Diamonds for bezel-set studs: particular specs to look for?

[Nocciolata]

I hope this isn't a silly question, but I'm in the market for some studs which I want to have set in millegrained bezels. Are there any particular numbers/specs I should look for, or will all well-cut diamonds perform equally well in bezels? I seemed to have read in prior threads about rings that this isn't the case. If my own preferences can be accommodated, I would prioritize fire over white sparkle, if that makes sense.

 

[yssie]

Re: Diamonds for bezel-set studs: particular specs to look f

I hope this isn't a silly question, but I'm in the market for some studs which I want to have set in millegrained bezels. Are there any particular numbers/specs I should look for, or will all well-cut diamonds perform equally well in bezels? I seemed to have read in prior threads about rings that this isn't the case. If my own preferences can be accommodated, I would prioritize fire over white sparkle, if that makes sense.

Are you looking for rounds? Bezel settings can and do affect light return but honestly that's just technicalities - nothing you need to actually worry about when you're choosing well-proportioned and well-finished RBs designed to return lots of light face-up. A well cut stone will sparkle beautifully pronged or bezeled.

I prioritize the same way, I just love coloured light But for earrings I'd actually suggest considering going the other way, for a few reasons. First is that stones of the type that will show more coloured light in many types of lights than others of similar size tend to have higher crowns, and tend to be rather deeper (which w/ RBs translates into smaller face-up area), whereas nicely cut shallower types face-up larger for the same carat weight (so look bigger in your ears). Secondly, light return from stones with considerably shallower pavilions is less affected by grease on the pavilion than stones with deeper pavilions, and getting some skin oil on your stud stones is going to be inevitable unless you choose a design that encloses the pavilion...(and with studs the downsides of overly shallow pavs - like the stone going dark when someone leans over to admire it and blocks the light - are kinda non-issues ) and third - you don't ever see your studs when you're wearing them, and the nuances of more coloured over white light return are going to be lost on everyone else!

Though, sadly, well-cut examples of both types are hard to find, let alone well-matched pairs, so we could be looking for the proverbial needles in the haystack! What size are you looking for, and did you want help searching for some pairs?

 

[Nocciolata]

Re: Diamonds for bezel-set studs: particular specs to look f

Wow, Yssie, thank you for your kind and detailed response! You've given me a lot to think about.

Secondly, light return from stones with considerably shallower pavilions is less affected by grease on the pavilion than stones with deeper pavilions, and getting some skin oil on your stud stones is going to be inevitable unless you choose a design that encloses the pavilion...(and with studs the downsides of overly shallow pavs - like the stone going dark when someone leans over to admire it and blocks the light - are kinda non-issues ) and third - you don't ever see your studs when you're wearing them, and the nuances of more coloured over white light return are going to be lost on everyone else!

Who would have thought?? At least it's good to know that the bezel setting itself isn't problematic. I am looking for rounds around 1.5ctw, and am looking through BGD specifically (upgrade policy). In fact, I just ran a search and am horrified at the increase in diamond pricing I will gladly take you up on your offer to help, once I decide on what I can afford! It's just possible that upgrading incrementally in size may not be that great of an idea right now. However, both the original earrings and the upgrade are gifts, so I have a sentimental desire to find a forever pair. Decisions!

 

[yssie]

Re: Diamonds for bezel-set studs: particular specs to look f

NP, let us know when you decide

If you're looking at BGD Signatures/Blues you're fine just buying blind - no need to match proportions, just size/colour/clarity/fluor strength. If you decide you want this to be your final pair you might consider another vendor James Allen, they have a wider variety of stones of different types of proportions at lower pricepoints (but you have to spend double to upgrade, so obviously not a good choice if that's your plan)