In Search of 43rd Anniversary Diamond Upgrade

[Debbie326]

This is my first post. My profile says I joined in 2018; however, I have been reading the forums and searching diamonds since the 1990s-2000's. Jewelry has always been a passion for me. While I have not purchased through price scope lists, I helped my son buy a white flash diamond for his wife, and then his 10 year anniversary upgrade for her, White Flash ACA 2 carat diamond.
I have been looking at diamonds on the forum. I am searching for a 3.2-4.5 carat diamond of F or above, with a excellent HCA score. My husband wants me to upgrade to at least an E, no florescence. I would like the stone to be VS1 or VVS2 or above. White Flash does not have this quality of diamond in stock. Lots of "I" colors and virtual stock. Am I going about this wrong. Asking for too much? Brian Gavin has a 3.26 Black that might fit in this. Any info on this would be appreciated.

 

[tyty333]

Hi Debbie!

How exciting for you! Happy 43rd Anniversary to you and your DH!

I would definitely contact WF let them know what you're interested in and ask if there is anything in the pipeline. Nothing
wrong with the BG stone but more options would be nice!

Again, Congratulations!!!

 

[Bonfire]

The Brian Gavin stone is drop dead gorgeous! Doesn’t it check all the boxes for you?
Did you ask WF about a custom cut? That might be a possibility if you want larger and higher color than the 3.26.
What a fun project!

 

[DejaWiz]

That BG diamond is beautiful!

You may also want to inquire with JannPaul and see about pricing for one of their Round 8, Round 10 and Decagon 10 diamonds for the specifications that you're after.

Along with Whiteflash, you may also consider contacting Victor Canera, Continental Diamond, Distinctive Gem, Diamonds by Lauren, and I D. Jewelers.

 

[momofive]

Great project and Congratulations! I'm in the middle of upgrading for our 40th anniversary.
Just FYI, the HCA score is used to eliminate diamonds, not as a standard to buy one. You should always ask for Ideal Scopes and ASET scope images (You can read about what to look for on PS) and make sure, when you find one you like, you observe it in different kinds of lighting.
(BTW, I'm using Jann Paul, but for a lab EC. Their quality control is awesome.)

 

[Debbie326]

Thanks for the responses. All makes good sense. I contacted White Flash a while ago, will contact again and tell them I am still in market. Will also look into the other suggestions.

 

[sledge]

Just a heads up that while both BGD and WF both sell "virtual inventory" stones, these are very different than the hearts & arrow (H&A) stones upon which each of their reputations are built upon.

With WF, they have 3 primary lines:

ACA = A Cut Above, their premium H&A stone
Expert Select = "Near miss" ACA w/ AGS lab report
Premium Select = H&A stones w/ GIA lab report

These product lines get a little confusing when you take into account that AGS stopped doing independent lab reports December 2022 when they "merged" with GIA. Now the closest you get is a GIA graded stone with the AGS light performance addendum attached. This lab change isn't isolated to WF, but rather to the diamond industry as a whole. So when you're shopping, if you see an AGS lab report (some inventory still exists) they are somewhat rare and will be dated 2022 or earlier.

I haven't yet heard how this will change WF's product lines. I could see the premium selects going away entirely because of the lab changes. There weren't a lot of ES & PS stones in play anyhow, so it's likely a minimal impact.

With BGD, they have a few different lines as well, and I will stick with round diamonds as that is your focus:

BGD Signature = their standard H&A stone
BGD Blue = similar to Signature but with medium+ levels of blue fluor
BGD Black = higher color, higher clarity H&A stone with emphasis on ancillary angle fine tuning to prevent any low intensity light performance areas (stones >3 carats may include lower colors)

Prior to the lab change, all the BGD lines had AGS reports. Anything graded after the change will have GIA lab report + AGS light performance addendum.

Currently BGD is offering a 10% direct rebate on stones with AGS reports. In the case of your 3.32 stone that is a decent savings, about $13k.

AGS Lab Legacy

Brian Gavin Diamonds

www.briangavindiamonds.com

As far as quality goes, BGD is on par with WF. In fact, prior to starting BGD, Brian Gavin used to work at WF. With that said, there are folks who prefer small nuances of one over the other. Both vendors are located in the Houston area, so I'd strongly encourage visiting both to see if your eye prefers one or the ohter.

Since you are looking at BGD Black, here is a more in-depth overview of what makes Black different. Two articles for your reading:

What Is Black

The Black by Brian Gavin® difference Eclipsing all other diamonds in their light performance, the diamonds in the Black by Brian Gavin® collection represent a new level of diamond selection, cutting, and presentation. A Black by Brian Gavin® is a wonder of nature mixed with the precision of...

black.briangavindiamonds.com

Black by Brian Gavin vs Brian Gavin Signature

It has been said that the road to success is always under construction. As a fifth generation diamond cutter, it has always been Brian’s aspiration to cut the most perfect diamond. However there really is no such thing as a perfectly cut diamond, it is merely something that we can aspire towards...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

BGD 3.32 F/VVS2 AGS Lab Report (image, so d/l is not req'd)


Sample WF ACA 1.83 F/IF GIA Lab Report w/ AGS Addendum

 

[sledge]

Having those details out of the way, I'd echo the advise to contact WF to see what they have in the works.

In the event they don't have what you want, then you can ask them about a custom cut order. The upside is they can guarantee certain aspects of the stone, and if it fails to impress you don't have to purchase.

What I dislike about this option is you can't fine tune the specific proportions of the stone. But quite frankly, this isn't going to be a problem for most buyers. They would still guarantee the stone to meet their ACA requirements, but for some of us more picky buyers we may desire even tighter specs (small tables, 34.5/40.8, etc). If you fall into the picky category then it may be better to find a stone that is already cut and that you get the luxury of reviewing the proportions first to ensure the stone has the nuances your eyes prefer.

Again, the custom order would still meet ACA requirements which are detailed here:

A CUT ABOVE® Diamonds Specifications and Qualifications

Uncover the diamond specifications and qualifications that make up the Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® diamonds. The most carefully crafted diamonds in the world.

www.whiteflash.com

Here are some advantages with WF:

- Not always, but frequently they are a few dollars less than other super ideal vendors with stones of near identical size, color & clarity.

- Their inventory is pretty deep compared to other vendors, making trades & upgrades easier. However, as you have noticed, when you get to large stones, inventory is more shallow at ALL vendors.

- WF's upgrade is much more flexible. Essentially there is no special conditions or red tape. Simply pick a stone of equal or higher value of your original purchase and you can trade as your heart desires. Most other vendors are more restrictive. For instance, JA requires 2x trade value (yikes!) and BGD requires equal or higher value + upgrade of 2 of the following 3 C's: carat, color or clarity. Even picking the low end of your preferred specs, you can see how starting at F/VS1 makes those requirements more difficult to trade up.

 

[Double E]

Unless you much more prefer hitting the top of the desired size range of your upgrade or grabbing a E as suggested by your husband, which is quite hard...the BGD Black seems pretty perfect for a MRB. And I have a feeling that you might not be looking for further significant upgrade in the future, if that's the case, upgrade difficulties may not be top concern. Actually I doubt you would be willing to trade such a 3.26 ct GEM ^^

I do, however, second the suggestion of reaching JannPaul, that opens the door for more exclusive cuts, if that's your cup of tea.

Enjoy your hunt & congrat!

 

[lovedogs]

Unless you much more prefer hitting the top of the desired size range of your upgrade or grabbing a E as suggested by your husband, which is quite hard...the BGD Black seems pretty perfect for a MRB. And I have a feeling that you might not be looking for further significant upgrade in the future, if that's the case, upgrade difficulties may not be top concern. Actually I doubt you would be willing to trade such a 3.26 ct GEM ^^

I do, however, second the suggestion of reaching JannPaul, that opens the door for more exclusive cuts, if that's your cup of tea.

Enjoy your hunt & congrat!

I agree w this 100%. I'd also advise reaching out to Wink about the Legacy line from continental diamonds. That line was formerly Crafted by Infinity.

 

[Tonks]

This is my first post. My profile says I joined in 2018; however, I have been reading the forums and searching diamonds since the 1990s-2000's. Jewelry has always been a passion for me. While I have not purchased through price scope lists, I helped my son buy a white flash diamond for his wife, and then his 10 year anniversary upgrade for her, White Flash ACA 2 carat diamond.
I have been looking at diamonds on the forum. I am searching for a 3.2-4.5 carat diamond of F or above, with a excellent HCA score. My husband wants me to upgrade to at least an E, no florescence. I would like the stone to be VS1 or VVS2 or above. White Flash does not have this quality of diamond in stock. Lots of "I" colors and virtual stock. Am I going about this wrong. Asking for too much? Brian Gavin has a 3.26 Black that might fit in this. Any info on this would be appreciated.

Hi and congrats on your anniversary!

I’ve just been down a similar road looking for a stone in the 3.7 ct + range. There is not much of anything in stock in that size range. Talked to WF and they did not have anything coming into stock in that size, either. Finally, we decided to custom cut an ACA with WF (it’s not back from GIA yet but we agreed on 4 carat I, VS1). WF’s custom cut process is easy, and their custom cuts are eligible for ACA upgrades like any other ACA.

My advice: think carefully about what matters to you, from size to color to future upgradeability. I decided that future flexibility with upgrades was hugely important to me, thus WF was the best option.


Here’s my research, if it can be helpful to you. Includes lots of photos for color and size.
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...journey-…-from-a-research-perspective.277780/

 

[sledge]

I’m really glad you shared your journey @Tonks. I don’t feel the average buyer goes through the process as thoroughly to determine their true preferences.

One of the things I particularly found intriguing in your research was at decision time. One color grade difference apparently carried a hefty price increase. By choosing a single color grade lower you were able to increase 0.30+ carats in weight instead.

Your research made that easy. But I also believe this is where a very flexible WF upgrade policy can make a difference. I think most buyers consider an upgrade to be mainly size based and often it is. However, it also allows “sideways movement” if a buyer wants to try a lower color or clarity and save a few bucks or possibly boost the size. Or maybe get a modest size bump AND save a few bucks. Whatever the choice, there is security and flexibility of being able to change.

To give an example related to the OP, she appears to be okay with F+ color where husband prefers E+ color. Also there is some uncertainty on clarity with VS1+ or VVS2+ being the minimum. And then of course size variation between 3.2 carats to 4.5 carats.

I am not sure the drive for such high color & clarity. I know Asian cultures value those differently than American cultures. Or they could both have eagle eyes and color sensitive (and not tolerant). I do know most people struggle to differentiate one color grade especially in the upper ranges as there is less range. Also, it would be unlikely a VS1 would have any visible inclusions and from a reputable super ideal vendor like WF, BGD, etc would be even more unlikely to cause an issue with performance. In fact WF makes a note how they specifically check their ACA’s for these type of obstructions as part of their ACA criterion (see ACA specifications I linked above).

Regardless the reasons for color & clarity preferences, a strong upgrade policy like WF’s allows the OP to flirt with the option of an F/VS1 and maybe get closer to the larger size of her carat preference while providing a safety net to trade sideways to a smaller E/VVS2 if either she or the husband wishes to change it. It also allows flexibility for the more traditional upgrade mindset as well. But overall, it can be used to explore and mitigate risk and pressure of whatever is chosen today has to be the best “forever” choice. The mere fact there is a 43rd anniversary upgrade being evaluated is proof forever decisions are subject to change.

By the way @Debbie326, congrats on your anniversary and having such a wonderful dilemma to be facing!

 

[Tonks]

I’m really glad you shared your journey @Tonks. I don’t feel the average buyer goes through the process as thoroughly to determine their true preferences.

One of the things I particularly found intriguing in your research was at decision time. One color grade difference apparently carried a hefty price increase. By choosing a single color grade lower you were able to increase 0.30+ carats in weight instead.

Your research made that easy. But I also believe this is where a very flexible WF upgrade policy can make a difference. I think most buyers consider an upgrade to be mainly size based and often it is. However, it also allows “sideways movement” if a buyer wants to try a lower color or clarity and save a few bucks or possibly boost the size. Or maybe get a modest size bump AND save a few bucks. Whatever the choice, there is security and flexibility of being able to change.

To give an example related to the OP, she appears to be okay with F+ color where husband prefers E+ color. Also there is some uncertainty on clarity with VS1+ or VVS2+ being the minimum. And then of course size variation between 3.2 carats to 4.5 carats.

I am not sure the drive for such high color & clarity. I know Asian cultures value those differently than American cultures. Or they could both have eagle eyes and color sensitive (and not tolerant). I do know most people struggle to differentiate one color grade especially in the upper ranges as there is less range. Also, it would be unlikely a VS1 would have any visible inclusions and from a reputable super ideal vendor like WF, BGD, etc would be even more unlikely to cause an issue with performance. In fact WF makes a note how they specifically check their ACA’s for these type of obstructions as part of their ACA criterion (see ACA specifications I linked above).

Regardless the reasons for color & clarity preferences, a strong upgrade policy like WF’s allows the OP to flirt with the option of an F/VS1 and maybe get closer to the larger size of her carat preference while providing a safety net to trade sideways to a smaller E/VVS2 if either she or the husband wishes to change it. It also allows flexibility for the more traditional upgrade mindset as well. But overall, it can be used to explore and mitigate risk and pressure of whatever is chosen today has to be the best “forever” choice. The mere fact there is a 43rd anniversary upgrade being evaluated is proof forever decisions are subject to change.

By the way @Debbie326, congrats on your anniversary and having such a wonderful dilemma to be facing!

Thank you for the kind words, @sledge .

Yes, decision time was super interesting. I made a last minute decision to bump clarity to VS1. It was far more financially feasible to bump clarity rather than color, and based on my research into personal tolerance, that made the most sense. And I feel good about it. You are correct that the WF upgrade policy makes it easier to just go ahead while feeling good that you have security and flexibility built in.

Apologies for the threadjack, OP. You may find yourself considering custom cutting for these specs, and if so, I would strongly recommend WF.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Happy anniversary! Are you trying to hit the F+VVS+no fluoro mark? I do not have experience seeking those out in that size, but wanted to chime in that if you are more concerned about looks, VS1 will probably suit your needs.