Budget advice for LGD studs?

[lapetitebaker]

Hi, all!

I’m new to “nicer than mall store” jewelry and even newer to lab diamonds, so I was looking to get some feedback on a reasonable (pre-tax) budget for a (hopefully) final upgrade to my daily driver studs before I get too deep into the process.

I'd be looking to get rounds, around 1.5ctw (maybe ~1.45 on the low end to a max of ~1.75) in a six-prong, lower profile setting (something curvy and frilly like James Allen’s scallop basket or Stuller’s 28807) in most likely 14k white gold with screw backs. Ideally, I’d like something not too yellow with good sparkle power and no major distracting inclusions. I feel like I have a decent grasp on the 4Cs, but I never know how low to go on the stats to still get a nice pair.

I’m hoping to be able to stay under $2000 set, but I’m not sure if that is reasonable for anything of decent quality.

 

[vintageinjune]

Well hello! How very exciting to be on the hunt for your next diamond stud upgrade.

You can definitively get nice pair of earrings for $2k, but "too yellow" will be a little subjective.

Have you considered emailing either Jon at Distinctive Gems or Diamonds by Lauren? They are both great at finding something nice within your budget and can definitely source those stuller settings.

 

[pinklemonadegurl]

James Allen has been amazing to work with, as I await a 5 stone band being made. Any of the other vendors mentioned are impeccable with their help and customer service. You'll LOVE them. I am loving my LGD more and more

 

[lapetitebaker]

Well hello! How very exciting to be on the hunt for your next diamond stud upgrade.

You can definitively get nice pair of earrings for $2k, but "too yellow" will be a little subjective.

Have you considered emailing either Jon at Distinctive Gems or Diamonds by Lauren? They are both great at finding something nice within your budget and can definitely source those stuller settings.

I definitely was considering reaching out to Jon! I didn't want to be a bother though if my goals and budget were completely misaligned.

 

[pinklemonadegurl]

I definitely was considering reaching out to Jon! I didn't want to be a bother though if my goals and budget were completely misaligned.

He's very kind and amazingly helpful, even with inquiries. Don't hesitate to discuss wtih him!

 

[EClove]

A very budget friendly way to go might be to order Lightbox loose diamonds and have them set in the setting of your choice. They're $600 for 3/4 carat and $800 for 1 carat. Keep in mind you won't get to pick the actual diamond but they do have a return policy for US customers. There's a thread on this that I can tag you in where people have posted their lightbox diamonds and they seem like a great option for earrings!

Edited to add: The thread is Lightbox Loose Stones up to 2ct Just Became Available and is pinned to the top of the LGD page

 

[DejaWiz]

Check these out:

Lab-Created 0.79 Carat round diamond

This 0.79 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

Lab-Created 0.79 Carat round diamond

This 0.79 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

 

[tkyasx78]

I love my lightbox diamond studs. Worth every penny IMO.

This pair is in 14kt RG stuller settings.

 

[tkyasx78]

I also have LB earrings in white gold. I like them becuase I can sleep in them without any poking on the underside of my ear. They are also in stuller settings.

 

[vintageinjune]

I definitely was considering reaching out to Jon! I didn't want to be a bother though if my goals and budget were completely misaligned.

Completely understandable, I'm exactly the same way. Now, it might take him a little while to hunt down something that suits, but he's very conscientious.

I'm not certain what those settings typically go for, but as an example of what is out there (please excuse the videos not being great), but I found this 1.74 cttw diamond pair for $1,760. Jon could undoubtedly do better.

0.87 Carat I VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 502118847 Affinity Cut - D49920822

0.87 carat, Round, I Color, VVS2 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D49920822

www.adiamor.com

0.87 Carat I VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 483116898 Affinity Cut - D48090913

0.87 carat, Round, I Color, VVS2 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D48090913

www.adiamor.com

 

[lapetitebaker]

A very budget friendly way to go might be to order Lightbox loose diamonds and have them set in the setting of your choice. They're $600 for 3/4 carat and $800 for 1 carat. Keep in mind you won't get to pick the actual diamond but they do have a return policy for US customers. There's a thread on this that I can tag you in where people have posted their lightbox diamonds and they seem like a great option for earrings!

Edited to add: The thread is Lightbox Loose Stones up to 2ct Just Became Available and is pinned to the top of the LGD page

I spent a good bit of time scrolling through that thread over the weekend! There are some wonderful projects in there, but I just don't know if I'm up to coordinating a reset yet.

Check these out:

Lab-Created 0.79 Carat round diamond

This 0.79 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

Lab-Created 0.79 Carat round diamond

This 0.79 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

Those stones are lovely! I tried looking through the matched pairs but never thought to branch out to the singles. Plus, my grasp of what I'm looking at aside from the stats is loose at best.

Completely understandable, I'm exactly the same way. Now, it might take him a little while to hunt down something that suits, but he's very conscientious.

I'm not certain what those settings typically go for, but as an example of what is out there (please excuse the videos not being great), but I found this 1.74 cttw diamond pair for $1,760. Jon could undoubtedly do better.

0.87 Carat I VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 502118847 Affinity Cut - D49920822

0.87 carat, Round, I Color, VVS2 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D49920822

www.adiamor.com

0.87 Carat I VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 483116898 Affinity Cut - D48090913

0.87 carat, Round, I Color, VVS2 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D48090913

www.adiamor.com

The James Allen settings are regularly $480 plus an extra $125 to do the screwbacks. From the bit of digging I've done, it seems like the Stuller's would be around $350 with screwbacks. I definitely think I'll be reaching out to Jon now that my budget doesn't seem so absurd. Thank you all for the info and reassurances.

 

[Kim N]

I love the pair that DejaWiz recommended!

This pair is a little smaller but leaves room for the settings and screwbacks.

Lab-Created 0.71 Carat round diamond

This 0.71 carat Lab-Created round diamond F color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

Lab-Created 0.70 Carat round diamond

This 0.7 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Mrs Flowers]

Highly recommend James Allen. I recently got some Lab stones from James Allen and they are amazing.

 

[Skidiamond41]

I spent a good bit of time scrolling through that thread over the weekend! There are some wonderful projects in there, but I just don't know if I'm up to coordinating a reset yet.



Those stones are lovely! I tried looking through the matched pairs but never thought to branch out to the singles. Plus, my grasp of what I'm looking at aside from the stats is loose at best.



The James Allen settings are regularly $480 plus an extra $125 to do the screwbacks. From the bit of digging I've done, it seems like the Stuller's would be around $350 with screwbacks. I definitely think I'll be reaching out to Jon now that my budget doesn't seem so absurd. Thank you all for the info and reassurances.

I highly recommend reaching out to Jonathan. Him and Vicki and amazing to work with!! Also, Have you considered doing friction post with jumbo Backs (no idea technical terms) I have a pair or 2.41 ctw studs Jonathan helped me find with a small budget and I have Stuller martini setting with the jumbo friction backs and no problems. Just a though if it pulls the cost of settings down a little.

 

[lapetitebaker]

I highly recommend reaching out to Jonathan. Him and Vicki and amazing to work with!! Also, Have you considered doing friction post with jumbo Backs (no idea technical terms) I have a pair or 2.41 ctw studs Jonathan helped me find with a small budget and I have Stuller martini setting with the jumbo friction backs and no problems. Just a though if it pulls the cost of settings down a little.

This may sound silly, but I always feel like I’m too rough on my piercings when donning and doffing earrings with friction backs. Admittedly though, I haven't really tried any higher-end friction pieces to see if that may just be a quality issue. I originally was leaning towards La Pousette backs, but the fact that those don’t hold up well to 24/7 wear (including showers) sent me back to my screws.

 

[AprilBaby]

My Lightbox studs are spectacular.

 

[Mrs Flowers]

I highly recommend reaching out to Jonathan. Him and Vicki and amazing to work with!! Also, Have you considered doing friction post with jumbo Backs (no idea technical terms) I have a pair or 2.41 ctw studs Jonathan helped me find with a small budget and I have Stuller martini setting with the jumbo friction backs and no problems. Just a though if it pulls the cost of settings down a little.

Would love to see pictures of your lovely studs please !!

 

[Skidiamond41]

Would love to see pictures of your lovely studs please !!

Pictures are below. Jonathan helped me find for under $3,000 a 1.22ct/K/VS1 and 1.19/L/VVS2 pair. They face up white to me even compared to EFG in the five stone and D in my engagement ring.

 

[Mrs Flowers]

Pictures are below. Jonathan helped me find for under $3,000 a 1.22ct/K/VS1 and 1.19/L/VVS2 pair. They face up white to me even compared to EFG in the five stone and D in my engagement ring.

Those look gorgeous and not at all like k/l colored diamonds. They face up really really white. Are they certified? If so what lab?

 

[Skidiamond41]

Those look gorgeous and not at all like k/l colored diamonds. They face up really really white. Are they certified? If so what lab?

Yes they are certified, IGI, Jonathan did his analysis too of them that he does, making the purchase even more comfortable and enjoyable. I included the stats in one of the pics I think.

 

[Skidiamond41]

Those look gorgeous and not at all like k/l colored diamonds. They face up really really white. Are they certified? If so what lab?

I should add the only time I see the color is side view but who sees side view of studs!

 

[Mrs Flowers]

Yes they are certified, IGI, Jonathan did his analysis too of them that he does, making the purchase even more comfortable and enjoyable. I included the stats in one of the pics I thibnn in.

Even though I Love the studs I just got from James Allen maybe I can reach out to Jonathan and see what he can come up with while I’m still in the return period. I have 30 days to decide if they are big enough etc etc etc. ( that darn DSS )they are gorgeous so I just have to decide if they are big enough/ enough of a difference in size between my 1.5 ctw ACAs and the ones I got today.

 

[EClove]

Pictures are below. Jonathan helped me find for under $3,000 a 1.22ct/K/VS1 and 1.19/L/VVS2 pair. They face up white to me even compared to EFG in the five stone and D in my engagement ring.

wow! They're gorgeous and they do face up so so white!!

 

[Skidiamond41]

This may sound silly, but I always feel like I’m too rough on my piercings when donning and doffing earrings with friction backs. Admittedly though, I haven't really tried any higher-end friction pieces to see if that may just be a quality issue. I originally was leaning towards La Pousette backs, but the fact that those don’t hold up well to 24/7 wear (including showers) sent me back to my screws.

Not sure if this helps at all. I too wear mine from wake to sleep, including long runs (training for half marathons and a marathon right now), while I shower and I clean my earrings constantly. I only take them off when I sleep with concerns for my piercing hole not stretching with martini settings. I’ve not had one issue with them ever coming close to coming off. I’ve been wearing them almost a year. One last thing to consider with the backs is the earring sagging in the front with smaller backs and larger carat size. My larger backs keep the earring nice and upright.

 

[chere]

Would you go down to 5.34-5.39mm, 1.14ctw? I found these studs at my “local” pawn shop for $750USD/960CAD. D color, VS1-2, VG-Excellent cut. They have a HCA scored of 1.6 and 1.9. I’m tempted to buy them to see what they look like in person.

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=11588111
https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=11588113

I can send you the link on Loupetroop if you're interested in them.

 

[lapetitebaker]

Would you go down to 5.34-5.39mm, 1.14ctw? I found these studs at my “local” pawn shop for $750USD/960CAD. D color, VS1-2, VG-Excellent cut. They have a HCA scored of 1.6 and 1.9. I’m tempted to buy them to see what they look like in person.

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=11588111
https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=11588113

I can send you the link on Loupetroop if you're interested in them.

Those are a steal! My current pair is already at 1ctw though.

 

[lapetitebaker]

I'm back with a follow-up (and photos)!

On everyone's advice, I got in touch with Jonathan at Distinctive Gem shortly after posting. He picked out two beautiful stones that were only a smidge over my starting budget: one 0.78ct (5.96mm), D, VS1, Ideal cut and one 0.77ct (5.92mm), D, VVS2, Ideal cut. I asked for them to be set in Stuller's 28807 in 14k white gold with screw backs. I got them in yesterday and am thrilled! They are the most beautiful diamonds that I've ever had a chance to see in real life. I was also happy to see that they came with a larger screw back that balances the stones perfectly on the ear. I had moments while waiting for them to come in when I felt like I should have considered going larger, but I am glad I stuck with my original goal size. I feel like they are the perfect everyday size for my ear.

As expected, Jonathan and Vicki both were absolute pleasures to work with. I am in love with my earrings and would gladly work with them on future projects. Thank you all for your suggestions as well!

Some photos and a video are below. Please excuse my amateur photo skills and scraggly nails.



On-Ear Shots


Setting Detail (Stuller 28807)


Comparison shot: Old on left (~4.8mm rounds in traditional 4 prong baskets, unknown stats) vs. new on right

 

[Mrs Flowers]

I'm back with a follow-up (and photos)!

On everyone's advice, I got in touch with Jonathan at Distinctive Gem shortly after posting. He picked out two beautiful stones that were only a smidge over my starting budget: one 0.78ct (5.96mm), D, VS1, Ideal cut and one 0.77ct (5.92mm), D, VVS2, Ideal cut. I asked for them to be set in Stuller's 28807 in 14k white gold with screw backs. I got them in yesterday and am thrilled! They are the most beautiful diamonds that I've ever had a chance to see in real life. I was also happy to see that they came with a larger screw back that balances the stones perfectly on the ear. I had moments while waiting for them to come in when I felt like I should have considered going larger, but I am glad I stuck with my original goal size. I feel like they are the perfect everyday size for my ear.

As expected, Jonathan and Vicki both were absolute pleasures to work with. I am in love with my earrings and would gladly work with them on future projects. Thank you all for your suggestions as well!

Some photos and a video are below. Please excuse my amateur photo skills and scraggly nails.



On-Ear Shots


Setting Detail (Stuller 28807)


Comparison shot: Old on left (~4.8mm rounds in traditional 4 prong baskets, unknown stats) vs. new on right

Gorgeous!! I adore the setting!! Great size and they look so sparkly. I just got my new ones yesterday too. Enjoy them!!!

 

[vintageinjune]

WHOA. That is a stunningly beautiful upgrade! They have excellent presence on your ears, and the stats? D/VS1/VVS2 for barely over $2k? I'm thrilled to see you went with Jon, and even more so that you are delighted with your earrings.
Thank you for the update, pictures, and the video! Wear in health and happiness.