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Flower Cluster Earrings or Diamond Studs or something else?

tfc_diamondlvr

tfc_diamondlvr

Shiny_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 6, 2017
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232
Hello folks!
So, my wedding is coming up on August 4th!
I don't have any earrings to wear and I figure I could invest in one pair that will have enough presence on my wedding day, but carry me forward to wearing for a looooong time!

I should also say that my budget is around $2 - 3K if I'm not getting a brand name with a recognizable style. Even my jeweler was talking about VCA and she was saying that although she can get diamonds on par with the brands, the labor is very different. I can testify to that with my diamond band setting. It looks totally different than the Tiffany one (which is too bad, but that's life).

I was looking at getting the Tiffany Victoria earrings in a medium or large size pre-loved. However, it seems that the costs are still a bit too high (around $5 - 8k cdn).

https://www.oliverjewellery.ca/products/tiffany-co-victoria-collection-diamond-earrings?variant=28428390347&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIksyv44PO2wIVDr7ACh0bGwPJEAQYAiABEgJH4vD_BwE

Then I was thinking maybe I'd get the vintage Alhambra VCA diamond earrings. But those were too high pre-loved as well (around $9k cdn).

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Van-Cleef-Arpels-Vintage-Alhambra-Earrings-with-Diamonds-18k-White-Gold/162778386585?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

So, I was at my jewelers to pick up my diamond ring in its new setting and I was looking at some of the earrings she had. I tried on the flower cluster earrings she had and they looked quite pretty on my ear.

For 2.34 cts she was selling them for around $4k cdn (Si quality). For 3.65 cts (vs1 quality) she wanted around $6.8k cdn.

I saw a few on ebay that I was considering:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/3-50-ct-natural-14-DIAMOND-flower-cluster-stud-earrings-14k-white-GOLD-12-MM/332652551734?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/7400-CERTIFIED-14K-WHITE-GOLD-2-75CT-DIAMOND-EARRINGS/263749982480?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Or something different?
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Platinum-4-23ct-Round-Marquise-Pear-Diamond-Flower-Cluster-Earrings-Omega-Backs/292073733008?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

I saw these at one of the pawn shops in my area for around $3.6k (I'd probably negotiate down to 2.5k if I decide to purchase them (that's if they still have them). It's around 2.34 ctw

20180507_114400.jpg
Or, should I just try to find the largest diamond studs I can afford and go with those?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I need to make a decision soon :)
My dress is a strapless Vera Wang gown, so I've been told to get some earrings that pack a punch.
 
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I :love: the marquise/pear/flower ones, to me they look more weddingy IYKWIM. BUT with any large purchase, I think you need to decide what you’ll wear the most after the wedding.

I’m sure the V&A lovers will say go for the Alhambra’s, they’re beautiful and classic.

What a dilemma! Sorry, I’ve been of no help whatsoever :D
 
What style is your dress? Is there a theme for the wedding? Are any stone/colors culturally important or off limits?

I was lucky enough to borrow my mom's very blingy diamond and sapphire earrings for my wedding. You know what? I'm glad I did not spend a lot of money on my own earrings. You really don't notice earring in most of the photos, except the portrait shots. So, I'd buy earring to wear for your lifetime, not just for this event.

Do you have nice diamond studs? If so, I'd get jackets ..that way, you can change-up the look as you want and for different occasions. If you don't have nice studs, you could put most of your budget into them and add jackets to them (even costume for the 1-day wedding event). You could work with IDJ or any number of vendors to make nice dangles you could add if you want them to be all diamonds or gemstones.

You could have drops added as jackets to the studs like these.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-18ctw-vintage-old-european-cut-diamond-buttercup-drop-earrings
 

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I too would get something that you could get a lot of wear out of after the wedding (unless you already have standard earrings that you already wear daily).
Not knowing what your dress looks like and how big of earrings you need to get the look you're going for...my choice would be studs with dangle DBTY.

Like for example these stones
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...etails.aspx?Diamond1=2145445&Diamond2=3189835

In this setting
https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/8-prong-martini-diamond-earrings-1548.htm

Have them make these as dangles (instead of pierced)
https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/whiteflash-by-the-yard-diamond-earrings-1067.htm

That brings you in around $3300 with some nice studs that you can wear (and upgrade in the future) plus DBTY dangles that
you can wear for fancier occasions.

If you dont like dbty dangles, my second choice would probably be some cluster earrings (made by a vendor you trust).

Edit...I also like rockysals idea of studs with jackets.
 
A pair of nice earring jackets with a pearl stud?
 
I'd second Rockysalamander and the idea of the studs and jacket. Studs are such a classic look, you can wear them for years to come.
 
I agree. You'll get so much use out of studs and you can dress them up with jackets.
 
Austina said:
I :love: the marquise/pear/flower ones, to me they look more weddingy IYKWIM. BUT with any large purchase, I think you need to decide what you’ll wear the most after the wedding.

I’m sure the V&A lovers will say go for the Alhambra’s, they’re beautiful and classic.

What a dilemma! Sorry, I’ve been of no help whatsoever :D
Click to expand...

Haha!
Yes, I figure the folks who covet brands will be on here to persuade me in one direction or the other :D
I agree that getting something more practical would be the best route for me ATM!
Thanks for your input!

rockysalamander said:
What style is your dress? Is there a theme for the wedding? Are any stone/colors culturally important or off limits?

I was lucky enough to borrow my mom's very blingy diamond and sapphire earrings for my wedding. You know what? I'm glad I did not spend a lot of money on my own earrings. You really don't notice earring in most of the photos, except the portrait shots. So, I'd buy earring to wear for your lifetime, not just for this event.

Do you have nice diamond studs? If so, I'd get jackets ..that way, you can change-up the look as you want and for different occasions. If you don't have nice studs, you could put most of your budget into them and add jackets to them (even costume for the 1-day wedding event). You could work with IDJ or any number of vendors to make nice dangles you could add if you want them to be all diamonds or gemstones.

You could have drops added as jackets to the studs like these.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-18ctw-vintage-old-european-cut-diamond-buttercup-drop-earrings
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm definitely now considering jackets a large diamond stud.
Is it possible to find jackets that have larger diamonds around it? I don't know if I'm a fan of a micro pave or smaller diamonds. What are your thoughts?

The problem is I wonder if it's much less expensive to purchase pre-loved than new. If that's the case, than I'll try and hunt down something adequate for my needs.

Sadly, I don't have any suitable earrings to wear for the wedding. Nor does my mother. That's why I'm looking at getting something. At first I was going to buy some nice costume jewelry, but by the time I factor in those costs, I figure I might as well get something I'll actually wear again. *at least that's my excuse to get new jewels*
Any pre-loved suggestions? Feel free to send ideas my way!

Thanks for your lovely input! I appreciate it!

My dress is this one here:
vera dress back.jpg
p-100593-Vera_Wang_Lindsey_120413_Discount_Designer_Wedding_Dress.jpg

tyty333 said:
I too would get something that you could get a lot of wear out of after the wedding (unless you already have standard earrings that you already wear daily).
Not knowing what your dress looks like and how big of earrings you need to get the look you're going for...my choice would be studs with dangle DBTY.

Like for example these stones
https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-di...etails.aspx?Diamond1=2145445&Diamond2=3189835

In this setting
https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/8-prong-martini-diamond-earrings-1548.htm

Have them make these as dangles (instead of pierced)
https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/whiteflash-by-the-yard-diamond-earrings-1067.htm

That brings you in around $3300 with some nice studs that you can wear (and upgrade in the future) plus DBTY dangles that
you can wear for fancier occasions.

If you dont like dbty dangles, my second choice would probably be some cluster earrings (made by a vendor you trust).

Edit...I also like rockysals idea of studs with jackets.
Click to expand...

I like the idea of the DBTY dangles! I was actually looking at different versions of this online on ebay. Even some of the Tiffany creations have the same type of vibe! Thanks for the suggestions!
I'd like to get larger diamond studs, so perhaps pre-loved is my best route! I'm all about the impact bling if it's going to show up for photos :lol-2::lol-2:

Queenie60 said:
A pair of nice earring jackets with a pearl stud?
Click to expand...

I might actually look into that too! The earring jackets is something I never thought about before. It seems to be very versatile!

Diamond_Hawk said:
I'd second Rockysalamander and the idea of the studs and jacket. Studs are such a classic look, you can wear them for years to come.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip! I think I'm going to start hunting for some good options and post on here to get some feedback!

JLW05 said:
I agree. You'll get so much use out of studs and you can dress them up with jackets.
Click to expand...

I love that I can dress up the studs with a variety of different jackets! I'm going to start paying closer attention to people's studs to see if they're wearing jackets too. Do the jackets fit flush with the studs? Is it obvious that you're wearing a jacket on them?

twang07 said:
My vote for studs! very wearable 100% of the time and fab!
Click to expand...

Cool!
I was leaning towards studs, but I wasn't sure what looked cuter!
 
I'm looking at prices for studs....I don't know if I can find something in my price range that'll give me the same presence as the flower cluster. However, I'm really seeing the advantage to studs with nice jackets :)

Feel free to offer suggestions. I'm looking at flower clusters around 2.34 - 3 ctw if that gives you an idea about presence on an ear :D
 
Your dress is gorgeous @tfc_diamondlvr - you’re going to be one stunning bride!
 
Austina said:
Your dress is gorgeous @tfc_diamondlvr - you’re going to be one stunning bride!
Click to expand...

Thanks so much!
I do regret purchasing the dress. I brought my bridesmaids with me, which it turns out was a really bad idea. They definitely enabled me and I didn't hold out on my budget.

Looking back, even though I got a good deal, I could have saved a lot more cash, bought pre-loved and allocated those funds for some pretty jewels!
Oh well, live and learn!
 
Your dress is utterly stunning! But I think you'll need something more than just plain studs. Small plain studs are quite a casual look, and your dress is seriously va va VOOM - so I think you'll need something with more presence, or you'll look undressed above the shoulders, if you know what I mean.

I used to have diamond jackets which fit 7mm hanadama akoya pearls. My best friend wore then to her wedding a few years ago and they were perfect. She now wears the pearls to work, adds the jackets when she wants something with more punch, and is saving up for a pair of 1.5ctw studs, which she will bezel set and which will fit the jackets perfectly. That's what I call versatile!

Are you looking for white or yellow gold?
 
Another option. Get the best studs within your budget as a wedding gift to yourself. Then get statement earrings from a department store to wear on the wedding day.
 
My mom has an antique set of convertible earrings. There are studs (sapphire and diamond) and then a set of jackets and dangles. The dangles can be attached to the jackets, so you can wear them stacked together. She has had additional dangles commissioned to expand the set. I found this image online that is quite similar to her original set if you ignore the french hook. There is an additional dangle that has sapphires.

So, when I said "jackets", I had this in mind.

863da47054debf4f8decd6124e51401e.jpg


https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/ear...option-convertible-drop-earrings/id-j_758162/

You could also get a lot with gemstones...
http://bounkit.com/earrings/blue-quartz-moonstone-convertible-earrings/
http://bounkit.com/earrings/sterling-silver-4-in-1-pearl-clear-quartz-earrings/
http://bounkit.com/earrings/clear-quartz-lemon-quartz-baroque-pearl-4-in-1-earrings/
http://bounkit.com/earrings/clear-quartz-2-in-1-tear-earrings/
http://bounkit.com/earrings/mother-of-pearl-labradorite-4-in-1-earrings/
 
Hi! Congratulations to you and your dress is very lovely.
If you want to wear something classic, may I suggest big pearl studs? I like the elegance of big pearls studs. My opinion is for that dress, diamond studs will fade into the background and will be viewed as "boring/everyday". Also, in my humble opinion, I do not view diamonds studs as 'special occasion" anymore. Perhaps they were in the past, but it seems everyone wears their diamonds studs for everyday. I think big pearl earrings really stand out more to me.

But my real suggestion... do you have to go with fine jewelry for your wedding? Are you okay with getting a nice pair of fashion earrings? If yes, I would do that and spend the money on something special as your wedding gift to yourself that you will wear all the time. If you like this idea, I like your ideas and your suggestion for your real gift would be the Victoria in Medium (great for everyday) or VCA as you had suggested earlier. Those are great pieces, and you will wear them long after your wedding and remember they were your special gift to yourself.

Best wishes to you!
 
You're getting a lot of suggestions here, so I wanted to ask if any particular direction appeals to you?

In the meantime, here's a photo of my pearl studs with jackets that my best friend wore on her wedding day.

ETA And, seriously, check out the luster on those pearls! They're hanadamas from Pearl Paradise.

IMG_2309.jpg
 
Studs. Update with jackets or add on dangles later. Love pearls and diamonds for a wedding.
 
Second the vote for something fashion and studs for yourself. I got a pair of smaller studs for my wedding but I had a pretty casual wedding dress whereas yours is very fab (and beautiful BTW)! But yeah studs won't be big and blingy with the budget, maybe in jackets but maybe that's not enough bling still. Fashion might be your best bet and you can get killer studs for daily wear with the leftover!
 
Queenie60 said:
A pair of nice earring jackets with a pearl stud?
Click to expand...


Love this idea! Sizeable pearls with diamond jackets. You could later add diamond studs to wear with the jackets. It seems versatile and very bridal at the same time.
 
I saw that these were listed by a PSer recently if you were looking for dangles...I could totally see taking the bottom clusters and make them into studs!
 
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