Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings help

[diamond6]

Hi. I'm a newbie looking to buy my first diamond ever. I always wanted to get a pair of solitaire earrings (studs) so that's what I am looking to get. So my questions are--

1) what size will look good? I am planning to go to a store trying on a few and see which ones I really like, but any general suggestions in size?

2) from what I read here seems like blue Nile , white flash are good sites. But where to look on their site? For example on the white flash site if I search for earrings under diamond jewellery there are only 28 items and none of which I really like. When you go to loose diamonds how to choose for both earrings? I am a little confused? Do you buy the loose stones and get them set at home in a shop? or do whiteflas do it for you?

3) I want to spend around 2000$ or less. Can you plz guide me?

4) what do you guys think about used jewellery?


http://loupetroop.com/listings/earrings/dot-52ct-diamond-studs

http://loupetroop.com/listings/earrings/gia-certified-1-dot-2ct-excellent-cut-diamond-stud-earrings-in-14k-wg-martini-settings

http://loupetroop.com/listings/earrings/diamond-stud-earrings-57-ctw-in-14k-wg-stuller-settings

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

White flash has a "diamond pair search" under loose diamonds. Have you looked at that? I' think you'll hear a huge range on preferred size, but if I were you I'd go as big as I can for 2k (without sacrificing cut of course)

If you go with stones from WF just have them set them as well.

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Go here on the whiteflash site:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/diamond-pairs-search.aspx

Put in your criteria and see what comes up.

CALL THEM ON THE PHONE. Just talk to them and explain everything you want and they will guide you. They are super nice and will take you through the whole process. I just got studs from them, returned them and bought a single stone to match a stone I had. They will take care of EVERYTHING. They can see and evaluate and answer questions on any ACA, Expert Selection or Premium stones.

I would recommend them without reservation.

And super upgrade program. Read about it on the website. Ask them any questions that you're not clear about.

Thread on 1.6 ctw
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/whiteflash-studs-1-6-ctw-keep-or-go-bigger-now.201120/

For studs, don't bother with Blue Nile. Too much stress for a newbie. You can't rely on anyone but yourself, and YOU (no one can, not even BN unless these are signature BN) can't even see the stones. And if you're going with Signature stones, I think the WF ACAs are comparable in price and super ideal cut to boot.

 

[dk168]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Concur with using the search for matched pair on sites such as White Flash and Brian Gavins for studs.

As for size, it really depends on (a) the size of the earlobe, (b) body build and (c) budget.

My near 1ct TW studs, bezel set, each measuring just over 6mm in the setting, that were gifted to me by my mum when I was 13/14 and size UK 10, appear small on my earlobes.

Being quite chunky and now size UK 18+, delicate earrings and jewellery do not suit me. Hence I wear my studs with diamond earring jackets measuring 12mm in diameter (see pic below).



I would advise buying from a vendor with an upgrade policy, like WF and BGD, so that you can upgrade at a later date.

Or set them in a setting that can be paired with a pair of diamond earring jackets to make them look bigger later.

I love my diamond earring jackets, as I can wear them with other 6mm studs, hence they are very versatile.

DK

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

ty for all replies, i will go to shops in 1-2 days to see what size i like and look at WF loose diamonds. In the meanwhile I was ,looking at these-- what do you experienced people think of them? ty


http://www.rubylane.com/item/953559-90V0WT/Simple-Classic-Gold-Diamond-Stud

http://www.rubylane.com/item/953559-4255TK-P/Ex78ceptional-Size-Large-Solitaire-Diamond

http://www.rubylane.com/item/888319-JV001/Gorgeous-Tiffany-Co-Platinum-950

http://www.rubylane.com/item/754537-R318/Round-Diamond-Earrings-Diamond-Studs

http://www.rubylane.com/item/710766-JV-895/Vintage-Classic-Diamond-Studs-1

http://www.rubylane.com/item/615072-14ktDiaEarrings/14-kt-Yellow-Gold-Round

http://www.rubylane.com/item/510967-LAWx20x2314279/Classic-1-88-ctw-Round

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Hi diamond6 and welcome!

I would cross the last pair off the list in my opinion, these stones might be big but I can see even in the photos that they are very included, it appears the colour is negatively affected by the amount of dark inclusions and I am doubtful you would get much, if any, sparkle out of them.

The problem is, that the majority of the earrings above are an unknown quantity as far as cut quality is concerned and as it would appear none of these apart from the Tiffany pair would have any paperwork with them to verify their colour and clarity, let alone the cut quality. If you wanted to consider any of these then I would say possibly the Tiffany pair would be the ones to concentrate on. Otherwise, I would keep looking and I would definitely suggest talking to Whiteflash or any of the vendors that offer studs, they will make the process much easier, if they don't have a preset pair available, they might be able to find you a match.

Used jewellery can definitely be an option and you don't even need perfectly cut diamonds to have a beautiful pair of earrings, but you do need stones cut with beauty in mind, otherwise they won't do much sparkle-wise. Especially as earrings attract grime very quickly and product residue, a nicely cut pair of studs will sparkle much more than poorly cut stones.

Size - that depends on the buyer, popular sizes for studs range from around .25 cts, .50cts and above. Trying some on for size is an excellent idea to see what you can get for the budget.

I hope this helps and please don't hesitate to ask should you have any more questions.

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Has anyone bought any diamonds at Costco. I was there tonight and saw they had 3 sets of solitaires I was interested in. All were 1ctw and VSI and I or better. Prices are 2200-2900$, two of the sets had brilliant round cut diamonds and 1 set had princess cut. What do you guys think of those? Anyone seen them in their store? Ty

http://www.costco.com/Round-Brilliant-Diamond-Stud-Earrings-(1.00-ctw)-Platinum.product.11762142.html



http://www.costco.com/Princess-Cut-Diamond-Stud-Earrings-(1.00-ctw)-Platinum.product.11630257.html

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Some more, what does EGL certificate mean?


http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/211/Earrings/listings/38160/Gorgeous-diamond-stud-earrings.html


http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/211/Earrings/listings/38489/Sparkly-1-carat-diamond-stud-earrings.html




Also is there a difference between round shape diamond and hearts and arrows diamonds?

And is there difference between buying new diamonds and used diamonds? Ty

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Has anyone bought any diamonds at Costco. I was there tonight and saw they had 3 sets of solitaires I was interested in. All were 1ctw and VSI and I or better. Prices are 2200-2900$, two of the sets had brilliant round cut diamonds and 1 set had princess cut. What do you guys think of those? Anyone seen them in their store? Ty

http://www.costco.com/Round-Brilliant-Diamond-Stud-Earrings-(1.00-ctw)-Platinum.product.11762142.html



http://www.costco.com/Princess-Cut-Diamond-Stud-Earrings-(1.00-ctw)-Platinum.product.11630257.html

My understanding from my experience at Costco, (and I've gone to see their jewelry and asked to see the certs) is that unless the stone is above a certain carat, they are not GIA certified. I would not be comfortable expressing an opinion without looking at the certs. Their prices are not cheaper than the online vendors recommended by PSers, all other things being equal.

 

[JulieN]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Better to get rounds than get princesses, unless you really love squares.

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

I really love rounds not princesses . But what is difference between rounds and hearts and arrows?

 

[JulieN]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/hearts-and-arrows-diamonds

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Can you guys give your thoughts on these loose pair diamonds from WF
My budget is 2000$ but can stretch a little upto 3000$ max. I'm looking for ~ 1ctw for round diamond studs with as much sparkle as I can find. These will be my first diamonds ever so very excited Ty



http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/diamond-pairs-details.aspx?Diamond1=3055243&Diamond2=3055251



http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/diamond-pairs-details.aspx?Diamond1=3061835&Diamond2=3061831

 

[JulieN]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

The second pair is going to be $3500 after the price of the setting.

If you go with Whiteflash's equivalent of pre-sets, you can keep it closer to $2500. These diamonds don't have reports, not sure what the cut quality is supposed to be like:
http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/4-prong-basket-diamond-earrings-524.htm

This pair should be under $3000 after setting, ask for the PS discount.
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4919981-0.55-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4920045-0.58-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Thank you Julie, but aren't you supposed to know the cut of the diamond and get ags/Gia report on them? If no info of such kind why not get from costco then?

Also what is b2cjewels? Never heard of them? Ty for taking time. Any more suggestions? Ty

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Can you guys give your thoughts on these loose pair diamonds from WF
My budget is 2000$ but can stretch a little upto 3000$ max. I'm looking for ~ 1ctw for round diamond studs with as much sparkle as I can find. These will be my first diamonds ever so very excited Ty



http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/diamond-pairs-details.aspx?Diamond1=3055243&Diamond2=3055251



http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/diamond-pairs-details.aspx?Diamond1=3061835&Diamond2=3061831

I think the first pair would be a great pair to start with! The stones are top quality and the upgrade policy is great! My studs are from WF and I have upgraded!

 

[JulieN]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Whiteflash is known for their cut quality. You can ask WF if the pre-set earrings are "ACA melee" or not. Also you'd have to ask WF what the upgrade policy on such stones is, I'm not sure if they are upgradeable.

B2C is another Internet vendor that advertises on PS, or "PS vendor."

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Ok Ty, what is PS discount and how much is it? Who gives that discount?

 

[JulieN]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Most PS vendors give a discount to PS posters. Pricescope does not receive any monetary compensation for this, and neither do PS posters.

Just ask for the discount in your email or phone communications. The amount of discount varies, if it is not posted on the webpage then a customer service rep will be able to tell you how much it is.

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

How is this set?


http://loupetroop.com/listings/earrings/gia-certified-1-dot-2ct-excellent-cut-diamond-stud-earrings-in-14k-wg-martini-settings


Also what does ACA mellee mean? Ty

 

[JulieN]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/diamond-education/a-cut-above-hearts-and-arrows-diamond-melee-938.htm

The only second hand pair that you have posted that I liked are the Tiffany ones. The diamonds are well cut but they are only .6ctw, and at 3K, kind of expensive:
http://www.rubylane.com/item/888319-JV001/Gorgeous-Tiffany-Co-Platinum-950

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/diamond-education/a-cut-above-hearts-and-arrows-diamond-melee-938.htm

The only second hand pair that you have posted that I liked are the Tiffany ones. The diamonds are well cut but they are only .6ctw, and at 3K, kind of expensive:
http://www.rubylane.com/item/888319-JV001/Gorgeous-Tiffany-Co-Platinum-950

The Tiffany seller says she can come down to 2400$

Ty

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

How is this set?


http://loupetroop.com/listings/earrings/gia-certified-1-dot-2ct-excellent-cut-diamond-stud-earrings-in-14k-wg-martini-settings


Also what does ACA mellee mean? Ty

Ty for input but can you or anyone else explain why this would not be good deal. It has GIA report. The clarity says SI1 for both but clarity characteristics says Cloud for both and cloud, crystal for one. What does that mean?

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/diamond-education/a-cut-above-hearts-and-arrows-diamond-melee-938.htm

The only second hand pair that you have posted that I liked are the Tiffany ones. The diamonds are well cut but they are only .6ctw, and at 3K, kind of expensive:
http://www.rubylane.com/item/888319-JV001/Gorgeous-Tiffany-Co-Platinum-950

The Tiffany seller says she can come down to 2400$

Ty

Gentle bump

Seller can come down yo 2200$, though it has no certificate from tiffany it seems, so moot right?

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/diamond-education/a-cut-above-hearts-and-arrows-diamond-melee-938.htm

The only second hand pair that you have posted that I liked are the Tiffany ones. The diamonds are well cut but they are only .6ctw, and at 3K, kind of expensive:
http://www.rubylane.com/item/888319-JV001/Gorgeous-Tiffany-Co-Platinum-950

The Tiffany seller says she can come down to 2400$

Ty

Gentle bump

Seller can come down yo 2200$, though it has no certificate from tiffany it seems, so moot right?

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

I am looking at several loose pair diamonds on WF and most of them say Fluorescence-- Negligible.

Is that OK? I am worried from the fluorescence thread and don't want my ring emitting blue or violet light. Ty

 

[Lorelei]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

I am looking at several loose pair diamonds on WF and most of them say Fluorescence-- Negligible.

Is that OK? I am worried from the fluorescence thread and don't want my ring emitting blue or violet light. Ty

Hi diamond6,

With the Tiffany pair I have no idea what a similar pair would sell for on the secondary market, you could try auction and other reseller sites to see if you can find a comparable pair and what they sold for to get a better idea, or make any sale contingent on an appraiser verification.

Don't worry with the fluorescence, negligible is another way of saying ' none' but this can be the lab's way of stating that the grading of fluorescence is not an exact art, negligible covers a possibility there might be a little depending on opinion but in their view, they aren't seeing anything that warrants a definitive answer yay or nay. In the case of negligible and faint, you would probably never even notice it, so don't be worried with any WF stones, you can have confidence each is rigorously checked in house to make sure everything is in order and accurate.

 

[JulieN]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

The Tiffany pair is very nice but you can get much larger diamonds without the Tiffany name.

Can you email WF and ask for the details on the pair I linked you? It seems to be closest to what you are looking for.

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

Ok so I decided to not go the used route with Tiffany's.

Checked with WF on the preset studs-- they are not certified so no info on quality of cuts, no HCA data, or light performance images, also not upgradable. They are H-I color SI eye clean. So decided not to go that route as well.

I want the best quality for studs with maximum shine fire etc.. So what is the lowest color and clarity I can go to. They will be max of 1ctw.

Ty

 

[diamond6]

Re: Newbie buying first diamond ever--diamond stud earrings

I am considering these. Which would be the best?

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3056933,3056931


http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3061835,3061831



http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=2994238,2953050