Hi,
I'm searching for diamond stud earrings for my wife that are a combo birthday/10th anniversary gift.
I'm looking for something around 2 total carats, round shape, simple platinum setting with a la pousette (also called guardian?) backing or some other option that is secure. She plans on wearing these daily, has an active job, and has told me she doesnt trust the usual (friction?) backs. She would take screwbacks but I've read that those can be uncomfortable and not all that secure anyway?
I'm mildly informed regards to the 4Cs but don't have a good grasp on the other factors you find in GIA reports like crown, table, etc, and am not clear what I'm looking at on these idealscope images although I understand they are meant to indicate perhaps most accurately what a stone will shine like in person.
I've visited some local jewelers and seen some earrings in person and have pretty much decided to buy online due to the markups at the B&Ms.
When I looked at some diamonds in person, I was shown things ranging from stones that were pretty clearly included to me when I held it close and even moreso under the loupe, that the jeweler was selling as SI, which I did not like at all, although I understand you might not see these from the typical distance that earrings are observed. Another jeweler showed me 1.4ctw VS2 earrings that were imo outrageously priced compared to online vendors.
My main questions:
1) Assuming I can find a stone with appropriate/excellent cut for studs, what kind of crown/table parameters matter? I've seen people post stones that they think look nice (and I did too) only to have forum members resoundingly reject the stone due to these parameters.
2) What clarity is reasonable to require for earrings? I've seen most people suggest something in the SI to VS range that is "eye clean," but I have to admit when I'm examining them in the stores, I dislike the inclusions. When I browse the images at a site like James Allen, it seems like things in the VS1-VVS2 often lack many markings at all but is the general consensus that these are a waste for earrings?
3) Where to buy...I buy most everything online, although not many of the purchases fall into this price categorty. I like James Allen because I can "See" the diamonds, although I've seen reports of people receiving different diamonds than they ordered. I was tempted to just get studs from costco due to the unbeatable return policy and 0 hassle factor, but the fact they dont grade their stones is annoying for a purchase of this size. I'd be open to anywhere that isnt going to rip me off or be a huge pain to deal with.
Budget is enough I think I can get what I'm looking at when I browse bluenile, JA or even costco. I'd rather not spend more than $15k all inclusive (setting, stones, taxes, shipping etc) and it seems like there are a number of options considerably less than this in the 10-12k range.
Thanks for your help.
I'm searching for diamond stud earrings for my wife that are a combo birthday/10th anniversary gift.
I'm looking for something around 2 total carats, round shape, simple platinum setting with a la pousette (also called guardian?) backing or some other option that is secure. She plans on wearing these daily, has an active job, and has told me she doesnt trust the usual (friction?) backs. She would take screwbacks but I've read that those can be uncomfortable and not all that secure anyway?
I'm mildly informed regards to the 4Cs but don't have a good grasp on the other factors you find in GIA reports like crown, table, etc, and am not clear what I'm looking at on these idealscope images although I understand they are meant to indicate perhaps most accurately what a stone will shine like in person.
I've visited some local jewelers and seen some earrings in person and have pretty much decided to buy online due to the markups at the B&Ms.
When I looked at some diamonds in person, I was shown things ranging from stones that were pretty clearly included to me when I held it close and even moreso under the loupe, that the jeweler was selling as SI, which I did not like at all, although I understand you might not see these from the typical distance that earrings are observed. Another jeweler showed me 1.4ctw VS2 earrings that were imo outrageously priced compared to online vendors.
My main questions:
1) Assuming I can find a stone with appropriate/excellent cut for studs, what kind of crown/table parameters matter? I've seen people post stones that they think look nice (and I did too) only to have forum members resoundingly reject the stone due to these parameters.
2) What clarity is reasonable to require for earrings? I've seen most people suggest something in the SI to VS range that is "eye clean," but I have to admit when I'm examining them in the stores, I dislike the inclusions. When I browse the images at a site like James Allen, it seems like things in the VS1-VVS2 often lack many markings at all but is the general consensus that these are a waste for earrings?
3) Where to buy...I buy most everything online, although not many of the purchases fall into this price categorty. I like James Allen because I can "See" the diamonds, although I've seen reports of people receiving different diamonds than they ordered. I was tempted to just get studs from costco due to the unbeatable return policy and 0 hassle factor, but the fact they dont grade their stones is annoying for a purchase of this size. I'd be open to anywhere that isnt going to rip me off or be a huge pain to deal with.
Budget is enough I think I can get what I'm looking at when I browse bluenile, JA or even costco. I'd rather not spend more than $15k all inclusive (setting, stones, taxes, shipping etc) and it seems like there are a number of options considerably less than this in the 10-12k range.
Thanks for your help.
They'll be firecrackers IRL!
She is going to be thrilled!!!
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