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So, I’m in the market for a round diamond. I’m currently looking at Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows diamonds. I’m looking to spend in the neighborhood of $12K for the diamond. Ideally, I’d like a size of 1.5 carats or more. What would you recommend for size, color, clarity for such a diamond from BGD. Also, the setting will be platinum.
Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Mike Fried, Ira’s partner. You can read about me on my profile page.
I’d be happy to make some recommendations and guide you through the process. What type of setting are you considering? Yellow gold or white gold/platinum? Will it be a solitaire or does it have sidestones/pave? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).
Let me know and I’d be happy to send you some suggestions.
The setting will be solitaire 4 prong platinum with no side stones. A person from BGD did recommend a stone based on my budget and parameters, but I’m not sure about it. There is big black spot in the center of the stone and I’m not sure if that is an inclusion, blemish or nothing to worry about at all. I haven’t contacted them back yet, but will soon. Here is the diamond they recommended based on my parameters:
Regarding the size, ideally I would like it around 1.5 carats give or take. If I can get a quality stone at or above 1.5 in my price range, that would be awesome. But I’ll go down as far as 1.3 in size if a better color or clarity enhances the brilliance of the the stone.
Thank you for your time Mike.
I love that diamond for you. It is a phenomenal cut and the color is absolutely fine. We recommend J+ for normal solitaires; the added brilliance in the H&A diamond will make it even better.
One thing I noticed about this diamond was on the AGS certificate, it had a date of 11/3/2010, which indicates to me this diamond has sold in almost 2 years. Is that a correct assessment? Also, on the certificate, I noticed the clarity legend differs from diamond to diamond. Some may have cloud or feather where others don’t. Is the chart specific to the types of inclusions that exist on the stone? On this particular diamond, it looks like there is a cloud in the center of the diamond. Is that correct and how much impact will that have on the brilliance of the stone?
The cert date isn’t an issue at all. Diamonds don’t depreciate in value or wear down, so there is no such thing as a new or old diamond. What likely happened is that a customer sold it back to them (either they were strapped for cash or they wanted a bigger diamond).
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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