Proposal Ring - Part 3

[KinoChoco]

I am of the view that there are no free lunches in this world
Of the 2 diamonds u posted, the first one had better specs, there’s less info with the second one. Yet, you are saying that it’s a slightly bigger caret for abit less. That would suggest some other aspects might be compromised.. is it enough for u to see it? Or u going to be anal abt it? U can decide

While KinoChoco might be right on some points, not all shops are out to cheat u. If u know what you are looking for, there can be value outside of JP.

I was at gold heart marina recently, there’s a triple excellent 1C, G, SI1 (very eye clean, except for a mark on the table which can only be seen with a 10x magnifier) for $8k+, which showed good symmetry on the ideal scope.
Now we also know a 1C G, vs2 at JP starts at $13-14k. That’s almost $6k saving. If you are not discerning, I’m sure you could find value with idealcuts at HOH. Point being, everyone’s got different budgets n some might not be keen to pay as much for minimal improvements in cut

When i meant JP, I'm actually saying JP / HOH, i deem both of them as the same as the staff there can sell either which.

However i wouldn't know about the pricing if you're looking for below ideal tho, but i believe an ideal cut at JP/HOH 1CT G VS2 cost around 10k+, SI1 probably 9k+.

Hence if you want to look for a 8k+ 1CT, i'll assume that it's better and safer to search at HOH with their ASET scope provided rather than buying blindly with no ASET scope at those B&M shops.

The only way to really get a safe & better deal elsewhere especially with those 'loose diamond sales' is only if you have an ASET scope at hand to know you're not getting a shitty light performance diamond.

 

[KinoChoco]

i like your logical thinking sir. very realistic.

but from these specs, how do u tell if it is better? they seem to have the same but hca score, dimensions all these different. yeah. e.g. i cannot compromise colour to get better specs for others. thats y it has to be D/E xD....

true that. i have very limited budget. thats y it hurts my wallet to pay so much to increase that speck of increase in specs

ROUND BRILLIANT
Measurements
5.30 - 5.33 x 3.22 mm

Carat Weight=0.56*carat
Color Grade=E
Clarity Grade=VS2
Cut Grade=Excellent

PROPORTIONS
Depth=60.5*%
Table=58*%
Crown Angle=34.0°
Crown Height=14.0%
Pavilion Angle=40.6°
Pavilion Depth=43.0%
Star Length=50%
Lower Half=80%
Girdle=Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet=None
*
FINISH
Polish=Excellent
Symmetry=Excellent

FLUORESCENCE
Fluorescence=None

CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS
Clarity Characteristics=Crystal, Feather

vs

ROUND BRILLIANT
Measurements=5.19 - 5.23 x 3.23 mm
Carat Weight=0.54 carat
Color Grade=F
Clarity Grade=VS1
Cut Grade=Excellent

PROPORTIONS
Depth=62.0 %
Table=56 %
Crown Angle=34.5°
Crown Height=15.0%
Pavilion Angle=40.8°
Pavilion Depth=43.0%
Star Length=50%
Lower Half=80%
Girdle=Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 4.0%
Culet=None

FINISH
Polish=Excellent
Symmetry=Excellent

FLUORESCENCE
Fluorescence=None

CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS
Clarity Characteristics=Crystal, Pinpoint

I think there's a common misunderstanding that most people thinks that JP only sells Super Ideal and VS2 above cuts, they do sell all sorts of diamonds as it falls under their 'parent' company HOH (located in the same shop).

Based on my own experiences with them, i haven't found any other place that sells ideal and above which are cheaper than them (i searched online and physical stores for 1-2 years back then) - Do note that this is based on my own preference of Ideal cut+ with almost perfect ASET scope criteria, i did not do any research on pricing for any cuts below ideal.

But i believe there's always no harm to go more places to find out more about the pricing and quality if you don't mind spending the time, it's just that without an ASET scope on hand, it's hard to really determine a good for value and of significant quality unless u manage to loan a scope from anyone who has it.

 

[lance88]

I got mine at 0.46, same specs but no side diamonds at about same price.

Here the specs of mine
HCA score 1.4, spread: very good
Depth- 62.7
Table- 56
Crown- 35.5
Pavilion-40.6
Crystal, Feather

What does the HCA score tells and what does it miss?

 

[KinoChoco]

Here the specs of mine
HCA score 1.4, spread: very good
Depth- 62.7
Table- 56
Crown- 35.5
Pavilion-40.6
Crystal, Feather

What does the HCA score tells and what does it miss?

Basically HCA tool is used as a rejection tool, anything above 2 = horrible.

As the tool only take in accounts of 17 out of 57 facets hence it can't be used to search for a 'good' diamond, only to be used to weed out 'horrible' diamonds.

Do note that even with a very low HCA score (below 1.5), you still stand a chance of getting a diamond with light leakages....this is why people usually follow up with an ASET scope analysis after finding a low HCA score diamond to ensure they get a diamond with minimal light leakages.


PS: HCA tool only works for standard round 57 facets diamond, its not meant for modified/fancy cuts (e.g Solasfera, All Love, Destinee Royalee etc etc)

 

[Miltah]

I think there's a common misunderstanding that most people thinks that JP only sells Super Ideal and VS2 above cuts, they do sell all sorts of diamonds as it falls under their 'parent' company HOH (located in the same shop).

Based on my own experiences with them, i haven't found any other place that sells ideal and above which are cheaper than them (i searched online and physical stores for 1-2 years back then) - Do note that this is based on my own preference of Ideal cut+ with almost perfect ASET scope criteria, i did not do any research on pricing for any cuts below ideal.

But i believe there's always no harm to go more places to find out more about the pricing and quality if you don't mind spending the time, it's just that without an ASET scope on hand, it's hard to really determine a good for value and of significant quality unless u manage to loan a scope from anyone who has it.

The problem of course is once you have an ASET scope, you will realise that even with a perfect diamond, just moving your head slightly off centre and you lose symmetry. That’s when u start to either become anal about perfection or start to question the price for perfection

However, I’ll second KinoChoco that HOH has probably one of the largest inventory of in-house ideal cuts. Many of the stores I’ve been wouldn’t have such a large physical collection

 

[KinoChoco]

The problem of course is once you have an ASET scope, you will realise that even with a perfect diamond, just moving your head slightly off centre and you lose symmetry. That’s when u start to either become anal about perfection or start to question the price for perfection

However, I’ll second KinoChoco that HOH has probably one of the largest inventory of in-house ideal cuts. Many of the stores I’ve been wouldn’t have such a large physical collection

You're right on this actually.

Personally I've spent a bomb on super ideal, however, i dare to admit that occasionally i question my choice in my head if it's really worth it. (to be honest, visual wise, i think ideal is more than enough)

Hence in order for me not to be bothered in my head over such purchase, i convince myself by telling myself that at least it's classified as a 'Super Ideal' and my partner knows that i got her an super ideal instead of ideal but usually I'll advise people to go for ideal unless they are anal on perfection

 

[phoenica]

Hello, created this account as I usually just ninja on this thread.

I am thinking of reserving a 0.9+C solaferas from JP with quite good clarity, VVS1/2 and E/F color(Mixed up with the other remaining one). One costs $15k and the other cost $17k. Also inquired about a super ideal, a 1 Carat with VS2 F color is around $15k too.

So just wondering what's the general view of the solaferas and you guys think that the price difference between a solaferas and a super ideal is worth it or should i just get a super ideal and upsize the carat?

Reading from past posts and other parts, it seems like super ideal is for those that prefers big big scintillation and fire while solaferas is for those who like more but smaller fires.

Just wondering like if you will to see the two diamonds each mounted on a ring, worn by two different ladies, chances are who will outshine who? Yea I am being materialistic and i care about face so i care about how others will feel when looking at the diamonds. Personally i prefer the solaferas but i care about other people's opinion too lol.

Please don't flame me XD I am just being honest and am really seeking the advice of the general public or people like you all who have past experiences and expertise on this

 

[KinoChoco]

Hello, created this account as I usually just ninja on this thread.

I am thinking of reserving a 0.9+C solaferas from JP with quite good clarity, VVS1/2 and E/F color(Mixed up with the other remaining one). One costs $15k and the other cost $17k. Also inquired about a super ideal, a 1 Carat with VS2 F color is around $15k too.

So just wondering what's the general view of the solaferas and you guys think that the price difference between a solaferas and a super ideal is worth it or should i just get a super ideal and upsize the carat?

Reading from past posts and other parts, it seems like super ideal is for those that prefers big big scintillation and fire while solaferas is for those who like more but smaller fires.

Just wondering like if you will to see the two diamonds each mounted on a ring, worn by two different ladies, chances are who will outshine who? Yea I am being materialistic and i care about face so i care about how others will feel when looking at the diamonds. Personally i prefer the solaferas but i care about other people's opinion too lol.

Please don't flame me XD I am just being honest and am really seeking the advice of the general public or people like you all who have past experiences and expertise on this

Your Super Ideal seems over quoted lei? You sure it's exactly 1CT for 15k? I remember it should only be around 13-14 for 1CT Super Ideal F VS2.

Anyway, on video, Solasfera does look nice (video are zoomed in..) however when me and my partner saw it in person, we preferred the Super Ideal.

IMO, Solasfera will only look impressive if its huge (1.5CT minimally) as there's bigger surface area to show all the extra tiny sparkles hence based on your budget and preference and my own opinion, I'll suggest u go for Super ideal VS2 F color and maximize the size.

I assume you wont accept anything lesser than Super Ideal - do note that it's kinda subjective on which is more impressive example an Ideal 1.2CT vs Super Ideal 1CT....to an average eyes i'll think most of your friends might think that the ideal 1.2 is more impressive than the 1 super ideal as usually the first thing that goes into people's mind are the size (as long it doesn't look dull and yellowish)

Ultimately depends on yourself, get something that you prefer to prevent any after thoughts

 

[Miltah]

Just wondering like if you will to see the two diamonds each mounted on a ring, worn by two different ladies, chances are who will outshine who? Yea I am being materialistic and i care about face so i care about how others will feel when looking at the diamonds. Personally i prefer the solaferas but i care about other people's opinion too

If we are being materialistic then most pple will notice size first before they notice the variation in the sparkles.
N going with the exchange I had with KinoChoco earlier, unless you have a side by side comparison with another diamond, it’s hard to pick out differences. An ideal cut is still very good n gets u a bigger caret

Everyone has different taste. Solasfera is nice, but I also preferred it in a bigger caret.

 

[rosifiedZ]

I think what he wanted to ask was if comparing similar-sized solafera and super ideal, which will stand out more.

Size is always the priority, it's just how anal you want to be when it comes to the other Cs.

Personally, i prefer solaferas more btw

If we are being materialistic then most pple will notice size first before they notice the variation in the sparkles.
N going with the exchange I had with KinoChoco earlier, unless you have a side by side comparison with another diamond, it’s hard to pick out differences. An ideal cut is still very good n gets u a bigger caret

Everyone has different taste. Solasfera is nice, but I also preferred it in a bigger caret.

 

[Miltah]

I think what he wanted to ask was if comparing similar-sized solafera and super ideal, which will stand out more.

My wife wore her JP SIC and we were happily window shopping jewellery store. Then she made a comment... why does the JP diamond look worse than the xxx chainstore one. She was right, it looked dull in comparison. When we got home, I washed n cleaned it n passed it back to her n she went.. “Wah it’s much brighter now”

Point being; doesn’t matter what u get if u dun clean it. Dirt n grime can build up. But my preference is still SIC

 

[evelynleebali]

Hello, created this account as I usually just ninja on this thread.

I am thinking of reserving a 0.9+C solaferas from JP with quite good clarity, VVS1/2 and E/F color(Mixed up with the other remaining one). One costs $15k and the other cost $17k. Also inquired about a super ideal, a 1 Carat with VS2 F color is around $15k too.

So just wondering what's the general view of the solaferas and you guys think that the price difference between a solaferas and a super ideal is worth it or should i just get a super ideal and upsize the carat?

Reading from past posts and other parts, it seems like super ideal is for those that prefers big big scintillation and fire while solaferas is for those who like more but smaller fires.

Just wondering like if you will to see the two diamonds each mounted on a ring, worn by two different ladies, chances are who will outshine who? Yea I am being materialistic and i care about face so i care about how others will feel when looking at the diamonds. Personally i prefer the solaferas but i care about other people's opinion too lol.

Please don't flame me XD I am just being honest and am really seeking the advice of the general public or people like you all who have past experiences and expertise on this

I got the Solasfera myself. I found it more sparkly in a way compared to the sic. Although the sparkle are alittle smaller, it has way more sparkles than makes the overall look more bling. I do see the beauty in the sic too and can understand why some might prefer it over the solasfera.

Not all girls just care about the size. Like for me, I actually find that anything bigger than 0.7ct on my finger dont suit me already. I know some girls might just care about the size too. So it depends on what is important to her. I just need my diamond size to look proportional to my hand since im wearing it everyday, and quality to be good good

 

[D-Aced]

At 0.5c I can frankly tell you that you will not detect a color difference between D/E/F.
The 0.54c is priced higher because it is a higher or cleaner clarity grade (vs1 as opposed to vs2 of the 0.56c)
The specs of the 0.54c and also more within the ranges of the ideal cut while the 0.56c is right on the edge of it

People who like old European cuts, these were diamonds measured by sight, cut by hand, will often tell u that modern round ideal cuts lacks the fire they used to see. Kind of like the rainbow color reflections u see off the diamond when light hits it. Old European cut diamonds often had a large depth 65-70% and a very small table 40-50%.

So even within superideal cut ranges for the table to be between 53-58%, some people will prefer the smaller table to enhance the fire effect.
My preference is therefore the 0.54c but not because of the better clarity grade but because of the smaller table.

Now will all this matter to you? Maybe not.
The above statements also does not take into account any scope images. Your best bet is to take the 2 diamonds out and see it in different lighting to see which U prefer

i can tell the diff between E and F because the side diamonds are whiter than the main diamond itself when i picked F. then when i put the diamonds on the tray as comparison, there is this slight tint of yellow when u tlit the diamond to the sides.

amazing knowledge. miltah bro, does that mean that a bigger table gives a larger fire effect but a less concentrated one?

yeah. i think its getting too deep into diamond. probably it dont matter too much. i have looked thru the scopes for these 2 and they look normal. nth impressive. just typical diamonds at that price.

if i like carat weight more, 0.56 one would be better?

I think there's a common misunderstanding that most people thinks that JP only sells Super Ideal and VS2 above cuts, they do sell all sorts of diamonds as it falls under their 'parent' company HOH (located in the same shop).

Based on my own experiences with them, i haven't found any other place that sells ideal and above which are cheaper than them (i searched online and physical stores for 1-2 years back then) - Do note that this is based on my own preference of Ideal cut+ with almost perfect ASET scope criteria, i did not do any research on pricing for any cuts below ideal.

But i believe there's always no harm to go more places to find out more about the pricing and quality if you don't mind spending the time, it's just that without an ASET scope on hand, it's hard to really determine a good for value and of significant quality unless u manage to loan a scope from anyone who has it.

Hi Kino bro, yeah. i went there and asked about ideal cut only. they do have it but they dont recommend it. they require $500 deposit to start sourcing for diamond if it is not avaiable in HoH though.

how do u know if a diamond is in the range of ideal ah? say if the hearts&arrow and ideal scope got a bit off, it does affect the fire/scintillation/spread etc etc rite?

 

[sky00sky]

Search tab didnt really gave me good results and i couldnt see it on post 1 so i try asking here.

If i have some old "gemstone" i want to do a ring setting for it what are the available options (shops) and what sort of premium /pricing should i be accepting them charging me for a simple design ?

lets say 18k white gold.

 

[Miltah]

i can tell the diff between E and F because the side diamonds are whiter than the main diamond itself when i picked F. then when i put the diamonds on the tray as comparison, there is this slight tint of yellow when u tlit the diamond

if i like carat weight more, 0.56 one would be better?

Hi Kino bro, yeah. i went there and asked about ideal cut only. they do have it but they dont recommend it. they require $500 deposit to start sourcing for diamond if it is not avaiable in HoH though.

Wow, u are super color sensitive. Dun worry too much then since you have made your selection when the 2 dun differ much for u

If HOH dun have, they would probably ask for the deposit to source for u. But if they have it in store, I didn’t think u needed to pay the deposit. But I could be wrong

 

[Miltah]

Search tab didnt really gave me good results and i couldnt see it on post 1 so i try asking here.

If i have some old "gemstone" i want to do a ring setting for it what are the available options (shops) and what sort of premium /pricing should i be accepting them charging me for a simple design ?

lets say 18k white gold.

Someone previously commented HOH for $600 with CAD drawings
Benny Gems in Delfi orchard
Choo YiLin
There’s actually quite a few in lucky plaza but I can’t vouch workmanship

 

[D-Aced]

Wow, u are super color sensitive. Dun worry too much then since you have made your selection when the 2 dun differ much for u

If HOH dun have, they would probably ask for the deposit to source for u. But if they have it in store, I didn’t think u needed to pay the deposit. But I could be wrong

yeah miltah bro. i think its occupational advantage. i use scopes everyday, looking at things that are in microns.

u r right. thanks for all the advice bro. really appreciate it.

ur last paragraph is correct too.

 

[exoticeclair]

Hi all, new to this whole process, need some pointers if I'm not considering something or missing out

Initially started searching at Lee Hwa, SK, etc. but service there didn't seem right and staff were quite eager to just close deal on one ring rather than letting me look through slowly.

Then went to VenusTears at Bugis, and was impressed by their service. Not pushy and let me look through their collection. But still new to looking at diamonds so not sure what's good and what's average. They did recommend one diamond:

Triple Excellent VS1 E 0.29c $999

Booked appointment with JannPaul, service there was also excellent. Staff went through carefully the ASET and IdealScope aspects of the diamond which I didn't know, and because my budget is a bit tighter (~$2500), he helped picked out one super ideal and one ideal, went through how the diamonds should look, and was very impressed even by the quality of the ideal diamond (almost identical sparkle as super ideal, even in shadow, and outdoors - he brought me outside to view the diamonds) - apparently he mentioned he picked out this specific ideal as it was as close to a super ideal as possible:

Ideal, VS2, F, 0.41c $1950
Super ideal, VS2, E, 0.31c, $1850

Was planning to visit places like Rio, Canary Diamond, Vivo, Poh Kim, Fonder etc. as I've seen some people mention these places a few times, any pointers for these places?

At the same time though, I feel like I wanna quickly go ahead and place deposit on the Ideal in a few days, cos I feel like diamond prices may fluctuate (again not sure, that's what I heard but am new to this) but wondering if I should consider the other places mentioned. Spent a good 30 minutes looking at the diamond back and forth and brought the diamond out a few times, and was also very impressed by the quality and service given by JP and it did feel very genuine so don't think they're trying to upsell me or anything? Anyone got any pointers about JP and whether it's ok?

Thanks in advance for any pointers or help!

 

[lance88]

Hi all, new to this whole process, need some pointers if I'm not considering something or missing out

Initially started searching at Lee Hwa, SK, etc. but service there didn't seem right and staff were quite eager to just close deal on one ring rather than letting me look through slowly.

Then went to VenusTears at Bugis, and was impressed by their service. Not pushy and let me look through their collection. But still new to looking at diamonds so not sure what's good and what's average. They did recommend one diamond:

Triple Excellent VS1 E 0.29c $999

Booked appointment with JannPaul, service there was also excellent. Staff went through carefully the ASET and IdealScope aspects of the diamond which I didn't know, and because my budget is a bit tighter (~$2500), he helped picked out one super ideal and one ideal, went through how the diamonds should look, and was very impressed even by the quality of the ideal diamond (almost identical sparkle as super ideal, even in shadow, and outdoors - he brought me outside to view the diamonds) - apparently he mentioned he picked out this specific ideal as it was as close to a super ideal as possible:

Ideal, VS2, F, 0.41c $1950
Super ideal, VS2, E, 0.31c, $1850

I would not recommend looking at ideal or SIC with such tight budgets(I would assume 2.5k with ring)? Those are too small to make a difference.

For that carat range, unless your gf is super petite (below 45kg, but not a good general rule of thumb), if not it will look super small on her finger. Would recommend 0.46-0.6 if anything more.

 

[Miltah]

Then went to VenusTears at Bugis, and was impressed by their service.
Triple Excellent VS1 E 0.29c $999

Booked appointment with JannPaul...apparently he mentioned he picked out this specific ideal as it was as close to a super ideal as possible:

Ideal, VS2, F, 0.41c $1950
Super ideal, VS2, E, 0.31c, $1850

Was planning to visit places like Rio, Canary Diamond, Vivo, Poh Kim, Fonder...
Thanks in advance for any pointers or help!

If you go with JP or HOH idealcut, I dun think u can go wrong there
I dun think u can find what u need at Canary but I could be wrong
Poh Kim might have less overheads due to their location so u could try them out.
If you didn’t go with JP/HOH then the best we can do to help is give u some suggestions based on dimensions but you will have to gauge it yourself .. I.e how the stone actually looks in real life