first diamond studs

[PurelyEssential]

Hello community,
I've been lurking on this forum for a while and I must say, it's been a really helpful resource. I've been looking to buy some diamond studs for my girlfriend's birthday. Being a college student, my budget is kind of low ($500) and places like Whiteflash and BG just seem unaffordable for me right now. Ideal cut diamonds look freaking amazing, but I think that's something I have to save for later on in life. Which cut should I go for?? I'm looking for a good mix of size and quality.

I checked out BlueNile and came across these http://www.bluenile.com/princess-cut-diamond-18k-white-gold-stud-earrings_4786?track=po

What do you guys think? Thanks for the help.

 

[JulieN]

Get small rounds.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/4-prong-basket-diamond-earrings-319.htm

 

[VRBeauty]

Get small rounds.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/4-prong-basket-diamond-earrings-319.htm

I agree. They're less total carat weight, but most women will consider rounds to be more wearable and a more classic look.

 

[VRBeauty]

Try IDJ - you can get .4 tcw, J-K SI, set in 14k baskets for $540.

http://idjewelryonline.com/ncdiadet...prong=val1&metal=W&backing=F&numb=P&carat=0.4

 

[Smith1942]

Blue Nile does round ones too, carat weight 0.31. At this size I think you will see the difference between 0.25 and 0.31. Agree that round is a better bet than square.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-earrings-white-gold_5150?track=po

 

[Smith1942]

Alternatively, you could get round BN ones at 0.25 carat weight but set in platinum and F colour VS2 for your budget:

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-earrings_36503?track=po


OR, H VS2 in platinum for slightly less: http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-earrings-platinum_132?track=po


This way, although they're small, they'd be better quality: platinum, high colour/clarity.


You can get 10% off any of these prices which will bring you down to your $500 budget. Let me just hunt for a coupon code...

 

[Smith1942]

OK mateypegs, I have found you a DEAL!

https://secure.bluenile.com/basket.html

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-earrings_36503?track=po


0.25ctw, platinum, round, F, VS2, with Very Good Cut - just one below Ideal - and with screwbacks, coming in at $499.50 with the discount coupon.

This is the coupon to enter, if you happen to decide that you want them. Works site-wide on BN at the moment: WA10J15. Note: the third and fourth characters are numbers not letters.

The screwbacks can be awkward to take in and out but they offer maximum security and mean that she can do everything in them and won't lose one - shower, sleep, play sports.

ETA: I've just looked at all the other pre-set studs on BN and these "premium" ones are the only ones that have Very Good cut instead of Good. Since cut is the only thing that matters when it comes to sparkle, these might well be your best bet. They are smaller than the 0.31s, but the higher sparkle will make the diamond appear bigger. And she is bound to be impressed with the fact they're platinum, F, etc.

Be aware that all diamonds of .12.5 - 0.15 each ARE very small in real life, although they will look bigger when they're actually on the ear due to their light performance. Just didn't want you to get a shock when you open the box! If you bought them and didn't like them, BN offers very smooth returns - I've done it loads of times.