I don't know if it is worth the effort, I got the proposal ring from Lovis Diamond (West Gate) in Singapore. 0.4c / G / IF / triple Ex with GIA cert. HCA score 1.6 for $1775 inclusive of setting. After converting it is just below 5k. And if you are flying out then you can also claim back the GST at the airport.

They are selling loose stone and you only choose ring after stone. Takes them 2 weeks - 4 weeks to do the fitting. The great thing about them is that they do list their loose diamond with GIA cert number and price on their website. I basically study all their stone at my budget and ask them to prepare those that I am interested for viewing.

This post has been edited by bearbear: Jan 8 2015, 09:39 AM

i am a fact & figure person so i use HCA tool to scope down my choice (Only accept score below 2.0). Basically i decide my budget, the minimum colour and clarity level i can accept to work with.

Frankly the sales person will always try to show you the scope and etc but how often you see a diamond under a scope?

Was in Sheffield but came back for good, need to start changing my profile

With your budget and the size you are looking at, i felt your best bet is Wah Chan. But then it is such a hassle on the spot to jot down the GIA number on the spot for further research.

Personally when i spend so much I would like to make sure i spend it right thus I try my best to use some tool to evaluate the value. I know HCA tool is not a perfect tool but it give me facts and figure while all other 'measurements' are so subjective.

Here are some street price i gathered in MV during my hunt, note these in house brand emphasize on perfect hear and arrow thus the premium.



This post has been edited by bearbear: Jan 8 2015, 10:18 AM

use this calculator, input the 4 properties based on the GIA report and it will show you the HCA score.

http://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

I think it's abit of hassle keep asking for GIA report on the spot, these sales people just tell you "ya, got GIA cert"

i agree, i think majority of the ladies prefer big My lady finger size is 10 and frankly the 0.4 looks just right, bigger might look too 'obvious'

I read online that with "feather" in your clarity, the diamond is easier to crack. I didn't choose IF on purpose, so happen the loose diamond i shortlisted were IF. In my priority i would accept anything that is minimum VS2.