Chapter 3: Designing our Engagement Ring Experience with Tailored Jewel

**Disclaimer: All opinions expressed below are genuinely my own opinions, and in no way does it represent the opinion of others **

After plenty of research on diamonds on how to maximize the sparkle, we finally have a final list of personal criteria:

• Cut - 3EX, Hearts and Arrows Round Brilliant cut
• Colour - Nothing below G (because we find that below G, the yellow colour is very apparent)
• Clarity - VS2 (there are too many risks for SI1 and below, and VS1 and above are expensive)
• Carat - Less than 0.39 carat (too cheapskate to pay for 0.40 carat tier)
• HCA score below 2

We went on many shopping sprees looking for vendors that fits our criteria. One thing that was very clear during our window shopping, was that the prices for shopping mall retail jewelers are pretty expensive compared to custom made, so we scrapped retailer shops. So off we went to search for custom made jewelers. There are plenty in the market nowadays: Zcova, Audrey's Diamond, Eumayco, iDo Jewelry, Tailored Jewels, Frou Frou,  Bludiamond, etc. 

During our search, I realized that not only am I particular about the diamond, I am also pretty picky on the ring setting. Typically, it is a basic 4 or 6 prong solitaire setting. A solitaire setting means that it is a plain band with no fancy stuff in either white gold, yellow gold or rose gold.

This is a basic ring solitaire setting. The prongs represent the 'claws' that holds the diamond. Usually it is either 4 prongs (4 claws), or 6 prongs (6 claws).

I didn't feel anything when I put this setting on, it is not doing anything for me (Plus it made my fingers look fat). Then.. I came across this tray of beauties:

 Hello gorgeous sparkles, where have you been in my life?

It was then on, I knew it was meant to be. I wanted a ring setting that have side diamonds. Just like the picture below.

YASSSSS

You'll think that this is the end of my demands. But no. I didn't like the look of the 4 prong or 6 prong design (I think by now Shyan must be like: Why can't she just choose a normal design, must go complicate things up.. D:). I found that the 4 prong is a little too boxy for my taste, and while the 6 prong makes the diamond look more round, it covers up too much of the diamond in my opinion (unless the diamond is big, then I think it'll look pretty).

4 prongs versus 6 prongs

4 prong claw orientation: NSEW versus box 

So, I decided to take the unconventional number of prongs. 5 prongs to be exact. Why? Well, I just like how it looks just like a star (Shine bright like a diamond, geddit?). But 5 prongs ring setting are already super hard to find in the market, what more 5 prong ring setting with side stones? I don't quite understand though, it's just so pretty! How can there not be a demand for it? Haha.

Gorgeous!

And that's the idea behind my ring:

• 5 prong ring setting
• Tapered side stones
• 18k white gold
• Including above mentioned criteria for the diamond

As I mentioned, we have went to see many stores with regards to the design of the ring. We normally left disappointed, either because the sales attendants do not have the sufficient knowledge to answer our queries (Trust me, we were brutal. Worse of all, they usually treat us as if we don't know our diamonds *flips hair*), or the design were not up to our standards. We have also explored buying online from Whiteflash, or Brian Gavin diamonds, but personally we are just not comfortable with doing the purchase online for something that cost so much. We prefer a human touch so that we can liaise with them for after sales service. 

That's when we found Tailored Jewel (est. 2012). Tailored Jewels came with a glowing recommendation from a good friend of ours, and they insisted that we would not regret choosing them as our wedding ring vendor. From our googling, Tailored Jewels is an online commerce shop, that sells diamonds and custom make diamond rings based on what design that you like. Their rings are all manufactured in Hong Kong, so we need to factor in the delivery time. While they do not have a showroom or retail shop, they do have an office at Empire Damansara. Good, so we can actually make your appointment and walk in to have a consultation with them (and to see who's handling our ring) to view their samples. 

To be very honest, we initially had our qualms before seeing him, as there were some reviews online on the workmanship of the ring setting. Long story short, the ring setting had a few defects: i.e. (1) the prongs were not symmetrical, (2) the left side of the ring did not match the right side, and (3) the height of the prongs were not even. However what impressed us were the way that they handled the situation. Apparently, they give a 100% money back guaranteed policy in any case that we were not satisfied with their product. According to the review by MyEngagementRingExperience, they certainly did honour this policy with no hesitation at all. Impressive! To date, I have not heard of any stores that provide this 100% money back guarantee in any circumstances that we are not satisfied with the design.

So we made our first contact on 28 November 2017, and requested for some diamonds quotation with regards to our criteria as above. We were served by Ethon, whom came up with us a list of GIA certified diamonds for our perusal. In his quote, he provided all the necessary information: 4Cs, diamond proportions, GIA cert, and an actual video of the diamond. Again, he was unable to provide us with the Idealscope and ASET images. After several emails, and many other diamonds quotes, we did find a diamond that suited our budget and our requirements. Yet we had a few queries (I told you we are tough clients), so we scheduled a face to face meeting with Ethon. 

On 1st December 2017, we dropped by Tailored Jewel's office to have a view at their samples. We were served by Ethon himself (1-on-1 appointment btw, no walk ins). He is a nice guy, and is a little formal, but he is certainly knowledgable about diamonds. He told us upfront what was it that he could provide, and what could not be done or what information could not be provided: i.e. ASET and Idealscope images. I certainly appreciate that bit of formality, as it aligns both our expectations from both consumer and seller from the very beginning.

Based on our discussion (and what I could remember), the price quoted includes the following:

• 3 years of warranty against manufacturing defects such as crack on rings, discolouration, breakage
• 2 years of warranty for small side stones
• 14 days 100% money back policy for wedding bands (not applicable for GIA diamonds)
• 2x complimentary cleaning and polishing for 2 years (claimable once a year)
• Free 1x ring resizing within a year of purchase
• Free 1x ring engraving

We went back home and scouted around, but in the end we came back to him due to his 100% money back policy. We were at least assured that they will fabricate and amend the design if there are any parts that we dislike, until we are happy with the final product. And this policy was what sold us.

We met one more time (At Donutes Subang, I still remember) to finalize the design of the ring and to get my ring measurements with him. At this point, I highlighted all my demands concerns over the design, and I still remembered that he assured me to trust the skills of his craftsmen. Alright then, I let go and leave it the stress to him.

After couple more emails, some price negotiations, and a final design confirmation, we finally confirmed our entire diamond ring: diamond + ring setting with Tailored Jewel on 9th of December 2017.  Typically, they take 50% deposit first, with the remaining payable during the collection of the ring. But we paid ours in full (yes, we trusted him), cause it was the end of the year and he was able to negotiate for us a good price.I'm happy to report that we are RM100 under our new budget. Hurrah!! Notice that I said new budget, because the old budget was based on solitaire ring design.

Selected diamond 4Cs

And then the waiting game begins.. This was the worse part for me to be honest. Because I was pretty anxious about how the ring will look, how the diamond would perform with the limited information that I have, and whether did we make the right choice. After all, Shyan needed to cough up a large sum of cash for the ring, so it has to be the best bang for his buck! Every single day, I asked Shyan: what update do we have for the ring?? Cause I was so anxious, nervous yet excited to see it. It is, after all the first step into the new chapter in our lives.

On 16th December 2017, we had our first update. It was such a coincidence, as our good friend that recommended us to Tailored Jewels got married on the exact same day. Ethon had sent us the 2D drawing and sketch up of the ring design via Whatsapp.  I was already freaking out when i saw the design, it looks really lovely in my opinion! In fact, it even upped my expectations of the actual ring. So we gave him the go ahead, without any modifications to proceed with the manufacturing of the ring.

My ring design, courtesy of Tailored Jewel

From the date of confirmation, he took about 3 weeks (considered pretty fast, since it was the festive season) to complete our ring. Fast forward to 7th January 2018 - to the day I was waiting for ever since we looked for our engagement ring, we are collecting our diamond ring!! #likefinally

I tell you, I was super hyperventilating the whole ride throughout. All sorts of nonsense were going through my mind:

• How would it look like?
• Will the ring fit me?
• What if the diamond don't sparkle like how I expected it to?
• What if the side stone diamonds look terrible?
• What if I regret this design and decision??
• What if he skimped on the diamond side stones, and it looks cheap??
• What if I don't like the ring????

So many whats, and hows went through my mind, this was only a fraction of it (signs of an overthinker). Throughout the whole journey up the lift, my heart was racing. This was it. We're finally going to collect our diamond ring!!

He sat us down, and he looked into our eyes, and told us:

"I have your ring. I opened it, and quite frankly.. it looks really good. I think you'll like it."

A very hopeful sign indeed. So he passed us a closed box. First impression? The ring box was good and solid, and it was not the flimsy kind. The dark blue colour, with the black velvet? Suede? lining gives it a very classy finish.

But it's not the ring box that is important. It is the content inside! So, I closed my eyes, took a deep breathe and opened it..

TADAAAAA~ Isn't she a beauty??

I think I was so nervous that I asked Shyan to see first, before I see it. But my fears were all for nothing, it was so gorgeous! It was everything that I asked for, and even more. Truly, the ring setting and design exceeded my expectations. It was very beautifully done, solid, no prongs are misaligned, all prongs are of the same height, and so on. They even managed to do the heart shape ending on the prongs which I felt gave a delicate and feminine edge detail to it. I could not find a single fault with the ring setting. 

As for the diamond, it was beautiful too. Under natural and fluorescent lights, it has a beautiful delicate gleam to it, but under yellow lights (tip: use handphone light to mimic yellow light), the diamond was super fiery! The side stones are extremely gorgeous and when it catches the light, it gives the entire ring a gorgeous sparkle. My entire ring was sparkly!! I was told that my diamond was very eye catching in certain restaurants, as a slightest turn of my hand can cause it to sparkle that could even be seen a mile away! *proud owner*

My first diamond ring purchase, and it is now mine!

Ignore the hairy fat fingers please. Never bothered to shave and remove them.

If I remembered correctly, I was smiling all the way back to the car, light headed and giddy with happiness and satisfaction. I am super ecstatic that we finally have our first engagement ring. The first few weeks after our engagement was honestly very surreal, having an engagement ring on the finger. I couldn't help but to feel self-conscious about the ring on my left finger. Anyways, this would be a story for another day.

All in all, this entire experience of choosing and sourcing our diamond ring was one of my most fulfilling shopping experience yet. The fact that we have all the information in our hands, and with the basic knowledge gave us the edge in the diamond market to make an informed decision. And nothing is more satisfying than receiving your product that is better than expected. 

As for our experience with Tailored Jewels? We have nothing but good things to say about Ethon and Tailored Jewel:

• Prompt replies - Ethon is always there to clarify our questions, and to ease our doubts through either email or whatsapp.
• Polite and professional - Everything was handled professionally, and while he can be a little formal, he is professional in handling the situation. Every step, every process would be explained to us in detail, including the limitations that he may face.
• Quick delivery - He took about 1 month from the date of confirmation till the date of delivery. Considering the fact that it was Christmas and the New Year period, I would say he did a great job.
• Knowledgable - Ethon was very knowledgeable about diamonds, and was willing to share all the he knows, so that we will make an informed decision about the diamonds.
• Practical, and don't over promise - He will not promise you everything, but then under performs in the end. The fact that he explains every single details, including limitations and challenges that he may face actually helps to manage expectations from both parties. 
• Flexibility - The best thing about getting from Tailored Jewels was the 100% money back policy within 14 days. It gave us the assurance and the peace of mind that we will eventually get something that we like.
• Trustworthy - The most important trait of all. As we were making a big purchase, you need to find a person who is trustworthy, and is able to meet to your requirements. I have seen some instances, when the vendor promises you the moon, but backs out once the item had been delivered.

I must admit that I am a very fussy customer. And I expect the best quality items and service, within the budget that we have. So to have someone that exceeds our expectation, this is an achievement by its own. I honestly love the design and the outlook of my diamond ring, and I'd been wearing it every day ever since. And I'd been admiring my ring under the light many times just to watch it sparkle. This, to me is important, for as long as you like what you get, nothing else matters. 

~So if you're thinking of purchasing a diamond ring, do give Tailored Jewels a go!~

(FYI, not paid to say this for real. All views expressed above are entirely my own). 

Thanks for reading this super long post! Feel free to drop a note down here if you want to hear more about our experience. :)