Went shopping for E ring

[littlepinkpointes]

Hi all,
I'm new here (just registered myself in a few minutes ago). Am getting myself settled in and looking around for sound information

I recently was brought ring shopping (see see look look) for an engagement ring by my mister cause he said he would want me to choose the ring with him rather than him getting something (on his own for the surprise element) I might not like after popping the question. We talked about budget and size of diamond before and I told him I'm not looking for something huge and expensive.

After doing the visual shopping and all, we decided to settle for something ranging $1500 to $2000: diamond range between 0.3 to 0.5

We more or less have something in mind already (after doing our homework from boutiques to boutiques and all the 4Cs) but I'm just wondering any babes out there got engaged with a 0.3 or 0.4 ?
And where did you get yours from?


Thanks so much!

 

[tanahmin]

hihi! u can try to go to Poh Kim Jewellery @ Lower Delta road there. the uncle there is very nice and price is very reasonable.

 

[Ctqc]

Try jannpaul! Good quality & reasonable price.

 

[gemmachan]

You can try Venus tears.

 

[jxuanxxx]

I hve gotten mine from Jannpaul and I personally find that it is reasonable in comparison to all the mainstream jewellery shop that I have visited.

 

[pikachuuu]

my htb got mine from jamesallen.com after doing loads of research. the carat is bigger than what you wanted, the rest of the "details" are E , VVS1, excellent cut for approximately USD3700+ you might get a better deal from the website as he was quote 6-7k in SG for the diamond he picked on the site. HTH

 

[littlepinkpointes]

hi all....
thanks for all your wonderful input.

i have a friend who got hers from JP... she paid quite a bit for hers cause i think she had it designed and customized.
i dont want to feel obligated to make (or rather get the mister) a purchase upon their wonderful services which i heard they provide.

i also havent decided if i should stick with a 0.3 or 'invest' a little more on a 0.4 cause when i looked around, some of the same sized carat seemed to look different (maybe its the depth cut of the different 0.3 carats).......

=)

 

[Kennethkzy]

JP is the choice .
Range from 3k to 10k for a diamond.

no point getting cheap diamond, you will regret

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Hi Kennethkzy,

thanks for the assurance from u but i am intending to stick to my budget of 2k and below.
=)

 

[shulinaoy]

Hi Kennethkzy,

thanks for the assurance from u but i am intending to stick to my budget of 2k and below.
=)

Hey, I got mine from Brian Gavin. It's an online diamond vendor and had it set in Singapore at Lovis. Total cost was about 3.5k but we got a pretty big diamond and the ring is pave diamonds
0.72 carats
VS2 clarity
J Colour
Triple ideal cut (AGS cert)
Med blue fluorescent

It is easy to get everything under 2k for 0.3ct if u get the diamond from Brian Gavin. Just to share, from personal experience cut really makes the world of difference. Nobody is able to tell that my diamond is J Colour nor can they tell its clarity.

People look at how shiny (cut) and how big it is.

Lastly, I opted for blue fluorescent cause it helps the diamond be cheaper but makes the diamond a shade whiter even when it's J Colour. Most importantly, under the sun, it's blue (that's what I love about it the most!)

 

[shulinaoy]

Hey, I got mine from Brian Gavin. It's an online diamond vendor and had it set in Singapore at Lovis. Total cost was about 3.5k but we got a pretty big diamond and the ring is pave diamonds
0.72 carats
VS2 clarity
J Colour
Triple ideal cut (AGS cert)
Med blue fluorescent

It is easy to get everything under 2k for 0.3ct if u get the diamond from Brian Gavin. Just to share, from personal experience cut really makes the world of difference. Nobody is able to tell that my diamond is J Colour nor can they tell its clarity.

People look at how shiny (cut) and how big it is.

Lastly, I opted for blue fluorescent cause it helps the diamond be cheaper but makes the diamond a shade whiter even when it's J Colour. Most importantly, under the sun, it's blue (that's what I love about it the most!)

By the way here are some examples of diamonds u cld get.
A simple plain ring setting at lovis is about $400-500

All triple ideal so seriously shiny diamonds

About $1.5k, 0.411ct, G Colour, SI1 clarity
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/0.411-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104086279003

About $950, 0.338ct, I Colour, VS2 clarity
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d.../0.338-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104079182131

 

[littlepinkpointes]

thanks for all the inputs!
will use the weekend to do more homework and research... =)

anyone here or know of anyone who tried ordering from Blue Nile?
they seemed like a pretty good legit platform.....

 

[shulinaoy]

thanks for all the inputs!
will use the weekend to do more homework and research... =)

anyone here or know of anyone who tried ordering from Blue Nile?
they seemed like a pretty good legit platform.....

Heya I did look into blue nile. But because they don't show the picture of the actual diamond I didn't feel secure buying from them.

 

[littlepinkpointes]

hi Shulinaoy,

ya... most of the online purchasing site dont really show the actual diamond.
i think physical boutiques still better even though most which i went to (besides taka) dont have the loose diamond for us to choose.

hmmm.... =)

 

[shulinaoy]

hi Shulinaoy,

ya... most of the online purchasing site dont really show the actual diamond.
i think physical boutiques still better even though most which i went to (besides taka) dont have the loose diamond for us to choose.

hmmm.... =)

Hmmm there are many that do show like James Allen, Brian Gavin, whiteflash and so on. I don't quite like the brick and mortar shops cause they tend to overcharge. For example my engagement ring cost abt 3.5k but a similar one at Lee Hwa, Soo Kee or goldheart cost almost double! That was quite shocking! However if you want places that sell loose diamonds, I do know if Lovis, Jann Paul and Michael trio. I hear a lot of good reviews for Jann Paul but prices are a tad more expensive.

Personally I like Brian Gavin because the diamonds there are viewed by him before he sells. They need to pass his inspection and are therefore also engraved with his name. In addition, a lot of additional pictures like idealscope and sarin report were all given. So I felt quite secure buying from there. Have not read a single bad review from Brian Gavin. Especially since we bought a blue fluorescent diamond, we needed someone to check that the diamond would not show any negative side effects (ie cloudy or hazy).

 

[littlepinkpointes]

I actually also considered coloured stones and the Venus Tears' Milk and Chocolate caught my eyes....

But I thought E rings look better and classier with the (no coloured) diamond. Hahaha

 

[viviteoh]

Hi all,
I'm new here (just registered myself in a few minutes ago). Am getting myself settled in and looking around for sound information

I recently was brought ring shopping (see see look look) for an engagement ring by my mister cause he said he would want me to choose the ring with him rather than him getting something (on his own for the surprise element) I might not like after popping the question. We talked about budget and size of diamond before and I told him I'm not looking for something huge and expensive.

After doing the visual shopping and all, we decided to settle for something ranging $1500 to $2000: diamond range between 0.3 to 0.5

We more or less have something in mind already (after doing our homework from boutiques to boutiques and all the 4Cs) but I'm just wondering any babes out there got engaged with a 0.3 or 0.4 ?
And where did you get yours from?


Thanks so much!

Congrats littlepinkpointes! =)
My htb got it from Jannpaul. they do provide diamond tutorial to guide you on how to evaluate a diamond (heard its more than 4Cs). They have classic design where you can pick off the shelf if you dont want to customize your ring. The sales people are not pushy as they are not on commission base. You may look for Jerome if you are going down . perhaps you will have better idea of what you want after hearing from them.. besides, they have 2x free re-sizing service and polishing service. years later if your hubby wish to upgrade to a bigger carat, u can trade in the diamond at the purchase price. Price wise they could be slightly cheaper than other jewelry shop.
If you buy off shelf you may not be able to see the diamond cutting accurately since its alr fixed on the setting.
Disclaimer: all of the above were told by my htb.
hope this helps!

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Congrats littlepinkpointes! =)
My htb got it from Jannpaul. they do provide diamond tutorial to guide you on how to evaluate a diamond (heard its more than 4Cs). They have classic design where you can pick off the shelf if you dont want to customize your ring. The sales people are not pushy as they are not on commission base. You may look for Jerome if you are going down . perhaps you will have better idea of what you want after hearing from them.. besides, they have 2x free re-sizing service and polishing service. years later if your hubby wish to upgrade to a bigger carat, u can trade in the diamond at the purchase price. Price wise they could be slightly cheaper than other jewelry shop.
If you buy off shelf you may not be able to see the diamond cutting accurately since its alr fixed on the setting.
Disclaimer: all of the above were told by my htb.
hope this helps!

i know JP is pretty well recommended, been also watching their 'tutorial' on youtube......
i have friends who mainly go to LH, Larry's and Love&Co....
All got pretty good experience. i wouldn't dare say good deal cause they all have different preference for the Cs in the diamond.
i have one close friend who decided to got a friend to design and make a replica of tiff&co. 0.5C for about $3k plus.....

 

[viviteoh]

i know JP is pretty well recommended, been also watching their 'tutorial' on youtube......
i have friends who mainly go to LH, Larry's and Love&Co....
All got pretty good experience. i wouldn't dare say good deal cause they all have different preference for the Cs in the diamond.
i have one close friend who decided to got a friend to design and make a replica of tiff&co. 0.5C for about $3k plus.....

Haha ya of coz. All the best in getting ur ideal ring!

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Haha ya of coz. All the best in getting ur ideal ring!

hahahaha i hope so too.....
all these ring shopping and researching is a little overwhelming hahahaha.

 

[maggies]

hahahaha i hope so too.....
all these ring shopping and researching is a little overwhelming hahahaha.

I think gowns and makeup artists are more overwhelming hhaha

 

[pikachuuu]

Hmmm there are many that do show like James Allen, Brian Gavin, whiteflash and so on. I don't quite like the brick and mortar shops cause they tend to overcharge. For example my engagement ring cost abt 3.5k but a similar one at Lee Hwa, Soo Kee or goldheart cost almost double! That was quite shocking! However if you want places that sell loose diamonds, I do know if Lovis, Jann Paul and Michael trio. I hear a lot of good reviews for Jann Paul but prices are a tad more expensive.

Personally I like Brian Gavin because the diamonds there are viewed by him before he sells. They need to pass his inspection and are therefore also engraved with his name. In addition, a lot of additional pictures like idealscope and sarin report were all given. So I felt quite secure buying from there. Have not read a single bad review from Brian Gavin. Especially since we bought a blue fluorescent diamond, we needed someone to check that the diamond would not show any negative side effects (ie cloudy or hazy).

agree! htb did the entire ring shopping himself without consulting me (nor get my size lol ended up need to resize) and he was saying a lot of technical stuff (the ones u mentioned above) and James Allen was willing to show as many pictures as required and also customise stuff for him. to play even safer he got an independent person to look at the diamond stuff before agreeing to buy from JA. Ended up he is way more knowledgeable than me hahaha. We had to resize the ring eventually because he went and up size by 2 level -,- but even the experienced ring "resizer" also thought my ring was 1 carat despite it not being so big.

 

[shulinaoy]

agree! htb did the entire ring shopping himself without consulting me (nor get my size lol ended up need to resize) and he was saying a lot of technical stuff (the ones u mentioned above) and James Allen was willing to show as many pictures as required and also customise stuff for him. to play even safer he got an independent person to look at the diamond stuff before agreeing to buy from JA. Ended up he is way more knowledgeable than me hahaha. We had to resize the ring eventually because he went and up size by 2 level -,- but even the experienced ring "resizer" also thought my ring was 1 carat despite it not being so big.

Lol Super nice! Got any pic to show? Sounds like u have a customised one!
I chose my own diamond and my own ring design because I know my HTB will just walk into Lee Hwa or what to buy. Then sooo expensive! To be honest I really quite enjoyed the process of learning about the diamonds. Hahah if you need help checking if diamond is good I don't mind giving my opinion. (lol as in to the person who is buying the ring)

 

[pikachuuu]

is just a solitare with specs better than what he will get if he pay in sg heh

 

[shulinaoy]

is just a solitare with specs better than what he will get if he pay in sg heh

Ah! Nice! Lol I wanna see those Super unique ring designs. My Fren who loves Dinosaraus, the BF designed a Dino wrapped arnd her finger w a diamond being held between the head and tail. Super cool!!

 

[pikachuuu]

wah that's cute! but u see la, bf alr got wrong ring size, this kind of design might be too overwhelming hahahaha

 

[littlepinkpointes]

wah that's cute! but u see la, bf alr got wrong ring size, this kind of design might be too overwhelming hahahaha

hahaha its ok la, at least he tried and kept the element of surprise for you. its an honest mistake ba....
i assume u are able to arrange for resizing right since its not purchased locally?

 

[pikachuuu]

hahaha its ok la, at least he tried and kept the element of surprise for you. its an honest mistake ba....
i assume u are able to arrange for resizing right since its not purchased locally?

yeap possible! we resized for $50

 

[shulinaoy]

For me I just went with him to chose design so the ring already fits properly. Just that when he proposed I hadn't seen the finished product. So I still get element of surprise hahah

 

[littlepinkpointes]

For me I just went with him to chose design so the ring already fits properly. Just that when he proposed I hadn't seen the finished product. So I still get element of surprise hahah

Hahahha that's nice.
I think end of the day, as long as the sincerity and love for the person is there, doesn't really matter what size or how bling the ring is I guess.
I always believe that the rock should not be the epitome of justifying the amount of love for one another.
I know a lot of people would say I will feel other wise once I see (a much) nicer bling rings and/or I might be arrowed at for expressing such thoughts. But I don't feel it's right leh, to have the guy spend so much on a ring just because there's a diamond on it.
But of course if your S.O. can afford and is willing to 'spoil' u with it, I guess it's not a 'sin' for girls to accept either haha.

 

[littlepinkpointes]

I think gowns and makeup artists are more overwhelming hhaha

Hahahahaha I don't even want to think to THAT stage yet. Baby steps first. All the cost of rings and possibly the hole the mister will make in his wallet, I feel a little heart pain for him....

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Hmmm there are many that do show like James Allen, Brian Gavin, whiteflash and so on. I don't quite like the brick and mortar shops cause they tend to overcharge. For example my engagement ring cost abt 3.5k but a similar one at Lee Hwa, Soo Kee or goldheart cost almost double! That was quite shocking! However if you want places that sell loose diamonds, I do know if Lovis, Jann Paul and Michael trio. I hear a lot of good reviews for Jann Paul but prices are a tad more expensive.

Personally I like Brian Gavin because the diamonds there are viewed by him before he sells. They need to pass his inspection and are therefore also engraved with his name. In addition, a lot of additional pictures like idealscope and sarin report were all given. So I felt quite secure buying from there. Have not read a single bad review from Brian Gavin. Especially since we bought a blue fluorescent diamond, we needed someone to check that the diamond would not show any negative side effects (ie cloudy or hazy).

Blue fluorescent diamond?! Interesting. Haven't heard of it before. Do u mind sharing a glimpse of it? Must be gorgeous and I'm curious!

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Blue fluorescent diamond?! Interesting. Haven't heard of it before. Do u mind sharing a glimpse of it? Must be gorgeous and I'm curious!

Oh nvm. I saw your post in the other thread already! PRETTY!

 

[pikachuuu]

For me I just went with him to chose design so the ring already fits properly. Just that when he proposed I hadn't seen the finished product. So I still get element of surprise hahah

Yea I was totally surprised and couldn't help but laughed at ample space left thanks to the loose fitting lol

Hahahha that's nice.
I think end of the day, as long as the sincerity and love for the person is there, doesn't really matter what size or how bling the ring is I guess.
I always believe that the rock should not be the epitome of justifying the amount of love for one another.
I know a lot of people would say I will feel other wise once I see (a much) nicer bling rings and/or I might be arrowed at for expressing such thoughts. But I don't feel it's right leh, to have the guy spend so much on a ring just because there's a diamond on it.
But of course if your S.O. can afford and is willing to 'spoil' u with it, I guess it's not a 'sin' for girls to accept either haha.

yea agree too! doesn't matter how much he spends on the ring actually, unless you can afford a 10k ring (which I still think is ridiculous, no offence to others, i honestly would rather spend it on a holiday). What shulinaoy and I tried to do is to get the most "cost-effective" diamond. I mean if you are going to spend that amount, why not find the better quality with the amount you are going to spend. I wish you all the best in your ring hunting

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Yea I was totally surprised and couldn't help but laughed at ample space left thanks to the loose fitting lol



yea agree too! doesn't matter how much he spends on the ring actually, unless you can afford a 10k ring (which I still think is ridiculous, no offence to others, i honestly would rather spend it on a holiday). What shulinaoy and I tried to do is to get the most "cost-effective" diamond. I mean if you are going to spend that amount, why not find the better quality with the amount you are going to spend. I wish you all the best in your ring hunting

yup yup... I'd much rather use the money on the house and renovation costs or for future use... =)
thanks! we've settled for one already...... got it from love&co cause they give a $200 wedding band voucher and $300 voucher for other purchases (with purchase of their E ring) I saw their wedding band collection and I quite like it (cause the mister paid for the E ring, I want to pay for the bands). so might as well have everything settled there. can use the $300 to settle some part of the cost for the '四点金' too. I'm a very simple person when it comes to jewellry, the less profile it is the better, so I dont intend or expect people and myself to spend on them.... besides, modern days thinking, the 四点金 can mix and match hahaha

I basically chose the design and got the best cut for diamond for my budget... all in all, I'm happy with it.
Now is just like what Shulinaoy said, went with him to chose design so the ring already fits properly and see the finished product when he proposed.
hahahaha

 

[pikachuuu]

yay! so glad you found your ring now moving on to the next few tasks ahahaha

 

[littlepinkpointes]

yay! so glad you found your ring now moving on to the next few tasks ahahaha

Hahahaha I'm going to not do anything until the question comes first hahaha.
Mister said, "so now buy ring already, automatically hor" -.-

 

[shulinaoy]

yup yup... I'd much rather use the money on the house and renovation costs or for future use... =)
thanks! we've settled for one already...... got it from love&co cause they give a $200 wedding band voucher and $300 voucher for other purchases (with purchase of their E ring) I saw their wedding band collection and I quite like it (cause the mister paid for the E ring, I want to pay for the bands). so might as well have everything settled there. can use the $300 to settle some part of the cost for the '四点金' too. I'm a very simple person when it comes to jewellry, the less profile it is the better, so I dont intend or expect people and myself to spend on them.... besides, modern days thinking, the 四点金 can mix and match hahaha

I basically chose the design and got the best cut for diamond for my budget... all in all, I'm happy with it.
Now is just like what Shulinaoy said, went with him to chose design so the ring already fits properly and see the finished product when he proposed.
hahahaha

Wuuuu congrats on finding it! It's all so very exciting when this happens! Hahaha feel so happy for u!

I recently visited an optometrist and he had a UV light. Had so much fun w my ring!



Lol even I never knew it would shine so bright in pure uv light! I feel like I have some light saber!



Seriously... I don't understand why the industry plays down blue fluorescence HAHAHA IM ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT!

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Wuuuu congrats on finding it! It's all so very exciting when this happens! Hahaha feel so happy for u!

I recently visited an optometrist and he had a UV light. Had so much fun w my ring!

View attachment 32494

Lol even I never knew it would shine so bright in pure uv light! I feel like I have some light saber!

View attachment 32495

Seriously... I don't understand why the industry plays down blue fluorescence HAHAHA IM ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT!

Hahahaha thank u!
I have a UV (torch) light at home. Maybe I should try shining on my ring next time......
your ring looks like those super power character's power ring! Hahaha

 

[shulinaoy]

Hahahaha thank u!
I have a UV (torch) light at home. Maybe I should try shining on my ring next time......
your ring looks like those super power character's power ring! Hahaha

Lol!
Check the certificate if it has blue fluorescence. Comes in faint, medium, strong! Mines just medium. Imagine strong!

Blue is most common but it does have other fluorescence too!

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Lol!
Check the certificate if it has blue fluorescence. Comes in faint, medium, strong! Mines just medium. Imagine strong!

Blue is most common but it does have other fluorescence too!

hahahahaha ok....
I will self entertain myself admiring it when I'm bored...

 

[shulinaoy]

hahahahaha ok....
I will self entertain myself admiring it when I'm bored...

Haha *guilty*!!!

 

[littlepinkpointes]

Haha *guilty*!!!

Hahaha will share a picture when I officially gets it.

 

[dream_on]

Wuuuu congrats on finding it! It's all so very exciting when this happens! Hahaha feel so happy for u!

I recently visited an optometrist and he had a UV light. Had so much fun w my ring!

View attachment 32494

Lol even I never knew it would shine so bright in pure uv light! I feel like I have some light saber!

View attachment 32495

Seriously... I don't understand why the industry plays down blue fluorescence HAHAHA IM ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT!

Diamonds with fluorescence are very pretty. Inspired by your thread, I actually used the UV light to check on my existing diamond accessories and found out that I have pink, yellow and blue diamonds with fluorescence too!