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blogger.yang

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  1. Allove is a round modified diamond that has 81 facets compared to the traditional modern round brilliant which has 57 facets. I believe Allove daimonds come with a GIA cert while Estrella comes with IGI cert. GIA cert is usually the more preferred certificate in the market, compared to IGI. However, in this case, I would prefer Estrella over Allove, reason being 57 facets is a well-proven diamond shape. To me, those modified diamonds are just gimmick that will cost more. Of course, if you talk about resell value, I believe a 57 facets will have more value as well. The extra facets may cause an increase in sparkles but they are actually tiny sparkles that is actually split out from big sparkle if the stone were cut to a traditional 57 facets, meaning, the amount of total amount of light is the same, just that they are split into smaller sparkles when the diamond moves. Also, extra facets may compromise on the amount of fire. This is probably because the extra tiny sparkles may cover up the fire dispersion (my guess). Anyway, you may refer to these links (please open in new tab for links): http://www.jewelry-secrets.com/Blog/are-diamonds-with-extra-facets-better/ http://www.heartsonfire.com/guidance/words-from-our-master-cutter/do-more-facets-produce-better-performance.aspx I have seen an Estrella before and it looks nice. However, this does not guarantee all the other Estrellas are the same. The Estrella I saw was a sample stone, which I believe should definitely look nice since it is meant to be used as a, well, sample. If possible, request to view both the Hearts & Arrows image before purchasing any of them. Also, try to get ASET and IdealScope image as well. Both of these can tell you the light performance of the diamond. I won't put my hopes high on getting these 2 images though. However, you should be entitled to get the Hearts & Arrows image since that's their main selling point. Now, back to Allove. Although I don't prefer extra facets diamond, but if the extra facets are not too over (like too many extra), I believe it may actually bring positive result to the diamond. But if all the crucial angles of both diamonds are similar, I would still go for a traditional 57 facets because I would like bolder sparkles. It all boils down to individual preference at the end of the day. Look at the diamonds and let your feeling flow. Of course, you will have to see your budget as well. Usually these diamonds are marked-up and not really worth the price, but that's what usually happen if you decided to buy in retail stores. Make a price comparison with other options in the market, and see if you are comfortable with the marked-up price, if yes, then you are good to go. If no, then try to explore further on other options. To make a survey on the diamond price, you can visit http://www.audreys.com.my/diamond.html. If you would like to try shops other than typical shopping retail stores, then try to search for these non-mainstream stores: http://myengagementringexperience.blogspot.my/2016/08/non-mainstream-diamond-stores-in-malaysia.html If you want some guidance on how to select a round brilliant diamond, you may refer here. Although this is written with 57 facets diamond in mind, but the crucial angles such as crown and pavilion angle will determine the performance of probably any round diamond: http://myengagementringexperience.blogspot.my/2017/01/simple-steps-to-select-round-brilliant.html I have written about Estrella diamonds here. Take a look: http://myengagementringexperience.blogspot.my/2016/08/diamond-platinum-estrella-diamond.html If you prefer Super Ideals that have all the images for you to refer, I strongly suggest either: WhiteFlash: http://www.whiteflash.com/?a_aid=myengringexp Brian Gavin Diamonds: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/?a_aid=myengexp Both are affiliate links btw. Their prices are very competitive compare to what you can get locally in Malaysia. Lastly, good luck and all the best!
  2. From the specs, it seems to meet those standard set by some jeweller's expert: http://niceice.com/diamond-buying-secrets/5-minutes-diamond-buying-success/ Although if you read from Beyond4cs: http://beyond4cs.com/grading/difference-between-gia-ags-egl-igi/ that IGI is less recommended than GIA/AGS because it is not that strict in comparison, like Colour, etc... but I will give Estrella the benefit of the doubt because I have seen a sample stone recently and its Hearts & Arrows are perfect. But mind you, I have only seen the sample stone, so this does not guarantee each stone will be as good as the one I saw. The one I saw is in MV branch. If possible, request to look at the diamond from the top (for the Arrows) and from the bottom (for the Hearts) before making any purchase. Usually most salesperson will say that the stone is already mounted onto the ring setting, so you cannot see the hearts, so in this case, I may ask for a loose Estrella diamonds for me to choose if I were you. I did not try to ask before because I did not purchase from them, but I do think that is possible. No harm trying. You may also read about it on my blog here: http://myengagementringexperience.blogspot.my/2016/08/diamond-platinum-estrella-diamond.html Also, lastly, may I know what is the price that is quoted, including the ring setting?
  3. Hello, May I know what price DeGem quoted you for the 1.5ct D/E colour, IF/VSS clarity Lazare diamond? They quoted me >13,000 for a 0.42/0.43 F colour VS1, which honestly is overpriced. But I am curious about 1.5ct. It should probably be easily above RM 150,000, based on the brand. Also, imho, there is no need to focus on such high clarity, as long as the diamond is eye-clean. I would think a VS range clarity may give a better bang for your bucks. Compare colour to Clarity, colour is more visible to the naked eye, so it is more important. But I have see that you have made up your mind with colourless range, so it should be fine. And Lazare is just a brand. To determine the quality of the cut, preliminary step you should take is to calculate the diamond's HCA score, which I honestly don't think they will let you to do that in the store. I was not allowed to take any picture of the cert in-store as well, but I memorized the proportions of the Lazare I looked at and the calculated score is just 2.3, which is below expectation. Do note that HCA is used as a diamond rejection tool. Then of course, the IdealScope image and ASET image, which I highly doubt that any shops in shopping complexes will be able to provide. I view these shops as mainstream diamond stores. There are other ideal proportions that you can take note of: http://beyond4cs.com/shapes/round/ideal-proportions/ http://niceice.com/tolkowsky-ideal-cut-diamonds/ In Malaysia, we still have quite a bit of options to buy from non-mainstream stores, that charge a lower price point and offer you a more personal service. They may be able to provide you scope images of the diamond. However, my preferred way to buy diamond is online. If you are comfortable to buy online, like what I did, then you can consider WhiteFlash or Brian Gavin. These 2 names won't be unfamiliar to you if you did your research online. I bought mine from WhiteFlash. Here is my review about them. Please take note that most diamonds sold by WhiteFlash or Brian Gavin are AGS certified, which is actually on par with GIA, if not better. Buying online from reputable reseller can save more and we can actually know how well the diamond is performing. I rely on professionals like Paul from Beyond4cs.com and Todd from NiceIce.com to help me. The ideal proportions I have shown earlier above are provided by them. I have written some guides here, here, and here. I have never really deal with the site owner from the last link before, but overall, the process works the same, as far as I am concerned. Lastly, good luck, and feel free to read my blog for tips. I hope it can help you in some way. http://myengagementringexperience.blogspot.my/
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