one on my bucket list!

 

[Bravissimo]

So now my dilemma is this: I’ve requested a ring like this. Solitaire cathedral setting. Tapers in. Prongs that delicately reach yo toward the diamond. Single or double prongs.

Seems simple, right? (That is Harry Winston’s image of their emerald cut solitaire but it is most of what I described.)

Apparently they will use this as a base.

https://black.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaires/classic-round-7561 and the base price of that ring is $2350.

But the invoice (excluding tax and shipping) is for $3450.

Should it be an extra $1150 to put an EC into a setting that has basically already been designed for a round? We aren’t talking about a lot more metal, right?

I guess I am having sticker shock over this price for a simple solitaire. Should we get it set elsewhere?

Thoughts?

 

[lulu_ma]

So now my dilemma is this: I’ve requested a ring like this. Solitaire cathedral setting. Tapers in. Prongs that delicately reach yo toward the diamond. Single or double prongs.

Seems simple, right? (That is Harry Winston’s image of their emerald cut solitaire but it is most of what I described.)

Apparently they will use this as a base.

https://black.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaires/classic-round-7561 and the base price of that ring is $2350.

But the invoice (excluding tax and shipping) is for $3450.

Should it be an extra $1150 to put an EC into a setting that has basically already been designed for a round? We aren’t talking about a lot more metal, right?

I guess I am having sticker shock over this price for a simple solitaire. Should we get it set elsewhere?

Thoughts?

What about David Klass?

 

[StarshineSweet]

Platinum solitaire of some sort. BF doesn’t think a bezel is feminine enough although I am still contemplating that.
Would love thoughts on prong shape,
band width, & cathedral or no?
basket or peg head?

Pictures of examples are welcome.

For example, I like these prongs but I don’t know everyday wearable they are.

The prongs would be fine.

Semi-bezel at the north and south, with tapered baguettes tight up against the side (visually) with a cathedral profile would be stunning as well as more carefree since the semi-bezels wouldn't catch. You'd also have an uninterrupted line between the center and side stones.

 

[chere]

Thanks for the blog. I spent my entire evening searching for an emerald cut with a mid-depth, small table, high crowns (which isn’t provided on the GIA cert) and 3 steps at the bottom. It’s searching for a unicorn. I only came across 1 stone with 3 steps at the bottom and the rest had low crown heights, wide tables and shallow crown angles. I think I figured out why I like certain Emeralds, Asschers and Radiants cuts over others. Please enjoy your unicorn. I will ask them if they will cut one for me or to add me on a waiting list.

After spending more time than I care to admit searching, it validates my thoughts that the premium (overpaying) is worth it. The main thing I value is the reassurance that my stone is a super ideal and guaranteed to perform. It takes away the stress of trying to figure out specs and reviewing pictures online on my own or trying to find a local jeweler who won’t take advantage of me. I’m fine saving myself the legwork and going straight to a Jeweler who has cherry picked stones cut by mater craftspeople and I just need to pick out from the best of the best.

I have a branded cushion cut that came with a hefty price tag, comparable with Tiffany pricing for the same specs. I love it.

What’s my point? I haven’t met anyone with my branded cushion cut or my soon to arrive BGD Signature Ideals. Besides here on PS, they really are one of a kind. I appreciate the beauty of the light return.

And in response to your other treads that I have been following… The DH and I keep the premium markup to ourselves. People are judgey and they don’t understand. Similar to how they would hire a non-licensed general contractor/handyman to work on their house instead of calling in master plumber or master electrician with the right permits and inspections. They don’t value light performance and they just want a 2ct, eye clean diamond.

If people ask, I give them Blue Nile mass market pricing for a 1ct F (under $10K). They can easily look this up online and it’s probably what they bought for themselves. My aunts with eagle eyes can tell my ER is 1ct based on the table size and an ideal cut just my rotating my hand side to side. They don’t ask but make comments “Ah 6mm, good, good.” For my 5 stone ring, I’m going to quote Costco pricing. A girlfriend asked me if I checked Costco and I said this was the same price but I got to customize the setting.

I understand the sticker shock. The fiscally responsible accountant (I’m a CPA) in me was screaming this was madness to spend so much on a band but the other half of me didn’t want to settle. I’m all or nothing.

This is your forever ring. $1K isn’t a lot considering this is a $35K ring and the setting is only 10% of the total cost. You will get your ring in 2-3 weeks and if anything happens I'm sure BGD will fix it.

If you find another designer, you’ll have to factor in shipping costs and getting it insured in advance. And you might not have it in time for the holidays. I'm not sure if timing is important for you.

 

[Bravissimo]

@chere. Thanks for the reassurance. It’s true sometimes you get what you pay for and you have to pay to get it. I am getting it. $1000 is not that much more. Thanks for talking me out of being Silly.

 

[Bravissimo]

This is gorgeous! I'm also really sad to hear BG may not be doing emeralds anymore. I've had one on my bucket list!

I had just assumed it was more supply chain nonsense. But they said if we were to keep making them we’d need to charge $8000 more for stones like this. Not sure I understand why. Also she said setting an EC is hard. Not sure I understand why that is.

Anyway, we are moving forward. I do want it before Christmas.

 

[chere]

I don’t think it’s silly. A thousand dollars is a lot of money. But you've already blown the budget by $10K. What's another one?

Good choice on keeping it all in house with one vendor. It costs a bit more. But you can focus on the setting. I would ask them for the weekend to sleep on it before they start the CADs.

Do you need bead so the ring doesn't spin? That was an extra $125-150 on my quote.

Have you seen the Cartier solitaire? The shank has a gentle curve.
https://www.en.cartier.com/collecti...gs/solitare-1895/h4202900-solitaire-ring.html

 

[Bravissimo]

How did I miss this entire section on their site? Do I need to buy Blacks to get access? It's my first time buying BGD stones...

But back to you. I love that setting you picked. I think they can add the 2nd prong based on the Kallista and Graciosa bands. You may need to modify the base to fit both prongs.

FWIW I'm 99% sure my ER setting has wire prongs. I remember the SA explained the prongs were custom shaped & hand made around every solitaire setting (with my stone cut) and I had to wait 4-6 weeks for my ring.

The wires look delicate but I can attest they are sturdy. I once punched a metal filing cabinet really hard and knocked the stone slightly loose. I get my ring inspected twice a year and the setting has always been tight, except for that one accident.

We pulled the trigger and the check has been sent. This is what I am getting (see below).

Emily at Brian Gavin said it was the last Signature Ideal Cut Emerald in stock & she was not sure they’ll even make them again because the cost to cut them is so high and I guess most folks don’t want to pay that markup.

After our experience in NYC and realizing the one way I could be sure to get my dream bright white 2ct Emerald cut was to sift through a zillion images, hire someone to look who might not find one, or suck it up and get one from Brian, I went back to the search engine, increased the budget and voila there she was in all her E color glory. Is an E overkill and overpaying? Probably. But in the best way. I finally feel like this will be a worthy upgrade from my Quest Jeweler of VA built GIA G 1.5 Center stone round three stone ring.

2.010 E VS1 Signature Emerald

Buy diamonds online - AGS graded 2.010 carat E VS1 Emerald super ideal cut Black By Brian Gavin Diamond. Lifetime Upgrade Policy!

www.briangavindiamonds.com

I’ve sent them some ideas but would love to hear what y’all would do with her.

 

[Bravissimo]

My link wasn’t working. Not sure why.

2.010 E VS1 Signature Emerald

Buy diamonds online - AGS graded 2.010 carat E VS1 Emerald super ideal cut Black By Brian Gavin Diamond. Lifetime Upgrade Policy!

www.briangavindiamonds.com

I have not gotten the CAD yet. Feeling nervous and excited. I take vacation next week. How will I stay distracted while I wait??? Squeee! Diamonds!

 

[Catmom]

Platinum solitaire of some sort. BF doesn’t think a bezel is feminine enough although I am still contemplating that.
Would love thoughts on prong shape,
band width, & cathedral or no?
basket or peg head?

Pictures of examples are welcome.

For example, I like these prongs but I don’t know everyday wearable they are.

I have these prongs on my EC and they are very wearable. If done right there should be no issues with every day wear.

 

[Bravissimo]

I don’t think it’s silly. A thousand dollars is a lot of money. But you've already blown the budget by $10K. What's another one?

Good choice on keeping it all in house with one vendor. It costs a bit more. But you can focus on the setting. I would ask them for the weekend to sleep on it before they start the CADs.

Do you need bead so the ring doesn't spin? That was an extra $125-150 on my quote.

Have you seen the Cartier solitaire? The shank has a gentle curve.
https://www.en.cartier.com/collecti...gs/solitare-1895/h4202900-solitaire-ring.html

I actually like the Cartier side view better than what they sent. Here’s their CAD.
Anyone see problems with this?
I already asked for the hole in the bridge to be filled in and they assured me the claws would be long and thinner than on the CAD.

just not sure I like the cathedral here. Compared to the Cartier one.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It looks beautiful! I'd just ask them to add a little doughnut under those prongs to lift it up a little or else it will not work well with a wedding band. As it is now, you'll have the wedding band scraping against your prongs.

 

[Bravissimo]

It looks beautiful! I'd just ask them to add a little doughnut under those prongs to lift it up a little or else it will not work well with a wedding band. As it is now, you'll have the wedding band scraping against your prongs.

A very good point. Thanks!

 

[chere]

It's nice! I like the small gap between the prongs at the corners. Ask them to change it if you like the Cartier setting. Anything can be done…

My sisters designed their ER and bands at the same time so their wedding band sits flush against their ER. The basket of their ER stone starts at the top of the band. And the metal on their ER comes out the same height as their pave/channel wedding bands. Somewhat like these two links.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...y-To-Ship/Grace-Eternity-Band-Size-7-Platinum

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...-Ship/Legera-Matching-Band-Size-5.75-Platinum


My ER prongs start at the bottom of the band and my stone sits low. But I can only wear channel or pave bands with the way the prongs stick out and there’s a small gap between my rings. These 2 links are a bit exaggerated but it shows the gap.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...ty-bands/ashleys-matching-band-platinum-5836p

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/...amond-eternity-bands/peggy-matching-band-5463

 

[Bravissimo]

This is the week the ring is supposed to show up. I am so excited! He confessed he had no plans for the proposal. I said in front of the tree would be terrific. We have a humongous tree and it’s very well decorated even though nobody’s coming over because of Covid. Hoping it will happen Christmas Eve!!!

I have to move my office this week; if I chip a nail it will be so disappointing as they all look good right now.

I hope Brian Gavin and Fedex deliver on their prechristmas promises!

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

This is the week the ring is supposed to show up. I am so excited! He confessed he had no plans for the proposal. I said in front of the tree would be terrific. We have a humongous tree and it’s very well decorated even though nobody’s coming over because of Covid. Hoping it will happen Christmas Eve!!!

I have to move my office this week; if I chip a nail it will be so disappointing as they all look good right now.

I hope Brian Gavin and Fedex deliver on their prechristmas promises!

Eeee I can’t wait!!!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

This is the week the ring is supposed to show up. I am so excited! He confessed he had no plans for the proposal. I said in front of the tree would be terrific. We have a humongous tree and it’s very well decorated even though nobody’s coming over because of Covid. Hoping it will happen Christmas Eve!!!

I have to move my office this week; if I chip a nail it will be so disappointing as they all look good right now.

I hope Brian Gavin and Fedex deliver on their prechristmas promises!

So excited for you!!!

 

[Bravissimo]

Per BGD, it’s arriving here tomorrow!!!! Plenty of paper cuts but no chipped nails! Yahoo!