Getting a diamond set in Singapore?

[dseet]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the useful information that''s been posted in the forums here. I''m just one step away from purchasing the diamond from one of the PS vendors (having it appraised now).

So now the next step is getting the diamond set. Does anyone know of any good places where I can get this done in Singapore? I''m looking for a classic tiffany style platinum ring (size still unknown!). I visted je t''aime and they quoted me SGD$1800. I think it''s kind of pricey - just need to confirm if this is reasonable and if there are other recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

 

[yowahking]

You are in a very beautiful city. One of my favorite places to stay due to the clean streets, parks, and no crime. Orchid rd has many choices for you, altough Singapore is not really your best city in Asia for prices. If you happen to be in HK, Bangkok, much more selection of setters and better prices. Could you send me one of those little puffed things with the BBQ meat and potato inside? Can't find those here.

 

[kevinng]

Those puffed things are called "Curry Puffs". They are excellent. For those who has never tasted it... you don't know what you're missing.

Old Chang Kee

We have excellent food... but there aren't many good jewellery craftsmen here.

 

[dseet]

Hey guys, if you want curry puffs I can have them sent to you. But i'm not sure if they'll survive the shipping and handling process!

I'm a little disappointed to hear that there aren't many places where I can get a good ring made. I don't think i'll be going to HK or BKK anytime soon, so hope I can get some suggestions for singapore. Has anyone out there actually bought a diamond off the internet and had it set here in Singapore?

 

[yowahking]

My only suggestion is that there are a few manufactures in Singapore that do clean work. They may know who the better setters are. Sorry for not remembering any names, remember the lego tram car going over to Sentosa Island, and there is no need to keep that memory.

 

[starfire]

Hi Scott,

You are right. There are many jewellers in Singapore who have access to good goldsmiths.

As in anywhere else, there are good setters and there are bad setters.

The role of a good jeweller is to be able to, among other things, provide peace of mind to their customers through their access to good setters and their conscientious quality control, before passing the finished jewelry to their customer.

Best regards,
Stephen Tan
Charlotte Atelier

----------------
On 8/26/2004 1:54:46 AM yowahking wrote:

My only suggestion is that there are a few manufactures in Singapore that do clean work. They may know who the better setters are. Sorry for not remembering any names, remember the lego tram car going over to Sentosa Island, and there is no need to keep that memory. ----------------

 

[jem_ezell]

Hi everyone

I am from Singapore and have just purchase my diamond online (NY) and currently also looking forward to set it. I have check with some of the stores in Singapore and the sales person were telling me that I will have to leave my diamond 1 whole month with them! Unbelieveable! Not custom made ring (cast ones) and still have to take so long.

Does anyone knows of any jeweller whom can prepare the ring in advance and get it set on the spot when the diamond arrived? This will prevent the diamond from being swapped. I would not mind taking 1 full day standing and looking at them setting the ring even. hee hee..

Jem

 

[kevinng]

There are many jewellers who can do it for you immediately. Try Leipo at Lucky Plaza. Some people here say that they are all right.

 

[yeewl]

Hello,

I have my diamonds, emerald stone set by Leipo a couple of times and I do let them do some custom make if my stone can't fit in any of the ready casing. I find their work pretty okie. These people are from HK and so are their craftmen. So far people whom I recommended and friends whom I brought over to their shop have no complain with their work and price are reasonable.

Most of their ready casing are meant for round brilliant. However, if your diamond is other shapes, perhaps you may request them to do custom work. You just need to bring pictures of the ring you wish for them to cast. It usually takes a week or so. Once when the casing is done, they will call u and u just need to bring your loose stone and let them set on the spot. It takes about 2-1/2 hrs and in the meantime, u can just do window shopping @ lucky plaza.

They are open on mon-fri at 11am-7pm, sat 11-4pm?? sun-not open for biz.

Also, if you are sick of your old design and wish to change to something new, they actually do take back your old casing to off-set the total amount since once the diamond is removed and the casing will be damaged or u have no further use of it.

So I save lots of $$$ by just changing the looks without buying any more new diamonds. It can be rather addictive and expensive hobby to continue buying new items and not knowing what to do with them when u get tired of it.

I can pass u their address and tel no if you wish to contact them. I would suggest u go there early so to have plenty of time to look and discuss, then collect your item a few hrs later. Don't wait till the last minute (5pm) and expect them to have your ring done and return to you on the same day.

 

[lotus]

Try Ban Cheong at Bedok, they have an atelier with their own designs but will also cast yours. Neighbourhood jeweller may be cheaper than Orchard Rd ones. I'm thinking of trying them myself the next time I return to S'pore (I'm in Paris).

 

[lotus]

After 9 years of not being able to buy curry puffs off the street, I now make my own. Just get puff pastry from the supermarket and then fry your potatoes in a curry paste. And a bit of hard boiled egg if you wish.

Do you know what we could do to bad diamonds (milky/cloudy or yellow with black spots), by the way? Would you advise one to have them treated (e.g. turn them black or something)?

Thanks.

 

[dseet]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I will definitely check Leipo out. I also received recommendations for Canary Diamonds in Delphi and Franklyn Jewelry in Shaw Center, so will be looking into them as well.

lotus, where in bedok is ban cheong? Have you seen any of their custom settings? if so, i'd definitely love to hear about them...

I will keep you guys updated on the results and maybe post some pricing info once i have it.

p.s. Jem, definitely let me know if you find something good as well!

 

[yeewl]

Hello again,

dseet: I'm looking for a classic tiffany style platinum ring (size still unknown!). I visted je t'aime and they quoted me SGD$1800.

Leipo also does custom made for platinum casing. I had my soliatare set in 5 claw (PT 950 platinum) and it only cost me abt S$500 +/- (that was in late 2002). I heard that it cost more now. If you decide to go there, do look for sheena (she's the wife). Do tell her that it's the piano teacher who recommended u to her.

 

[jem_ezell]

Hi

I haev went to 2 different jeweller stores to check. As it is not nice for me to list the excalt names, I will put some sort of short form but I am sure you all will be able to identify which stand for what.

TK jewellery : White gold setting $100-200 SGD (Platinium setting not available)
LH : $500-600 White gold setting. $900-1200 Plat setting

On top of this, TK allows on the spot setting. which means once the ring is ready, one could set a time and go down to the factory personally and they will set it on the spot.

On top of all these, does anyone from sg know if they have got good workmanships?

Jem

 

[kevinng]

I have been to all the chain stores to check out their settings. TK does not make fine jewellery. They make fashion jewellery fit for teenagers or people who don't know any better (in my opinion). I would be ashamed to give my girlfriend jewellery from TK.

LH, on the other hand, makes very nice die cast settings. However, do expect to pay a little more for the quality and superior design.

 

[jem_ezell]

Hi

So far anyone else got any other informations? I have just got my diamond and was hoping to get it set up asap. Do let me know while I will go over to Leipo to have a good look tomorrow.

Jem

 

[lotus]

For Ban Cheong in Bedok, plwase see below for what I've copied out from their email to me :

''For your information, we have our own workshop where most of our products are manufactured. We are also a wholesaler under a sister company- 'Tat Lip Jewellers'

We have craftman doing settings of any design in any type of white or yellow gold ,for settings,we strongly recommend in 18K or 20K white or yellow gold (as it is more durable).

You are invited to vist our ourlets at:
Ang Mo Kio Town Centre: Blk 709 #01-2589 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8
Singapore 560709 Tel:6456 3933
Bedok Town Centre: Blk 211 #01-741 New Upper Changi Road
(Bedok Town Centre) Singfapore 460211
Tel:6444 3933
Our sales executives would be most pleased to help you in the design, the type of stones to be used and the pricing. Thers is no obligation on your part.

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to call the undernamed anytime.

Thank you once again.

Best wishes,
Chin Chong Meng
HP: 9664 9188''

Voila and good luck!

 

[jem_ezell]

Hi

I have called Ban Cheong up. The sales person mentioned that they need like 1 month to get it fully done up. She also told me that a platinium setting will roughlyl cost $400-500 SGD. What do you all think?

Jem

 

[jem_ezell]

By the way, anyone know what is the difference between the different platinium 950, 900, 1000 and which will you all recommend?

 

[yowahking]

Either the 900 or the 950 will be fine, not 1000 but you will not find much of that anyway. There are a few blends of plat that are mixed with either cobalt or irridium. For what you want, both will be the same price and same effect. Fo for who ever gives you the best workmanship and price. Good foot massage near LH also!

 

[jem_ezell]

For Platinium 900 and 950, which is suppose to be stronger? Also are all solitaire platinium rings coated with Rodium to give the shine of a normal white gold?

Jem

 

[joemok]

Jem,

after you get yours set. Do let me know the results.
I've just ordered my from WF and due to arrive tomorrow.

Could you email me at [email protected]?

I'd very much like your opinion and others alike to the sound craftsman in Singapore.

Leipo got a bad rating on this forum. Any justification after?

Rdgs JoeMok
Singapore

 

[joemok]

hellow yeewl,

i'm getting my stone set for my fiance as well, may i tell her its the piano teacher who recommended me?
Also, do you have a name that she would recognise?

Rdgs JoeMok

 

[yeewl]

Hi,

So sorry for the late reply as I have been rather busy preparing for my forthcoming trip to Melbourne on 30/10.

Do let sheena(the wife) know it was recommended by ms yee, the piano teacher.

Regards,
yeewl