diamond stud earrings

[khrome]

Hi there,

I'd like to offer my gf a pair of diamond stud earrings for our 3rd anniversary. I really don't know much about diamonds, I've read a few posts but I am still confused. I am looking to spend about $3000CAD (tax included IF possible, taxes are 14.975% here in Quebec ) and I know I want a total of 1 ct, so 1/2 ct each ear. Could some of you guide me a little and tell me if I I can get anything good for my budget? If not, I'll reconsider it. I found a pair on the Costco website but there are $4000CAD before taxes, a little bit over my budget.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[lilysweet]

Call IDJ. You can look at their website, they have stock earrings but if you call, say you are pricescope and ask what they have to offer for your budget they will be most helpful. Look at settings before you inquire so you have an idea what you are interested in. Good luck!

 

[khrome]

Are you referring to idjewelry? I just checked their website.. but again I'm not quite sure what I want yet. Also, I think they are based in the US aren't they? I'd rather order from a canadian website if they are any.. to avoid extra duties, taxes and brokerage fees.

 

[Rhea]

Do you know what the total taxes, duties, and brokerage fees are? It may still be less to order from the US and import depending.

 

[danielxlin]

I've bought a few pieces of jewelry from overseas (from Ebay mostly, where IDJ also has a store). What ends up happening as a practical matter: no taxes, no fees, no nothing. I received a box from Japan today, the customs form is marked "Used Accessory" with a value of $20. The box contained a diamond Chopard ring worth a little more than $20.

Of course I plan to make a declaration on my income tax forms for the sales tax and customs import fees I didn't pay on this item.

So Ebay is an option if you're tax-conscious, especially the individual sellers and small business sellers.

 

[khrome]

No I don't know the total amount of customs fees I'll have to pay.. but the US dollar is also worth almost 25$% more at the moment, and credit card usually use their own conversion rates which is not always favorable to the buyer and they also charge a conversion fee on top of that.

Let's say I have about $2500USD to spend, would that be enough for a good pair? I know it depends on a lot of factors but I am not too familiar with all the clarity and color aspects yet, all I know is that I'd like a .5 ct for each ear and a round cut. Of course I want it to be as sparkly as possible but would my budget be enough?

Thanks

 

[danielxlin]

A quality pair of 1 carat studs runs somewhere between $1200 and $2500 at IDJ, the budget option. I got a pair of eyeclean SI1 studs from them earlier this year for $1200 flat. They look excellent to my eye.

To get ideal cut, branded, GIA ideal cut earrings in 1 carat will cost at least $3000. Example: ACA studs from Whiteflash.

 

[heididdl]

I agree I just bought diamond jackets for my studs at IDJ and they are terridic. Otherwise I would call white flash and buy the best ACA studs for your budget. They have a great upgrade polcy.

 

[khrome]

Thanks for the info..

So I am guessing I have to choose 2 diamonds to make a pair... how can you make sure both will be looking good together? My anniversary is a bit over a month, do I have time or did I start planning this too late? I am still so confused I didn't think it would be this complicated finding a good pair of diamond earrings

Can't I just go for pre assembled earrings without having to choose my own diamonds separately? What are the cons of that?

 

[danielxlin]

Oh no. You don't have to do the matching. Just call up ID Jewelry or White Flash, or whichever reputable jeweler you choose, tell them your budget and what you're looking for (wellcut, well-matched, pricescope-quality, 1 carat total weight round brilliant studs). They will give you a range of options within your budget.

Also think about how you want the diamonds set (four prong basket, maybe 3 prong martini setting). Choose 14k gold, 18k gold, or platinum. If gold, then either white gold (recommended) or yellow. Once you choose the jewelers will take care of the setting.

Simple, especially if you have the full $2500 USD budget. You'll get great quality if you work with a place like ID (call, don't just order off the website!).

You have time before your anniversary. Give them a call bright and early on Monday (I think some offices may be closed today for Passover). You can have your studs by next Thursday/Friday with priority shipping.

 

[danielxlin]

P.S. This is a beautiful pair of Old European Cut diamond studs (1.16 carats) for private sale for $1900. Private sale means you could avoid sales tax, customs fee, etc. Originally bought from Jewels by Grace, who is a beloved vendor on Pricescope.

http://diamondbistro.com/category/211/Earrings/listings/42614/Jewels-By-Grace-Old-European-Clover-Studs-116ct.html

If you buy from a private make sure to vet the seller. And you could have the seller mail the diamonds to an agreed-upon appraiser so you're both protected.