Help deciding between BGB and WF ES

[elasticx]

I know this isn't exactly an 'apples-to-apples' comparison (carat, color, flour in particular) but would like to hear any opinions on choosing between the stones below:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...1.740-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104063219002
HCA 2.0

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2680528.htm
HCA 1.5

I like both but I'm concerned about the following for each:

BGB: HCA 2.0 is the limit of what I would consider, even though it is a BGB stone which I have read are all extremely well cut. Also color is lower, but it is a higher carat weight. Don't mind the flour.

WF: I am concerned that it is an "Expert Selection" stone rather than a "A Cut Above". I understand that this is mostly branding, but the fact that despite it being AGS 000 and having a HCA score of 1.5 (better than the BGB), yet it doesn't receive an ACA label worries me.The color though is better than the BGB and no flour.

Any opinions?

Thanks!

 

[04diamond<3]

I love that BGD!!! It's stunning! And it faces up larger than the WF stone.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You can probably consider them equal in cut since neither is WF ACA or BG Signature. The sizes are almost identical. I think the decision really lies with whether you are certain whether she will like fluorescence or not. I happen to like it, but I also prefer H and above in color. So it is kind of a hard decision! Two nice stones, though, and a very desirable size!

 

[elasticx]

Thanks for the input!

My understanding was the Brian Gavin Blue diamonds are essentially "Signature" diamonds with blue flourescence. Or is the cut also less well regarded?

I am starting to lean toward the BG one, as the more I read about HCA, it appears less "objective." Correct me if I am wrong, but performance difference between scores below 2 are pretty varied. That would partly explain why I see stones not listed as ACA on the WF site, but with strong HCA scores.

 

[tyty333]

HCA is suppose to be uses as an elimination tool. Anything 2 or under is worth further review. A score of 1.5 does not mean its
better than a stone that scores 2.0.

Both stones are well cut. You have idealscope images and they are both AGS000 stones.


Edit - you can call WF and ask them why it does not meet ACA criteria. I cant see the age report very well on my kindle.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks for the input!

My understanding was the Brian Gavin Blue diamonds are essentially "Signature" diamonds with blue flourescence. Or is the cut also less well regarded?

I am starting to lean toward the BG one, as the more I read about HCA, it appears less "objective." Correct me if I am wrong, but performance difference between scores below 2 are pretty varied. That would partly explain why I see stones not listed as ACA on the WF site, but with strong HCA scores.

No, signature and ACA stones have top precision cut, hearts and arrows perfectly formed. Neither WF ES or BG Blue show the hearts. Without hearts images, we do not know if the stones meet signature standards are not. I think ES and Blue stones are normally excellent stones and would buy either. You do not even use the HCA on AGS Ideal cut stones because they have been graded as Ideal for light performance! You surely cannot tell the difference in these stones face up from a true H&A. The main difference between these two is whether you want the higher color H or the lower color I with fluoro.

 

[vr4_rider]

Ask WF to send you the hearts image...they will send it to you if you ask.

 

[yssie]

I'd choose an H VS2 over an I VS1 w/ med fluor, personally, at the same price.
They aren't the same price though - does the 1k sway you?
Does either vendor have the setting you want?

 

[Kim N]

Ditto Yssie. I too prefer H VS2 over I VS1 at the same price, but they're not. I also personally prefer the smaller table on the WF stone.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think the H stone will be technically worth more over time than an I. I would go with that one, personally.

 

[Gypsy]

Does one have a setting you prefer over the other?

I'd be fine with either and would go with the vendor that has the setting I want.

If they both have the setting you want, then... hard to say. I love flour, but I also like higher color if its in budget.