How I picked out my engagement ring (Part 2)

In my previous post, I discussed the basic elements that are considered in grading a diamond which in turn would affect its market value. This time I will discuss how the 4Cs mattered in our actual decision to buy the diamond and the setting to make the ring.

As I have said, I went window-shopping-research-crazy. I had initially wanted a Tiffany Legacy ring but when I got to see it in person (at Singapore's Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade) I must say I was disappointed. Not that it wasn't gorgeous because it was. I just felt that the ring didn't look equivalent to the price we were told. Though I can't remember the diamond specs (e.g. carat) and price, I remember the feeling of disappointment because for many, many years I thought a Tiffany was the one for me. I had checked other shops (local and abroad) but they too were to me too expensive. We were almost going to get one from Blue Nile as they had the setting design I wanted and the diamond specs I wanted within the budget Mr. J had. The only snag was that Blue Nile (as of writing) does not ship to our country, the Philippines. So I did another research and I don't remember how I found Vivo Diamonds but thank God I did. Vivo is like Blue Nile except you can arrange to view the diamond and setting of your choice in their showroom/office in Singapore. And after 2 meetings with them, here I am, finally engaged.

My ring (after Mr. J popped the question).

I am no gemologist or jeweler but as a shopper (most of the time, window-shopping), in terms of diamond appearance to the naked eye, I will say that a top-tier Cut and Color should be a priority. Based from my experience, a VS1 and VS2 Clarity is already enough particularly if you are getting a Cut with Excellent grade and either D/E/F Color grade. I have a 0.60 VS2/E ring and trust me, I cannot see any visible marks at all. No matter how much I stare at my ring. Carat dictates how big the stone you want (honestly, I think it should depend on the wearer). I'm petite so naturally I also have slim fingers and yet my engagement ring doesn't look like 0.60 at all (ring size is 5). Besides, I never really wanted a 1-carat type since I knew from the get-go that I wanted a halo setting which would make the overall look of my ring bigger already.

For round diamonds, Pricescope (I *highly* recommend checking this site especially the forums section) has a wonderful tool called HCA (or Holloway Cut Adviser). It estimates a round diamonds' appeal based on its potential Light Return, Fire, Scintillation and Spread. You'd be surprised at how diamonds even with same color, clarity, carat, and cut grade may have different total visual performance. In non-gemologist speak, I *think* this would mean how much sparkle you get from your diamond.

I'm no expert and the information I shared with you are simply observations that I learned from countless times I have checked out jewelry shops, learned from reading various information materials, and also from advices I got from my sister and Mom who both loves buying jewelries for themselves (and sometimes for me). The best advice I can give you is that nothing beats good 'ol research and seeing the actual diamonds in person. Also, make sure you check the diamonds under the scope and preferably buy only those that have been certified by a reputable gem lab like GIA or AGSLab.

How I picked out my engagement ring (Part 1)

My ring from Vivo Diamonds. This internet-based jeweler had shown me a LOT of settings and 3 different diamond stones (as per my specific requests) before I settled on these two: a halo design pave setting with approx. 0.40 total carat weight (the one shown is with 'G' color if I remember correctly) surrounding the main stone and on the white gold band. Since the diamond I eventually chose (the one shown with the setting) is 'E' color, the surrounding stones will be upgraded to 'E' as well without additional fee.

I helped picked out my engagement ring. Actually, that's only half-truth: I did the whole gone-crazy-went-engagement-ring-shopping. From reading countless guides on how to pick-out diamonds, saw numerous hand shots of a diamond ring, checked reviews on several jewelry sellers, went to different jewelers (from Philippine-based shops to Singapore jewelry stores to online retailers) and of course, informed Mr. J what I wanted. I know this is the boyfriend's job but I just couldn't help myself. I'm type A so I had to have a say on this. =P

Anyhoo, I learned that in choosing a diamond, one needs to take note of the 4Cs. The four elements used in grading a diamond: carat, color, cut, and clarity.

Carat
Diamonds and other gemstones are weighed in metric carats: one carat is equal to 0.2 grams, about the same weight as a paperclip.

Color
Diamond color is all about what you can't see. Diamonds are valued by how closely they approach colorlessness - the less color, the higher the value. (The exception to this is fancy-color diamonds, such as pinks and blues, which lie outside this color range)

Cut
Refers to a diamond's proportions, symmetry and polish. GIA's highest grade for this is Excellent.

Clarity
Because diamonds formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure, they often contain unique birthmarks, either internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these inclusions and blemishes. GIA follows a diamond clarity grading scale which is from FL (being Flawless) to I (Included or having the most obvious inclusions under 10x magnification).
Source: GIA - Gemological Institute of America

I'll continue on my next post on how I think the 4Cs matter in order to get your money's worth based from my own experience.

Honeymoon destination: Singapore

I had just been to Singapore two weeks ago and realized that apart from having a sentimental value to me (this is where Mr. J and I went on our first out of country trip together.. I also got engaged here), Singapore is honeymoon-perfect for city-loving couples.  I know, I know.  I’m not even starting with wedding preps yet and here I am jumpstarting to honeymoon. *grin*

 

For the wifey, shopping seems to be synonymous with the country and there are a lot of places to get your fix.  For the LV baghag, I would recommend the one located at the Raffles Hotel shopping arcade.  It may not be as huge as the other branches (in Takashimaya and ION) but it is not as busy and from experience, the SAs are very attentive.  Plus, for tourists, you may be eligible to get a cool tax refund on your way out.  For the husband, you can schedule your honeymoon in time for the only night race in the annual Formula One car racing series.  Or, you can stay in Sentosa Island to be near the beaches and still have the option to go city-hopping which is just one shuttle bus/Sentosa train ride away.

 

Whatever you may decide, I’m sure Singapore’s got something to offer. *wink*

 

Happy travel newlyweds!

 

PS. These are links that may help you jumpstart that honeymoon planning to SG.  All are highly recommended as they've proven to be super helpful to me.

 

Singapore Tourism Site - Will help you map out your day-to-day activities.

 

GSS - Ahhh.  The Great Singapore Sale.  This is updated yearly with information on participating stores and events.

 

Sentosa - Been here and loved it.  Will definitely return.  Must try is the Luge and sky ride.  And 'Songs of the Sea'.

 

SG & Singapore Map - I like that most of the time they even have actual picture of whatever it is you are looking for (e.g. hotel, restaurant) and its surrounding area.

 

SMRT - Plan what MRT station you should alight or bus to take depending on your final stop.  They even have the fare price you would be paying.

 

Universal Studio Singapore - Haven't been here but from what I've gathered it is recommended you buy the ticket online as they usually are sold-out during the day.  I was told by a Singaporean friend that if I wanted to visit on a weekend, I would have to start queuing up in the morning to make sure I get tickets.  This could change though in the future since Universal is still relatively new (was opened early 2010) and as such, it is Singapore’s current must-visit place.

 

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FINALLY.

This is what most of the people in my life said.

 

Finally, Mr. J and I are officially engaged. Even though I knew this was coming already (just didn't know when and exactly where and how), it still is a different level of happiness once he finally slipped the ring in my finger.  I can't divulge the details of the proposal as it is something we would like to keep a secret.  But I can tell this: it happened in Mandarin Oriental Singapore.  For this, I will forever ♥ Manda SG (this is how Mr. J and I usually refer to the hotel that we've been staying in every time we go to Singapore).  Just for the record, even without the proposal happening there, we have always loved the hotel with its excellent customer service and beautiful rooms.  No wonder it's usually #1 (or #2) in TripAdvisor ratings.

 

Speaking of ring, I highly recommend Vivo Diamonds Singapore. This is where my now-fiancé (i just love being able to call him that.. my fiancé) Mr. J bought the e-ring and I am way more than happy with the service and the outcome. The quality of the ring? Let’s just say that it was so gorgeous that my Mom is seriously considering having one made for her. And between the two of us, it’s really my mom and sister who are into jewelries.

 

Just a brief background on Vivo (located in Singapore); it’s an online jewelry retailer (similar to Blue Nile) except that they have an actual office wherein you could view the stones and setting first before purchasing it. Also, if you pay in cash, you get a discount. Plus, Isaac Poh, is super nice and very knowledgeable when it comes to diamonds (he's a GIA-graduate gemologist).

 

My ring 's center stone is a 0.60 carat round brilliant with HCA score of 0.9. Color is E with clarity of VS2. All the other round brilliant stones have the same clarity and color.

 

So, there we go. I will now have to put a strikethrough in my profile description.

 

I’m engaged.

 

Finally.