custom vs. preset diamond stud earrings

[Houston]

Just received a beautiful pair of princess-cut platinum stud earrings for my wife from Brian Gavin Diamonds.

As expected, they are beautiful. Beautiful diamonds, and the platinum setting is beautiful (not the usual ho-hum princess "basket" setting).

It's interesting to consider the pricing on these. I paid just under $2500 USD for slightly over 1 ct tw, E, VS2, GIA. Especially nice platinum settings. Now consider other options.

Preset 1 ct tw platinum from Bluenile run $2950. For "H color, VS2 clarity", no mention of certs.

Even worse is going to Costco, or a mall jewelers.
Costco: 1 ct tw, I, VS2, platinum, $2200.
Kay Jewelers: 1 ct tw, HI, SI2-I1, "certified", white gold, $2799 (these are probably the kind that you get 50% off sales at Christmas)
Zales: 1 ct tw, H-I, VS2, "certified", platinum, $4999 (definitely the 50% off kind)


Really, getting custom stud earrings from BGD or another reputable shop is a no-brainer!

 

[AprilBaby]

I got custom .80 cttw F ACA rounds for much less at WF than anyone else quoted. You have a picture of her new earrings?

 

[Houston]

April, those ACA's sound sweet.

The platinum settings are much more dainty (less bulky) in-person than they appear here.

I went with spring backs rather than screw backs. Was tempted to go with the double tension but it didn't happen. They can be changed out (the stem has to be changed).

 

[marcy]

The earrings are gorgeous.

 

[tyty333]

They are beautiful! The baskets do look very dainty as well as the prongs. Nice choice!

 

[Houston]

I'm thinking that I really like the prongs and these settings. Most princess earrings have round prongs that appear a bit bulbous when viewed straight-on. These prongs are very slim and serve to reinforce the square-ness of the princess cut. I am happy.

 

[Sunstorm]

Very nice earrings! Definitely better to go custom whenever you can. Oftentimes less expensive too. I know where I live handforged workmanship by the best is often less expensive than getting cast from a well known jewelry chain, not even the big brand names. You are also obviously getting quality. Congratulations, great choice!