Beth called in towards the middle of July with questions about having her approx. 2 carat radiant cut diamond recut. It was a very long shaped radiant and she did not like the stone. She wanted Brian to do his magic! Brian did his predictions and recommended that he recut it into a cushion cut and that although there would be significant weight loss to recut it into a cushion cut, the size loss would not be severe.  The result was fantastic!!

We created Beth’s ring using CAD and sent her the CAD files for approval. We then proceeded to cast the Split Prong Grace setting in 18K rose gold with F/G VS Brian Gavin Signature melee set into the gallery. We managed to ship it out to her in time for an important weekend. We received this heartfelt e-mail from her after she had received the ring:

Dear Lesley and Brian, It's never too late to realize a dream. Here I am, a grandmother, finally being granted a wish made when I was just five years old and my father and I would exclaim together over the starry gems in the jeweler's window. I just knew my fairy godmother would grant me just one. Well, thank you Lesley and Brian for spreading some of that magic my way. It was worth the wait. The best to you and yours, Beth

© 2011, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

In December Wynne wrote in about a diamond recut and possible new setting:

Hi there! I have seen your fabulous recutting work on pricescope. Currently I have a non-certified 1.72 K I1 Round Brilliant stone. Rather than upgrade to a better cut, I thought I might see if there would be an option to have it recut? My original "upgrade/downgrade" plan was to get a smaller stone that was better cut so I do not mind losing some carat weight. I definitely see some type of light leakage if I look at the diamond in certain angles as you might be able to see from the attached picture. What do I need to do to have you assess the diamond? Do you have an approximate price/carat for the recut or is it something you need to see first? My current setting is in a platinum melee band..But I’m considering going with a shared prong for less metal and more bling! So just my current thoughts – not 100% on changing the setting yet.  Really looking forward to working with you guys!!

In order for Brian to give accurate feedback and projections, Wynne sent in her diamond ring and Brian unmounted the diamond. The starting weight was 1.746 and he predicted a finished weight of approx. 1.53 (an 87% retention). She gave Brian the go ahead and waited patiently as recuts take about 3 weeks to turn around. The actual finished weight was almost as predicted at 1.54 ct. The diamond's performance was greatly enhanced!

Wynne decided to have her “new” diamond set back into her original setting, which we refinished and set the diamond with claw prongs.

Lesley/Brian, I received the ring and it looks so fabulous!! I love how the setting was modified and the delicate prongs that the diamond is now in. My husband Eric is very pleased too! (happy wife happy life). lol. Thank you guys so much. Can't wait to actually buy brian gavin diamonds in the future (ahem 1 ctw bezel milgrain studs…just sayin'). Thank you thank you!! Wynne

The pre and post recut images, as well as the refinished ring are in the gallery below…

© 2011, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

Brian Gavin proudly announces the release of his new mobile device application (app), intimately connecting mobile users with Brian Gavin Diamonds (BGD).  Brian Gavin commissioned the development of the app to facilitate a personal connection between BGD and its customers and fans. The app is free to iPhone, iPod and iPad owners and delivers VIP status to users.

The interactive nature of the BGD mobile app allows one to search for individual diamonds through its Diamond Search function. This advanced search design allows users to find diamonds that meet individual wants or needs by facilitating sorting through a variety of specific user-defined categories. In addition, the application allows users to search through BGD’s extensive inventory of fine jewelry, which includes engagement rings, pendants, eternity bands, bracelets and a variety of custom designed pieces.

The mobile app contains further features, all designed with the concept of creating a bond between BGD and mobile users who are customers, associates and friends. Some of the apps sections include:

• Special Offers – Becoming a VIP with the BGD app entitles one to exclusive special offers. Via one's digital device, offers and sales are sent directly to the member. These offers are not available to the general public, and represent deals and savings of a significant nature.
• News – In the News section, users are kept current with all new developments at BGD, including the hottest trends in the industry and any news items affecting the jewelry industry, in general and BGD, in particular.

• Education – Through the mobile application, Brian Gavin and his team share their many years of experience in the diamond and jewelry industry. Educational details about every aspect of selecting and buying jewelry is provided, allowing VIP users to become intelligent shoppers.
• FAQ – The FAQ section covers basic and detailed information regarding BGD
• Blog – The Brian Gavin Diamonds app keeps users connected with the BGD blog. Along with details about the industry, the blog features interesting articles that detail the process of having jewelry custom created, as well as fun and sometimes heartwarming tales of specific marriage proposals.
• Contact – The blog facilitates contact with Brian and his team at every level, using electronic and conventional methods, as well as providing an interactive map of the BGD location.
• Sharing – The Sharing feature of the application allows users to share details of the jewelry available or any other details within the app via email, Facebook and Twitter.

The Brian Gavin Diamonds mobile application is designed to take users to the next level, educating and informing them while forging a direct and personal link to Brian and his team.

© 2011, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

In August 2010, Kyle called in to begin discussions to create his future fiancée, Kirby’s engagement ring. He was planning a Labor Day weekend proposal.  Jamie worked with him to select a beautiful 1.14 carat Brian Gavin Signature hearts and arrows diamond. We then designed a custom platinum tapered square cut and baguette diamond engagement ring which featured approximately 1.30ctw of F/G VS diamond melee.  We e-mailed him the CAD rendering and then cast, set and shipped the ring to him with just a day to spare! All the diamond melee was specially cut for the ring and we set a blue sapphire and aquamarine inside the shank.

Two months ago, Kyle called in to order a men’s band for himself and the matching band for his fiancée.  Hers was a Custom Platinum Square Cut Matching Diamond band which featured approx 1.40ctw of F/G VS Melee  and his was Custom Platinum Men's Wedding band to feature alternating diamonds of approx 3- 2×2 Square Cut diamonds and 3- 3×3 Square cut diamonds F/G VS. Again all the diamonds were custom cut and we set a blue sapphire and aquamarine inside each wedding band.

Lesley, I picked up the rings today – they are beautiful! We're both really excited to wear them. I'll send some pictures of our wedding and some close-ups of the rings, especially Kirby's wedding and engagement rings together. Thanks, Kyle

Last week we received the following e-mail and the beautiful wedding pictures below:

Lesley, Attached are some pictures from our wedding. The rings ended up being perfect – Kirby's engagement and wedding rings fit together perfectly and look beautiful together. I love my ring and it fits perfectly and is comfortable. We both love our rings and have recommended your custom service to many of our friends. I plan on buying my wife more jewelry from you guys in the future… Thanks, Kyle

© 2011, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

© 2011, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

In September, Nicolas wrote in inquiring about our recut service as he was interested in improving the cut quality of the diamond he had recently purchased. He sent it in for a recut consultation by Brian, who evaluated the diamond and recommended that he not recut it as it was a well cut stone, the structure of the stone presented some aspect of risk and there would be a loss of value.

Nicolas then worked with us to create a beautiful 18K white gold custom halo engagement ring and matching wedding band, set with F/G VS Brian Gavin Signature melee and finished off with hand milgrain work.  We received the following e-mail a few days ago:

Hello Denise,

I was thinking of waiting until Christmas to propose but I just couldn't wait to give Amanda the ring. So, after a romantic dinner prepared at home while enjoying a glass of nice red wine in front of the fireplace I mustered the courage and asked Amanda if she would spend the rest of her life with me. She said YES! Her reaction was overwhelming…she LOVED the ring…and when I told her about Brian Gavin Diamonds and her unique custom made ring she was very intrigued and curious to know whether there would one day be an "Amanda" ring on your website? (She said she would be flattered if there was). The only thing left for us to do is to announce the engagement to our families over Christmas, and get our wedding plans rolling!

Having said all that I'm definitely past due in expressing my gratitude to yourself, Brian and the rest of your team there at BrianGavinDiamonds  for making this a wonderful experience and for producing such a gorgeous product. I know that Amanda is already getting complements on her ring from friends and colleagues at work and your company name is getting a LOT of credit for your high quality skill and craftsmanship.

Sincerely, Nicolas

The CAD rendering and Glamor Shots are in the gallery below:

© 2010, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

In July a customer wrote in inquiring about the possibility of re-cutting a princess cut diamond that she had kept safely in its box for several years. It weighed 1.24 carats and was not a great performer due to its very average cut. She sent it in for evaluation and was aware that the diamond would lose some weight, but had no use for it as it was.  Brian ran the numbers and estimated that it would end up weighing just over a carat. He felt that he could definitely improve the light performance by re-cutting it. The results were astounding!!!

Once it was done, she decided not to have it re-certified and started working with Denise on a customized setting based on the Split Halo setting.

This is just really exciting! Thank you for working with me through this whole process. You've been more than kind and helpful!

We created the ring with some minor changes and e-mailed her the Glamor Shots before it shipped.

I wasn't expecting to get these pictures tonight and am totally blown away by them and how beautiful this ring is. It is absolutely stunning.

When she received the ring she wrote in so excited!!

Hi Denise, I'm super-pressed for time but wanted to let you know that I was able to pick my ring up at FedEx this morning. It's absolutely beautiful. It looks more delicate and fluid that I had expected after seeing the pictures and it's just perfect. Will you let Lesley and Brian know how happy I am with this ring? And an extra big thank you to you for being such a wonderful guide throughout this whole process. It was so much fun to work with you! Gotta run and wish you all a great day, H. J.

The Gallery of Pictures below tells the Story…

© 2010, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

Suzanne contacted us wanting to know more about our diamond recut services. Her husband had bought her a 1.45 I VVS2 princess cut that just wasn’t performing the way she wanted it to. She sent it in for evaluation and Brian provided feedback as to what he felt he could do to make it a better performer. She gave the go ahead to proceed.  After the recut was done, we sent it off to the AGS lab to be graded and it was graded as 1.133 G VVS1. The color and clarity grading does not always go up with a recut so it was a huge bonus in addition to a brilliant new diamond!!

We then proceeded to start the creation of Suzanne’s beautiful new custom ring. She wanted something that really made a statement in two tone 18K yellow gold and platinum using F/G VS Brian Gavin Signature melee. She discussed all the details with Brian, we created the CAD, sent it to her for approval and then we created the setting.  Understandably she was very nervous during the process and she wrote the following to Jamie:

Jamie, You've been terrific throughout this whole process.  I feel like you "get" me and what I'm looking for in my ring!  You don't make me feel like my questions are silly or inconsequential. Thanks so much for that!

We shipped the finished ring out and her reaction was FANTASTIC!!!

Jamie/Leslie: The ring has arrived!! And all I could say for 5 minutes was WOW!! WOW!!! WOW!!!! It's absolutely spectacular! The workmanship is beyond any ring I have ever seen.  Can a ring be TOOO sparkly?? I think not!!  Brian's fabulous recut of my princess diamond combined with the BGD signature melee creates a lightshow of color flashes and sparkles that is literally edge to edge. The recut surpasses any princess cuts I have EVER seen. It is mesmerizing to look at. The fit is perfect!!  This is a ring to replace all rings! I could not be more thrilled! I've attached some pictures so you can see how it looks on my hand. I wanted a ring that made a statement and boy does it!!! I still cannot believe that my center is "only" one carat, the ring and halo make it look huge!! It practically pops out and grabs you!  No way you cannot notice this ring.  It's definitely a five table ring (which means you can see it in a restaurant from 5 tables away!). I'm doing a happy dance! Can't wait for hubby to come home and see it! This was my first custom internet project and to say that I was nervous throughout the process is an understatement. Was it worth the wait and the sleepless nights? ABSOLUTELY!!!! Thank Brian for me, I am proud owner of one of his creations! Have I used enough exclamation marks? I love, love, LOVE IT!!!! THANK YOU Brian, Jamie and Leslie!! Suzanne H.

© 2010, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

The positive feedback from our customers continues to pour in. Following is a sampling  – more can be seen on our Testimonial Pages:

• Dear Jamie, The rings arrived safe and sound and they are amazing!  I can't believe that I am lucky enough to have my dream rings (and have an amazing guy who understood what this meant to me).  Thanks so much to you, Lesley and Brian.  What a great (and easy) experience it was and I'm hoping to be a longtime customer since I already have my eye on a couple of other pieces for future occasions! Please take care and thank you so much again for making my dream become a reality! Ronda
• Dear Lesley and Brian, the Diamond is stunning. She couldn’t believe the fire that was coming from the diamond. Her eyes were locked on that diamond for the next 2 days (actually, she's sitting next to me right now, still taking pictures, 3 days later). All her focus is literally on the diamond. She is just as stunned by the beauty of the classic tiffany style knife edge setting. No regrets with the decision to go with rose gold. It looks absolutely beautiful and original. She has been getting looks and compliments everywhere we go, including from the staff at Tiffany and Co. We went to compare her diamond to theirs and hers far outshone theirs. She is still in disbelief that she now owns such a perfect diamond. "It’s like a dream" she says. She is on cloud 9 and I don't foresee her coming down anytime soon. This was the diamond I had promised her a year ago and it delivered the full effect I hoped for. Thank you very much for the magnificent job and great customer service you provided for this purchase. You truly made my doubts regarding purchasing a diamond online disappear. A.H.
• Lesley, Thanks again for my beautiful three stone ring!!! I have it on right now. I feel like I am dreaming!!! I like the fact that it is dainty yet very elegant! It is perfect!!!! I have waited 25 years for a diamond ring. I am so glad that Phil found you and your husband to make our "dream ring". I am not one to wear a lot of jewelry. I like simplicity, but classy when I do, so this design was absolutely me!!! The middle diamond is amazing, very brilliant! It will take some getting used to wearing it. I went from a simple gold band to this gorgeous ring! I can't stop looking at my hand!!! I am also still enjoying my hearts and arrows diamond earrings that Phil purchased from you a couple of years ago. I love them too, and never take them off. Thanks again, and have a blessed day!!!! Sandy
• Denise, thank you for all your amazing help, and to all the others at BGD who helped to make this happen.  The 4 Prong Solitaire is Perfect! It's beautiful. What a wonderful surprise to see that you place white gloves alongside the ring so as not to spoil it when I give it to her! I have everything planned, and I will write back with all the details when all is said and done this coming week. She will love it. Thank you for absolutely everything….. I shortened my window from a few months to just a few short days and I was met with excitement from your end, and the ring still arrived within just a couple days as perfect as I could ever hope. The white gloves, the phone calls and dozens of emails, you did everything you could to make this one of the most memorable moments of my and Alyssa's life together and it will always be remembered. We look forward to everything we will do with BGD in the future. Talon
• Hey Jamie! I wanted to write and thank you again for your help with the engagement ring. I proposed to Sabrina at the peak of El Yunque in Puerto Rico and she said yes! She was completely blown away by the ring and she has gotten a ton of compliments on it! If you all are still interested in naming the style after her on the website, feel free to do so. Also, if you'd like some pictures from the engagement I can try to send some. Thanks again. We've set a tentative date of June 11, 2011 for the wedding. I'll be in touch a little closer to time to begin working on the band.  Steve
• Hello Denise, I gave my wife the ring, and she loves it!  It is a beautiful marquise and round ring, the workmanship is fantastic, and the diamond is everything I was hoping for.  I want to thank you again for the effort you put into getting it to us on short notice.  I also want to say thanks for the follow up emails and photos you sent, those were a nice touch. Thank you again for all your help, we look forward to doing business with you again someday. Sincerely, Rick
• Dear Brian, Jamie and Lesley, I picked up my micro pave ring today within a couple hours after it arrived! All I can say is wow! It is so stunning! The amount of fire coming off of that thing in today's bright sunlight was blinding! Thank you so much for making this such an easy process. I will be looking to you again for the wedding band. I especially want to thank Brian and Jamie for working with me and price matching my setting. Without that I wouldn't have been able to purchase this ring! You are a great company to work with and I will spread the word to all my friends! Thank you again, Sam
• Lesley, I picked up the halo engagement ring this morning and am blown away by how stunning it is! The pictures really do not do it justice. I love the millgrain on it and the hidden stones are amazing. I am so happy with the ring. Thank you so much for you help and patience throughout this whole process. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees this ring. It is going to be perfect! Adam
• Dearest Jamie, The 4 prong basket setting earrings are in fact amazing. They catch so much light, they look like the bulbs on a string of Christmas lights. REALLY white and bright. I didn't know earring could look so good. I will recommend Brian Gavin to everyone. We look forward to working with you on my daughter's engagement ring. Have a great weekend, Joy

© 2010, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.

We created a magnificent 3 stone "Truth x 3" ring last month and we received these beautiful pictures (by photographer Bryan Sutherland) last Thursday. We are posting them here today, Memorial Day, in honor of and in gratitude to all of our servicemen.  He is a pilot in the Coast Guards and the story is below:

At the end of January a customer called in about the possible recut of her diamond. She e-mailed in a copy of the certificate for Brian’s review and then, being that they are stationed near Houston, she brought the diamond in with her husband to show Brian and get his feedback. They had a wonderful meeting and Brian agreed to move forward on the recut, which, when done, was to be one of the three stones for a new three stone engagement ring. He predicted that the original diamond weighing 1.02 ct would end up at approximately 0.82 carat. He did a spectacular job of the recut and once done, she selected a beautiful 1.70 carat for the center and a matching 0.82 ct for the third stone – both Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows diamonds. We set the diamonds in our beautiful Truth x 3 stone setting in platinum. The result was spectacular!!!

© 2010, Brian Gavin. All rights reserved. Including all photographs, written word and video, but not limited to unless noted.