Proposal Ring - Part 3

[Lydia.Tan]

Hihi, would like some opinions. After weeks of deliberating, I've chosen to do a halo design with my super ideal round. I met one of JP's designer (Meng?) for some suggestions and she showed me some of her drawings of different halo designs. She's very helpful and now I'm spoilt for choices.

Which halo design you think is good? I'm torn between the square/round and pear/round. I like the marquise too. The more I look at it, the more I start to like it too. The baguette/round is nice and edgy too. Haiz.. I'm already having trouble to pick my best 2....

The top left round will be better for everyday wearing. The other shapes are more special and will get more 'wow' comments. One of my colleagues has a double halo and it looks pretty too. Though its just not my style. I was actually thinking those halo designs will make great earrings! Hahaha

 

[FroztSpectre]

Here’s the stone. Not sure why u would go for E and SI2 but it looks included and frosted
If u can stretch your budget to $1200 (ring plus stone) I can help u do better online

Problem is none of us (me and my gf) knows **** about diamonds How to tell which is good or which is bad.

 

[thenakedshades]

None of us know too. But you gotta study and learn.

Problem is none of us (me and my gf) knows **** about diamonds How to tell which is good or which is bad.

Posted with iPhone X HardwareZone Forums app

 

[FroztSpectre]

None of us know too. But you gotta study and learn.

Posted with iPhone X HardwareZone Forums app

That's why came here to see see look look
Then now i know near colorless with shitty SI2 doesn't go well together, and rather balance to F or G color grading and VS1.

Anyway my gf is more interested in the actual ring design itself, not much of the diamond. Which is good for me i guess. Don't have to buy like 1 carat diamonds. Even 0.3 she finds it too big. Designs like this also ok.

 

[KeaneLJC]

hello, been lurking on-off for a few weeks now. intending to propose later this year

still studying (graduating 2020 with bank loan of $100k) so budget is tight. intending to get engagement ring of the following specs:

Budget under 2k still need to get the wedding bands

Diamond
Ideal / Vgood cut
F colour
VS1/VS2 clarity
0.4-0.5 carat
Cushion shape

*IK that it's small but still need to be prudent with my spending, while able to express love at the same time so. 10 year anniversary got $$$ buy bigger and more ideal cut haha*

Setting
4/6 prong classic solitaire
14k rose gold band

So with the above specs, I found
Diamond: https://www.michaeltrio.com//diamond_video/cert.phtml?d=7328204541&prefix=HVD&cert_bool=1

Surprisingly, even though the above is from MT, I found the exact same diamond on BN, with the exact same GIA cert.

Diamond damage: SGD 1371 on MT, SGD 1202 on BN

MT doesn't offer rose gold solitaire setting... so BN would be my choice

Setting: Petite Cathedral Solitaire in 14k Rose Gold
Setting damage: SGD 540

Total damage (before tax, engraving): SGD 1742, falling within my budget

Thought I'm all set, then I realised BN doesn't offer ASET / Hearts&Arrows images, + reading some comments about BN diamonds being of inferior quality.

Then I looked at JP prices that y'all quoted... I doubt I'd be able to really get anything. Any advice?

Should I go down to JP and look-see? Am aware of jewelers constantly trying to upsell so not sure if they would even bother with me ><

 

[Miltah]

hello, been lurking on-off for a few weeks now. intending to propose later this year

still studying (graduating 2020 with bank loan of $100k) so budget is tight. intending to get engagement ring of the following specs:

Budget under 2k still need to get the wedding bands

Diamond
Ideal / Vgood cut
F colour
VS1/VS2 clarity
0.4-0.5 carat
Cushion shape

*IK that it's small but still need to be prudent with my spending, while able to express love at the same time so. 10 year anniversary got $$$ buy bigger and more ideal cut haha*

Setting
4/6 prong classic solitaire
14k rose gold band

So with the above specs, I found
Diamond: https://www.michaeltrio.com//diamond_video/cert.phtml?d=7328204541&prefix=HVD&cert_bool=1

Surprisingly, even though the above is from MT, I found the exact same diamond on BN, with the exact same GIA cert.

Diamond damage: SGD 1371 on MT, SGD 1202 on BN

MT doesn't offer rose gold solitaire setting... so BN would be my choice

Setting: Petite Cathedral Solitaire in 14k Rose Gold
Setting damage: SGD 540

Total damage (before tax, engraving): SGD 1742, falling within my budget

Thought I'm all set, then I realised BN doesn't offer ASET / Hearts&Arrows images, + reading some comments about BN diamonds being of inferior quality.

Then I looked at JP prices that y'all quoted... I doubt I'd be able to really get anything. Any advice?

Should I go down to JP and look-see? Am aware of jewelers constantly trying to upsell so not sure if they would even bother with me ><

Tough one. JP would not have what u want as yours is not even a triple excellent. You could try House of Hung
The problem with your selection is that you based it purely on price. And neither BN or Mtrio can sight the stone for u.
It’s got a medium blue fluorescent with clouds as clarity. There’s a very high chance that it could look like a frosted stone.

 

[lsg716]

hello, been lurking on-off for a few weeks now. intending to propose later this year

still studying (graduating 2020 with bank loan of $100k) so budget is tight. intending to get engagement ring of the following specs:

Budget under 2k still need to get the wedding bands

Diamond
Ideal / Vgood cut
F colour
VS1/VS2 clarity
0.4-0.5 carat
Cushion shape

*IK that it's small but still need to be prudent with my spending, while able to express love at the same time so. 10 year anniversary got $$$ buy bigger and more ideal cut haha*

Setting
4/6 prong classic solitaire
14k rose gold band

So with the above specs, I found
Diamond: https://www.michaeltrio.com//diamond_video/cert.phtml?d=7328204541&prefix=HVD&cert_bool=1

Surprisingly, even though the above is from MT, I found the exact same diamond on BN, with the exact same GIA cert.

Diamond damage: SGD 1371 on MT, SGD 1202 on BN

MT doesn't offer rose gold solitaire setting... so BN would be my choice

Setting: Petite Cathedral Solitaire in 14k Rose Gold
Setting damage: SGD 540

Total damage (before tax, engraving): SGD 1742, falling within my budget

Thought I'm all set, then I realised BN doesn't offer ASET / Hearts&Arrows images, + reading some comments about BN diamonds being of inferior quality.

Then I looked at JP prices that y'all quoted... I doubt I'd be able to really get anything. Any advice?

Should I go down to JP and look-see? Am aware of jewelers constantly trying to upsell so not sure if they would even bother with me ><

I think you can go a bit lower on colour given you're looking for a rose gold band. There can be a significant reduction in price to the next tier if you don't need the D-F colour range.
I'd offset the lower colour for a better cut or slightly bigger carat weight.

Sent from Samsung SM-G973F using GAGT

 

[Miltah]

Diamond damage: SGD 1371 on MT, SGD 1202 on BN

Setting: Petite Cathedral Solitaire in 14k Rose Gold
Setting damage: SGD 540

Total damage (before tax, engraving): SGD 1742, falling within my budget

[<

If u really want to go with BN and keep it ard $2k then your other option is to go for the BN Astor cushion.
There are a few options ard $1.5k without fluorescence

 

[mardybum]

I think it looks very nice already

Hehee thanks! My fiancé will be very happy to hear that hahaa

 

[FroztSpectre]

hello, been lurking on-off for a few weeks now. intending to propose later this year

still studying (graduating 2020 with bank loan of $100k) so budget is tight. intending to get engagement ring of the following specs:

Budget under 2k still need to get the wedding bands

Diamond
Ideal / Vgood cut
F colour
VS1/VS2 clarity
0.4-0.5 carat
Cushion shape

*IK that it's small but still need to be prudent with my spending, while able to express love at the same time so. 10 year anniversary got $$$ buy bigger and more ideal cut haha*

Setting
4/6 prong classic solitaire
14k rose gold band

So with the above specs, I found
Diamond: https://www.michaeltrio.com//diamond_video/cert.phtml?d=7328204541&prefix=HVD&cert_bool=1

Surprisingly, even though the above is from MT, I found the exact same diamond on BN, with the exact same GIA cert.

Diamond damage: SGD 1371 on MT, SGD 1202 on BN

MT doesn't offer rose gold solitaire setting... so BN would be my choice

Setting: Petite Cathedral Solitaire in 14k Rose Gold
Setting damage: SGD 540

Total damage (before tax, engraving): SGD 1742, falling within my budget

Thought I'm all set, then I realised BN doesn't offer ASET / Hearts&Arrows images, + reading some comments about BN diamonds being of inferior quality.

Then I looked at JP prices that y'all quoted... I doubt I'd be able to really get anything. Any advice?

Should I go down to JP and look-see? Am aware of jewelers constantly trying to upsell so not sure if they would even bother with me ><

Just curious,
where are you getting the diamond and the ring (or is it called the setting?) from? Both from BN?

But you must be a nice guy. 100k in tuition debt and still can afford to spend 2k on an engagement ring.
Meanwhile i graduated from school 1 year ago, earned enough money to payoff my tuition debt, have a substantial amount of savings. Yet i can't even find a reason to convince myself to even spend 1.5k on an engagement ring.

 

[throwawaygrad]

If still studying, is it ok to buy Orro first (they have Tiffany setting in 0.5ct) and get a much better ring after 3 years?

I'm quite happy with my diamond but I realised I really rushed it, whereas if I waited even just another 6 months, based on my income growth I would have afforded much more.

 

[KinoChoco]

If still studying, is it ok to buy Orro first (they have Tiffany setting in 0.5ct) and get a much better ring after 3 years?

I'm quite happy with my diamond but I realised I really rushed it, whereas if I waited even just another 6 months, based on my income growth I would have afforded much more.

Usually people would had heck about the ring by the. Haha. I know few of such cases, usually couple years later, they will rather use the money for other stuff and not a ring.

 

[Maccabi]

Just curious,
where are you getting the diamond and the ring (or is it called the setting?) from? Both from BN?

But you must be a nice guy. 100k in tuition debt and still can afford to spend 2k on an engagement ring.
Meanwhile i graduated from school 1 year ago, earned enough money to payoff my tuition debt, have a substantial amount of savings. Yet i can't even find a reason to convince myself to even spend 1.5k on an engagement ring.

Not just you Bro. I spent 9k on the ring and tbh diamond itself is not rare. But between getting a good diamond and a bad one. You will be much happier knowing that the money you spent on is a quality diamond.

 

[KeaneLJC]

Tough one. JP would not have what u want as yours is not even a triple excellent. You could try House of Hung
The problem with your selection is that you based it purely on price. And neither BN or Mtrio can sight the stone for u.
It’s got a medium blue fluorescent with clouds as clarity. There’s a very high chance that it could look like a frosted stone.

Thanks for your input! JP sells purely triple excellent stones? I would perhaps pop by JP and see what they have. If need be, I stretch the budget a bit. But based on the past 10-month price-guide compiled from fellow EDMWers, can't really get much

I think you can go a bit lower on colour given you're looking for a rose gold band. There can be a significant reduction in price to the next tier if you don't need the D-F colour range.
I'd offset the lower colour for a better cut or slightly bigger carat weight.

Sent from Samsung SM-G973F using GAGT

Yeah I was super concerned about the fact that I'd be getting a rose gold band (the girl insists she wants rose gold so ). Will consider going probably a G instead to see if it helps bring the cost down another notch to get a better cut!

If u really want to go with BN and keep it ard $2k then your other option is to go for the BN Astor cushion.
There are a few options ard $1.5k without fluorescence

Thanks for the suggestion! Took a look and found this:
https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD10184121
Problem is the depth % a bit on the higher side? I recall reading somewhere that too deep then you're losing the weight in depth instead of fully utilising in table dimensions.

Just curious,
where are you getting the diamond and the ring (or is it called the setting?) from? Both from BN?

But you must be a nice guy. 100k in tuition debt and still can afford to spend 2k on an engagement ring.
Meanwhile i graduated from school 1 year ago, earned enough money to payoff my tuition debt, have a substantial amount of savings. Yet i can't even find a reason to convince myself to even spend 1.5k on an engagement ring.

Yeap the ring (setting) from BN too! Aiyah I think just need to manage cashflow a bit lor. $100k in debt doesn't mean my cash now is $0 ma. want to propose, so bobian must get ring lor. plus diamond looks nicer too

 

[Miltah]

Thanks for your input! JP sells purely triple excellent stones? I would perhaps pop by JP and see what they have. If need be, I stretch the budget a bit. But based on the past 10-month price-guide compiled from fellow EDMWers, can't really get much

Thanks for the suggestion! Took a look and found this:
https://www.bluenile.com/sg/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD10184121
Problem is the depth % a bit on the higher side? I recall reading somewhere that too deep then you're losing the weight in depth instead of fully utilising in table dimensions.

I think you need to think about your budget and what u want or can sacrifice.

Firstly the ‘cheapest’ JP range is their Superideal cuts which are round brilliants. Fancy cuts like your Brellia cushion, Octagon and even Solasfera are a premium above. If I’m not wrong, a 0.4C G VS clarity is about $2.5-3k onwards. So question is, are u really fixed on a cushion?

Secondly, modified round cushions like the BN cushion have a wider range for depth so you can’t use same specs for it as you would a round super ideal cut
If u want a ‘hearts and arrow’ cushion, note that it is different from modified cushion. Price is of course also different

 

[KeaneLJC]

I think you need to think about your budget and what u want or can sacrifice.

Firstly the ‘cheapest’ JP range is their Superideal cuts which are round brilliants. Fancy cuts like your Brellia cushion, Octagon and even Solasfera are a premium above. If I’m not wrong, a 0.4C G VS clarity is about $2.5-3k onwards. So question is, are u really fixed on a cushion?

Secondly, modified round cushions like the BN cushion have a wider range for depth so you can’t use same specs for it as you would a round super ideal cut
If u want a ‘hearts and arrow’ cushion, note that it is different from modified cushion. Price is of course also different

I see! Wow this really is a challenge especially with my kind of budget. The reason I decided and/or so insistent on a cushion is because my SO's specifically prefers cushion designs. will think about it thanks!!

 

[htaginfo]

Woah, came across this threat and found out there are still many options, I means jewellery shops to choose from.

Been survey around for a diamond proposal ring with a very low budget of $2-$3k.
Went to following reputable stores and realised that my budget is fall under 0.3c range.

SK: 0.31c, H, VS2: $2700 (with 18k white gold setting)
PH: 0.32c, D, VS1: $2700; 0.33c, D, VVS2: $2900 (with 18k white rose gold setting)
GH: 0.33c, F, VVS2: $2800 (with 18k white gold setting)
LH: 0.32c, E, VVS2: $3788 (with 18k white gold setting)

Which one is more worth?

Below are some information for you guy information as well,
SooKee: 0.55c, H, Sil: $4600
LH: 0.56, G, VVS2: $8600
Tiffany: 0.59, I, VS1: $8500

By the way, what is BN? HOH and MK seems like another good options as well, but any review of these stores?

 

[FroztSpectre]

Woah, came across this threat and found out there are still many options, I means jewellery shops to choose from.

Been survey around for a diamond proposal ring with a very low budget of $2-$3k.
Went to following reputable stores and realised that my budget is fall under 0.3c range.

SK: 0.31c, H, VS2: $2700 (with 18k white gold setting)
PH: 0.32c, D, VS1: $2700; 0.33c, D, VVS2: $2900 (with 18k white rose gold setting)
GH: 0.33c, F, VVS2: $2800 (with 18k white gold setting)
LH: 0.32c, E, VVS2: $3788 (with 18k white gold setting)

Which one is more worth?

Below are some information for you guy information as well,
SooKee: 0.55c, H, Sil: $4600
LH: 0.56, G, VVS2: $8600
Tiffany: 0.59, I, VS1: $8500

By the way, what is BN? HOH and MK seems like another good options as well, but any review of these stores?

BN is Blue Nile.

 

[lance88]

hello, been lurking on-off for a few weeks now. intending to propose later this year

still studying (graduating 2020 with bank loan of $100k) so budget is tight. intending to get engagement ring of the following specs:

Budget under 2k still need to get the wedding bands

I got the ring for my-now fiancee at 0.45ct, E, VS1, 3Ex, h&a is pretty good at 2.4k with 18k white gold ring setting. You can try eClarity, if now no promo, you can PM me for referral code to get discount price. I am sure if you down to 0.35ct, you can get within your budget.

*Note: they dont provide Aset images, they do give you a free scope to see your h&a

 

[MikeLou]

hello, been lurking on-off for a few weeks now. intending to propose later this year

still studying (graduating 2020 with bank loan of $100k) so budget is tight. intending to get engagement ring of the following specs:

Budget under 2k still need to get the wedding bands

Diamond
Ideal / Vgood cut
F colour
VS1/VS2 clarity
0.4-0.5 carat
Cushion shape

*IK that it's small but still need to be prudent with my spending, while able to express love at the same time so. 10 year anniversary got $$$ buy bigger and more ideal cut haha*

Setting
4/6 prong classic solitaire
14k rose gold band

So with the above specs, I found
Diamond: https://www.michaeltrio.com//diamond_video/cert.phtml?d=7328204541&prefix=HVD&cert_bool=1

Surprisingly, even though the above is from MT, I found the exact same diamond on BN, with the exact same GIA cert.

Diamond damage: SGD 1371 on MT, SGD 1202 on BN

MT doesn't offer rose gold solitaire setting... so BN would be my choice

Setting: Petite Cathedral Solitaire in 14k Rose Gold
Setting damage: SGD 540

Total damage (before tax, engraving): SGD 1742, falling within my budget

Thought I'm all set, then I realised BN doesn't offer ASET / Hearts&Arrows images, + reading some comments about BN diamonds being of inferior quality.

Then I looked at JP prices that y'all quoted... I doubt I'd be able to really get anything. Any advice?

Should I go down to JP and look-see? Am aware of jewelers constantly trying to upsell so not sure if they would even bother with me ><

BN and MT are websites that selling floating goods. Someone posted about it explaining it before. Need to dig up that post. If you are set on those type of diamonds, you can try comparing it with HOH and give them the GIA number. They might have access to it too and quote you. Then you compare the prices. Though these floating goods are known to be more problematic so you need to be extra careful with them.

You still studying and want to propose.. very xiong le. You got consider to propose after you graduate or after 1 year of working? You already in debt and still need to fork out more for proposal. I know got some people do a promise ring or like couple bands first. Save up money and do a proper proposal ring later.

Btw, the normal cushion diamonds are naturally cut deeper and will look smaller than a round diamond. When cushion is so small, you might not be able to see the shape properly also. I suggest you let see an actual 0.4 cushion ring to try on first.
Or, you can get a 0.3ct round and set on a cushion halo ring. It will stick look like cushion and bigger than than the single 0.4 cushion.