Hi guys, I am a total noob when it comes to jewellery, literally 0 knowledge. But I am really excited and want to propose to my gf and I know what is her preference.

She loves ring settings that is minimal with not much design and the diamond size to be small.

Now I only have a budget of 3k (ring + diamond), I am just wondering with this budget is it really possible to get a good engagement ring with the above preferences?

Also, I've checked out a few jeweller such as ZCOVA, Audrey's, Enmayco, Poh Kong, and Suen but I am not entirely sure if their product fits my budget and how to determine a good diamond?

I also understand that there's something as 4Cs which is to determine the quality of a diamond ring?

In layman term, what's the best practice in identify a good quality diamond? And also what sorts of information or document I can ask vendor to provide? Because this is like a one off thing for me, I am only marrying her once right? Haha

I plan to do a visit to all the sellers I mentioned above (secretly) actually. But before that, just want to grasp an idea if what I am asking for within my budget is achievable and what I should in look out for?

Sincerely appreciate all the sifu guidance here... I will probably visit the vendor next weekend.

Custom made..same quality but cheaper

1. Your budget is abit tight, so other than the Cut, try and see which other 3Cs you want to scale down abit. Maybe you can consider something in 0.2x ct range. Both GIA or AGS do grade diamonds at such carat weight. Some jewellers might tell you only 0.3ct onwards have grading reports probably because their store only take in diamonds from that weight onwards.

2. Consider 14k gold instead of 18k gold. Looks rather similar. Can save some money there.

3. Consider other gemstones as the main stone. Stones like aquamarine are quite lovely.

4. Visit stores like Lazo diamond and see if they willing to set loose diamonds from elsewhere. Lazo diamond offers pretty good price for ring settings because they are the largest white gold retail chain in Malaysia and may be able to offer you a good price. If they do, consider getting your loose diamonds from Brian Gavin Diamonds because they do sell some lovely stones starting from 0.2ct. I think they are also having a promo now for Halloween.

Thank you so much for your time.

I've checked on Audrey website. There's a few diamond in 0.3carat and still within my budget. May I know what's the ideal range for the pavilion angle and crown angle?

There is no solid rule, but you can try to refer to WhiteFlash specs:
https://www.whiteflash.com/a-cut-above-diam...qualifications/

Or Lazare diamond specs:
https://www.lazarediamonds-sea.com/what-is-...are-diamond.php

As for your budget, I was expecting you are referring to the total price, including the ring setting, not just the diamond alone. But if you are referring to diamond alone, then it is possible for you to get a 0.3ct.

Hi guys,

I was looking for a diamond ring recently for my proposal having a budget RM 20k-25k. Went to zcova and lumiere, spotted on two diamonds with the similar specs but quite a big difference in price.
Le Lumiere 0.77ct VS1 F RM26k including ring setting
Zcova 0.8ct VS2 E around RM18k excluding ring setting
GIA: 6395908741
HCA score: 1

For Lumiere, they claimed that their diamonds are having ideal proportion cut with 8 Hearts and 8 Arrows and it does seems to shine bright even under normal lighting.
As I am not able to view the diamond from zcova as it is inventory stock and to do a comparison, I am really curious does the diamond from Lumiere worth the premium with the ideal proportion? Or should I go for zcova with diamond with propotion within range? Will it look as bright as the one from Lumiere?

Appreciate if all sifus in this forum will be able to give me some advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Hello sifu,

Came across this one from D&P Estrella, heart and arrow series.

IGI cert

0.42, G, VS1
Sarine light performance grade: ultimate 3 stars
Platinum setting/casing as it is Estrella series.
This one fall within both AGS Ideal & GIA EX.
HCA 1.1 (assume I input correctly as it is neither GIA/AGS).

Current offering around RM8.9k. Knowing this is a B&M shop, is this a fair price?

Went to Zcova, Love & co and this one. Next week will be visiting Lavin.
But so far, D&P gave me the best feeling of service.

This post has been edited by lcyeap90: Oct 31 2021, 03:24 AM

You can compare prices against companies that sell Hearts and Arrows such as WhiteFlash. Overall, a 0.8ct F VS1 will cost around RM 21K. Add on a ring setting probably around RM 23k - 24k final price.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/r...ond-4386708.htm

You can try similar proportions at zcova, got good chance to look as nice, but no guarantee, as the actual cut quality need to be similar too. anyway, ZCOVA price is usually pretty good.

This post has been edited by kambingkoh: Oct 31 2021, 11:54 AM

Nice. The hearts and arrows look pretty good. You can download the pdf and see it for yourself. It has some bending tip at one of the hearts. Some hearts and arrows seller will take it as hearts and arrows while some wont due to this small discrepancy. But IMO, i dont think one can detect the differences with naked eye if an even better hearts diamond with similar proportion is side-by-side with this. The proportion of this diamond is very nice.

Here is a similar stone: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/r...ond-4428798.htm

It will be around RM 5420 for loose stone.

Custom made plain platinum casing (no side diamonds) will be around RM 2500 probably. If the platinum casing you saw has side diamonds, then the price of the casing will be increased by at least few hundred. Final price will have to be determined by the carat total weight and 4Cs of the small stone.

Anyway, assuming the casing is plain casing, Total price is RM 7920.

Given that you highlighted that you are buying from Brick and Mortar and they do provide after-sales service, and you are able to view the actual diamond, I think the price is rather fair (my own view). I would still try to haggle a bit with the salesperson and try to bring the price down by a little bit more.

Now, sometimes you may also get rather decent stones from other sellers that sell GIA graded diamonds. GIA is the strongest authority when it comes to diamond grading. The price will be even lower than the whiteflash link i posted. Loose stone price can be around RM 4500 for such specs, and if you are lucky, sometimes you may get stones with good hearts and arrows.

This post has been edited by kambingkoh: Oct 31 2021, 12:37 PM

hi bro, how reliable is it to buy from whiteflash website? i find some their prices quite competitive

They are reliable. Loose diamond is tax-free for now (last time we have GST). While ring will have a good chance of getting taxed. When budget 2022 kicks in, I am not sure whether it will be the same or not.

Anyway, their price is competitive if you are comparing against signature diamonds from retailers. If you compare against typical GIA diamonds from various jewelers, they are not that competitive. Please make sure you view their signature diamonds and not their virtual inventory. If you intend to get a diamond from virtual inventory (like a big market of diamonds whereby most jewelers source their diamonds and do not custom cut then for their own brand), you can actually get it from any jewellers.

Hello Sifu,

I have shortlisted this 0.3, E, VVS2 carat heart and arrow diamond for 5.3k with 18k setting

IGI 490188702

Am not sure whether if this a good diamond and worth the price?

The proportion is great.

The price is not bad.

I just hope that the report can have the actual image of the hearts and arrows.

I don't mind IGI, but at this price, it is possible to get GIA too. Nonetheless, 4Cs alone, I think the price is fair.

on 2nd thoughts, with the exchange rate seems abit out of my budget

what do u think bout this 2 gems bro

https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=6375849665

https://gia.degemdiamond.com/gia/USNKK110

1 from deged, another from zcova

DeGem's one seems okay... do you have the video for ZCOVA's?

here bro, i think they show the 360 only

https://www.zcova.com/diamond?diamond=44092235

I won't pick this diamond due to the dark inclusion on the diamond table.

Also cavity is in Niceice's list of inclusion to avoid:
https://niceice.com/diamond-clarity-grades/#t-1610219369389
Although I will just take this for reference purpose only.

I used to talk to Niceice's founder and he is a knowledgeable person when it comes to diamonds.

The main reason I don't choose ZCOVA's diamond is still because of the dark spot on the table.

try to ask their consultant for assistance if you have not done so. If this diamond is chosen by them, ask for alternatives for comparison.

As for the stone from Degem, it looks okay.. just that 41.4 pavilion angle is usually not in the preferred angle range for signature diamonds like their Lazare diamonds. Try to look for diamonds that are within their Lazare diamonds proportions to maximize the possibility of landing a decent diamond.

Also, you can also visit Degem's sister company Diamond and Platinum for alternatives. their Estrella diamond seems pretty good based on what I saw from other forumers posted here.

Hi Kambingkoh,

Wanted your opinion on this diamond that ZCOVA recommended

GIA Cert: 1399907402



Also, i was thinking to purchase the setting elsewhere as I felt the setting in ZCOVA isnt that nice, is there any suggestions on good places for settings?

thanks for the detail explanation, already talk to degem, they will help looking for some diamonds, hopefully within the specs

Proportions look nice. You have to see the actual image to make sure the arrows are well-aligned enough.

You can ask them to quote you for the design you want. Not necessarilly pick from their catalog.