Proposal Ring - Part 3

[stbernard]

Just to play devil's advocate, are you dead set on a Solasfera? Reason I ask is that I personally find that the Solasfera is most beautiful at carat weights above 1 carat. Because of the smaller pinpoint flashes compared to a standard 57 facet round brilliant, at smaller sizes I feel that the Solasfera tends to look rather messy. However, different strokes for different folks, some may prefer the smaller flashes of the Solasfera.

If you are open to considering a normal super ideal round brilliant, you can probably get something a little bigger with the same budget, can consider going down to a VS1 or VS2. The VS1s I saw from Jannpaul are all very very clean. VS2s vary a bit so it depends on what you are willing to tolerate.

Regarding clarity/colour, I'm sure Jannpaul has advised you on what is value for money. It's more or less the universal opinion that G/VS2 is one of the best price points in terms of value, with a bump up to F or VS1 depending on personal preference. Personally, I got a G/VS2 as well. However, it may not always be possible to find a good G/VS2 diamond, simply because the demand is higher and I think they sell out faster. I recall that JP had very few G/VS2 Octagons/Solasferas as well. Easier to find a G/VS2 Round Brilliant because of larger supply.

actually i also feel that the fire on 0.5c solasfera is too small,
and i can see the yellow color of it on G color,
so i changed to super ideal also.

 

[naxnaxnax]

actually i also feel that the fire on 0.5c solasfera is too small,
and i can see the yellow color of it on G color,
so i changed to super ideal also.

Thought I'll weigh in as well as my solasfera is 0.5+, and I also had to consider whether to go for the solasfera or a super ideal. Extremely glad I went for solasfera in the end. My fiancee loves the rock and says she can clearly see that it's more bling than her friends'.

But I went for an E, instead of G colour. I would have preferred F, but they didnt have a F/VS2 in stock. G might be the most value for money, but I needed the diamond to be "eye-clean" and "colourless". For "eye-clean", I just needed to make sure the diamond was at least VS2. But for colourless, the minimum was F. G definitely does not fall into the "colourless" category.

 

[stbernard]

Thought I'll weigh in as well as my solasfera is 0.5+, and I also had to consider whether to go for the solasfera or a super ideal. Extremely glad I went for solasfera in the end. My fiancee loves the rock and says she can clearly see that it's more bling than her friends'.

But I went for an E, instead of G colour. I would have preferred F, but they didnt have a F/VS2 in stock. G might be the most value for money, but I needed the diamond to be "eye-clean" and "colourless". For "eye-clean", I just needed to make sure the diamond was at least VS2. But for colourless, the minimum was F. G definitely does not fall into the "colourless" category.

maybe because urs is a E color, the solasfera i got is G color,
seem a bit milky.

i get another quote,
0.52c, D color, VS2
but in the GIA report 7226423172

clarity characteristics mention : Twinning Wisp, Crystal, Feather
is this very bad?

 

[mero_cwj]

Thought I'll weigh in as well as my solasfera is 0.5+, and I also had to consider whether to go for the solasfera or a super ideal. Extremely glad I went for solasfera in the end. My fiancee loves the rock and says she can clearly see that it's more bling than her friends'.

But I went for an E, instead of G colour. I would have preferred F, but they didnt have a F/VS2 in stock. G might be the most value for money, but I needed the diamond to be "eye-clean" and "colourless". For "eye-clean", I just needed to make sure the diamond was at least VS2. But for colourless, the minimum was F. G definitely does not fall into the "colourless" category.

Yup G does not fall within the colourless category (D, E, F), it's in the near-colourless category (G, H, I, J).

maybe because urs is a E color, the solasfera i got is G color,
seem a bit milky.

i get another quote,
0.52c, D color, VS2
but in the GIA report 7226423172

clarity characteristics mention : Twinning Wisp, Crystal, Feather
is this very bad?

It depends. Aside from certain specific types of inclusions, knowing the type of inclusion itself generally doesn't say much about the clarity of the diamond. The lower carat weight diamonds usually do not have a clarity plot diagram on the GIA cert (and yours doesn't according to the GIA website check), so you need to examine the diamond using the H&A scope and the loupe to check where the inclusions are. Usually the inclusions will be more obvious when viewing the hearts, use that in combination with the loupe to find them. Also check using the idealscope and aset scope to make sure that the inclusions do not affect the light performance, but shouldn't be the case because JP's QC is very high.

If the feather is near the edge of the diamond, better to avoid IMO because there is a chance, however small, of chipping upon impact. Ask your JP salesperson to point out where the inclusions are, he should be able to identify them if he's worth his salt.

BTW, colour is graded from the side with the diamond facing downwards. If you see any milkiness or haziness when viewing the diamond top down, that is usually a sign of fluorescence. I don't think JP carries any Solasferas with fluorescence though, better take a closer look again. The colour difference will manifest in a slight tint (usually yellow) when viewed from the side.

 

[resurge]

Yup G does not fall within the colourless category (D, E, F), it's in the near-colourless category (G, H, I, J).



It depends. Aside from certain specific types of inclusions, knowing the type of inclusion itself generally doesn't say much about the clarity of the diamond. The lower carat weight diamonds usually do not have a clarity plot diagram on the GIA cert (and yours doesn't according to the GIA website check), so you need to examine the diamond using the H&A scope and the loupe to check where the inclusions are. Usually the inclusions will be more obvious when viewing the hearts, use that in combination with the loupe to find them. Also check using the idealscope and aset scope to make sure that the inclusions do not affect the light performance, but shouldn't be the case because JP's QC is very high.

If the feather is near the edge of the diamond, better to avoid IMO because there is a chance, however small, of chipping upon impact. Ask your JP salesperson to point out where the inclusions are, he should be able to identify them if he's worth his salt.

BTW, colour is graded from the side with the diamond facing downwards. If you see any milkiness or haziness when viewing the diamond top down, that is usually a sign of fluorescence. I don't think JP carries any Solasferas with fluorescence though, better take a closer look again. The colour difference will manifest in a slight tint (usually yellow) when viewed from the side.

Hi Mero bro, I am quite new here.

May I ask what does "inclusion" here mean?

Sorry for being noob here.

 

[mero_cwj]

Hi Mero bro, I am quite new here.

May I ask what does "inclusion" here mean?

Sorry for being noob here.

Essentially, they are the diamond's imperfections and which determine the diamond's clarity grade. Here's a good easy to understand article about inclusions and clarity - http://beyond4cs.com/grading/clarity-characteristics/types-of-inclusions/

The examples there are of course more exaggerated to illustrate the types of inclusions. The more common inclusions which you will encounter for the high quality diamonds are pinpoints, crystals, clouds and feathers.

 

[ComeOnYouSpurs]

thanks for the photo uploaded,
how did you done that

There's an image icon when you make the post and you can paste your image url there.

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/o...6/how-upload-images-file-not-url-2748720.html

 

[resurge]

Essentially, they are the diamond's imperfections and which determine the diamond's clarity grade. Here's a good easy to understand article about inclusions and clarity - http://beyond4cs.com/grading/clarity-characteristics/types-of-inclusions/

The examples there are of course more exaggerated to illustrate the types of inclusions. The more common inclusions which you will encounter for the high quality diamonds are pinpoints, crystals, clouds and feathers.

Thanks a million for this!

 

[KinoChoco]

maybe because urs is a E color, the solasfera i got is G color,
seem a bit milky.

i get another quote,
0.52c, D color, VS2
but in the GIA report 7226423172

clarity characteristics mention : Twinning Wisp, Crystal, Feather
is this very bad?

I dont think Jann Paul carry any 'milky' diamonds in their Ideal/Super Ideal/Solasfera/other signature cuts. Probably they did not wipe the diamond before showing you?

 

[viberzdae]

Color I
1.01c
SI2
Sgd 3.8k can buy?

 

[mero_cwj]

Color I
1.01c
SI2
Sgd 3.8k can buy?

Not enough info... Need to know how well cut it is to ascertain the quality.
Got any cert or cert number from GIA/AGS?

 

[viberzdae]

Not enough info... Need to know how well cut it is to ascertain the quality.
Got any cert or cert number from GIA/AGS?

Very good cut.
Gia cert 1228821526

I'm really noob at this.
Budget of $5k and below.

 

[mero_cwj]

Very good cut.
Gia cert 1228821526

I'm really noob at this.
Budget of $5k and below.

This is for a princess cut diamond?

Aside from budget, what are your requirements, in terms of cut quality, carat weight, colour and clarity?

Would recommend that you visit one of the shops that give free diamond education (JannPaul, White Dwarf) to start with before you select and buy anything.

BTW, the GIA cert can be accessed here - http://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=1228821526
If the dealer represented this to be a Very Good cut, I would immediately walk away and not buy anything there. It is only graded as a Good cut on the GIA cert.

 

[viberzdae]

This is for a princess cut diamond?

Aside from budget, what are your requirements, in terms of cut quality, carat weight, colour and clarity?

Would recommend that you visit one of the shops that give free diamond education (JannPaul, White Dwarf) to start with before you select and buy anything.

BTW, the GIA cert can be accessed here - http://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=1228821526
If the dealer represented this to be a Very Good cut, I would immediately walk away and not buy anything there. It is only graded as a Good cut on the GIA cert.

Thanks for the information.

I am reading up on the cut color clarity..

But I would say I'm not very concern with those cos my naked eye really cannot tell the difference. Unless I take 2 diamonds side by side to compare.

Just hoping the diamond won't turn out too yellowish.

Yes I'm looking at princess cut cos the savings is quite substantial and it is more uncommon.

Other than that, to be Frank, everyone see diamond ring, first thing ask is how many carat? So looking at close to 1 carat diamond weight.

Very superficial I guess but diamonds itself is already superficial.

Hahahaa

 

[mero_cwj]

Thanks for the information.

I am reading up on the cut color clarity..

But I would say I'm not very concern with those cos my naked eye really cannot tell the difference. Unless I take 2 diamonds side by side to compare.

Just hoping the diamond won't turn out too yellowish.

Yes I'm looking at princess cut cos the savings is quite substantial and it is more uncommon.

Other than that, to be Frank, everyone see diamond ring, first thing ask is how many carat? So looking at close to 1 carat diamond weight.

Very superficial I guess but diamonds itself is already superficial.

Hahahaa

No worries, it is good to know what you want. If your aim is to maximise carat weight above other aspects, there is nothing wrong with that as it is your individual preference.

That being the case, you should pay more attention to the inclusions due to the SI2 grading, which while being acceptable to you visually, may be problematic structurally due to possibility of chips. I see a lot of feathers and needles very near the left edge of the diamond, and that may cause problems later on if there is any impact to the diamond because of the risk of chipping.

If you want a 1 carat princess cut diamond, with the same amount (~$4k), you can probably get a similar diamond but with a Very Good cut grading on any of the popular online retailers. Have a look at BlueNile since you are not fussy about quality. Just minimise your search to above 1 carat and pick whatever has the highest grading for clarity, colour, polish and symmetry, with no fluorescence.

 

[viberzdae]

No worries, it is good to know what you want. If your aim is to maximise carat weight above other aspects, there is nothing wrong with that as it is your individual preference.

That being the case, you should pay more attention to the inclusions due to the SI2 grading, which while being acceptable to you visually, may be problematic structurally due to possibility of chips. I see a lot of feathers and needles very near the left edge of the diamond, and that may cause problems later on if there is any impact to the diamond because of the risk of chipping.

If you want a 1 carat princess cut diamond, with the same amount (~$4k), you can probably get a similar diamond but with a Very Good cut grading on any of the popular online retailers. Have a look at BlueNile since you are not fussy about quality. Just minimise your search to above 1 carat and pick whatever has the highest grading for clarity, colour, polish and symmetry, with no fluorescence.

Thanks for the information.. I'm actually looking at blue Nile and James Allen. Haha

Very helpful advice. Thanks.

 

[Jench1745]

Very good cut.
Gia cert 1228821526

I'm really noob at this.
Budget of $5k and below.

Bro, its a princess cut 1.01 I SI2.
All of the inclusions are at the edges and corner of the diamond. That's very risky leh. Princess cut diamonds has thinner edges compared to rounds and are easier to chip. Especially the sharp corners.

I would be careful for this one..

 

[KinoChoco]

Thanks for the information.

I am reading up on the cut color clarity..

But I would say I'm not very concern with those cos my naked eye really cannot tell the difference. Unless I take 2 diamonds side by side to compare.

Just hoping the diamond won't turn out too yellowish.

Yes I'm looking at princess cut cos the savings is quite substantial and it is more uncommon.

Other than that, to be Frank, everyone see diamond ring, first thing ask is how many carat? So looking at close to 1 carat diamond weight.

Very superficial I guess but diamonds itself is already superficial.

Hahahaa

Yes, but how sparkle and the color of it does matter ALOT too. If your intention is to impress people (Which is why you want a 1 Carat), i will say you definitely need at least an Ideal cut and G color on it.

TBH, you'll need to set aside at least 10k for such a diamond + settings. Anything less...it'll look pretty bad when compared to her friends (Yellowish + less sparkles)

 

[mero_cwj]

Yes, but how sparkle and the color of it does matter ALOT too. If your intention is to impress people (Which is why you want a 1 Carat), i will say you definitely need at least an Ideal cut and G color on it.

TBH, you'll need to set aside at least 10k for such a diamond + settings. Anything less...it'll look pretty bad when compared to her friends (Yellowish + less sparkles)

Just to add on to what KinoChoco said, if you are really working on a tight budget, I would recommend having a look at Brian Gavin Diamond's Blue series. Go with a combination of low colour (I to L), but with strong blue fluorescence, which will make the diamond look whiter.

There is a 1.115 carat I/VS2 princess cut with strong blue fluorescence for around SGD 6.1k available now, which you can consider. It is an AGS triple ideal so the cut quality is much better than the diamond you are currently considering, and a VS2 grade for clarity so it is much cleaner and structurally sound compared to that diamond. Downside is that the VS2 is for one big black inclusion right in the centre of the diamond.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...15-i-vs2-princess-diamond-ags-bl-104078379016

 

[JustAnotherTroll]

Just to add on to what KinoChoco said, if you are really working on a tight budget, I would recommend having a look at Brian Gavin Diamond's Blue series. Go with a combination of low colour (I to L), but with strong blue fluorescence, which will make the diamond look whiter.

There is a 1.115 carat I/VS2 princess cut with strong blue fluorescence for around SGD 6.1k available now, which you can consider. It is an AGS triple ideal so the cut quality is much better than the diamond you are currently considering, and a VS2 grade for clarity so it is much cleaner and structurally sound compared to that diamond. Downside is that the VS2 is for one big black inclusion right in the centre of the diamond.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...15-i-vs2-princess-diamond-ags-bl-104078379016

And to add on, you might want to look into diamond simulants instead. 1K impossible to get a 1ct diamond.

https://www.orro.com/