Proposal Ring - Part 2

[bedposthalo]

Thanks for the concise sharing! I learnt something new today!

Thanks, will take note. Any idea what is the best ring specifications that I can get with a budget of $7k ?


Noted with thanks! Appointment needed or I can just drop by?

$7k should be able to get you a Super Ideal Cut around 0.7ct? You'll have to factor in the type of Cut you want and the other color and clarity grading.

They go by appointment only... be prepared to spend a long 2hrs there

 

[tortoise18]

custom made mine at Marks Solomon cape town. real price 3.3kusd, bought for 2.95ksgd.

0.47 ct. she skinny. not big at all.

 

[Amplif1er]

$7k should be able to get you a Super Ideal Cut around 0.7ct? You'll have to factor in the type of Cut you want and the other color and clarity grading.

They go by appointment only... be prepared to spend a long 2hrs there

I see. Seems like there are so many cuts out there, is there a dummy guide on diamond cuts? Do ppl rate cuts? Like this cut is more superior than the other and such.

 

[bedposthalo]

I see. Seems like there are so many cuts out there, is there a dummy guide on diamond cuts? Do ppl rate cuts? Like this cut is more superior than the other and such.

The word "Cut" can be a very generalized term.
It can either refer to the shape of the diamond or the facet structure/proportion of the diamond.

If you're talking about different diamond shapes, diamonds with the Hearts & Arrows cuts are superior. (Eg. normal princess, pear, heart shape diamonds don't have Hearts & Arrows). So this is where Cuts like the Brellia or Angel stands out because it's a different shape but with the Hearts & Arrows cut.

Now if you're talking about the Cut in terms of proportions, you will need to use the ASET and Hearts & Arrows scope to analyze the cut of the diamond.
For the usual Round diamond, the Super Ideal cut is the most superior. However, some jewellers can label their diamonds as Super Ideal cut, even though they are not. So the best way is to use these scopes to judge the diamond yourself and learn what to look out for. If in doubt, you can always post the scope pictures here and I'm sure there are many people that will gladly analyze them for you. Have fun!

 

[NavalkruS]

I have change it to a 0.54 F VS 1 Solasfera =)

What made you change your mind? Is the Solasfera much better and can see big difference?

 

[ventisg]

What made you change your mind? Is the Solasfera much better and can see big difference?

Yes definately... I just like the more sparkle it produced =D
Got the blink blink effect... Hehe

 

[babyjyo]

Hi all,

I'm totally new to diamonds, and I thought it would be great to gain some knowledge here.

Are private jewelers much value-for-money as compared to jewelry houses like Cartier?

What about brands like Forever Mark as compared to private jewelers?

I am unsure as to where should I get the proposal ring, so would like to seek opinions as such. Thanks!

I would first classify them into the various categories.

Retailer Category:
1) Luxury Jewelry Retailers - Cartier, T&C
2) Mass Market Jewelry Retailers - Lee Hwa, Soo Kee, etc.
3) Independent (Private) Jewellers / Online Jewellers

Diamond Category:
- Branded Diamond (Intl & Local) (Like Forevermark, Leo, Brilliant Rose, Lazare, etc.)
- Non Branded Diamond

- retailers may carry both branded and non-branded diamonds. Branded diamonds would cost as there is a brand premium. There are some branded diamonds such as brilliant rose, solesfera which are considered "modified cuts". They are not the typical round diamonds with 57 facets. They may have more facets or come in different shapes. Unless you are looking for a modified cut, when it comes to a standard round brilliant (typical 57 facets), whether it comes to a branded one or not, it makes no difference (apart from the brand). It is also possible that non-branded round brilliant diamonds can be of higher quality in cut as well as much more affordable compared to branded diamonds.

- retailers with prominent names like Tiffany, Cartier do charge a "luxury brand premium", like any other luxury goods.

 

[sweetthinker]

You got 2 rings in the end? Out of curiosity, what did you do with your old Tiffany ring then?



I'll take a pass on this one.. You should take a look at a VG Cut diamond in person and compare it to a better cut.. big big difference..

The first ring I bought was the Tiffany that I use for my proposal. Back then I didn't do proper research and thought Tiffany was the best. The second ring I bought was from JP and is an upgrade for our anniversary. That's when I started to read on how to buy a good diamond and realized I paid so much for that "Tiffany" name.

She wears the JP ring now and the Tiffany one is kept in the closet collecting dust. We considered selling it since she hardly wears it anymore but the price we got offered is very miserable... Tried to sell it off on those goldsmith shop and was only offered like 10% of what we paid for it. So really bo hua to sell it. Will probably re-set it into a necklace or something. You want to buy?

 

[Expert]

actually we guys compare so much about cut, clarity and color also got no use...

because when the girls ask about each other's diamond, their only question will be: what is the brand of your ring?

 

[sweetthinker]

actually we guys compare so much about cut, clarity and color also got no use...

because when the girls ask about each other's diamond, their only question will be: what is the brand of your ring?

That's not true... when I got my Tiffany ring, no one asked where it was from.. Unless we purposely "announce" that, it is a Tiffany. People also couldn't tell it was a branded ring either. The most questions we got was more of how sparkly or pretty the diamond is... and the shocking price I paid for it.

Moral of the story: As long as the diamond is very sparkly, the rest doesn't really matter.

 

[ventisg]

My new Solasfera =p

 

[charvin83]

If price the same, I'll pick the bigger 0.86carat one and try to upgrade for the G Color minimum

I went down to MBS Cartier and do another round of check.

My finding :
1) Cartier 0.81 carat, VS1, H color (centre stone); 0.18 carat total for 18 side diamond - $15,750

2) Cartier 0.82 carat, VS2, H color ; same spec for side diamond - $15,350

3) Cartier 0.83 carat VS2, H color ; same spec for side diamond - $15,450

4) Cartier 0.80 carat VVS2, G color ; same spec for side diamond - $17,850

5) Cartier 0.80 carat VS1, F color; same spec for side diamond - $18,600

Compared with my initial finding in Tiffany & Co Takashimaya,
Spec was 0.72 carat F color VVS1; side diamond 0.33carat in total - $15,500

So what you think? Seem like getting a gd color is more ex than clarity...

I heard from both Tiffany & Co and Cartier that diamond that is VS2 and above, you couldn't see the inclusion with naked eyes. True?

Seem like per increase grade of the color will increase approx 10% of the price of the ring..

 

[charvin83]

That's not true... when I got my Tiffany ring, no one asked where it was from.. Unless we purposely "announce" that, it is a Tiffany. People also couldn't tell it was a branded ring either. The most questions we got was more of how sparkly or pretty the diamond is... and the shocking price I paid for it.

Moral of the story: As long as the diamond is very sparkly, the rest doesn't really matter.

What if the design is a special one... Like Cartier new design..Cartier Destinee? just launch this year

 

[Expert]

So if we like a particular ring we see at Jannpaul, we can request for its aset scope analysis and datas on the spot and bring home to think about it?

 

[PPkiller]

So if we like a particular ring we see at Jannpaul, we can request for its aset scope analysis and datas on the spot and bring home to think about it?

they will mail u later.. they need time to scan those image in

 

[hollander]

My new Solasfera =p

Congrats!!! cant wait for the ring design!!!

 

[shaoos]

Up for the day..

Up for the day.

Hi Guys,
I’m selling TOP QUALITY LED LIGHTED PROPOSAL RING BOX!
Perfect for proposing in the Dark .

READY STOCK!!

Normal Black box

tubing with flower swarovski

ALL BRAND NEW!

Details:
HIGH POWERED LED Light shines directly down on the ring.

Bring out the sparkles of the stones

Perfect For Proposing in the dark.

High quality Black/RED PU leather grained exterior.

Fine Black velvet inlay, with a bright LED light on the upper inside.

Light switches on and off when box is opened or closed.

Powered by batteries (Included) are securely sealed to the bottom of the box and will not dislodge.

The box measures approx. 2.75″ x 2.5″ x 1.75″ - Large Enough to fit wedding bands

*Colour Red / Black , Price at $38.00 each.

*Rhinestone Limited edition at $68 Each (Email me for photos)

*Customised wording white tube (up to 12 characters inclusive of spacing)- $3 per tube come with 2 flower swarovski.



Will ensure LED Light is in working condition before sending out. To prevent lost mail, I will be posting the item out by registered mail (SingPost) @ additional $3.00 only. If you are interested or have any queries, do drop me an email at: weddingstuffs@live.com.sg (Please put Subject: Ring Box – Your NAME) .

 

[eddyman]

I always check from Bluenile as reference. This 0.32 H VVS1 3EX should not be more than SGD1000 for the loose diamond.

Yeah... checked from Bluenile and it is below SGD1000 for the loose diamond. Saw a few VS1 and VVS1 and can't tell the difference especially it is only 0.3ct. Color wise, I think I will go with above G recommendation.

BTW, where can I find the private jewellers list? Any link for me?

 

[GhostpiG]

Hi all,

I'm totally new to diamonds, and I thought it would be great to gain some knowledge here.

Are private jewelers much value-for-money as compared to jewelry houses like Cartier?

What about brands like Forever Mark as compared to private jewelers?

I am unsure as to where should I get the proposal ring, so would like to seek opinions as such. Thanks!

just a tip bro. read part 1 and 2 =D
but end of the day, go get some hands on after u have done ur reading =D
and enjoy the process =D

i was the same as you few mths back =D
but still not a pro. hahah.

 

[BrOwnTeddy]

Thanks for the response. The Polaris Ice diamond showed to me was triple exc according to the GIA cert. Hope that this cert is reliable.

What would be the reasonable price for this spec: 0.32ct,H,VVS1,triple-exc?

Buying a diamond is NOT like buying a computer.

And even when buying a computer with the 'best specs', how much you can manipulate out of its real power depends on the operator.

So, even though the GIA cert is reliable, don't rely too much on it.

Understand what you are looking at through the ASET and Ideal Scopes. If all they have is a Hearts and Arrows Scope and they have no idea on diamond education, I'd be very, very wary.