Diamond Studs

[TheElms]

In a little less than a year I have a big-ish birthday coming up. I've decided I would like diamond studs. I'm also in the process of buying real jewelry, rather than costume stuff more generally. I'm trying to decide what size studs to get and I was hoping folks could chime in on what considerations I should take into account from an overall jewelry strategy perspective. This is what I have come up with so far:

• Whether studs are for daily or special occassion wear? Daily

• What type of setting? 4 prong martini, but a milgrain bezel might be fun

• Do I want jackets as well? Yes, probably?

• Are jackets for daily or special occasion wear? Leaning special occasion, but it would be nice if I could wear them occasionally to the office, especially with colored stones which I think look better in jackets. So maybe the 3pt IDJ jackets?

• Whether studs should fit in jackets? Yes, probably

• Whether jackets should fit other colored stone studs (blue sapphire/spinel, pink sapphire/spinel would be top of my list to acquire next. Yes, probably

• Whether studs should later have the ability to add drops for special occasions. Yes

• Budget? $5000 ish for the studs. Jackets and other colored studs would be bought separately

Can you think of anything else I should take into account?

If this were you, what size studs would you get? I'm thinking I probably want to be in the 5mm or 6mm range but its hard to decide between the two. Also, if I get a milgrain setting I think I'd have to have 6mm jackets otherwise the studs would need to be pretty small.

Oh wise Hive,HALP please!!!

TLDR version: What is your ideal size set of stud earrings and jackets to accommodate both diamond and colored stone studs?

 

[whitewave]

How much ear lobe real estate do you have? I've been blessed with small lobes, so right now .84 TCW looks good for every day. I think the most I will go up to is 1.2 ctw.

 

[LLJsmom]

I would spend the bulk of my budget on the studs first. Wear them for a while, 6 months-year and see what you think about jackets, if you want them, size etc. I think significant studs make a huge impact. I wear mine 24/7, except to clean and have for the past almost 3 years.

And with studs, I would prioritize color and cut first.

and buy from a vendor with a good upgrade policy.

 

[ac117]

I agree with lljsmom in putting all of your budget into the studs first. I literally JUST finished upgrading my studs in a similar budget range as you. I worked with IDJ and highly recommend them.

I did think about WF but I would've gotten smaller in my lowest color/clarity preference, or a lot smaller in a higher color. In the end, I just didn't feel the super ideal price tag was worth it for my ears...especially when the stones I chose have beautiful ASETs and sparkle amazingly!

However, I did seriously consider this pair...despite the clarity difference...but BG upgrade policies are not as liberal and the larger stones I would come at a high premium I knew I wouldn't want to spend.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.763-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104092069021
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.750-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104092069013

 

[TheElms]

The 5k budget is just for the studs. I think that should be plenty to get either 5mm or 6mm studs right? I've seen plenty of options on Whiteflash in that range especially as I'd be fine with I color studs and eye clean Si1 seems plenty for earrings.

On ear size I have smaller ear lobes. I have 3mm studs now that were a gift and they look fine. I bought cz studs and I'm drawn to 6 mm but I think with jackets they might hang off my ears.

I know I want the jackets because I like colored studs but think they look better with jackets.

Ahh decisions!!! Maybe a visit to IDJ is in order to try some on.


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