Proposal Ring - Part 3

[Inovat]

Hi, this is my first post. I have been reading the forum for some time and got all the JP education from you - thank you!

Here is my quote for Brellia (all excluding tax):

0.543 E VS1
SGD 3,850

0.651 E VVS1
SGD 5,550

0.735 F VS1
SGD 6,850

0.83 F VVS1
SGD 8,850

Is there anyone here shopping from JP online?

 

[Miltah]

Hi, this is my first post. I have been reading the forum for some time and got all the JP education from you - thank you!

Here is my quote for Brellia (all excluding tax):

0.543 E VS1
SGD 3,850

0.651 E VVS1
SGD 5,550

0.735 F VS1
SGD 6,850

0.83 F VVS1
SGD 8,850

Is there anyone here shopping from JP online?

Given those choices I would pick the 0.73 F vs1.
JP online? Didn’t know they did online sales too

 

[Inovat]

Thanks Miltah JP online - I just wrote them an e-mail after (accidentally) finding the forum/seeing the videos and yes, they sell online. I ordered the 0.54 stone a few days ago but I am hesitating, I hope it will not look too small. On the other hand, I don't want to pay the premium for the VVS1 stone. It's s not for a proposal ring, only a gift for my milestone birthday. The 0.7 stone would be the best but given the fact that it's all done online I'm a bit worried, plus the VAT and customs in my country will add some 24%

 

[Miltah]

Thanks Miltah JP online - I just wrote them an e-mail after (accidentally) finding the forum/seeing the videos and yes, they sell online. I ordered the 0.54 stone a few days ago but I am hesitating, I hope it will not look too small. On the other hand, I don't want to pay the premium for the VVS1 stone. It's s not for a proposal ring, only a gift for my milestone birthday. The 0.7 stone would be the best but given the fact that it's all done online I'm a bit worried, plus the VAT and customs in my country will add some 24%

Ic. Yup, in those sizes, I wouldn’t want to pay for VVS clarity too.

I was wondering what u are concerned abt?
If u are worried abt the size, u can check out a caret size to various finder size guide video that JP put out.
There are many here who feel that JP is abit expensive and try to find better deals online such as with Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds and HP diamond. The same can be true when pple here buy a stone, sight unseen, wiring a good deal of money for it to come via a DHL box. The savings comes at a cost vs a brick/mortar store

The only reassurance I can give is that they are very reputable and the stones rival those superideal online vendors.

U mentioned VAT which is interesting as that would suggest u are based in Europe? I’m aware of brick and mortars shop there who sell superideal, just wondering why not buy locally? Although that’s for a round, a cushion breilia might be another story

 

[BuaySaiHippo]

Hi guys, I'm back again... still troubling over the search for the right stone.

Found this stone on Whiteflash. Need experts here to help to evaluate if it is worth the buy.

0.64 ct F VS2 Premium Select Round Cut Loose Diamond
SGD Wire Price : $3,148.00

Triple Ex
None Fluorosence
Inclusion : Feather

I checked the HCA score is : 1.7

The price is just nicely within my budget. Please share your views. Thank you.

 

[Miltah]

Whiteflash has 3 tiers of stones. Their top of the range ACA, followed by Expert selection(ES) and lastly Premium select (PS).

Usually the ES are those that just miss the ACA mark. It is often hard to tell the ACA apart from the ES. Often people who buy online get the ACA but pple who actually go into the Whiteflash store sometimes end up buying the ES as they can’t tell them apart.

But dropping to the PS can be said to be noticeable. Look at the 2 scopes. The lighter red is weaker light return. The problem with reading aset is that Whiteflash use a black background so it’s not so obvious but u can clearly see it in the idealscope.

Here are another 2 stones u can consider. If u really want to maximise budget u should consider SI1 clarity. These are vetted in house by Whiteflash to be eyeclean as opposed to dropshippers where u dun really know.

Note: 0.6c is not a flat caret weight. The flat weights are 0.5 and 0.7C.
These 2 options are also priced lower than your choice

0.603 G SI1 (expert selection)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3999718.htm

0.56 F VS2 (ACA)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3824331.htm

Hi guys, I'm back again... still troubling over the search for the right stone.

Found this stone on Whiteflash. Need experts here to help to evaluate if it is worth the buy.

0.64 ct F VS2 Premium Select Round Cut Loose Diamond
SGD Wire Price : $3,148.00

Triple Ex
None Fluorosence
Inclusion : Feather

I checked the HCA score is : 1.7

The price is just nicely within my budget. Please share your views. Thank you.

 

[BuaySaiHippo]

Whiteflash has 3 tiers of stones. Their top of the range ACA, followed by Expert selection(ES) and lastly Premium select (PS).

Usually the ES are those that just miss the ACA mark. It is often hard to tell the ACA apart from the ES. Often people who buy online get the ACA but pple who actually go into the Whiteflash store sometimes end up buying the ES as they can’t tell them apart.

But dropping to the PS can be said to be noticeable. Look at the 2 scopes. The lighter red is weaker light return. The problem with reading aset is that Whiteflash use a black background so it’s not so obvious but u can clearly see it in the idealscope.

Here are another 2 stones u can consider. If u really want to maximise budget u should consider SI1 clarity. These are vetted in house by Whiteflash to be eyeclean as opposed to dropshippers where u dun really know.

Note: 0.6c is not a flat caret weight. The flat weights are 0.5 and 0.7C.
These 2 options are also priced lower than your choice

0.603 G SI1 (expert selection)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3999718.htm

0.56 F VS2 (ACA)
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3824331.htm

Once again, thank you for your reply.

Whiteflash did drop me an email and suggested the below;
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4094445.htm


I search further into their inventory and also found another:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4094444.htm

Which do you think will be the better of the two?

Also, I noticed that their ACA diamonds is AGS certified and not GIA.
Will that be considered a downside?

 

[Miltah]

Once again, thank you for your reply.

Whiteflash did drop me an email and suggested the below;
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4094445.htm

I search further into their inventory and also found another:
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4094444.htm

Which do you think will be the better of the two?

Also, I noticed that their ACA diamonds is AGS certified and not GIA.
Will that be considered a downside?

The G SI1 they found u is much better than I could have found.
Between the 2 it’s splitting hairs but my preference is the G.
As both are similarly priced, u are trading color for clarity.
I would personally take a higher color as color is more noticeable than clarity. Only u can tell if u can accept H color

With regards to AGS cert, Lee Hwa’s Destinee (I think) are often promoted as top of the range and they will tell u it’s AGS certed instead of GIA.

AGS is tighter in cut, in fact it’s much easier to get s GIA triple ex as compared to an AGS triple 0. So frankly, AGS is better in a way.
The only downside might be when/if u want to sell, there’s a preference for GIA in Asia. Then again, if u hold the stone for more than 2-3yrs and decide to sell, it needs to be re-graded anyway. Just a matter of sending to GIA

 

[DiamondLife]

Hi, this is my first post. I have been reading the forum for some time and got all the JP education from you - thank you!

Here is my quote for Brellia (all excluding tax):

0.543 E VS1
SGD 3,850

0.651 E VVS1
SGD 5,550

0.735 F VS1
SGD 6,850

0.83 F VVS1
SGD 8,850

Is there anyone here shopping from JP online?

Depending on ur budget. But I would go for either 0.543 E VS1 or 0.735 F VS1. Saying that, I knowing where the inclusion is to determine if it is a good VS1 or bad VS1 also plays a part in determining which diamond to choose. VVS1 would be an overkill for me.

u can choose ur diamonds on JP online? didn't know that.

 

[DiamondLife]

Once again, thank you for your reply.

Which do you think will be the better of the two?

Also, I noticed that their ACA diamonds is AGS certified and not GIA.
Will that be considered a downside?

GIA is generally considered to be the top grading institution internationally. This is due to their strict grading criteria without 3rd party influence.

Both GIA and AGS are non-profit organisation to ensure trust and credibility in the grading industry. However, point to note is that GIA diamonds are traded commonly worldwide whereas it is not too common for AGS diamonds. One foreseen downside would be when u want to sell / upgrade ur diamond, it would be harder to sell an AGS compared to a GIA.

 

[KinoChoco]

Depending on ur budget. But I would go for either 0.543 E VS1 or 0.735 F VS1. Saying that, I knowing where the inclusion is to determine if it is a good VS1 or bad VS1 also plays a part in determining which diamond to choose. VVS1 would be an overkill for me.

u can choose ur diamonds on JP online? didn't know that.

I think what he/she meant was he/she found JP online and emailed JP for diamonds quote and was presented those stones, hence, considered 'online' sales. They do ship to customers in US/ EU.

I think JP's VS1 is already overkill, from what i understand from them, their VS2 are already handpicked the 'high-good VS2' which the inclusions will not affect the performance nor durability.

 

[Inovat]

I think what he/she meant was he/she found JP online and emailed JP for diamonds quote and was presented those stones, hence, considered 'online' sales. They do ship to customers in US/ EU.

I think JP's VS1 is already overkill, from what i understand from them, their VS2 are already handpicked the 'high-good VS2' which the inclusions will not affect the performance nor durability.

Exactly, I just wrote an e-mail inquiring for cushion Brellia 0.5-0.8 ct, I didn't see any selection of stones (I wish I could although it would confuse me more), then I asked for scope images, etc.

 

[BuaySaiHippo]

The G SI1 they found u is much better than I could have found.
Between the 2 it’s splitting hairs but my preference is the G.
As both are similarly priced, u are trading color for clarity.
I would personally take a higher color as color is more noticeable than clarity. Only u can tell if u can accept H color

With regards to AGS cert, Lee Hwa’s Destinee (I think) are often promoted as top of the range and they will tell u it’s AGS certed instead of GIA.

AGS is tighter in cut, in fact it’s much easier to get s GIA triple ex as compared to an AGS triple 0. So frankly, AGS is better in a way.
The only downside might be when/if u want to sell, there’s a preference for GIA in Asia. Then again, if u hold the stone for more than 2-3yrs and decide to sell, it needs to be re-graded anyway. Just a matter of sending to GIA

Thanks for the insights on AGS and GIA certification.

In my case, I don't think will be selling it anytime soon. My wifey-to-be is quite a sentimental woman, likely she is going to keep it for a long long time. Upgrading will only mean getting another diamond ring. Hahaha.

You are quite right. In this case, colour over clarity should be a better choice.

I see that there is also a Sarin Report for this diamond. Any idea what that is?

Below is extract from the AGS report;
Do you think the inclusions are ok? There are a few crystals and feather near to the edges. I read somewhere that one should try to avoid inclusions on the edges as much as possible.

Does AGS also have their number inscript on the gridle?

[/IMG]

 

[KinoChoco]

Exactly, I just wrote an e-mail inquiring for cushion Brellia 0.5-0.8 ct, I didn't see any selection of stones (I wish I could although it would confuse me more), then I asked for scope images, etc.

Brellia (H&A Cushion) are rather rare, i believe Brian Gavin do sell H&A cushion too, but the selections are very very little and the quality seems to be just a little bit lower than Brellia and cheaper (altho it might be neglig in real life visual).

If you're particularly in 0.5 - 0.8 H&A cushion, JP would be your best bet, i can't even find one in this range under Brain Gavin except 1 piece being at H color.

 

[Inovat]

Ic. Yup, in those sizes, I wouldn’t want to pay for VVS clarity too.

I was wondering what u are concerned abt?
If u are worried abt the size, u can check out a caret size to various finder size guide video that JP put out.
There are many here who feel that JP is abit expensive and try to find better deals online such as with Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds and HP diamond. The same can be true when pple here buy a stone, sight unseen, wiring a good deal of money for it to come via a DHL box. The savings comes at a cost vs a brick/mortar store

The only reassurance I can give is that they are very reputable and the stones rival those superideal online vendors.

U mentioned VAT which is interesting as that would suggest u are based in Europe? I’m aware of brick and mortars shop there who sell superideal, just wondering why not buy locally? Although that’s for a round, a cushion breilia might be another story

I watched the videos, they all show a round stone, that's why I'm a bit concerned because a 0.5 cushion looks smaller than a 0.5 round. I like Brellia very much anyway.
Honestly, in my country we can only dream of quality like that. Do you have the names of the shops that sell superideal in Europe? It could be interesting to compare prices.

 

[Miltah]

Crafted by Infinity has brick and mortar shops in the UK, Finland, Belgium and Ireland that carry their stones.
The assumption is of course, if u carry superideal stones, u shouldn’t really carry too much crappy stones as the superideal clearly stands out. No harm checking if they have access to a cushion.

http://www.craftedbyinfinity.com/web/locations-europe/index.html

Here’s the most realistic side by side comparison I know of. U can punch in your finger size
https://www.diamdb.com

I watched the videos, they all show a round stone, that's why I'm a bit concerned because a 0.5 cushion looks smaller than a 0.5 round. I like Brellia very much anyway.
Honestly, in my country we can only dream of quality like that. Do you have the names of the shops that sell superideal in Europe? It could be interesting to compare prices.

 

[Miltah]

Take crown and pavilion angles for example, is every corner of the diamond going to be 40.8? No, it’s based on an average.

The attached sarin report is a basic format, u can ask Whiteflash for the advanced format but I’m not sure what else u could do with it. It basically gives you the full 3d angles and measurements. E.g what is the pavilion angle at every corner of the stone

I can’t tell or explain inclusions too much. Every stone is different. I have seen SI clarity plots that look worse but also plots that look very clean but the inclusion is a knot or cavity which is more serious.

Here you only have 3 twinning wisps and a small feather at the corner. The feather also does not extend to the bottom or pavilion of the stone so I think it’s safer.

There are a lot of chain stores that sell SI1 clarity stones. If it’s not eye clean, I’m sure it would turn pple off, however with a 10x loupe, u will often spot it. Is it a setting risk? I haven’t heard anyone complaining here that the stone they bought broke or chip due to it. Personally, I’ve got two SI clarity stones. I dun see anything wrong with it.

Yes, the AGS no. is inscribed on the girdle

I see that there is also a Sarin Report for this diamond. Any idea what that is?

Below is extract from the AGS report;
Do you think the inclusions are ok? There are a few crystals and feather near to the edges. I read somewhere that one should try to avoid inclusions on the edges as much as possible.

Does AGS also have their number inscript on the gridle?

[/IMG]

 

[peterpan87]

Hi! I just went shopping around and walked into H0H. Intending to propose end year.

0.68CT VS2, Colour E, Triple Excellent with None Fluorescence, Clarity Character of Crystal & Feather. All in at 6,350. Is the price ok? Assuming all scopes look ok. It is an Ideal Cut.

Just want to have a peace of mind of not getting carrot. LOL!! Help plssss thanks!!!

 

[BuaySaiHippo]

I see. Noted that information.
I'll check with Whiteflash if these reports (together with the official AGS certificate) will come with the diamond purchase.

In their email, they stated and confirmed that the diamond is completely eye-clean (no visible inclusions to the unaided eye). Probably can trust them for that.

Just some final questions;
1) Other than the SGD Wire Price, what additional charges do I have to consider buying from Whiteflash online? I know there is a 7% GST payable when the item reaches SG. How about courier charges?

2) Should I have the diamond set in SG, can you recommend some of the reputable jewellers that is able to do it at a good price? What is the average costs for a basic solitaire setting (no side diamonds, etc)?

Take crown and pavilion angles for example, is every corner of the diamond going to be 40.8? No, it’s based on an average.

The attached sarin report is a basic format, u can ask Whiteflash for the advanced format but I’m not sure what else u could do with it. It basically gives you the full 3d angles and measurements. E.g what is the pavilion angle at every corner of the stone

I can’t tell or explain inclusions too much. Every stone is different. I have seen SI clarity plots that look worse but also plots that look very clean but the inclusion is a knot or cavity which is more serious.

Here you only have 3 twinning wisps and a small feather at the corner. The feather also does not extend to the bottom or pavilion of the stone so I think it’s safer.

There are a lot of chain stores that sell SI1 clarity stones. If it’s not eye clean, I’m sure it would turn pple off, however with a 10x loupe, u will often spot it. Is it a setting risk? I haven’t heard anyone complaining here that the stone they bought broke or chip due to it. Personally, I’ve got two SI clarity stones. I dun see anything wrong with it.

Yes, the AGS no. is inscribed on the girdle

Hippo, Buay Sai HardwareZone Forums app

 

[Miltah]

For ‘small’ amts (not sure the limits), FedEx or DHL will pay GST upfront for u first. After u pick up the package, they will send u an invoice for gst + admin charge. Can’t recall the admin charges but it wasn’t a lot.
Note the insurance for the package stops as soon as it’s delivered. So if u send it to your home address even your maid can sign for it. If you want it safer, send it to the DHL/Fedex office and pick up there, as they will verify Id there. More troublesome but safer.

Unless u are positive of the ring size, I would set it locally. Others mentioned HOH does it for $600 but best u double check. For the budget route, there’s quite a few in lucky plaza (some looks better than others) but I can’t vouch workmanship.

Just some final questions;
1) Other than the SGD Wire Price, what additional charges do I have to consider buying from Whiteflash online? I know there is a 7% GST payable when the item reaches SG. How about courier charges?

2) Should I have the diamond set in SG, can you recommend some of the reputable jewellers that is able to do it at a good price? What is the average costs for a basic solitaire setting (no side diamonds, etc)?