Earring comparison help!

[ericjmorgan]

Could you guys help me to decide between these three? I''m a newbie and I want to be sure my girlfriend gets the nicest studs possible from my small budget. Thanks!

-Eric

1. .25, VS, G-H, Platinum, $295

2. .33, SI-1, G, 14k wg, $280

3. .35, VS, G-H, 14k wg, $250

 

[valeria101]

The first picture is actually a drawing... doesn''t show much about a specific object, so no comment.

The second and the third appear to be actual photos of earrings in flesh, and they both look nice: at least clena and decently cut, color could not be observed in a picture since the shades are so subtle.

Just a thoughts... Not sure how to choose between these: I like them both, just like all dainty studs out there

 

[PhillipSchmidt]

Go for the platinum with the screw backs. They are very smart

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

You will loose one of them with screw backs.
They are the least safe fittings

 

[PhillipSchmidt]

I still say go with the platinum (and I still like screw backs)

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Just because an ebay auction shows you a gorgeous pair of earrings, this doesn''t necessarily mean you''re actually getting THEE exact pair shown. Have you done a search of all the seller''s items to make sure that each item has its own unique photo to go with it?

Be really really careful w/ebay!

Even if you''re only planning to spend a small amount of money, this doesn''t mean you should give in to lesser quality stones. Contact a vendor, Mondera, or whomever you''ve found to be comfortable with and see what they can put together for you. Read a bit about princess cut stones on the tutorial and utilize this information when talking to a vendor to ensure that you are sold the best quality for your dollar.

 

[pearcrazy]

I say go for the white gold and spend the savings on a bigger carat weight. Most of the platinum will be hidden behind the stones or behind her ears where it won''t be seen anyway.

 

[hoorray]

I agree with Pearcrazy. Platnium is overkill for studs. Put your money into the stones, as that is what will show. BTW... Costco had a pair advertized in their catelog this month for $325 or so. I hear they have some nice stones.

 

[ericjmorgan]

Thank you guys for your opinions; I really appreciate them. Is there anything more specific I could ask the Ebay sellers to ensure I''m not getting raked over the coals? I''m very nervous about buying from Ebay, but these appear to be good deals.

-Eric

 

[Libster]

Date: 12/5/2004 4:15:50 AM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)
You will loose one of them with screw backs.
They are the least safe fittings

Hi Garry,
I was wondering why you believe this about screw backs?

I have a little over 1ct total weight diamond studs in white gold with screw backs and have never had a problem. I''ve worn them pretty much 24hrs a day for a couple of years. In fact, the only way I could convince hubby to buy them was the fact that I wouldn''t lose them due to the screw backs. Please tell me what the hidden danger is in this type of earring?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 12/5/2004 12:45:13 PM
Author: ericjmorgan
Thank you guys for your opinions; I really appreciate them. Is there anything more specific I could ask the Ebay sellers to ensure I''m not getting raked over the coals? I''m very nervous about buying from Ebay, but these appear to be good deals.

-Eric

Be sure the seller has an excellent return policy and doesn''t have any negative feedback from buyers who tried to return items.

 

[sdm]

I have white gold, martini setting diamond studs with the push back. I tried on the screw backs, but couldn''t even get some of them through the hole in my ear (ouch). Maybe it''s just my ear

I haven''t had any problems with the push back settings; as far as platinum, I''m glad I chose the white gold and saved some $$. My ring is platinum, but for earrings, I''m happy with the gold.

 

[snlee]

lop, what costco catalog are you referring to? Is it online? Is there a coupon? Were the ones for $325 or so Princess cut? Just wondering......

Garry, I have the same question as Libster. Wondering why you say screw backs are unsafe.

I didn''t do much research before buying my .25 tcw round diamond studs. I ended up buying screw backs and TWICE the backings have fallen off but I was in bed so (thank goodness!) it was easily found. Although the diamond earrings did stay in my ear since screw backs are a bit thicker and harder to get out. I thought screw backs were safer!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Exactly the problem - as they get older the thread wears (precious stuff is a lousy metals for threads) and with constant spinning as you brush your hair they eventually get lost.
Ask any old timer experianced retailer who regularly replaces 1 or more lost earring a month. There are other discussions here too.

Good strong butterflys with deep notches, or the push button fittings are far safer and easier to use.

 

[hoorray]

Date: 12/6/2004 2:32:14 AM
Author: snlee

lop, what costco catalog are you referring to? Is it online? Is there a coupon? Were the ones for $325 or so Princess cut? Just wondering......

Garry, I have the same question as Libster. Wondering why you say screw backs are unsafe.

I didn''t do much research before buying my .25 tcw round diamond studs. I ended up buying screw backs and TWICE the backings have fallen off but I was in bed so (thank goodness!) it was easily found. Although the diamond earrings did stay in my ear since screw backs are a bit thicker and harder to get out. I thought screw backs were safer!

I got a Costco catalog in the mail a couple of days ago. It is more of a promo thing than a full catalog, but they did have some princess cut earrings reduced from $395 to $325 that were in this size range. Unfortunately, I threw it away, so don''t have more details.

FWIW... I have the push button backs that Garry referred to, and they are very secure. I think mine are call "Guardian" backs.

 

[dani13]

Definitely go with the white gold, and bigger carat size. WG is fine for earrings. You dont need to spend the extra $$ on platinum in this case.

 

[yellowfan]

Hi Eric,

I just ordered studs from WinkJones.com. I think he could get you what your looking for. Wink and his wife Sheila are so nice to work with. This is my 3rd purchase from them. If you want to shop the clubs, go to Sams club or CostCo's, I have seen studs there too. I don't remember the prices though. You could look them up online. You have to be a member to shop at those stores. (or have a friend that has a membership) Best luck to you!

Lori/yellowfan


Edited to say: I chose the Jubilee over Princess cuts, and I chose the backs that Garry talked about. I currently own a set of round studs with screw backs and they do come undone from my hair. I luckily have not lost a stud but have lost the backs from them coming undone. They are from 1996.

 

[bradw]

I viewed the studs at Costco. They have the $399 pair which is .5cttw, I, I1 and they have a "certified" pair of .5cttw with better clarity and good/good polish/symmetry at like $568 I believe. There is a huge difference. The more expensive pair appeared to be twice as large as the "value" pair.

 

[snlee]

bradw, are you sure you saw I1 diamonds at Costco? They don''t carry anything that low.

I got this off their website:

What does “VS-2 clarity, I color, or better” mean?

Costco guarantees diamond clarity to be VS-2 (Very Slightly Included) and color to be I (Near Colorless) or better. To ensure our quality is never compromised and our orders are prompt, our vendors often supply us with higher quality diamonds. Our gemologists check every diamond to ensure our minimum quality is met.

 

[Mara]

I''d ask to make sure that the picture you are seeing from eBay vendor is the actual studs you will be getting. Also confirm via email that the studs are eye-clean, see what they say.

I like the 3rd pair, if you are going to get items with no further information other than ctw and color, clarity and cost, then go for the biggest and cheapest.

The 2nd look kind of dead to me and the first are a drawing as Val noted, so not really even a picture.

Lastly, I also feel platinum is a waste on earrings, esp since it does add extra cost and no one even sees them up close to notice anything. I have all platinum rings but diamond earrings are always wg.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 12/7/2004 5:37:53 PM
Author: Mara
I''d ask to make sure that the picture you are seeing from eBay vendor is the actual studs you will be getting. Also confirm via email that the studs are eye-clean, see what they say.

I like the 3rd pair, if you are going to get items with no further information other than ctw and color, clarity and cost, then go for the biggest and cheapest.

The 2nd look kind of dead to me and the first are a drawing as Val noted, so not really even a picture.

Lastly, I also feel platinum is a waste on earrings, esp since it does add extra cost and no one even sees them up close to notice anything. I have all platinum rings but diamond earrings are always wg.

My diamond earrings are platinum and if I ever purchase another pair I''ll buy WG this time around (unless, of course, funds are limitless)

You cannot tell the difference and the attention is meant to be directed toward ***the diamonds*** when it comes to simple studs, not the basket/martini setting, so why bother with spending more.

It''s weird that someone would draw a pair of earrings. How much time did that take? Why not take a photograph???

The real earrings must be quite a sight! lol

 

[ericjmorgan]

Thank you all so much for your advice (as a neophyte in the diamond world, I needed as much help as possible. I still have much to learn, but the forum has been amazingly educational). Anyway, I digress. I finally decided to go with pair #3, and I''ll let all of you know how they go over with the gf!

Cheers,
-Eric