First time buyer looking for top quality 1 carat Round

[mlu19]

Hi guys,

First post here. I started my search late and am looking to get a loose diamond by next week to put on a temporary solitaire setting to propose to my girlfriend on Valentine's Day. I'm looking for a stone strictly in the 1.00 to 1.30 carat range. I've looked at three places:

Local whole seller - Lowest price, have not received copies of reports yet. I doubt his prices are right for the range I'm looking
Bluenile.com - for reference
Briangavindiamonds.com - most interested in

I have basic understanding of the 4 Cs and not so much on the table/depth/crown/pavilion angle department. However, through the forum and google search, I found what's called the HCA tool https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003

The diamond above fits the configuration/criteria I was looking for and scores a 1.5 on the HCA tool. How important would you say the score from HCA is?

 

[mlu19]

Whole seller just sent me reports for his diamonds and they all have thin girdles. So that's a no-no. I think I'm going for the Brian Gavin route. Again, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003 , this is the one that fits all my criteria. My question again would be how important is the score obtained from the HCA tool?

Also, would I pay a premium with Brian Gavin over Blue Nile, considering a diamond with similar quality from both sites?



Any feedbacks would be much appreciated!


Mark

 

[bunnycat]

Whole seller just sent me reports for his diamonds and they all have thin girdles. So that's a no-no. I think I'm going for the Brian Gavin route. Again, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003 , this is the one that fits all my criteria. My question again would be how important is the score obtained from the HCA tool?

Also, would I pay a premium with Brian Gavin over Blue Nile, considering a diamond with similar quality from both sites?



Any feedbacks would be much appreciated!


Mark

HI there- I don't think you can possibly go wrong with BGD. He cuts beautiful stones. I think if you pull up any random stone he has from his in house stones, they are going to come out somwhere around 1.5 on the HCA, definitely below 2. But any score under 2 is worth investigating, it's not a matter of 1.3 is better than 1.5 or 1.7.

For example:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

There's really no need to run HCA on stones like this where you have tons of other information like idealscope and ASET images. It's just a weed-out tool to cull less desirable candidates out.

IMO (and this is JUST my opinion), there is no comparison between buying a BN stone and a specially cut branded stone like a BG stone where is cut parameters are so tight. You DO pay more for a branded cut though, but you are saving tons of time and sifting through all the "maybe" well cut stones. You just have to decide which method suits your search best and what you most important criteria are.

 

[ecf8503]

The stone bastetcat posted is an H color, but has blue fluorescence, which will help to cancel out some body color when exposed to UV light (direct sunlight,and it will glow under a blacklight). Both the F you posted and the H are beautiful stones, and I really don't think you can go wrong with BGD!

 

[tyty333]

The HCA is an elimination tool. Anything that scores under 2 is worth a further look. That being said, BGD stones are
basically pre-vetted and have all the right angle/depth/table combination so no need to worry.

 

[mlu19]

Wow.. thanks for the quick responses! It looks like it's going to be BGD then. I am currently talking to one of their reps to select some diamonds for comparison. I'll update you guys as I go!

 

[mlu19]

This is the one Denise, the rep, had picked out.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.027-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006007

Which is significantly cheaper with the one I was looking at, however, with a strong blue fluorescence.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003


What do you guys think?

 

[bunnycat]

This is the one Denise, the rep, had picked out.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.027-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006007

Which is significantly cheaper with the one I was looking at, however, with a strong blue fluorescence.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003


What do you guys think?

It will be beautiful. But if you are considering the Blue line now, you might have them pull the one I linked to earlier for comparison. ALso H VS2 and bigger and only a few hundred more, and still under your original budget. An H with Fluor is going to look plenty white. Unless you or she are very color sensitive, F is a little bit overkill, but color is a personal preference and that's just my own opinion. I'd rather have the bigger stone, and H is still in the near colorless range.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

 

[JulieN]

Would rather have an F than an H with SBF.

 

[mlu19]

Just for your interests. This is the diamond report my local whole seller showed me. See attachment.




What's your take on this? It'd be a significant saving for me if I chose to go with him.

 

[bunnycat]

Just for your interests. This is the diamond report my local whole seller showed me. See attachment.




What's your take on this? It'd be a significant saving for me if I chose to go with him.

It looks to be an EGL graded diamond. EGL tends to be softer on their clarity and color opinions, so you'd likely be looking at I/J or lower in an equivalent GIA graded stone, and perhaps SI1 or lower in clarity. Look for comps in I/J/K and SI1-2 and then see what you're "savings" are. I wouldn't go EGL for a modern stone unless I had no other option because you just don't really know what your getting, as opposed to GIA and AGS. It only looks like a deal on paper....

Did he show you he hearts image with a hearts viewer? Or is it just being charged as H/A because of the computer print out on the document?

Does this sound more like the pricing on your EGL H VS2 option? If so, diamonds are not priced for "deals". Most likely it's priced at what it really is, and the paper says what people like to see, if you know what I mean. I'm not saying it's a bad stone automatically, but you should know what you are paying for, and therein lies the rub with EGL.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.22-carat-J-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-182248

 

[JulieN]

EGL Innternational is considered to have lower limits for clarity and color compared to the same nominal grade from GIA.

The Firetrace does show 3 EX scores, which is good.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You don't use the HCA on stones graded AGS Ideal cut. It is for weeding out the better stones in the broader GIA Excellent category.

Here are a couple in between the F and the H with equal cut quality:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2661539.htm ($9080 with pricescope/wire discounts)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2684407.htm ($9759 " " )

 

[mlu19]

Gotcha. EGL has lower/broader standards, no wonder the whole seller was able to give me a price almost 40% off the ones I'm looking at at BGD.

Btw, I found a even better one today, 0.961g / G / VS1. I'm looking to make the purchase today. Too bad BGD only charges taxes in Texas, which is where I'm located at.

Here is the link to the diamond:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.961-f-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104062572006

 

[bunnycat]

Gotcha. EGL has lower/broader standards, no wonder the whole seller was able to give me a price almost 40% off the ones I'm looking at at BGD.

Btw, I found a even better one today, 0.961g / G / VS1. I'm looking to make the purchase today. Too bad BGD only charges taxes in Texas, which is where I'm located at.

Here is the link to the diamond:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.961-f-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104062572006#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/

I hear ya. I'm in Texas too...Is there a reason to drop below the 1 ct? Is it for the price drop? Honestly, anything you pick from BGD in house stones is going to be beautifully cut. Only you can decide which color is best and whether fluor is for you or not. I think fluor is cool and love it. All his blue line is vetted by him to make sure the effects on the stone are positive (ie- face up whiter). I can't tell you an F is better than an H or a G or the other way around because I may have different priorities than you do. Color is a personal preference and not an absolute. It isn't going to affect the sparkle factor of a diamond.

 

[mlu19]

I'm starting to read into the strong blue florescent diamonds on BGD and starting to lean towards the one you had picked out yesterday, bastetcat.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

 

[bunnycat]

I'm starting to read into the strong blue florescent diamonds on BGD and starting to lean towards the one you had picked out yesterday, bastetcat.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

I'll post this pic for you. It's not the best because it's blurry and so it may or may not help. I had a meeting with BG a few weeks ago looking at some stones and looked at the "blue" line. The stone in the halo is an "H" with faint fluor (AGS calls this negligible on their certs). The middle stone is an "I" with medium fluor and the end stone is a "J" with either Very Strong Blue or Strong Blue, I can't remember now and the stone has since sold. For budget friendliness, I wouldn't throw a fluro stone out of the running. You may still decide otherwise, but definitely ask them some questions. And if you are seriously considering that one now, I'd slap a hold on it and have them pull it to discuss it.

 

[mlu19]

I'm starting to read into the strong blue florescent diamonds on BGD and starting to lean towards the one you had picked out yesterday, bastetcat.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

I'll post this pic for you. It's not the best because it's blurry and so it may or may not help. I had a meeting with BG a few weeks ago looking at some stones and looked at the "blue" line. The stone in the halo is an "H" with faint fluor (AGS calls this negligible on their certs). The middle stone is an "I" with medium fluor and the end stone is a "J" with either Very Strong Blue or Strong Blue, I can't remember now and the stone has since sold. For budget friendliness, I wouldn't throw a fluro stone out of the running. You may still decide otherwise, but definitely ask them some questions. And if you are seriously considering that one now, I'd slap a hold on it and have them pull it to discuss it.

Wow, the "J" with strong blue looks just as stunning as the others. I think I'm coming down to the final two diamonds. The original 1.005g and the 1.120g you found me. One is Brian Gavin Signature, the other Brian Gavin Blue. Price difference is significant. Would you say the difference is made up more from the color or the blue florescent? Also, would the Blue also have hears and arrows?

Here are the links to the two:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006


Thank you so much!
Mark

 

[bunnycat]

I'm starting to read into the strong blue florescent diamonds on BGD and starting to lean towards the one you had picked out yesterday, bastetcat.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

I'll post this pic for you. It's not the best because it's blurry and so it may or may not help. I had a meeting with BG a few weeks ago looking at some stones and looked at the "blue" line. The stone in the halo is an "H" with faint fluor (AGS calls this negligible on their certs). The middle stone is an "I" with medium fluor and the end stone is a "J" with either Very Strong Blue or Strong Blue, I can't remember now and the stone has since sold. For budget friendliness, I wouldn't throw a fluro stone out of the running. You may still decide otherwise, but definitely ask them some questions. And if you are seriously considering that one now, I'd slap a hold on it and have them pull it to discuss it.

Wow, the "J" with strong blue looks just as stunning as the others. I think I'm coming down to the final two diamonds. The original 1.005g and the 1.120g you found me. One is Brian Gavin Signature, the other Brian Gavin Blue. Price difference is significant. Would you say the difference is made up more from the color or the blue florescent? Also, would the Blue also have hears and arrows?

Here are the links to the two:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006


Thank you so much!
Mark

BG doesn't guarantee H/A symmetry on the BLue line, that's part of why it's a little less expensive in addition to the blue fluor. Best I can say is have them compare both stones for you and give you their opinion. If a stone doesn't have H/A symmetry, that doesn't mean it's not going to be as pretty as a H/A stone. H/A is an internal symmetry thing rather than a gauge of performance. For me, the money savings and bigger stone that's still in the near colorless range would be a big draw. FWIW, if you're still worried about color, a lot of stones you see out in the "real" world (AKA mall diamonds) are going to be more in the I/J/K range since they are probably not graded by GIA/AGS and even though they may say "G" or "H" on paper they likely aren't.

 

[mlu19]

I'm starting to read into the strong blue florescent diamonds on BGD and starting to lean towards the one you had picked out yesterday, bastetcat.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

I'll post this pic for you. It's not the best because it's blurry and so it may or may not help. I had a meeting with BG a few weeks ago looking at some stones and looked at the "blue" line. The stone in the halo is an "H" with faint fluor (AGS calls this negligible on their certs). The middle stone is an "I" with medium fluor and the end stone is a "J" with either Very Strong Blue or Strong Blue, I can't remember now and the stone has since sold. For budget friendliness, I wouldn't throw a fluro stone out of the running. You may still decide otherwise, but definitely ask them some questions. And if you are seriously considering that one now, I'd slap a hold on it and have them pull it to discuss it.

Wow, the "J" with strong blue looks just as stunning as the others. I think I'm coming down to the final two diamonds. The original 1.005g and the 1.120g you found me. One is Brian Gavin Signature, the other Brian Gavin Blue. Price difference is significant. Would you say the difference is made up more from the color or the blue florescent? Also, would the Blue also have hears and arrows?

Here are the links to the two:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006


Thank you so much!
Mark

BG doesn't guarantee H/A symmetry on the BLue line, that's part of why it's a little less expensive in addition to the blue fluor. Best I can say is have them compare both stones for you and give you their opinion. If a stone doesn't have H/A symmetry, that doesn't mean it's not going to be as pretty as a H/A stone. H/A is an internal symmetry thing rather than a gauge of performance. For me, the money savings and bigger stone that's still in the near colorless range would be a big draw. FWIW, if you're still worried about color, a lot of stones you see out in the "real" world (AKA mall diamonds) are going to be more in the I/J/K range since they are probably not graded by GIA/AGS and even though they may say "G" or "H" on paper they likely aren't.

I'm not actually worried about colors at all. I've heard plenty of times the difference between G/H is almost impossible to tell with a naked eye! I'm definitely learning towards the Bllue Line now but H/A would certainly be an added bonus.

I know this may sound stupid .. but which one would you pick between the two, and why?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.027-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006007
or
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

 

[bunnycat]

I'm starting to read into the strong blue florescent diamonds on BGD and starting to lean towards the one you had picked out yesterday, bastetcat.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

I'll post this pic for you. It's not the best because it's blurry and so it may or may not help. I had a meeting with BG a few weeks ago looking at some stones and looked at the "blue" line. The stone in the halo is an "H" with faint fluor (AGS calls this negligible on their certs). The middle stone is an "I" with medium fluor and the end stone is a "J" with either Very Strong Blue or Strong Blue, I can't remember now and the stone has since sold. For budget friendliness, I wouldn't throw a fluro stone out of the running. You may still decide otherwise, but definitely ask them some questions. And if you are seriously considering that one now, I'd slap a hold on it and have them pull it to discuss it.

Wow, the "J" with strong blue looks just as stunning as the others. I think I'm coming down to the final two diamonds. The original 1.005g and the 1.120g you found me. One is Brian Gavin Signature, the other Brian Gavin Blue. Price difference is significant. Would you say the difference is made up more from the color or the blue florescent? Also, would the Blue also have hears and arrows?

Here are the links to the two:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.005-f-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104062910003
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006


Thank you so much!
Mark

BG doesn't guarantee H/A symmetry on the BLue line, that's part of why it's a little less expensive in addition to the blue fluor. Best I can say is have them compare both stones for you and give you their opinion. If a stone doesn't have H/A symmetry, that doesn't mean it's not going to be as pretty as a H/A stone. H/A is an internal symmetry thing rather than a gauge of performance. For me, the money savings and bigger stone that's still in the near colorless range would be a big draw. FWIW, if you're still worried about color, a lot of stones you see out in the "real" world (AKA mall diamonds) are going to be more in the I/J/K range since they are probably not graded by GIA/AGS and even though they may say "G" or "H" on paper they likely aren't.

I'm not actually worried about colors at all. I've heard plenty of times the difference between G/H is almost impossible to tell with a naked eye! I'm definitely learning towards the Bllue Line now but H/A would certainly be an added bonus.

I know this may sound stupid .. but which one would you pick between the two, and why?

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.027-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006007
or
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.120-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104061006006

I think between the two, if all other things are equal in term of performance, you are down to choosing between saving a few hundred or getting a slightly larger stone. For me, if I know it would possibly stave off diamond shrinkage syndrome for longer, I'd go with the slightly bigger one. That would justify the few extra hundred for me. It's about .25mm, which is only about a 10-12% gain in total area, so it's mostly a "mind clean" issue. FWIW, the larger stone in the photo I posted that was a J measured I think 6.65mm, I think. The I in the middle was a 6.3mm stone for comparison, if there is any. The stone in the halo in the photo measures just shy of 6mm.

 

[mlu19]

Thanks for all the help thus far, PriceScope, and especially bastetcat. I've made up my mind and going for the 1.12 carat blue flou stone. I'll keep you updated!

 

[vickygigi]

I'd go with the larger stone, so I agree with the last post.

 

[bunnycat]

Thanks for all the help thus far, PriceScope, and especially bastetcat. I've made up my mind and going for the 1.12 carat blue flou stone. I'll keep you updated!

You're welcome and please do fellow Texan! Did you decide on a setting? (Where abouts in TX are you?)

 

[TC1987]

.25mm, which is only about a 10-12% gain in total area,

Actually, the Pricescope "oldtimer's" adage regarding upgrades is an upgrade that gets you at least 10% larger look is worth doing. Sounds like you made the right pick. Brian Gavin diamonds are beautiful. It will be a gorgeous ring.