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Advice Wanted [WTA] Proposal Ring & Wedding Bands, Please advice me!! Need Help!!

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haru20
post Jan 23 2019, 11:23 AM

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Im looking for engagement ring. Many has advice to purchase thru ZCOVA?

Would like to enquirer where should i start? My budget is in the range of 10-15k, if the the diamond is right i may add on more.

Thanks for your advice.
haru20
post Feb 25 2019, 11:23 AM

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I was quoted, diamond 1.0 carats, VS2 & K color with casing at RM20k is it a good buy? Haven’t ask for discount. Your kind advice is appreciated.
haru20
post Feb 25 2019, 12:36 PM

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QUOTE(kambingkoh @ Feb 25 2019, 12:21 PM)
Will need extra details to answer:

1. What grading report (commonly as certificate)? GIA
2. If GIA, what is the number? 1196288782
3. If not GIA, which lab they use to grade? It’s GIA Certified
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Apologies for not sharing the GIA number. Above is the answer as requested. Thanks in advance.

The fluorescence is strong blue, according to the sales man it will lower the yellowish color of the diamond?
haru20
post Feb 25 2019, 04:40 PM

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QUOTE(kambingkoh @ Feb 25 2019, 01:35 PM)
HCA score is 3.6: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca, so personally, I will skip this stone. The proportions may leak light as well -> Deep cut @ 62.8% total depth.

Calculate the expected weight using the dimensions and 6.33 x 6.39 x 3.99 x 0.0061 = 0.985ct.
The only thing I like about this diamond is the clarity as the inclusions are not on the center of the diamond (the table) and it is only pinpoint and feather. It should be a high VS2.

The fluorescence is strong blue, according to the sales man it will lower the yellowish color of the diamond? <- That's what Brian Gavin Diamonds (affiliate link) always said as well, so I believe that is true.

If you don't want to rely on HCA to help you filter (some may say it is just for reference and can't make the final call), then have a look at the Arrows of this diamond, is it well-aligned? I don't think you can view the Hearts as I believe this diamond is mounted on a ring. If you can view, they by all means view it as well using a Hearts & Arrows scope. All jewellers should have that in-store.

Lastly, do you like what you see?

Here is some diamonds that are close to your budget:
1.026 K VVS2 SIGNATURE BLUE ROUND
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds...?a_aid=myengexp (affiliate link)
Price: USD 5288, MYR 21,739.36 (Transfer using MoneyMatch: https://transfer.moneymatch.co/)
Desc: Brian Gavin Diamonds does not sell this as a Hearts & Arrows diamond, but rather as a budget friendly ideally cut diamond. But don't let this put you off because it is pretty hard to find diamonds that are cut to such quality in the mass market.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/r...id=myengringexp (affiliate link)
1.084 ct K SI1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Diamond
Price: USD 4615, MYR 18,973.62 (Transfer using MoneyMatch: https://transfer.moneymatch.co/)
Desc: This diamond has great performance based on the actual diamond video. I would recommend you to check it out. The 6 o'clock arrow head and the arrow body seem to misaligned very slightly (if you want to be picky), but that is nothing unusual to me and it is still acceptable. This is an SI1 stone so I won't expect to see it eye-clean with a loupe or see it eye-clean at very close range, like few centimeters from the eyes. However, at a distance of approximately 10 inches under normal overhead lighting, it is definitely eye-clean. This is based on the definition from WhiteFlash. The Hearts and Arrows look very much acceptable as well.

Memory Jewellery setting is usually standard fit and price starts from RM 1499:
https://memoryjewellery.com/category/engagement-ring/
As far as I know, Memory Jewellery won't increase the setting price even if you stone is bigger. It makes sense because there is enough profit margin to cover any differences.

Bad thing about it is that their setting doesn't come with comfort fit as far as I know.

For comfort fit, you can try:
1. iDo Jewellery at Bukit Jalil. Her rings are not bad and she uses palladium in the 18k white gold mix. As gold is yellow in colour, 18k white gold will need whitening agent inside the alloy, so palladium is the whitening agent. In the mass market, usually nickel is the standard. However, nickel may cause allergic to a minor set of people. Nonetheless, if you other half is not sensitive to 18k white gold, then usually not a problem. Her price is usually not the cheapest but quality is there.

2. The Gem Tribe at Cheras: Relatively new player in town. One of the founders have been in this industry for a few years and she is able to provide ring settings as well. Her setting comes in comfort fit as well and her price starts from as low as RM 1200. You can specifically ask for palladium for the 18k white gold. Price may increase though. The final ring price should depend on the ring size, and probably diamond size as well, because logically speaking, bigger rings require more material, as simple as that. So it is a slightly different approach compared to MJ above.

You can ask them to bring some samples to try. iDo Jewellery has some, I believe TGT has too.

Diamond Altnernatives:
You can also ask MJ, iDO, or TGT to give you a quote for your required 4Cs as well, they do help customers to source for diamonds. Other players worth to consider is Tailored Jewel, which might also offer you some attractive price for your specs. Of course, you can also engage ZCOVA (affiliate link) for some other alternatives. Try to make appointment with them and have an experience with them and see.

iDo and TGT prefers to meet outside at a cafe or something. MJ has a showroom in Sentul. Tailored Jewel as a showroom at Atria Shopping Gallery, PJ. ZCOVA has a showroom at Kota Damansara. But, don't expect them to let you see the real diamond. They don't keep stock, as they run on virtual inventory. They will help you to source the best diamond for your budget through their respective sources.
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Thank you for the informative review and suggestion [QUOTE]kambingkoh

I have clarified further with the sales man, he is willing to give me a discount on the diamond and with setting (18k white gold) for RM18k.
(Note: i have yet to physically look at the diamond, just been liaising thru whatsapp (mainly picture and video))

Given the available info and price, is the diamond a good go?

i understand i have yet to validate the Arrows and heart, but just take it at face value atm.

One of my most exp purchase, would like to get a gauge in order not to regret, hope you understand.

Thank you in advance, any advice is greatly appreciated.
haru20
post May 5 2019, 07:48 PM

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Hi all,

I have been following very closely on this thread since last month, been reading and also did some enquiry over here.

From my searching and also googling, I stumbled upon 2 types of certification, the widely known will be the GIA, another is the the IGI certified. Addition to that, I did some further looking, IGI certified diamond seems to be priced cheaper in comparison to GIA? Some speculate its man-made diamond, its fake and etc.

Would appreciatie you thoughts and advice on the above query. If theres some form of certification(ie:IGI) it can be accepted? Thanks in advance on the advice and really appreciate it.
haru20
post May 6 2019, 08:28 AM

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QUOTE(kambingkoh @ May 5 2019, 08:42 PM)
GIA has its own pros and cons, just like any other labs, but it is still the world's most recognized lab. As simple as that.

IGI is priced higher? I believe those diamonds you saw belongs to a "branded" line. As far as my memory serves me well, I rmb previously Love & Co signature line is using IGI, Diamonds and Platinum's Estrella is using IGI, Suen's Love Diamonds is using IGI. All these are considered stones that are being marketed as top-tier stones hence you have the "feeling" of being more expensive. They are sent to be graded by IGI  probably because they are slightly cheaper than GIA (I could be wrong).

GIA being sold in brick-and-mortar are mostly non-branded stones. Of course, they are some, like Le Lumiere (can be found in Tomei, My Diamond. Gold Heart -> Under same roof).

Personally, I will buy a decently cut GIA stone compared to a branded cut IGI stone because at the end of the day, it is still a 57-facet round brilliant diamond. Is a matter of who has the better 4Cs, proportions, and precision.

On man-made diamonds. IGI and GIA both grades lab grown diamonds. But their report will be a different type. So if you see the standard report, it will be natural
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Thank you for the informative explanation. Really appreciate it.

As mentioned, on man-made diamond(lab made diamond ), how can one identify if it’s belongs to that category as a standard report will shows natural?

U also mentioned the report in both bodies will be different, would it be IGI reports the diamond to be e colour but GIA will categories it differently?

Currently confused on the different report bodies, as my searching of diamond has reach a road block. Pls advice and really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

haru20
post May 8 2019, 02:23 PM

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Hi all, would like to request your kind advice on the following diamond as shared below. I’m planning to get a diamond size with 0.7-0.8 carat, color at least f, clarity at least VS1 or VS2. My budget is ard RM15k, is it plausible with such specs?
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds...069/?build=ring

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds...028/?build=ring

And last one should I consider emerald cut diamond, it looks very classy but I worry the size will be compromise due to the shape. As solitaire usually give the presence of a size although its only 0.8.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds...003/?build=ring

Your advice is greatly appreciated and thank you.

This post has been edited by haru20: May 8 2019, 02:24 PM
haru20
post May 8 2019, 07:37 PM

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QUOTE(kambingkoh @ May 8 2019, 03:27 PM)
The stones have listed are SI1s stones. Are you asking whether you should go for those?

As for Emerald? Their performance is not as good as round, so I won't really suggest it.

Rmb that carat weight does not mean the size will be bigger. A badly cut diamond can actually look smaller than better cut diamonds.

How about buying shy of 0.7ct? You can get higher colour, higher clarity, and at the same time, close enough to a 0.7ct, and most importantly, close to your budget.:
https://www.hpdiamonds.com/en-us/diamonddetail/HPD10354
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Thanks [QUOTE]kambingkoh for ur advice.

As I’m choosing for my proposal ring, went to wah Chan, I stumbled upon a 0.8 carat ring, that size seem ideal, but the price isn’t ><

Therefore, with my searching I’m using the carat size as a base to find one online. Would appreciate any recommendation that would have a good cut but yet wouldn’t look too small.

I have attached the GIA number for the 0.8 carat Ring I saw in wah Chan. (5196396230)

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestion given smile.gif

This post has been edited by haru20: May 8 2019, 07:37 PM
haru20
post May 8 2019, 09:18 PM

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QUOTE(kambingkoh @ May 8 2019, 08:41 PM)
The proportions look nice. But it is a 2015 stone... wonder why it is still there.  hmm.gif

Anyway, proportions is one thing, as the numbers are just an average number based on measurement from various angles, it cannot be used to determine how good the cut is. Did you manage to see the "Arrows" on the diamond?

Also, what is the price the quoted you?

As for small or not, it is really not up to me to say, it is really up to each individual preference and budget.

Anyway, this looks pretty decent: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R81-803476731?

And I know this stone's supplier (coincidentally). The supplier rated this stone's Hearts & Arrows at 90% accuracy. For the colour, clarity, and size, I think it is worthy for consideration.

I won't mind the Faint fluorescence because it has negligible effect on a stone's appearance. And it can also help to reduce the stone price a little.

So where can you get this stone?
1. Memory Jewellery - RM18,116.00 (Negotiable, they do ring setting too)
2. Tailored Jewel - RM19,109.01 (Should be negotiable, they do ring setting too)
3. Enchanted Diamonds  - RM 16,961.67 (After converting USD to MYR, they do ring setting too, but I won't recommend do it overseas for resizing purpose)
4. ZCOVA - They can possibly price match the cheapest on the list on top (They do ring setting too)
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5. Me - I can even get it for you if you trust me, you will get the stone in raw parcel paper. I can possibly get it for you for RM 15,800. And at the same time, I am still earning some profit. But then, you have to think about it. I don't provide any extra service, so most people won't be comfortable about it. And you can only verify the stone at the jeweler because I don't have any girdle viewer for you to see. So this is the risk.

Anyway, these are your options. And I find that this stone seems to be value for money and not too shabby.
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The price quote is RM25800 including setting, I think its under their solitaire club range. Didnt manage to check much on the arrows but I can assure the sparkle is very good, Its clean and it sparkles in any lights, however no discount can be given ><

The stone u recon seems good, the few option quoted I presume is not inclusive the ring setting just purely the stone yea?

Im open to any option/avenue (including getting form u) to purchase the stone, but would weigh which best suits my option of getting the ring check/setting and etc.

I have a few question on the stone:
As shared, on paper its sound good, but im unable to verify physically, in comparison to the stone from Wah Chan, is it similar? in terms of sparkle, size ?
(P.s: Im trying to benchmark something that I have look, sorry if im asking anything stupid, its my first time buying a diamond)

Your kind advice and suggestion is greatly appreciated.

Thanks notworthy.gif
haru20
post May 9 2019, 09:27 PM

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QUOTE(kambingkoh @ May 9 2019, 09:27 AM)
Wah Chan is filtering out based on proportions, you know. Those numbers on The GIA report. They claim to be Hearts and Arrows too, which I think it will exhibit some sort of Hearts and Arrows pattern in this case here. How good it is, is rather subjective as grading labs do not grade Hearts and Arrows precision.

As for whether the stone sparkles or not? I am sure it will, but again, if you want to look at the stone physically, then this idea is not for you. If you want physical store shopping, I would suggest you to drop by Le Lumiere at the Gardens to compare with their Hearts and Arrows. You can also visit any DeGem to view their Lazare diamonds too.

And for that price, you can get this https://black.briangavindiamonds.com/diamon...?a_aid=myengexp (affiliate link). Performance? I am pretty sure this stone will be excellent, and at the same time, providing you the best cut quality possible. In terms of sparkles, you won't be disappointed with that. This is the sort of diamond that provides you eye-clean, mind-clean, and performance guaranteed performance. So yes, I am quite confident that this diamond will be compatible to the stone you see, if not better. And as far as cut quality is concerned, Brian Gavin shows you everything. How precise it is etc. And how great the light return is. So, if I am paying that amount, I would be getting this instead.

And to maximize on budget, I would consider this: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/r...id=myengringexp (affiliate link). It will be approximately RM 13851.51. WhiteFlash ACA are fully-vetted by their in-house gemologist and they are guaranteed to be eye-clean at normal viewing range. And if you see the enlarged image of the diamond, you will also see it is pretty eye-clean already. So I would say this is a good stone for the budget.

On the Other Hand
You can actually contact ZCOVA to find out more options. They have extensive connection to various suppliers in the world. Imagine them as BlueNile, the largest online diamond reseller. But since BlueNile does not ship to Malaysia, ZCOVA is your best bet. One of the founder is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and he should be able to provide you a sound advice on your options available. Again, they are not holding any in-house diamonds as far as I know, but all their diamonds are based on videos and photographs from respective suppliers.

You can also contact Shannon from The Gem Tribe. Find them on Facebook or Instagram. She sources stones locally with some local suppliers and compare them side-by-side in real time. She will then let you know your options as well as any info related. She is different than others because she can actually see the diamonds herself, instead of relying on videos or photographs. So this is one of the key strength of her company. And I also like her ring settings, they look pretty nice and well crafted.

On a Side Note
Most people like colours on the higher colour scale, like D,E,F. But if you want to maximize on budget, G colour is actually pretty good. It is basically indistinguishable from a higher colour diamond when facing-up. This is because the colour of the diamodn will usually be located at the body, or the side of the diamond, and G colour itself is actually pretty white on its own. They can be more obvious if there is another higher colour diamond comparing with them side-by-side. So do think about it.

As for clarity, to me, my sweet spot is VS1. VS2 can be hit-or-miss sometimes, but usually is a hit. So yea, VS1 is my sweet spot. VS2 we can go case-by-case basis. SI1, same, case-by-case, but hitting the right one will save quiet a bit of money.
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Thank you for the informative reply and suggestion.

From the 2 links shared, this seems to meet my budget https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/r...id=myengringexp.

But I have few queries on regards to the recommended stone, the diamond is graded SI1 clarity, does it matter? As earlier my finding is atleast VS2?

And from the pictures I can see that the hearts and arrow is very clear and visible, would u say this is a good buy with such specs? With the measurement quote is within the mentioned ideal spec that u quoted on previous post, hence can I say its a safe bet to go with this stone?

Lastly, if I decide to purchase how can I transact? Possible the use of credit card or pure wire transfer? As its quite a large sum, will need to plan the funds if its wire transfer.

Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thank in advance.

This post has been edited by haru20: May 9 2019, 09:28 PM

 

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