I’ve checked it in the video from loupe360 (cannot share the link because it’s a new account) but as I’m totally new to diamond I can’t determine which is major which is not. All I can see is there are inclusions all around the stone. VS1 is not an option for me because they don’t have one in similar spec. Also, does “cut score” really matters? I’ve seen some saying that it affects brilliance, fire and sparkle even when comparing among the 3Exs.

Below is the link

https ://loupe360.com/diamond/6471379545/

And is this alright?


Attached thumbnail(s)

Hey, sorry for late reply, have been busy.

The crystal is highly unlikely to affect anything at a significant scale. Is just that black inclusion is easier to see that transparent one.

I can no longer access the link you provided, probably because you purchased the stone already.

The proportions seem fine if you are within both red and blue area of the diamond screener tool. Basically it is just a tool for reference, but I find it quite useful as it also shows stone with similar proportions.

The image you provided for the stone seems more aligned to the left, which doesn't do justice to the stone. I hope that in proper front view the arrows are well-aligned.

Thanks Sifu for your comments!

But bad news, after discussing with ma girl, she want a real diamond and dont mind smaller carat, so new conflict is here

What do you think sifu?
0.43 Carat. F, VVS2, 3ex = RM 4.2k (GIA :2456702765)
0.54 Carat, G, VS1, 3ex = RM 4.9k (GIA :1425225323)

To me, I prefer the proportions of 0.54ct since it is closer to the range of those super ideal diamonds, such as WhiteFlash ACA specs.

G is a decent colour and VS1 is definitely a sweet spot for me.

So, in this case, 0.54ct it is.

However, please take note that there is no actual diamond or video to refer to, so basically we are still pretty much buying blind.

If the diamonds are available for viewing, suggest you to visit to the store and take a look and compare them side-by-side.

both diamonds are from Lavin, and this is the 0.54 -> https://www.lavinnewyork.com/pages/DiamondD...9a200163e0001bb

I can see some dots (crystals?) at the bottom from the enlarged 360 picture, is that bad?

It is a VS1, so you probably can’t see it most of the time unless you put your eye closely to it.

The arrow on the 12 o clock position is not that aligned though. You can shortlist this, but do look for options from them, there should have more.

This post has been edited by kambingkoh: Sep 25 2023, 10:50 PM

Please all sifus I need help.

I did some reading on diamond rings but still have some questions.

My budget is 30k to 50k MYR.

1. My girlfriend likes Tiffany and co, what kind of ring can I realistically get with my budget?

2. If give up on Tiffany and co, what is the next best branded diamond ring I can get from Malaysia?

3. Would it be cheaper to buy in Malaysia, Singapore or UK?

This is T&Co US site:


Your budget can probably get 0.5ct colourless (F), VS1, with platinum ring (onwards). USD 6800 is around RM 32426. Note: T&Co use its own grading report, not GIA (the world most recognized standard).

Let's compare to home-grown brand, ZCOVA:



0.55ct F VS1 around RM 7935

Basically, in this situation, T&Co is 4 times the price of ZCOVA.

Hearts on Fire is actually quite famous too, I heard their cut is not bad, but again, it is inflated with hefty price tag. You can find them in Habib, which is the distributor for that brand.

Le Lumiere is another brand, but I don't really see it in other sites internationally, as far as my last experience counts. Tomei and its other brands such as Gold Heart is the distributor for the brand.

Lazare also not bad, they used to be distributed by DeGem, which no longer carries that brand as far as I know. DeGem now uses their own Brilliance brand.

Personally, if I don't want Tiffany and Co, I may consider Forevermark. At least in terms of brand, it has quite good exposure internationally. This brand is distrbuted by DeGem and its sister company - Diamond & Platinum. They do have some nice ring settings that are exclusive to that brand.

I believe Malaysia is one of the cheapest country to buy engagement ring. In other countries, such as Singapore, I will need to pay for VAT. Of course, if you visit there and buy one, you can do your tax claim to reduce the cost.

Lastly, if your gf desires a T&Co so much, and if you can afford it, then you can consider it. As far as their aftersales is concerned, service is not bad (I have a silver product from them). As long as you are willing to pay for the brand name, then I guess it is alright.

Hi Sifu,

My gf likes princess cut diamond in halo setting. I chanced upon this diamond in ZCova which I thought was really nice. From what I understand, the color E and clarity VVS2 is very high spec already and I've looked at the magnified 360 image and didn't really noticed any dark color or obvious inclusions. Just wanna get opinion on the proportion and girdle is it a good diamond to buy?

Aside from halo setting, I really like this 3 gem setting with sapphire from Blue Nile. But Blue Nile is a bit out of my budget. Wonder if I buy the diamond from ZCova is there any recommended shop that can do this setting?

For proportions you can use this as reference:
https://beyond4cs.com/shapes/princess/

Just show Zcova the design and see if they can help. It is always best to get everything done in one place.

Just a random question:
Are chinese lab diamonds with IGI certification considered legit?

just check if the laser inscription on the diamond can match back to the IGI cert number. And make sure the cert number can be found on their official website.

I am not sure why you mention "chinese", is the stone from China or Hong Kong? Usually Hong Kong is a big hub for diamonds.

Got it sir.

Another question:
For a diamond size of <0.5carat, what's the highest specs one can go before it starts getting indistinguishable from the higher specs, with naked eye?

From what I have gathered so far, the sweet spot is G/H, VS2, 3EX, No BGM. The difference in price is not that much in the middle, but rise exponentially towards the high specs end.

Thus, thought of knowing this before getting influenced by jewellery stores

Personally, I prefer E colour. As for clarity, I prefer VS1. To me. This is indistinguishable from D and VVS which commands a higher price.

G VS2 is actually not bad too. But I will say if you compare side-by-side, you may be able to notice the difference in colour if you pay close attention. As for differences in clarity, this is harder to see with naked eye, unless a diamond has dark spots or very cloudy, and you will probably have to look closely as well.

Now if you have nothing to compare with, then G colour and a good SI1 (no dark spots, not over cloudy until milky) should have the best value.

If you want higher colour, try to lower the clarity (which is harder to see with naked eye), for example E SI1.

Getting faint fluorescence diamond is also a good idea to reduce the price, if you are okay with it.

This post has been edited by kambingkoh: Dec 25 2023, 05:06 PM

Hi Sifus,

Would like to ask if anyone has experience buying personalised "Build Your Own GIA Diamond Ring" from Diamond & Platinum?

The prices listed here seem lower than in-store for the same cut/carat/colour/clarity.

I did ask the salesperson from the store. She mentioned that I can select on the website and show to them in store, select the band, then make payment. The diamond and band will be put together in Hong Kong, and shipped to Malaysia in 1 month for collection.

Concern is that usually we see the diamond in person, then only purchase. In this case, it's the other way round.

Thank you in advance!

This is basically the same as other modern jewellers, whereby the physical diamond is usually not in-house with them, you can probably see the diamond images or videos before buying, but that’s it. As long as you choose a well-cut diamond with good proportions, you will get a diamond that will perform well. Since they do not need to stock up the diamond physically, they can offer you the best possible price. This way of picking diamond and assembling engagement ring is getting more and more common.

On the other hand, if you prefer to look at the physical diamond then it is best to visit stores or jewellers that can offer you such service.

I am not sure where diamond and platinum will assemble the ring, but I know they are under the same company as DeGem, and their ring settings are actually not bad. Since you visited their store, I am sure you can try for yourself and see if you like their rings.

Personally, I will say this “Build your own GIA diamond ring” service is actually one of the best hidden gems by DeGem or Diamond and Platinum. You can get a decent diamond backed by a reputable Malaysian company.

hello sifu sifu - want to ask if below cost roughly ~11k, any input? thank you in advance!

0.3 with side diamond add up to roughly 0.6
H
VS1

It is expensive, if we solely look at price alone. Other factors such as brand and service not included.

Side diamonds totalling at 0.3ct doesn’t equate to the price of a single 0.3ct.

I assume is round brilliant stone.

Owh ok, thank you so much for getting back! Yes, it is round