Hi guys,
As promised, I had an appointment with JP today at 3pm. Being the dufus I am and not been to Orchard Road for years to shop, I thought Far East Plaza. The one near Grand Hyatt. How dumb can I be? FW was nagging due to the heat and her new shoes.
Location
Anyway, found the place (Far East Shopping Centre okay folks. Not that Far East Plaza where we all hang out during our teens years and get a tattoo)
First Date
Well, we were greeted. Got seated and tada! Casey came. Casey greeted me by my name knowing we had arranged an appointment. He brought out a few diamonds to show and off he went with educating us noobs on diamonds. Casey went through with us on the 4Cs and the HCA score. Show the diamonds under the 3 scopes plus the lightings.
Education
The diamonds he displayed to us were diamonds that was within the criteria I had set which was 0.5ct above, Minimum F and Minimum VS2
He educated us patiently and clearly about the basic aspects of the diamonds and what to look for. He told us about the diamonds they have like the Solasfera and Brellia. Apparently FW love squares in the beginning. So base on the criteria we set, Casey took out one of each type.
He explained the difference between the Super Ideal cut and the Solasfera as I wanted to understand what sort of plus is there with Solasfera having more facets. Again patiently explaining and showing us the difference. At this point there was not once he push and I have yet to commit.
As the three diamond in terms of colour and clarity were almost the same, I ask of cost difference. At this time, it was smoke break for me.
Diamonds not Man Wallet Friendly
Solasfera is really really nice. Solasfera, Super Ideal and then Brellia. After an hour plus, FW suddenly became a diamond expert of sorts wanting to compare the Solasfera and the Super Ideal. She made up her mind and chose the Super Ideal instead. Pheewww, still within budget.
Side note, Solasfera left a few
FW went on to find if she could push my budget and ask for same specs but slightly bigger ct. Again Casey was really patient. No change in his tone at all.
FINALLY!!
FW settled on the following
0.53ct
E
VS2
Settings
Now on to settings. I'm not going to go into details on this part. It's pretty straight forward. Basically, she choose and when she ask, you say that's nice dear.
Casey got us to check the GIA cert and to cross check with the serial number of the diamond. Got it right. Paid the deposit. 4 weeks to be ready but having shown Casey secretly the date I need it, he gave a thumbs up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I didn't want to make known to JP that I already have set my mind on purchasing from them. I wanted to have my own experience of how they service the customer from beginning till our date before committing.
Before going to JP, we've gone to shopping malls jewellers, and to summarise that experience.
1) they don't explain to you in details as compared to JP
2) they don't tell you the bad thing about the diamond you're purchasing eq.inclusions etc
3) they tend to push you the best diamonds they have despite you clearly stating the criteria and budget
4) they don't show you scopes to better understand the theory told
5) impatient
Now we're talking about service here. Don't misunderstand what I'm trying to point out. The diamonds at this shopping malls especially their signature cuts are really really super eye candy; price wise is also candy too but its the service which got me. JP got me here.
Now I ain't a diamond expert but JP service is top notch.
FW got out of the store all smiley and giggly; forgotten all about the heat and her sore feet. I feel like a man with a hole in the pocket. But everyone's happy. She got what she wanted. Within my budget I set.
So if you're like me with not so deep pocket, looking for value for money, do give shopping mall stores a go first and then head down to JP.
Disclaimer: This is my experience I had today with Casey of JP. I am not in anyway related to JP, friend, friend of a friend, uncle's friend, grand aunty future son in law etc. Just sharing my experience especially to those who has low budget like mine.
Any questions are welcome. Have a good day folks!
PS: I would like say thanks to members in here who have responded and even went to lengths to private message me and whatapps me. I appreciate the advice given. Thank you.
