ready to pull the trigger!

[sunshine02]

hello all !
it’s me again!
we have just confirmed our trip, and we are going to hawaii! we will be there from 04march for a couple of days, and WF says i can pick up my order from a fedex station there!

i have decided on this setting, and according to WF, this setting needs 5 business day for completion.
https://www.whiteflash.com/engageme...half-round-solitaire-engagement-ring-3585.htm

that said, i will have to place my order very soon, in order for us to pick up when we are there.

the problem is, the stones i was eyeing a while ago (within my budget) have all sold out.
hence, i need a BIG help from the fellow members here:

i’m from asia, culturally, we prefer colorless stones. so for color i won’t go below G.
my budget is below USD 8k for the stone, as in already spending usd 850 on the setting. i’m looking for carat size 0.95 and hopefully can hit the magic 1. clarity wise, as long as it’s eye clean.
i’ve been advised that cut is the most important, hence i prefer ACA, but i know given my budget, it’s abit hard.

please give me some options!!!

sorry to keep asking!! i hope this time is the last time!!

 

[rockysalamander]

Since you want a WF setting and are on a short timeline...limiting to WF options.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3950135.htm (6.47 mm}
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3892616.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3929359.htm

But, if you want bigger, this one from JA is quite nice if the strong blue flour is not a cultural impediment. This is lovely.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4378641 (6.71 mm}
Setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/?SelectedShapeID=1 {which are 25% off right now, so I'd 100% bump to platinum{

 

[tyty333]

This one that hits 1 carat would be my choice...
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3950135.htm

 

[TreeScientist]

I concur with the G VS1 choice posted above by @rockysalamander. I know clarity is also important in Asian cultures. For reference, my girlfriend is Vietnamese, and I also went with a G VS1. Excellent balance of clarity and color.

Which island are you going to? I lived in Honolulu for 3 years and spent time on all the islands, so if you're looking for advice on romantic spots let me know! You'll have a great time I'm sure. I've been to many places in the world, and I can honestly say there is no place more beautiful than the Hawaiian islands.

 

[sunshine02]

thanks all. i will consider both options.
any idea how often WF replenish supply?
@TreeScientist we are goin to oahu and kauai kauai is quite expensive though

Since you want a WF setting and are on a short timeline...limiting to WF options.

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3950135.htm (6.47 mm}
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3892616.htm
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3929359.htm

But, if you want bigger, this one from JA is quite nice if the strong blue flour is not a cultural impediment. This is lovely.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4378641 (6.71 mm}
Setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/?SelectedShapeID=1 {which are 25% off right now, so I'd 100% bump to platinum{

 

[rockysalamander]

any idea how often WF replenish supply?

You can ask WF, but someone said one/month was what they were told.

 

[sunshine02]

was considering one from a retail store ( see attached cert and image @ sgd 10,850 ) and this one from WF
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3947637.htm

and i ordered the WF!

please tell me if i have made the correct choice!

 

[rockysalamander]

WF!

 

[HappyNewLife]

definitely WF!

 

[TreeScientist]

I'm glad you went with the WF. You'll love it!

Anyway, here's my guide to Oahu that I send to friends in case you're interested (mainly focused around hikes and beaches, because I'm more of an outdoor person )

If you're looking for romantic proposal spots, I would recommend Lanikai Beach at sunrise on the Windward (East side) of Oahu, or near the top of Waimea Canyon on Kaua'i.

South Shore

Food
Yama's Fish Market
Best plate lunch on the island. Get the lau lau, but get there early for it. The lau lau usually sells out for the day by 1pm, so best time to go is lunch.

Aloha Vietnamese Foods
Best Vietnamese food in town in town. As good as what you would find in Vietnam, and run by a nice family. It’s literally a mom and pop place, with the dad and children running the front and the mom in the back cooking. My go-to place for dinner out.

Serg’s Mexican Grill
Awesome, cheap Mexican food right up the valley from the Manoa campus. Can even bring your own alcohol. Fun outdoor atmosphere, but may want to avoid it on Friday and Saturday nights unless you want to spend your dinner with a bunch of roudy, UH undergrads who came to party.


Waipuna Sushi: Sushi is never cheap, but this is the cheapest place on the island that also has good quality (aka, you won’t die from it). Close to UH campus.

Morning Glass Coffee
Great coffee shop in the Manoa valley. Also has good breakfast. Run by locals.

Hikes
Waʻahila Ridge Hike (Optional- Mt. Olympus): At the top of St. Louis Heights (The hill on the right of the manoa Valley. Great view from the top of the Manoa valley and Waikiki. If you’re a good hiker, you can continue on from the end of the hike to the Mount Olympus trail, which leads you to the top of Mt. Olympus, the third highest peak on the island where you can see the south and east shores at the same time. If you want to do the full Mt. Olympus hike, then you’ll need a full day (6-7 hours). Otherwise, just the ridge hike will take about 2 hours.

Lyon Arboretum (and Manoa Falls): Arboretum of the University of Hawaii, and the only rainforest in the U.S. Beautiful trails throughout the arboretum, with all of the plant life taxonomically labeled. Great place to spend the morning, along with the nearby (but overcrowded) Manoa falls hike. Easy to get to from UH.

Diamond Head: Great Place to watch the Sunrise from in the winter. Be prepared for the hordes of Japanese tourists that come on tour buses for the Sunrise though. It will be really crowded.

Beaches

Kahala Beach: One of the few beaches on the south shore that is not crowded. I preferred going here when I wasn't surfing and just wanted to relax. Mostly locals here. Walk over to Kahala Resort to see their outdoor aquariums with sea turtles.

Ala Moana Beach Park: Crowded, but it’s a really wide beach, so not hard to find a spot away from people. The secluded lagoon is really calm and great for swimming (a lot of Hawaiians come here to do lap swimming. It’s like a gigantic swimming pool). Can also go over to Ala Moana mall from here.


Shopping
Waikele Premium Outlets: Actually on the West Side of the island, but there’s a shuttle from Waikiki that will take you there. This is where the discount chains for all of the major American brands are located. Best place to buy stuff for cheap on Hawaii (which I’m sure you’ll want to do coming from Norway).

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet: Open Wednesdays and Weekends from 8am-3pm, this is the best place to by Hawaiian souvenirs to bring back to friends-family in Norway. Lots of vendors selling t-shirts and trinkets from stalls. You can easily bargain with the vendors to reduce the prices even further.

Kahala Mall: Less touristy (and hence less overpriced than Ala Moana Mall). Good if you need to buy clothes from American Brands.

Southeast Corner (Hawaii Kai)

Food
Bubbies Ice Cream: Get their mochi ice creams. Line can get pretty long at night.

Chief's Luau: If you want to experience the Hawaiian Luau, this is the best on to go to. It is near the sea life park right past the southeast tip of the island. Really great food and an amazing show. Expensive, but worth doing once.

Hikes
Koko Crater Stairs: Hike directly up the side of the Koko arch along an abandoned railway line (which form the stairs). Be prepared, it is a real cardio workout, but the view from the top is worth it.

Koko Crater Arch and Lava Tube Loop (see: https://www.meetup.com/HawaiiHiking/events/227868672/ for a map of it): Goes along the southeast coast with cool lava formations and a lava tube prior to ascending the other side of Koko head along the arch. Probably best to go with someone who knows the way, but I think you would really love this hike as a volcanologist. J

Hanauma Bay Trail (and rock bridge): Really cool hike across a volcanic basin. Get to see a lot of cool rock formations and a natural rock bridge at the end.

Windward Side
Food

Uahi Island Grill: Pretty good local food. Cheap for Kailua (one of the more expensive places on the island)

Cinnamons: Best Breakfast on the Island

Hikes
Olomana Hike: This is the best hike on the island. Takes about 4.5-5 hours if you just do the first peak, and 7 hours if you do all three peaks. The third peak is difficult but unlike anything else I’ve done before. Definitely worth doing all three if you’re a good hiker. But even just the first one is fun, and it has a beautiful of all of the east side beaches from the top.

Lulumahu falls: Interesting hike with varied terrain near the top of the H3 highway pass. Starts in a bamboo forest, then goes through a valley, and finishes walking up a path along a stream to a fairly tall waterfall. A nice day hike that will take about 3 hours.

Maunawili Falls: Fun waterfall hike. Bring a bathing suit. There’s a waterfall with a deep pool at the end that you can jump off of and swim. Also, you will get muddy. Very muddy. Don’t wear any clothes that you care about.

Beaches
Lanikai Beach: Best beach on the island. Just hard to find parking. If you rent a Kayak, you can easily get out to the two small islands off the coast.

North Shore
Food

Shrimp Shack: Lady selling shrimp out of the back of a van. Really good shrimp for the price. Good place to stop if you’re on the way to the north shore and hungry.

Papa Olea's Kitchen: Amazing plate lunch. Huge portions for cheap prices. As authentic as it gets for Hawaiian food.

Ted’s Bakery: Stop and get a slice of pie. You won’t regret it.

Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp: Great shrimp shack. They farm the shrimp right behind the restaurant. Can’t get any fresher than this.

Kono’s Local food: Best place in Haleiwa town.

Not worth it: Matsumoto’s shave ice
There’s a place right down the street (I forgot the name) that tastes exactly the same, is cheaper and far less crowded. Don’t waste your time.

Places/Attractions
Kualoa Ranch: Beautiful cattle ranch that is the filming site of many famous movies. Fun to take the movie tour there, where they take you through the valley and show you the sites of all the movies, along with a bunker from WWII.

Haleiwa Town: Great place for shopping and food. Be sure to check out Haleiwa Art Gallery and Wy’s Galleries while you’re there. They both have a fantastic showcasing of local artists.


Beaches
Pipeline/Sunset Beach/Haleiwa Beach Park: The three beaches where the Van’s triple crown of surfing is held. Go there in the winter months to see surfers catching huge waves.

Waimea Bay: Site of the biggest waves on Oahu when the waves get large (but waves only break there at specific times of the year). A big wave competition, called "The Eddie", is held here whenever the waves get over 10m high. Last happened in February of 2016.

 

[sunshine02]

thank you all for the support!
thank you @TreeScientist for the information! very helpful! we love hiking and, good food!
i have just made the wire payment! hahahha
can’t wait!