Proposal Ring - Part 2

[Draculav]

Hi all,

Hopefully someone can enlighten me on the following, how much roughly should I be expecting for the following,

- 1 carat
- VS1
- Colour F
- Any cut

Preparing budget for proposal ring. Thanks!

Bro, if you have been reading this thread, buying a diamond is all about the cut.

If you really want an answer to your question, the cost can be from $1k - $30k (from a Taka self-certified diamond to a Gabrielle cut diamond).

 

[Jarrytrump]

Hi there, without scopes to examine further, there is little we can do to advise on pricing. The only method is to estimate a price based on the 4Cs (this is how many of the private jewellers in singapore price their item anyway). I would say the price is alright. It almost made the "super ideal" range (based on my own definition of super ideal) except for the crown angle. I would prefer a range of between 34.3 - 34.9. Since GIA rounds off their crown angle to nearest 0.5 degrees, it may be one of those super ideals as well.

Try to at least get an H&A scope to view your diamond. Most shops in singapore has it. Use it to check for the H&A pattern for symmetry. If symmetry is there also, then the price is alright.

Try to do a search on bluenile to see diamonds of comparable specs. Remember to add gst to bluenile price.

Hi, thanks for your kind advice. Just wondering, what is the definition of 'super ideal' range based on looking at diamond specs alone and any basis/articles on that?

I've compared bluenile signature ideal prices and whiteflash expert selection range, prices seems to hover around mid 5k for equivalent spec. after USD conversion + GST and that is just for the loose diamond alone. Hope I'm doing my calculations right with the correct comparison, any other price guides available?

I did a check on the HCA score as well (0.7), since its below 2, I guess one of the tools has proven it alright.

 

[Lurker_13]

Hi, thanks for your kind advice. Just wondering, what is the definition of 'super ideal' range based on looking at diamond specs alone and any basis/articles on that?

I've compared bluenile signature ideal prices and whiteflash expert selection range, prices seems to hover around mid 5k for equivalent spec. after USD conversion + GST and that is just for the loose diamond alone. Hope I'm doing my calculations right with the correct comparison, any other price guides available?

I did a check on the HCA score as well (0.7), since its below 2, I guess one of the tools has proven it alright.

There is no "Super Ideal" cut on the GIA/AGS cert. Ideal cut diamonds are awarded GIA 3Ex or AGS triple Ideal (0) for Cut, Polish and Symmetry.

Not all “Ideal Cut “ diamonds are created equal. For "Ideal Cut" diamonds to be "Super Ideal", they not only have to be GIA 3Ex or AGS Triple Ideal (0), they also need to exhibit a distinct perfect "Hearts & Arrows" pattern to maximise light return. It is very difficult for the diamond cutter to achieve this level of precision in three dimensions, requiring more skill, more time, and the loss of more weight from the original diamond rough thereby making it more costly to produce.

Do note also that HCA should be used as a rejection tool and not a decision making tool. Ideal or ASET scopes are helpful to further examine the diamond.

Since you mentioned comparing Whiteflash's diamonds, here is a link to read more about their signature A CUT ABOVE Hearts and Arrows Diamonds
Additional readings if you are interested : Round Hearts & Arrows - GoodOldGold.com

 

[saintgtril]

Hi all,

Thanks UpperCut, I made a trip down to JP yesterday to re-examine the diamond with my naked eyes. I do not see any inclusion then. I thought of upgrading to a better diamond if there is. Phew!

In the second image, JP staff assure me the yellow "stain" is light reflection, not any flaws etc.. of the diamond. I just need to trust them for it. They also assure me this is an excellent diamond, claiming that i worry unduly. I guess by now, you guys will have sense this is my first time getting a diamond. Ha!

Bro, looks like a nice stone.

I would be expecting a little less particles even for a VS2.
You might wanna have a relook at the diamond itself to make sure the particles cannot be seen with the naked eye

Hi all,

This is my very first time getting a diamond and i am not certain if i am getting something that is worth its price. What do the experts think of its grade? Any comments, analysis or thoughts will be very much appreciated!

Diamond type: Super Ideal Cut
0.551 F VS2
AGS 104063713024

Damage: $3900 (include GST)!

 

[UpperCut]

Hi all,

Thanks UpperCut, I made a trip down to JP yesterday to re-examine the diamond with my naked eyes. I do not see any inclusion then. I thought of upgrading to a better diamond if there is. Phew!

In the second image, JP staff assure me the yellow "stain" is light reflection, not any flaws etc.. of the diamond. I just need to trust them for it. They also assure me this is an excellent diamond, claiming that i worry unduly. I guess by now, you guys will have sense this is my first time getting a diamond. Ha!

Previously I meant those inclusions shown on your AGS cert.
Nothing beats verification from your own self.
Congrats on your purchase!

 

[zeally]

Hi, thanks for your kind advice. Just wondering, what is the definition of 'super ideal' range based on looking at diamond specs alone and any basis/articles on that?

I've compared bluenile signature ideal prices and whiteflash expert selection range, prices seems to hover around mid 5k for equivalent spec. after USD conversion + GST and that is just for the loose diamond alone. Hope I'm doing my calculations right with the correct comparison, any other price guides available?

I did a check on the HCA score as well (0.7), since its below 2, I guess one of the tools has proven it alright.

Hello!

firstly, there is no definition of super ideal. It is always based on the opinion of some individuals in the diamond industry who thinks that these proportions will have a very high chance to lead to a very bright and fiery stone. I happen to one of those other people who agrees with one of them, (you can visit niceice.com) after visually comparing many stones. However, what ever the proportion of the stone is, it doesnt matter that much if you have a chance to view it under the scope.

Anyway, if you want more price comparisons, go the brian gavin or visit some local shops. Just bear in mind that you have to compare apple with apple, look for diamonds which proportions are similar to yours and identical 4Cs.

 

[XsenseX]

Just came back to this thread after 2+ yrs of marriage (3+ yrs after proposal) and thinking of upgrading in a couple of years ...

But anyways, just sharing from real life experience for the 4 C's (in girls & their girl friends perspective)

The most impt to girls ranks like this:

1. Carat
2. Color
3. Cut (very close to no.2)
4. Clarity

Yes, everyone in the forum thinks Cut is the ultimate C but somehow its not when girls actually discuss it ...

And yes, they do put their hands together and look at the diamonds ... (and no, they don't tell you that either)

The only 2 that is visible to the naked eye during quick glances and comparison over lunch is, YES, Carat and Color ...

Just heard from a friend that complaining that her diamond was 'not as white' as her friends after they see that both of the diamonds are around 1carat big ... So next was to compare whiteness/pureness ...

Nobody can compare Cut cause its ambiguous to do it over naked eye and under 'glancing pass' type of scenario ... Anyone can say mine is the best cut and its hard to say its not over the ***** coffee table ...

U see this picture, its very obvious which is the excellent cut but it will ***** look similar under coffee table conditions ... And sadly, thats where usually, the diamond is seen by the girls ...

And you really can't tell an excellent cut to a Very good cut over those conditions unless you diamond is >2 carat (which is bigger so easier to see the beautiful reflections on an excellent cut) ...
But hell, if you have the means to get a 2 carat diamond, i don't see why would you not get an excellent grade since money isn't a big concern.

C,D,E,F color might look the same to guys ... BUT when the girls put the rings together and compare, it is quite visible that the F is much yellower than a C ... Or rather, not as 'white' and 'clean' or 'pure' ...

Its funny how they compare it (with girlfriends) and how they will always entertain the hubby and saying ya 'Cut' is important cause they wana seem sophisticated ... and not bimbo to just look at carat size ...

Well, my 2cents ... No scientific proof and not generalising ... Just had to poke around and observe over the past 2 years ... lol

For my next upgrade, i might end up trading a E color to get a C color by downgrading the cut from Excellent to Very good ...

Have fun! for the new guys getting your diamonds ... Cheers

 

[Lurker_13]

Just came back to this thread after 2+ yrs of marriage (3+ yrs after proposal) and thinking of upgrading in a couple of years ...

But anyways, just sharing from real life experience for the 4 C's (in girls & their girl friends perspective)

The most impt to girls ranks like this:

1. Carat
2. Color
3. Cut (very close to no.2)
4. Clarity

Yes, everyone in the forum thinks Cut is the ultimate C but somehow its not when girls actually discuss it ...

And yes, they do put their hands together and look at the diamonds ... (and no, they don't tell you that either)

The only 2 that is visible to the naked eye during quick glances and comparison over lunch is, YES, Carat and Color ...

Just heard from a friend that complaining that her diamond was 'not as white' as her friends after they see that both of the diamonds are around 1carat big ... So next was to compare whiteness/pureness ...

Nobody can compare Cut cause its ambiguous to do it over naked eye and under 'glancing pass' type of scenario ... Anyone can say mine is the best cut and its hard to say its not over the ***** coffee table ...

U see this picture, its very obvious which is the excellent cut but it will ***** look similar under coffee table conditions ... And sadly, thats where usually, the diamond is seen by the girls ...

And you really can't tell an excellent cut to a Very good cut over those conditions unless you diamond is >2 carat (which is bigger so easier to see the beautiful reflections on an excellent cut) ...
But hell, if you have the means to get a 2 carat diamond, i don't see why would you not get an excellent grade since money isn't a big concern.

C,D,E,F color might look the same to guys ... BUT when the girls put the rings together and compare, it is quite visible that the F is much yellower than a C ... Or rather, not as 'white' and 'clean' or 'pure' ...

Its funny how they compare it (with girlfriends) and how they will always entertain the hubby and saying ya 'Cut' is important cause they wana seem sophisticated ... and not bimbo to just look at carat size ...

Well, my 2cents ... No scientific proof and not generalising ... Just had to poke around and observe over the past 2 years ... lol

For my next upgrade, i might end up trading a E color to get a C color by downgrading the cut from Excellent to Very good ...

Have fun! for the new guys getting your diamonds ... Cheers

Interesting post. I am surprised u didn't mention abt the ladies comparing the Brands

Btw, good luck in finding a 'C' colour diamond... Cos' I only know the highest colour grade is up to 'D'

 

[hollander]

Interesting Discussion ;-)

A buyer with so much capacity to buy whatever he/she wants will not dwell about knowing 4C's, details about the cut, angle, table and etc... they will just buy, the biggest and the best.... period.

A buyer who is financially capable but with a certain limitation, will consider popular brands to suffice the earthly urge not thinking the value of their money, it's the brand...

A buyer who is smart enough to know the difference of bad and good diamond in parallel of the brand and it's price, will take time to analyse and go deep down the details before the purchase, maximising all resources/efforts for their hard earned money.

A blind buyer, is someone who just happen to pass by, knows nothing but paying high premium, and will complain later on for purchasing something that is not of good quality.......is most common amongst us.

 

[spLeenfuL]

Hmm, there are always exceptions to the norm, but imo, bigger is better lah (provided everything else is already fantastic), if the finances can take it without going into debt. Yeah, you can always upgrade later, but it wouldn't be the ring that he proposed with, if you get what I mean? Knowing that he gave me the best he can is important to me. Let's say, a guy earns 10k per month (mostly disposable income, no other financial commitments to family). If he spent only 3k on the ring, I think any girl would feel at least a bit slighted. However, if a guy earns 1k a month, and he spent 3k on the ring, I'd feel like he would really do his best to love me & dote on me for the rest of his life. Of course, some people will say that it's really materialistic, but I think any girl would agree that they feel absolutely adored. (They may say they won't, but see how they change their tune when they experience it for themselves.) Another thing is that girls don't like other girls to put down their guy. It really hurt for my friend who was teased about her not so nice .2 diamond. She understands that he had a limited budget, but it still bothered her enough for her to admit it to me.

I have to note though, there are girls who don't like or cannot wear big diamonds. In that case, my advise would be to upgrade on clarity & color. In these cases, it's not so much about the size but the thought & cost that went into it. Another option would be for the guy to present her with 2 rings, one with a smaller, more plain design for everyday wear, & a maxed out one. For these people, I think a proposal ring & an engagement (pair) ring would be a good idea. It really pays to know one's prospective fiancee.

Guys can blame it on De Beers for their marketing on their pretty yet practically worthless rocks, but the fact is that girls love to feel adored & beloved. This want is not something that didn't already exist. (Though probably it would be more practical to present gold bars & a house for a proposal. LOL)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that a guy can never go wrong with giving 100% in getting the proposal ring, be it a poorly cut .1 J color or the most brilliant 5ct D in Singapore. It's really the thought, effort & love that goes into the ring that counts.

When my FI severely reduced his expenditure to give me that diamond, the gesture said to me, "I will gladly give you the best I can afford even if it means I need to cut back on myself. You will never go without." It's been years since my godmother received her diamond, & she put it in a deposit box at the bank as they are in-between houses right now, but just looking at the key reminds her of how it made it her feel so treasured & loved. Of course, he treats her well in daily life too. =)

(I'm not judging those guy who don't spend a few K on their diamonds though they can, btw. Male & female brains think really differently, and I didn't think of it that way until just this month. I'm sure their FIs are happy with whatever they received as long as it's from them.)

Thanks for sharing! Nice to hear the point of view from a female perspective

Out of interest, do girls often compare ring brands?

 

[UpperCut]

A buyer who is financially capable but with a certain limitation, will consider popular brands to suffice the earthly urge not thinking the value of their money, it's the brand...

Reminded of myself when I almost got a Tiffany & Co.
Only realized later that they actually grade their own diamonds. Seriously, that ain't no different from masturbation !

 

[KamiyaHaine]

IMO comparing size instead of cut can depend on the group of girls. For example, I think salesgirl/ah lian type would compare size but media/business studies kind would compare cut. The sophisticate will definitely pick cut.

I think if someone shows me her larger but poorly cut cushion diamond, I'd just tell her mine's a brellia & that brellias are among the most well cut, & that poorly cut large diamonds can go for as little as 10% of the price of a triple E. =P

Thanks for sharing! Nice to hear the point of view from a female perspective

Out of interest, do girls often compare ring brands?

Hmm, not among my circle of friends but probably girls around my age group will (early 20s) as most bfs will only get them Taka or SK (no offense to anyone who got their diamonds there). Maybe girls who don't know anything, just like girls who go for size instead of cut. LOL Or perhaps the appearance-focused who think brand is everything. IMO the rock speaks for itself with most people.

 

[punggolian]

Anyone getting one soon?

So many in the market don't know which to choose. GoldHeart and Lee Hwa is my choice now.

Budget around 1k

@tech_oasis,
Lee Hwa 1.1k 0.30 carat, Grade D, very shiny and white
Goldheart 1.2-1.3k 0.3 carat, Grade D-E, but friend said a bit yellowish than Lee Hwa

 

[zeally]

Interesting post. I am surprised u didn't mention abt the ladies comparing the Brands��

Btw, good luck in finding a 'C' colour diamond... Cos' I only know the highest colour grade is up to 'D'��

He grades it in-house in his basement. LoL!

 

[zeally]

@tech_oasis,
Lee Hwa 1.1k 0.30 carat, Grade D, very shiny and white
Goldheart 1.2-1.3k 0.3 carat, Grade D-E, but friend said a bit yellowish than Lee Hwa

Unless you get their signature diamonds, both brands are overpriced and not good enough. I can never stand it when a sales assistance tries to market a very good cut stone to be some fantastic bargain stone that I cannot afford to miss.

The key here is brand is not important at all, just get certified diamonds! preferably GIA or AGSL

 

[zeally]

Just came back to this thread after 2+ yrs of marriage (3+ yrs after proposal) and thinking of upgrading in a couple of years ...

But anyways, just sharing from real life experience for the 4 C's (in girls & their girl friends perspective)

The most impt to girls ranks like this:

1. Carat
2. Color
3. Cut (very close to no.2)
4. Clarity

Yes, everyone in the forum thinks Cut is the ultimate C but somehow its not when girls actually discuss it ...

And yes, they do put their hands together and look at the diamonds ... (and no, they don't tell you that either)

The only 2 that is visible to the naked eye during quick glances and comparison over lunch is, YES, Carat and Color ...

Just heard from a friend that complaining that her diamond was 'not as white' as her friends after they see that both of the diamonds are around 1carat big ... So next was to compare whiteness/pureness ...

Nobody can compare Cut cause its ambiguous to do it over naked eye and under 'glancing pass' type of scenario ... Anyone can say mine is the best cut and its hard to say its not over the ***** coffee table ...

U see this picture, its very obvious which is the excellent cut but it will ***** look similar under coffee table conditions ... And sadly, thats where usually, the diamond is seen by the girls ...

And you really can't tell an excellent cut to a Very good cut over those conditions unless you diamond is >2 carat (which is bigger so easier to see the beautiful reflections on an excellent cut) ...
But hell, if you have the means to get a 2 carat diamond, i don't see why would you not get an excellent grade since money isn't a big concern.

C,D,E,F color might look the same to guys ... BUT when the girls put the rings together and compare, it is quite visible that the F is much yellower than a C ... Or rather, not as 'white' and 'clean' or 'pure' ...

Its funny how they compare it (with girlfriends) and how they will always entertain the hubby and saying ya 'Cut' is important cause they wana seem sophisticated ... and not bimbo to just look at carat size ...

Well, my 2cents ... No scientific proof and not generalising ... Just had to poke around and observe over the past 2 years ... lol

For my next upgrade, i might end up trading a E color to get a C color by downgrading the cut from Excellent to Very good ...

Have fun! for the new guys getting your diamonds ... Cheers

I think after 2 years, you are really getting out of touch. Make a trip down to Jannpaul to see a comparison of their super ideal to normal diamonds. Then you will really see what is visible to the eye and what is not. Static pictures do not tell the full story.

It is the cold hard truth that a super ideal G 0.8 carat will look bigger or same size and much more dazzling as compared to a 1 carat D with good cut. For obvious reason, the 0.8 is going to cost more as well. So even without looking at the cert or voicing out their specs, the eye could tell it all.
Never comprise cut.

Lastly, I want to agree with one sentence of yours. Girls do look at carats first. However, once they compare side by side, the one with the superior cuts wins hand down. (the girl with the bigger diamond may even wonder if the sales assistant had scammed her) LoL!

 

[hollander]

@tech_oasis,
Lee Hwa 1.1k 0.30 carat, Grade D, very shiny and white
Goldheart 1.2-1.3k 0.3 carat, Grade D-E, but friend said a bit yellowish than Lee Hwa

Anyone getting one soon?

So many in the market don't know which to choose. GoldHeart and Lee Hwa is my choice now.

Budget around 1k

This is an old post by Tech_Oasis ;-)

 

[Jarrytrump]

Thanks zeally and Lurker_13 for your sharing.

In the end I bought the diamond after viewing that the H&A scope did exhibit symmetry.

Was contemplating between that with the JP super ideal 0.64 F VS2, both cost the same, but have decided to go with the higher carat since I couldn't really tell the difference physically. Got a nice side diamond setting to go along as well, quite excited to see the end product!

Even though i did not purchase from JP, I must say I was really impressed by their services. And I'm sure someone else out there is waiting for the diamond that they have held for me.

Cheers to all~

 

[zeally]

Thanks zeally and Lurker_13 for your sharing.

In the end I bought the diamond after viewing that the H&A scope did exhibit symmetry.

Was contemplating between that with the JP super ideal 0.64 F VS2, both cost the same, but have decided to go with the higher carat since I couldn't really tell the difference physically. Got a nice side diamond setting to go along as well, quite excited to see the end product!

Even though i did not purchase from JP, I must say I was really impressed by their services. And I'm sure someone else out there is waiting for the diamond that they have held for me.

Cheers to all~

Congrats, do come back to post pictures once your ring is ready!

Anyway, for other bros who are reading this forum for information. When two diamonds are pretty close in specs, either in cut or colour, only a side by side comparison can tell the difference, unless you are very experienced. Also, try to observe the shine by shield away the strong halogen lights in those shops, especially yellowish light, they make even a "good" cut diamond look like a super ideal. You can try opening a black umbrella to look at the diamond if the shop allows , if not your hands to cover the diamonds a little. It is better to see them in lower lighting conditions than under the strong halogen lights.

 

[hollander]

Thanks zeally and Lurker_13 for your sharing.

In the end I bought the diamond after viewing that the H&A scope did exhibit symmetry.

Was contemplating between that with the JP super ideal 0.64 F VS2, both cost the same, but have decided to go with the higher carat since I couldn't really tell the difference physically. Got a nice side diamond setting to go along as well, quite excited to see the end product!

Even though i did not purchase from JP, I must say I was really impressed by their services. And I'm sure someone else out there is waiting for the diamond that they have held for me.

Cheers to all~

Congratulations!!!!

Share us some pics!!!