Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and school

[stargurl78]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

One thing to mention if you get them through blue nile, their stud earrings come with screw backs, which I dislike (posts are thicker, you have to screw them on and off each time you put them on, and if you do it incorrectly you strip the threads).

i like the friction back studs MUCH better! so if you get blue nile, I'd switch out the settings to friction back if possible (just as secure, much less fuss).

Ditto this, I can't stand screwbacks.

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

I'm another vote for the friction backs. Comfort is the key reason I selected friction vs. screw backs for my studs.

 

[Rae~]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

For those who prefer friction over screw (or, vice versa), how many times per week do you take your earrings in and out?

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

I take them out may be once every 2 weeks to clean them - that's it. I know - the horror of all that shampoo and gunk on them, but they still sparkle like mad even under those conditions!!

Since I got these in August, I haven't worn any other earring... and I have a LOT!

 

[PrincessCath]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

Well, I lost 2 friction back studs already. |The first one was a pearl stud, and not a very valuable one, so I didn't mind too much. But the 2nd time was a diamond stud, and there I was upset and paid good $$ to replace it. I wouldn't recommend friction backs for any earring that has a substantial monetary or sentimental value, like what the OP is considering here. I still wear them for inexpensive colored stones or costume jewelry, though.

Now I have my diamond studs in screwbacks, and I have to agree: they are a pain... (I take off my earrings every night.)

But my most valuable pair (antique emeralds + diamonds, Xmas present ) has ALPA backs. They came that way. Both safe and easy on and off. Sure, they are more expensive since there is much more gold or platinum in them, but the price difference is worth it if the earring is valuable.

One of my projects this year is to replace the screwbacks on my diamond studs with ALPA backs. So ChiTown, invest in ALPA backs, so your lady doesn't lose your beautiful and meaningful gift.

 

[ChiTownSpecialK]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

I don't think I would be comfortable with friction backs. I'm going to look into alpha backs. Thanks for the tip!

I need some help with choosing the stones. In order to get the carat size I'm shooting for, I'm going to have to compromise on either color or clarity.

The center stone on the engagement ring I bought her is a round brilliant, .90 carat, D color, SI2 stone. I was comfortable getting this SI2 stone because it is eye clean from the top and the sides. I was able to look at the stones in person so that helped a great deal. From what I saw, SI2 stones can vary greatly.

My wife has pale white skin. I want to get between .80 - 1.0 ctw. I think .90 is my sweet spot. For the price range I'm in, I can get in the colorless range with SI2 stones. If I want to get to VS2 stones, I have to drop out of the colorless range.

Does anyone have an opinion on which way to go with the stones? I feel like I've been researching this to death. I need to pull the trigger soon as her birthday is the 10th and the graduation ceremony is the 12th.

As far as AGS vs GIA certification, I know the GIA is considered the holy grail of certs but the AGS cert seems so much more helpful. Any opinions on one vs the other?

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

These are earrings - the colourless isn't as much of an issue as it could be with a ring. I'd drop a bit in colour and clarity - only a VERY FEW select people will be that close to her ears to notice! I personally would rather have the cut first, then size, then clarity, then colour. Thats how I'd rank it for earrings.

 

[canuk-gal]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

These are earrings - the colourless isn't as much of an issue as it could be with a ring. I'd drop a bit in colour and clarity - only a VERY FEW select people will be that close to her ears to notice! I personally would rather have the cut first, then size, then clarity, then colour. Thats how I'd rank it for earrings.

I agree. I owned the most beautiful AGS000, H & A, I1 clarity stones for earrings--and they were beautiful mad. I opted for I1 stones b/c of their superior cutting, and, who knew?

The point is, for earrings there is more latitude (IMHO) as long as you stick with well cut stones.

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

cheers--Sharon

 

[ChiTownSpecialK]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

Hi all,

I'm online looking for diamonds. LOL. Pricescope has been a blessing and a curse. The amount of information here is endless and I want to know it all. LOL

If anyone is on and wants to participate in my search and chat, please post on the thread. I'll be checking frequently.

 

[ChiTownSpecialK]

I got em!

I just ordered the earrings for my wife from BlueNile. After looking at most of the sites you recommended, BlueNile seemed to be the best deal.

I paid just under 2K for the following set of earrings. I used the HCA attributes to choose between 2 sets of diamonds with the exact same ratings and price. That was a nice bonus learned from Pricescope.

Signature Ideal-cut, E-color, SI1-clarity, Round, 0.42-carat Diamond.
Signature Ideal-cut, E-color, SI1-clarity, Round, 0.43-carat Diamond.
Martini Three-Prong Earrings in Platinum with Screw backing.

I'm so glad I'm done researching diamond earrings. LOL She's going to be sooooo happy and I can't wait to see her wear them at graduation on Saturday. I'll give them to her on Thursday for her birthday of course.

I want to thank everyone for taking time to help me on this thread. It was much appreciated! I realize you could be doing better things than helping strangers on the internet. I'm going to take pictures to share after I give them to my wife.

 

[ChiTownSpecialK]

Re: Diamond Stud Earrings for wife's 30th birthday and schoo

I can't seem to edit my previous post. I typed the wrong price. I ended up just under $2100.