Proposal Ring - Part 3

[Crexzz]

I bought a diamond online from Bluenile but its not sparkling at all. Its a 0.55ct F VS1. On the GIA certificate, it has cut (excellent), polish (excellent), symmetry (excellent).

I don't know why but the diamond looks quite dark and have no shine. It's already the 3rd best color (F) but it doesnt look white for some reason. Theres not much sparkles... when I move the diamond around to try to see those reflection, its looks very bland.. like alot of dark spots and no color.. is this normal?

I think you haven't done enough homework. Luckily there's a 30days return policy. I'm kinda wondering, with a 30days return policy like this, how many returns are there due to unsuccessful proposals

For those who doesn't mind the brand and wants a performing rock and wants to venture into online hassle free purchase, able to return the ring if proposal is unsuccessful , and no weeks of waiting, try having the following filter -

CUT : Sig Ideal
Colour: G - D
Clarity: vs1 - IF
Polish : EX/ID
Symmetry: EX/ID
Fluorescence: none

Depth: 59 - 61.8
Table : 53 - 57.5
L/W ratio : 1-1

then filter out base on the carat size or your budget, from there, take a look at the GIA certificate and look out for rocks with the following:

Crown angle: 34.3 - 34.9
Pavilion angle: 40.6 - 40.9


Because rock of <1carat weight will not have their inclusions plotted on GIA cert, Weed out any rock that has "crystal" & "internal graining" to play safe


After that, go thru the GCAL cert of those shortlisted rocks. There's a photomicrograph of the rock that'll allow you to see if the cuts are proportional or if there's any facets that appear out of place

then to be sure, check out it's HCA here

I came across this write up talking abt the 3 different range HCA will tell you - TIC, BIC & FIC (guess it's just on the type of performance)


Credits to - http://niceice.com/selecting-best-option-blue-nile-diamonds/

 

[Lutherian]

WOW 9K!!

But bro, on bluenile site,a 0.7 D vvs1 Sig Ideal diamond cost only S$7277.00 now, considering the fact that USD rates have risen considerably, it should be more expensive now and not cheaper.

Mind providing the link to the setting you have your bluenile diamond on? Can't find it on their website. Or was it not set by bluenile? if so, purchase of their loose diamond will come with the ring box as well?

mind providing the bluenile diamond certificate no? just want it for reference, i'm curious on the dimension of the rock.

Bro.. that one got fluorescence.. it will make the diamond look oily/milky. thats why its cheaper. It shows how much QC they have for their Sig ideal.. and also need to +tax.

I didn't get the setting from them. Their setting is quite limited and very ex. Originally wanted to get the diamond from them the set it locally. It came with a box. I got it awhile back and returned it to them already.. will need to find the cert. Iirc, the proportions was actually ok.. like HCA score 1 or 1+. But the diamond can still have light leakages even though the proportions is ok. So you'll still need the scopes to check for this.

Their Sig ideal is no where near a Super ideal cut. If you compare for the same quality, their diamonds actually isn't that cheap either.

 

[Crexzz]

Bro.. that one got fluorescence.. it will make the diamond look oily/milky. thats why its cheaper. It shows how much QC they have for their Sig ideal.. and also need to +tax.

I didn't get the setting from them. Their setting is quite limited and very ex. Originally wanted to get the diamond from them the set it locally. It came with a box. I got it awhile back and returned it to them already.. will need to find the cert. Iirc, the proportions was actually ok.. like HCA score 1 or 1+. But the diamond can still have light leakages even though the proportions is ok. So you'll still need the scopes to check for this.

Their Sig ideal is no where near a Super ideal cut. If you compare for the same quality, their diamonds actually isn't that cheap either.

Fair enough on the fluorescence part. How about this 0.71 E vvs2 Sig Ideal that cost only S$6416 before gst & 1% visa fee? No where near your stated 9k

I'm skeptical about your post -
1)
bluenile return is 30days from the day they shipped out the diamond, within this 30days you managed to get your diamond shipped to outside singapore, then have it set AND then managed to get a ring from Jannpaul to compare and then to return the ring to bluenile.

2) the setting on both your "bluenile" ring and JP ring is obviously the same, which left much to be said.

3) your video is posted 2days before your post

Agree that bluenile doesn't have the widest selection of settings but How is this 95% pure platinum ring expensive when it cost only S$720 b4 gst & visa fee of 1%? if done in 14k white gold, it's only S$300.00

How much does the simplest 95% pure platinum setting cost @ your jeweler? Last i've heard, a platinum setting done is at least 1K+

So I think it's not right to say that jannpaul is cheaper then bluenile. That's close to being misleading. If base on your jp diamond specs a 0.73 F vs2 on bluenile cost only S$6329 before everything else.

That being said, there's nothing proprietary about diamonds on retailers side, just that the jeweler puts in more effort to scan and categorize the lot of diamonds they purchased from a distributor and then charge a higher premium for their effort to pick the better ones out of the lot from the same factory


With that said, bluenile is basically stockpiling diamonds and their signature ideal are just the top 50% of their pile. There's tons of write up online that teaches one how to pick the top 1% out of the pile. Picking online is easy peasy.


Sad to see that a thread has degraded into an appreciation thread when it should be informative on all aspect.

 

[mero_cwj]

Fair enough on the fluorescence part. How about this 0.71 E vvs2 Sig Ideal that cost only S$6416 before gst & 1% visa fee? No where near your stated 9k

I'm skeptical about your post -
1)
bluenile return is 30days from the day they shipped out the diamond, within this 30days you managed to get your diamond shipped to outside singapore, then have it set AND then managed to get a ring from Jannpaul to compare and then to return the ring to bluenile.

2) the setting on both your "bluenile" ring and JP ring is obviously the same, which left much to be said.

3) your video is posted 2days before your post

Agree that bluenile doesn't have the widest selection of settings but How is this 95% pure platinum ring expensive when it cost only S$720 b4 gst & visa fee of 1%? if done in 14k white gold, it's only S$300.00

How much does the simplest 95% pure platinum setting cost @ your jeweler? Last i've heard, a platinum setting done is at least 1K+

So I think it's not right to say that jannpaul is cheaper then bluenile. That's close to being misleading. If base on your jp diamond specs a 0.73 F vs2 on bluenile cost only S$6329 before everything else.

That being said, there's nothing proprietary about diamonds on retailers side, just that the jeweler puts in more effort to scan and categorize the lot of diamonds they purchased from a distributor and then charge a higher premium for their effort to pick the better ones out of the lot from the same factory


With that said, bluenile is basically stockpiling diamonds and their signature ideal are just the top 50% of their pile. There's tons of write up online that teaches one how to pick the top 1% out of the pile. Picking online is easy peasy.


Sad to see that a thread has degraded into an appreciation thread when it should be informative on all aspect.

Just to chime in, I'd rather get buy online from a retailer that is willing to send scope images. ASET is best, but I'd take an idealscope over nothing. As far as I'm aware, bluenile does not do that, and in fact a lot of their listed stock isn't even in their own inventory. There are others who do provide this service, but it's generally more expensive than bluenile.

If I lived in the US and wouldn't lose money on the shipping, tax and currency exchange, I'd just buy an ASET scope set, shortlist good HCA score diamonds, then slowly buy and check under scopes and return if not good.

Then again, you could still purchase an ASET scope set and head to one of the local loose diamond sellers on a quiet weekday and sift through their stock till you find a good one.

 

[Lutherian]

Fair enough on the fluorescence part. How about this 0.71 E vvs2 Sig Ideal that cost only S$6416 before gst & 1% visa fee? No where near your stated 9k

I'm skeptical about your post -
1)
bluenile return is 30days from the day they shipped out the diamond, within this 30days you managed to get your diamond shipped to outside singapore, then have it set AND then managed to get a ring from Jannpaul to compare and then to return the ring to bluenile.

2) the setting on both your "bluenile" ring and JP ring is obviously the same, which left much to be said.

3) your video is posted 2days before your post

Agree that bluenile doesn't have the widest selection of settings but How is this 95% pure platinum ring expensive when it cost only S$720 b4 gst & visa fee of 1%? if done in 14k white gold, it's only S$300.00

How much does the simplest 95% pure platinum setting cost @ your jeweler? Last i've heard, a platinum setting done is at least 1K+

So I think it's not right to say that jannpaul is cheaper then bluenile. That's close to being misleading. If base on your jp diamond specs a 0.73 F vs2 on bluenile cost only S$6329 before everything else.

That being said, there's nothing proprietary about diamonds on retailers side, just that the jeweler puts in more effort to scan and categorize the lot of diamonds they purchased from a distributor and then charge a higher premium for their effort to pick the better ones out of the lot from the same factory


With that said, bluenile is basically stockpiling diamonds and their signature ideal are just the top 50% of their pile. There's tons of write up online that teaches one how to pick the top 1% out of the pile. Picking online is easy peasy.


Sad to see that a thread has degraded into an appreciation thread when it should be informative on all aspect.

I think you might have missed out a few points...

The diamond was a E VVS1, not VVS2......... *

1. Both the diamonds are NOT set on any ring yet. They are on a diamond clip holder. Its like a keychain shape when you press, it will release or hold the diamond. Bluenile provided one and shipped it with the clip attached. I assume its a common accessory since JP gave one to me too. The diamond I got wasn't set on anything but a clip was holding on it too. The plan was to propose with the diamond first then customize the ring together.

2. See point 1.

3. The design which you showed isn't exactly a design that I would go for. I supposed you might think that I would go for that because mistakenly seeing the diamond clip holder as an actual ring.
Searching on the site, the simplest design for white gold is about $480 before tax for 18KT white gold. Platinum will be the design that you selected.
Both of which aren't my lady's style.
Prior to confirming the diamond at JP i checked on the pricing and classic designs were going for $550 even with customization (18k).
Platinum is at $900.
Working out the sums I find that it makes sense for settings selection at JP with just about less than $100 differece. Further more there were free resizing and such. Getting from bluenile meant that either I pay for shipping back to get it sized or i pay locally. either way it will amount to more dollars spent.

My point was that you can still have the diamond refunded after weighing all the cost involved and if it makes sense. I shared my experience and found that it made more sense to buy a better CUT diamond with LOWER color and clarity. Even though the grades are lower, it looked visually better as you can see.

On hindsight, I probably should have mentioned in detail on how they were both loose diamonds on a clip holder... but you jumped the gun on this one bro..

 

[LL1986]

Fair enough on the fluorescence part. How about this 0.71 E vvs2 Sig Ideal that cost only S$6416 before gst & 1% visa fee? No where near your stated 9k

I'm skeptical about your post -
1)
bluenile return is 30days from the day they shipped out the diamond, within this 30days you managed to get your diamond shipped to outside singapore, then have it set AND then managed to get a ring from Jannpaul to compare and then to return the ring to bluenile.

2) the setting on both your "bluenile" ring and JP ring is obviously the same, which left much to be said.

3) your video is posted 2days before your post

Agree that bluenile doesn't have the widest selection of settings but How is this 95% pure platinum ring expensive when it cost only S$720 b4 gst & visa fee of 1%? if done in 14k white gold, it's only S$300.00

How much does the simplest 95% pure platinum setting cost @ your jeweler? Last i've heard, a platinum setting done is at least 1K+

So I think it's not right to say that jannpaul is cheaper then bluenile. That's close to being misleading. If base on your jp diamond specs a 0.73 F vs2 on bluenile cost only S$6329 before everything else.

That being said, there's nothing proprietary about diamonds on retailers side, just that the jeweler puts in more effort to scan and categorize the lot of diamonds they purchased from a distributor and then charge a higher premium for their effort to pick the better ones out of the lot from the same factory


With that said, bluenile is basically stockpiling diamonds and their signature ideal are just the top 50% of their pile. There's tons of write up online that teaches one how to pick the top 1% out of the pile. Picking online is easy peasy.


Sad to see that a thread has degraded into an appreciation thread when it should be informative on all aspect.

dafug bro... that's obviously a ring clipper
talk about lack of detail..
http://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/gcal-grading-blue-nile-t26825.html
http://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/gcal-certificate-meaningless-t183429.html
I think you need to do some homework yourself, Gcal isn't very recognized by the pricescope community. Even if you say that's biasness, if you are going to buy online with HCA and GCAL alone, it's suicide.
Buy online, make sure you get scope analysis, that's all.
Even so there are risks involved such as type of inclusions and diamonds of dirty hue colours.

There's a reason why consumers in pricescope stay away from BN.

 

[Crexzz]

I think you might have missed out a few points...

Spoiler

The diamond was a E VVS1, not VVS2......... *

1. Both the diamonds are NOT set on any ring yet. They are on a diamond clip holder. Its like a keychain shape when you press, it will release or hold the diamond. Bluenile provided one and shipped it with the clip attached. I assume its a common accessory since JP gave one to me too. The diamond I got wasn't set on anything but a clip was holding on it too. The plan was to propose with the diamond first then customize the ring together.

2. See point 1.

3. The design which you showed isn't exactly a design that I would go for. I supposed you might think that I would go for that because mistakenly seeing the diamond clip holder as an actual ring.
Searching on the site, the simplest design for white gold is about $480 before tax for 18KT white gold. Platinum will be the design that you selected.
Both of which aren't my lady's style.
Prior to confirming the diamond at JP i checked on the pricing and classic designs were going for $550 even with customization (18k).
Platinum is at $900.
Working out the sums I find that it makes sense for settings selection at JP with just about less than $100 differece. Further more there were free resizing and such. Getting from bluenile meant that either I pay for shipping back to get it sized or i pay locally. either way it will amount to more dollars spent.

My point was that you can still have the diamond refunded after weighing all the cost involved and if it makes sense. I shared my experience and found that it made more sense to buy a better CUT diamond with LOWER color and clarity. Even though the grades are lower, it looked visually better as you can see.

On hindsight, I probably should have mentioned in detail on how they were both loose diamonds on a clip holder... but you jumped the gun on this one bro..

I didn't jump the gun, i did asked for the type of setting you used and to provide the link if any. i'm not a pro on buying loose diamond but Oh well, could be miscommunication or could be something else, i'll never know.

And my assumption are that distributors selling diamond on bulk are usually base on the basic specs - clarity, color & carat. So to say JP is cheaper for a diamond of lower clarity compared to vvs1 is misleading.

Like i've said, a 0.73 f vs2 cost only S$6329 before everything else.

Of course, JP does vet thru their stockpile and put up a premium pricing for those that pass their test. No doubt those that pass are performing diamonds.

So is JP really cheaper? i don't think so. At best, JP is on par in terms of pricing then of cuz there's the cut factor. But doesn't mean "super ideal" cut can't be obtained from those online retailer.

So are diamonds from bluenile inferior? I'm not sure myself, but i'll know soon.

nothing personal, cheers.

 

[Crexzz]

dafug bro... that's obviously a ring clipper
talk about lack of detail..
http://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/gcal-grading-blue-nile-t26825.html
http://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/gcal-certificate-meaningless-t183429.html
I think you need to do some homework yourself, Gcal isn't very recognized by the pricescope community. Even if you say that's biasness, if you are going to buy online with HCA and GCAL alone, it's suicide.
Buy online, make sure you get scope analysis, that's all.
Even so there are risks involved such as type of inclusions and diamonds of dirty hue colours.

There's a reason why consumers in pricescope stay away from BN.

Oh well, i didn't say anything about depending on GCAL analysis. The only thing worth noting from GCAL is the photomicrograph. Not their analysis or grading.

You do know what's a photomicrograph right? it's basically just a super macro picture of the rock. not light performance not anything. just picture. But from the picture, you can see the facets placement.

 

[Crexzz]

Just to chime in, I'd rather get buy online from a retailer that is willing to send scope images. ASET is best, but I'd take an idealscope over nothing. As far as I'm aware, bluenile does not do that, and in fact a lot of their listed stock isn't even in their own inventory. There are others who do provide this service, but it's generally more expensive than bluenile.

If I lived in the US and wouldn't lose money on the shipping, tax and currency exchange, I'd just buy an ASET scope set, shortlist good HCA score diamonds, then slowly buy and check under scopes and return if not good.

Then again, you could still purchase an ASET scope set and head to one of the local loose diamond sellers on a quiet weekday and sift through their stock till you find a good one.

there's so many online retailer available. to name a few, brian gavin, white flash etc, none can provide ASET scope on request?

Well, i just pulled the trigger to get a ring for my mum xmas, rock chosen base on my knowledge from google university.

Let's see how it turns out. Worse case senario, i'll just return it and will document the steps and procedures of returning the ring plus getting back the gst refund, if able.

At the same time, guys, do feel free to post about your purchase from any other jeweler or online retailer. There's so many to choose from.

 

[Marco_surf]

Appointment with JP

I got an appointment with JP coming up. Is there anyone specific I should look for or recommend?

 

[ComeOnYouSpurs]

I bought my diamond from bluenile too and have returned it. They have a 30 days return policy. Technically you can get a full refund but there will be some $$ that you may lose out. You need to pay for shipping back. Mine costed around $200+. Then there’s also the tax you may lose out. I didnt ship mine to SG so i didnt get taxed. If you pay by credit card, depending on the currency you pay, you might lose out on the exchange rate spread from the bank. What I suggest is to calculate the total cost you lose if you refund and weigh it if you buy a better diamond locally. See if it makes sense to you?

I had the same problem with my diamond too. i returned my 0.7ct E VVS1 and got a 0.7ct F VS2 super ideal cut instead. TBH, i found that color and clarity to be not that important. I couldn’t see any difference with the VVS1 and VS2. For color, see how sensitive you are. In fact, i find my super ideal cut F color was whiter than the ideal E color. The cut is the one which will affect it the most. Light leakage will make the diamond dark.

Took some photos and videos

From my experience, bring your diamond when you go to other jewellers and compare it next to them. Use the ASET scope to see what’s wrong with it. Then weigh your options. Even though i returned my diamond and lost some $$, i got a better cut one at a cheaper price (ended up saving arnd 1k). Jp has a much stricter criteria than online vendors. Although my color and clarity is lower, the diamond was much whiter and sparkly.. i don’t think girls will go around and ask what is the color and clarity. They’ll just see how sparkly it is. If ppl see the dark light leakage diamond and you tell them its D color, they also won’t believe. Just make sure you do this before the 30 days expires.

I find high clarity unnecessarily unless the missus wants to compare with others on spec. But rightfully Cut is the biggest priority to actually look good on her hands.

 

[Lydia.Tan]

I got an appointment with JP coming up. Is there anyone specific I should look for or recommend?

Usually they will assign someone to you unless you request. My first appt was with Casey and then Joy took over when he was overseas. Both of them are good. If you're shopping alone and want more female perspective on your ring design, you can ask her for past customised ring designs that she done.

After getting my ering, we went down and she helped us for wedding bands too. We managed to get matching bands that sits well with my ering. Very happy with my rings

Before my visit, I was msging with her over FB and discussing about designs first
https://www.facebook.com/jp.joybarcelona

 

[mero_cwj]

there's so many online retailer available. to name a few, brian gavin, white flash etc, none can provide ASET scope on request?

Well, i just pulled the trigger to get a ring for my mum xmas, rock chosen base on my knowledge from google university.

Let's see how it turns out. Worse case senario, i'll just return it and will document the steps and procedures of returning the ring plus getting back the gst refund, if able.

At the same time, guys, do feel free to post about your purchase from any other jeweler or online retailer. There's so many to choose from.

don't be so defensive lah dude. I said "I'd rather get buy online from a retailer that is willing to send scope images. ASET is best, but I'd take an idealscope over nothing." Obviously I know of the retailers like Whiteflash, BGD, James Allen who do provide the scopes but are generally more expensive than bluenile

 

[Akuma1981fire]

I'm stuck between the Octagon and Cushion Brellia.

Octagon got
Stronger look
More unique
Impactful when looking at it
88 facets sounds nice

Cushion Brellia
Got the curves of a woman
Girlie
Cutesy

Advice pls?

 

[Crexzz]

don't be so defensive lah dude. I said "I'd rather get buy online from a retailer that is willing to send scope images. ASET is best, but I'd take an idealscope over nothing." Obviously I know of the retailers like Whiteflash, BGD, James Allen who do provide the scopes but are generally more expensive than bluenile

That was a geniune question bro.

sorry if i sound defensive or offensive

 

[Lydia.Tan]

I'm stuck between the Octagon and Cushion Brellia.

Octagon got
Stronger look
More unique
Impactful when looking at it
88 facets sounds nice

Cushion Brellia
Got the curves of a woman
Girlie
Cutesy

Advice pls?

What design are you choosing? I saw this on Bridestory. I feel the Brellia is very pretty and cute with the sorrounding small diamonds around it.

The Octagon is very pretty and bling too. I chose the Octagon for its sparkles. Both are sparkly but I find the Octagon has more colorful flashes. The Brellia has 57 facets and Octagon 88 facets. It will give it more bling
Also, the Octagon can fit more types of design because you can adjust the orientation its set.

 

[Lydia.Tan]

Usually they will assign someone to you unless you request. My first appt was with Casey and then Joy took over when he was overseas. Both of them are good. If you're shopping alone and want more female perspective on your ring design, you can ask her for past customised ring designs that she done.

After getting my ering, we went down and she helped us for wedding bands too. We managed to get matching bands that sits well with my ering. Very happy with my rings

Before my visit, I was msging with her over FB and discussing about designs first
https://www.facebook.com/jp.joybarcelona

This is Joy

 

[sugaricing83]

This is Joy

She's cute!!!!

 

[sugaricing83]

I'm stuck between the Octagon and Cushion Brellia.

Octagon got
Stronger look
More unique
Impactful when looking at it
88 facets sounds nice

Cushion Brellia
Got the curves of a woman
Girlie
Cutesy

Advice pls?

I have the octagon.. But the brellia looks very very nice to me too. Like very cute and vintage looking.

 

[tinkerella]

I'm stuck between the Octagon and Cushion Brellia.

Octagon got
Stronger look
More unique
Impactful when looking at it
88 facets sounds nice

Cushion Brellia
Got the curves of a woman
Girlie
Cutesy

Advice pls?

Tough to choose between these 2 options.. But my vote would go to the Brellia; it is both cute and elegant at the same time!