Review of bezel DBTY BGD pendant

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staceyjan

Member
Dec 30, 2014
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First the stats:
Signature
Table % 55.2
Depth % 61.3
Report AGS - Ideal
Crown Angle 34.6
Carat 0.351
Color I
Pav Angle: 40.7
Clarity SI1
Measurements 4.53 X 4.55 X 2.79
Lab Cut Grade Ideal
Culet Pointed

Next negatives:
- moves towards the right side slightly - I must favor my right
- can feel it if I think about it but would not say it is poking me unless I push it against me (I'm going to try to sleep w it tonight)

Indifferences:
Platinum - not sure if it made a total difference as compared to WG

Lastly, my MHO:

Besides my EG, I never had a special diamond. I am a Tiffany silver girl for the last 15 years. So, with Ame's help, this was a journey for me. I over analyze everything and research so much when making a bigger purchase. This was no exception and it was totally worthwhile. The formula for picking out the best diamond in your price range is dead on and I would never had known it existed.

The expression, a picture is worth a 1000 words, really would not be able to thoroughly explain how beautiful and well crafted this piece is. The only other DBTY pendant I have is a T pink sapphire that is .18 and when I look at the pink sapphire, I see the bezel set. This setting on this diamond is amazing. It is a very lucid flow around the diamond. And, you really do not "see" the setting. It truly looks like the diamond is floating on my neck.

My "before I received item" concerns:
- Would it really be worth it to spend more for a signature diamond?
- Should have I gotten a bigger "no-name" "no report" diamond?
- Am I going to regret it?

Once I ripped open the package driving home, I knew I had nothing to worry about. That diamond sparkled even in the dark car. I am a believer in, "you get what you pay for" and I feel that the buying a signature stone really makes a difference. You can def tell that it is a better quality.

Even though it is only .351, it really looks bigger. In the, "Shout out to Ame" post, I posted a pic of it next to a solitare that is about .33 and it is amazing how much more this one sparkles and looks bigger. Although, the other diamond does look "whiter" but it can be because the color is better or because it seems thicker than the bezel one. Not, sure but I do like the way it looks better.

Lastly, it is a piece of mind that I can upgrade to something more in the future. I did not want to break the bank and did have a budget for this. It really does complete an outfit even without any other jewels on. I am thrilled with my purchase and wondering why I never took the plunge sooner...maybe because I did not have AME in my PF life before!

Future:
I would go up to a 50 pointer and go up in color. Maybe in a year.

Let me know if you have any questions.
 

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It's gorgeous and thanks so much for your detailed review.

I posted in your other thread that I just recently received my first Brian Gavin pendant as well. I'm very happy with it and it's funny, because you and I both came into these purchases from pretty much the same place. It was my first time picking out a diamond for myself as well and I also referenced AME's specs. quite a bit along with doing a lot of my own research. I did the same thing too - second guessed it - hoping I made the right decision - and then once I saw it, all those doubts went right out the door. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

I actually want one now just like yours but in white gold (the one I have is in yellow gold and a different setting). Time for me to save up $!
 
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A couple of months ago I also got a BGD DBTY pendant, mine is rose gold and I love it. It was my first time purchasing a diamond and I used Ame's cheat sheet. I'm probably going to get another one with a bigger diamond in a couple of years. Enjoy your pendant!
 
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Well, it looks awesome, and I am really glad that you love it, and that your first online transaction went fluidly and you got a great experience.

I definitely get it about overanalyzing everything. I am one of those people that get down into the micronic levels. The people I talk to when i can't make up my damn mind know that I am like "sub atomic" about stuff. So I get what you are going through. Imagine what I think about when I am buying things!
 
Well, it looks awesome, and I am really glad that you love it, and that your first online transaction went fluidly and you got a great experience.

I definitely get it about overanalyzing everything. I am one of those people that get down into the micronic levels. The people I talk to when i can't make up my damn mind know that I am like "sub atomic" about stuff. So I get what you are going through. Imagine what I think about when I am buying things!

I can't believe I am still ecstatic about this necklace! I wonder where has it been all my life?

Now, I am getting back to my rings but also want studs. Would you suggest a bezel setting?

Car shopping is biggest ordeal in the world!
 
Love! I am just about to make this journey myself. Initially I was planning on doing a trade in at a local store but ultimately decided to move forward and purchase a BGD. May I ask what bezel you have? Stationary? Sliding? Thanks!!
 
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Here is the one I purchased:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-pendants/fixed-bezel-pendant-platinum-5353p

Good luck w your choice! If I could do it again, I would go up to a .5 because my mother has that size from BGD (same setting) and hers does not flip or slid towards her back. I also wore hers and it did not happen to be but does happen with my .35 one. I also still wear it every day and love it as much as the first day! I also like having the option of trading up and may consider it in the future.
 
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Here is the one I purchased:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-pendants/fixed-bezel-pendant-platinum-5353p

Good luck w your choice! If I could do it again, I would go up to a .5 because my mother has that size from BGD (same setting) and hers does not flip or slid towards her back. I also wore hers and it did not happen to be but does happen with my .35 one. I also still wear it every day and love it as much as the first day! I also like having the option of trading up and may consider it in the future.

Hi Staceyjan & Ame!
I have been been reading up on this forum (and others that Ame has posted in) about DBTY necklaces. I am looking to purchase one but I am scared to take the plunge with BGD since they do not offer returns. I have never tried on a DBTY so I am unsure what size to get and I am worried about the flipping issue since I have experienced that in some of my other jewelry pieces (all costume).
I am contemplating going with tiffany for the sole fact that I can return it if it pokes or flips on me too much. How did you go through with such an expensive purchase having never tried it on?
Do you have any suggestions for me? I'm very petite under 5ft and under 100lbs. So I don't think I want something big. I'm a very simple person and rarely wear jewelry besides my engagement ring. I'm hoping this can become my everyday piece. Not so small that it seems cheap or silly but not too big where it'd look like I was trying to make a statement.

Please help! Thank you
Malissa
 
Hi Staceyjan & Ame!
I have been been reading up on this forum (and others that Ame has posted in) about DBTY necklaces. I am looking to purchase one but I am scared to take the plunge with BGD since they do not offer returns. I have never tried on a DBTY so I am unsure what size to get and I am worried about the flipping issue since I have experienced that in some of my other jewelry pieces (all costume).
I am contemplating going with tiffany for the sole fact that I can return it if it pokes or flips on me too much. How did you go through with such an expensive purchase having never tried it on?
Do you have any suggestions for me? I'm very petite under 5ft and under 100lbs. So I don't think I want something big. I'm a very simple person and rarely wear jewelry besides my engagement ring. I'm hoping this can become my everyday piece. Not so small that it seems cheap or silly but not too big where it'd look like I was trying to make a statement.

Please help! Thank you
Malissa
The reason they don't offer returns on these is because bezels are considered custom work. They are made to order for each stone. I might be incorrect, so someone correct me if I am wrong, but most vendors like BGD would be the same situation, ie no return. With Tiffany, you're basically paying significantly more for the brand name for the name itself, the branding that comes with that, and under the guise that you're getting "better quality," which isn't necessarily the case, but also to offset the return costs that might come with that.

All bezels flip with wear, almost all necklaces will. That's just how it works. Tiffany's will. BGD's will. Cartier's will. ANY one of these will. You move, and it will move with you. The only way to prevent something from moving and flipping is not to move or not to wear it at all. If you size it so it fits in the crook of your neck, it will probably kind of dance along with you and be up sometimes and down sometimes. I have a multistone bezel and they flip and flop anytime I wear it. None of them are ever facing up at the same time, and that's just the way it is. And if you have an open setting like that, yes, you'll probably get poked a little bit if it's facing the right way, but that's something you deal with if you want an open setting. Tradeoffs.

As for the stone size, that's going to just have to be a personal decision. I tend to think that a good max size for something like this to remain "dainty" is around a .35ish stone. If you have a Tiffany's near you, you could go try some on there and see what you think sizewise. I will warn you though--they cut their stones for DBTY very shallow so they look larger in that setting. A stone of the same carat weight that is cut properly won't look the same from somewhere else--because it's cut correctly.
 
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The reason they don't offer returns on these is because bezels are considered custom work. They are made to order for each stone. I might be incorrect, so someone correct me if I am wrong, but most vendors like BGD would be the same situation, ie no return. With Tiffany, you're basically paying significantly more for the brand name for the name itself, the branding that comes with that, and under the guise that you're getting "better quality," which isn't necessarily the case, but also to offset the return costs that might come with that.

All bezels flip with wear, almost all necklaces will. That's just how it works. Tiffany's will. BGD's will. Cartier's will. ANY one of these will. You move, and it will move with you. The only way to prevent something from moving and flipping is not to move or not to wear it at all. If you size it so it fits in the crook of your neck, it will probably kind of dance along with you and be up sometimes and down sometimes. I have a multistone bezel and they flip and flop anytime I wear it. None of them are ever facing up at the same time, and that's just the way it is. And if you have an open setting like that, yes, you'll probably get poked a little bit if it's facing the right way, but that's something you deal with if you want an open setting. Tradeoffs.

As for the stone size, that's going to just have to be a personal decision. I tend to think that a good max size for something like this to remain "dainty" is around a .35ish stone. If you have a Tiffany's near you, you could go try some on there and see what you think sizewise. I will warn you though--they cut their stones for DBTY very shallow so they look larger in that setting. A stone of the same carat weight that is cut properly won't look the same from somewhere else--because it's cut correctly.

Ame thank you so much for replying I was hoping to hear from you!! I have probably read through almost every thread on this topic and always love your input and I have seen your dbty necklace with your rubies- it is gorgeous!!
So BGD doesn't flip anymore than a Tiffany's dbty would? That makes my decision much easier.
I've been looking at their stones. I'm thinking I'll eventually get to tiffanys to check out sizes. I would love to get your option when I am ready to pick out a diamond!! Hope I can reach you when I'm ready to purchase :)

Thanks again
Malissa
 
Ame,
Would you please repost your diamond specs "cheat sheet" for those late to the party?:rolleyes:
Sure:

Diamond FAQ/Reference thread


Ame thank you so much for replying I was hoping to hear from you!! I have probably read through almost every thread on this topic and always love your input and I have seen your dbty necklace with your rubies- it is gorgeous!!
So BGD doesn't flip anymore than a Tiffany's dbty would? That makes my decision much easier.
I've been looking at their stones. I'm thinking I'll eventually get to tiffanys to check out sizes. I would love to get your option when I am ready to pick out a diamond!! Hope I can reach you when I'm ready to purchase :smile:

Thanks again
Malissa
Yep, just reach out when you need some input.

I've never encountered a bezel that didn't move. No pendant is not going to move.
 
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