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Help with Choosing RB Diamonds for Pendant / Earrings

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Diamond_Enthusiast

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Aug 28, 2021
Messages
356
Hello, I'm hoping you could help me with choosing diamonds for a pair of earrings and a pendant. I've been doing some research on my own and reading many of the post here and have found this forum really informative :) Hoping you could give me some help with these diamonds I'm considering:

0.57-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile AU

www.bluenile.com www.bluenile.com
Round 0.57 carat G VVS1 T:56 D:61.3 CA:34 PA:40.6 LGF:75 Girdle: M-ST 4%
Price: $2,085.00

www.jamesallen.com

0.46 Carat round diamond

This 0.46 carat round diamond F color vvs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
Round 0.46 carat F VVS1 T:55 D:60.8 CA:34 PA:40.6 LGF:75 Girdle: M 3% with MB Fluorescence
Price: $1,370.00

www.jamesallen.com

0.49 Carat round diamond

This 0.49 carat round diamond D color vvs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
Round 0.49 carat D VVS1 T:54 D:61.4 CA:34.5 PA:40.8 LGF:75 Girdle: T-M 3%
Price: $2,010.00

www.jamesallen.com

0.52 Carat round diamond

This 0.52 carat round diamond D color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
Round 0.52 carat D VVS2 T:56 D:61.9 CA:35 PA:40.6 LGF:75 Girdle: M-ST 3.5%
Price: $2,090.00

www.jamesallen.com

0.57 Carat round diamond

This 0.57 carat round diamond G color vvs2 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
Round 0.57 carat G VVS2 T:57 D:61.2 CA:34 PA:40.8 LGF:80 Girdle: M-ST 4%
Price: $2,230.00

www.jamesallen.com

0.57 Carat round diamond

This 0.57 carat round diamond G color if clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
Round 0.57 carat G IF T:57 D:61 CA:34 PA:40.8 LGF:80 Girdle: M-ST 3.5%
Price: $2,230.00

I've already asked BN and JA for images to assess light return but they don't have anything available so the videos and GIA certs is all I can go by.

Is it possible to tell from these images if any of them have had girdle variations like digging or painting? I prefer to have a normal girdle if possible.
I've read the PriceScope article about the potential negative effects it can have on light return.

Many thanks in advance for your help!
 
Btw, they all say sold/unavailable because I've ask for a hold on them for now while I decide.
 
One of my first questions would be about your color/clarity preferences. All of the stones you linked have very high clarity, which most people would say is unnecessary in earrings/pendant, especially in a sub 1ct size. Are you open to VS2/SI1 clarity?

And in terms of color, are you hoping for G and above?

Finally, what is your budget?

All of this info will help us help you
 
I prefer VS2 or better. I'm concerned that I miss a something in the video although most VS2 stones are eye clean on the rare occasions they are not. So I've leaned towards a higher clarity to be safe.

Color I'm hoping G or better.

Budget less than $2300 per diamond.
Included some just under 0.5ct to see if I can get a better deal and avoid the premium at the 0.5 mark.
 
Diamond_Enthusiast said:
I prefer VS2 or better. I'm concerned that I miss a something in the video although most VS2 stones are eye clean on the rare occasions they are not. So I've leaned towards a higher clarity to be safe.

Color I'm hoping G or better.

Budget less than $2300 per diamond.
Included some just under 0.5ct to see if I can get a better deal and avoid the premium at the 0.5 mark.
Click to expand...

Ok perfect. Do you want all 3 stones to be the same size? Or something bigger for the pendant?
 
lovedogs said:
Ok perfect. Do you want all 3 stones to be the same size? Or something bigger for the pendant?
Click to expand...

The pendant doesn't need to be bigger because I'm going to get it made into probably a more elaborate design and so it'll still be ok if it is smaller :)
 
Also, are you open to other vendors? Whiteflash has an easy way to search for pairs of stones, which makes it much more simple to trust that the stones will be a good match for one another. I saw one of your links was AU, so not sure if you're in the US or not
 
lovedogs said:
Also, are you open to other vendors? Whiteflash has an easy way to search for pairs of stones, which makes it much more simple to trust that the stones will be a good match for one another. I saw one of your links was AU, so not sure if you're in the US or not
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm open to other vendors. I know that Whiteflash has a good reputation and so would be happy to use them too. I've also purchased from Brian Gavin and am very happy with the diamond I brought. I'm based in Australia.
 
Diamond_Enthusiast said:
Yes, I'm open to other vendors. I know that Whiteflash has a good reputation and so would be happy to use them too. I've also purchased from Brian Gavin and am very happy with the diamond I brought. I'm based in Australia.
Click to expand...

I wasn't sure where to set the budget given potential import fees, etc. So I might be off with the pair I noted above.
 
lovedogs said:
I wasn't sure where to set the budget given potential import fees, etc. So I might be off with the pair I noted above.
Click to expand...

That pair looks good. It is on the higher side of the budget but still ok I think.

I believe the import fees would be another 10% taxes (GST) and then about 70USD import fee for loose diamonds to Australia.
 
Have you been in contact with BGD to see what they can do for you as a repeat customer looking to purchase 3 stones? I would definitely reach out if I were you.
 
headlight said:
Have you been in contact with BGD to see what they can do for you as a repeat customer looking to purchase 3 stones? I would definitely reach out if I were you.
Click to expand...

No, I haven't. That's a good idea! I didn't realize I could negotiate a deal with them potentially as a returning customer (only made one purchase with BGD so far).
 
I doubt you can negotiate a deal as most vendors expect the list price. The main reason I'd personally go with WF is that they have a larger selection of diamonds and that especially helps if you ever decide to upgrade. Often their prices are a little lower than other superideal vendors, as well.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
I doubt you can negotiate a deal as most vendors expect the list price. The main reason I'd personally go with WF is that they have a larger selection of diamonds and that especially helps if you ever decide to upgrade. Often their prices are a little lower than other superideal vendors, as well.
Click to expand...

Agree with this.
 
Diamond_Enthusiast said:
No, I haven't. That's a good idea! I didn't realize I could negotiate a deal with them potentially as a returning customer (only made one purchase with BGD so far).
Click to expand...

I don’t know that you can. It is just a suggestion.
 
At the size you are looking at I'd go to ACA's G/H SI1 from White Flash. They will be beautiful and you don't have to worry that they won't perform. Something like the pair above, or these which are a tad closer in size to each other.

Diamond comparison | Compare Diamonds to choose and buy the best one

Whiteflash gives you an excellent opportunity to compare diamonds to make a great deal. With diamond’s parameters provided, you can compare any detail.
www.whiteflash.com
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
I doubt you can negotiate a deal as most vendors expect the list price. The main reason I'd personally go with WF is that they have a larger selection of diamonds and that especially helps if you ever decide to upgrade. Often their prices are a little lower than other superideal vendors, as well.
Click to expand...

These are definitely benefits I to consider! Good to know that WF's superideal is more competitively priced too!
 
Lookinagain said:
At the size you are looking at I'd go to ACA's G/H SI1 from White Flash. They will be beautiful and you don't have to worry that they won't perform. Something like the pair above, or these which are a tad closer in size to each other.

Diamond comparison | Compare Diamonds to choose and buy the best one

Whiteflash gives you an excellent opportunity to compare diamonds to make a great deal. With diamond’s parameters provided, you can compare any detail.
www.whiteflash.com
Click to expand...

Thanks for this suggestion. It seems that if I compromise on the color a bit to H I can get a slightly larger ACA and be confident about the light performance still.
 
Sounds like the general consensus is go with WF ACA.

Do you think any of the above BN/JA are worth considering though or too risky because no light performance images?
 
Diamond_Enthusiast said:
Sounds like the general consensus is go with WF ACA.

Do you think any of the above BN/JA are worth considering though or too risky because no light performance images?
Click to expand...

I think you can find better for the price, especially since there arent any light performance images. And you are paying a premium for very high clarity, which isnt going to be needed in this size
 
Lookinagain said:
Do you think you will ever want to upgrade? If so I’d stick with WF.
Click to expand...

I see what you mean - just read WF's upgrade policy and it is very generous! Although I'm not sure if I'll upgrade or just buy another outright, it is good idea to keep that option open.
 
lovedogs said:
I think you can find better for the price, especially since there arent any light performance images. And you are paying a premium for very high clarity, which isnt going to be needed in this size
Click to expand...

I'm browsing WF's inventory and I do see lots of ACA diamonds for a similar price with good specs! VVS isn't a necessity and it makes sense to get a diamond that I can be confident has good light performance, rather than pay for a clarity benefit that I need a scope to enjoy!
 
OP, I don't think you mentioned which color metal or setting style you are using. Have you decided?
 
I will get them set in 18K white gold/platinum.

Style I'm thinking about still though. Generally I prefer something that allows the diamond to move so that it can have max sparkle opportunity. Potentially some type of 'dancing' diamond designs.

These are some styles that I like / am taking inspiration from:

Pendant:

Butterfly Pause Diamond Pendant - Royal Coster Diamonds

Drawing inspiration from nature, this pendant captures a delicate butterfly pausing on a diamond halo with a center brilliant cut stone. A splendid reminder of the butterfly that stops to admire a flower. The pendant is made of 18K white gold and contains 24 diamonds. This is a last chance...
www.costerdiamonds.com www.costerdiamonds.com

www.leibish.com

Round Fancy Yellow-Brown Diamond Spiral Halo Pendant, SKU 130857 (1.13Ct TW)

A gorgeous round brilliant Fancy Yellow-Brown diamond pendant with a center stone weighing 0.91cts and certified by GIA. The stone is styled with collection Brilliants in a spiral pave diamond design, and mounted in 14K rose gold. For more information about this item please contact our customer...
www.leibish.com www.leibish.com
With a white diamond instead though.

Earrings:



If I can't decide what style I would have for the earrings, I might just make them into studs first and then make a jacket for them later. Alternatively, reset (or even upgrade before resetting) once I work out the design with a jeweler.
 
Thanks for all your practical ideas suggestions!

Just a quick update to let you know that I've looked into WhiteFlash, WolfCBI and BGD as suggested and have written to them to see what they can offer in terms of diamonds and custom settings.

Thanks so much for the ideas around upgrade too! I can see that both WF and CBI has really good upgrade policies and many super-ideal diamonds in their inventory! I didn't think so much about upgrade before but it is actually an important consideration.

Will be better placed to decide once I hear back from them.

Has anyone made custom jewelry with WhiteFlash / WolfCBI / BGD before? How do they compare in terms of craftmanship and pricing?
 
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