Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best size?

[LLJsmom]

Hi Everyone,

I got bit by another bug, and have been trolling the diamond stud thread looking at everyone's gorgeous studs. I have always wanted to wear diamond studs. However, when I was a teen, I pierced my ears twice and both times they have grown back in. So, I gave up.

Now, I am inspired to try again. Not only because I want to finally to rock some awesome studs, but because I've hit this age where it's time to do what you want to, cause you ain't getting any younger.

So I am trying to figure out the perfect size and my options, and I need HELP!!

I have two options.

1. Buy studs from BGD or whiteflash, or even VC, who I just found out is coming up with an upgrade policy!! No joke. I emailed them yesterday and they said they are working on finalizing a policy and should have it up in a week or so. I would start mid-size and then pretty much know that I am upgrading in the future. I am thinking I would start with 1.5ctw, and eventually get up to 2 ctw. Thus, I need to buy from a retailer that has a good upgrade policy.
2. Buy one 1.1 (or so) carat to match my e-ring, which I would have set into an earring. This is my original e-ring that I set into a pendant. I discovered that I am not wearing it much at all. Maybe a couple of days a month. I know that as an earring, I would wear it at least 3-4 days a week. My only hesitation is whether this would be disrespectful to my DH since he bought that for me as an e-ring and now I would not be kinda giving it the attention it deserves such as wearing it as a solitaire piece. I don't think he would care either way. Maybe I just need to get over it. If I bought a 1.1 carat, I probably would not be upgrading for a while.

So I have read that people say the size depends on the size of the earlobe. But others have ones that are definitely big in proportion to the earlobe, but no issues. I don't know what is considered big (except the obvious 2+ caraters / ear ones), and what is appropriate for daily wear. So I glue-dotted my 1.1 carat pendant to my ear to get an idea, and took some pictures...

Honestly, I like how this size looks. It's bigger than I would have picked if I was at a store, but I don't think it's too big to look inappropriate. I don't think it's too big for daily wear, but maybe it is? I haven't worn earrings in over 20 years so I don't know. What do you all think? I posted the pictures below. I don't know if my lobes are big or small or in between. I can't tell when I look at people's pictures either.

And also, can you all tell me if DSS sinks in as quickly with studs as it does with a ring? If I get 1.5ctw, will I get DSS super fast and then just end up trying to upgrade right away? Then I might as well go for buying the 1.1 to match my e-ring/pendant...

Lastly, the cost of buying a tcw of 1.5 and one 1.1 is pretty close, about $1K difference.

I would appreciate any feedback, any experiences to share. Thank you so much!!









Please ignore the loop hanging off the pendant!

 

[susanrachel28]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I love diamond studs! I wear them everyday, mainly because it's one of the few options I have being in the military. The largest diamond I can wear in my ear is 4mm which is what, like .2 carat? It's tiny but I made sure I got the best quality and the sparkle is amazing. makes me feel like a girl. As for your size, I think the idea of matching your ering is great! My husband wouldn't care, he'd just be glad it was being worn

 

[heididdl]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

The 1.1 looks like great size for your ear....

 

[LaraOnline]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I like that size. You're giving me ideas

 

[Snowdrop13]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

Great way to test out diamond size! That does look fab, I must say. FWIW, I have 2 pairs of studs- one is a teeny 0.33ctw but quite sparkly for wearing to work (healthcare setting) and the other is a 1ctw certified set for all other occasions. I have weirdly small earlobes tho and couldn't get away with anything bigger........

 

[baby monster]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

That size looks great on your ear. I wear 1ct per ear on daily basis so it's a perfect size.

 

[motownmama]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

That size looks really good on you! I think mine are .65 each - I do wear them 24/7 - even to sleep. I just think they always look good and that way they never risk getting lost.

 

[iluvshinythings]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I think that size looks good on you.

I love my studs! I tried on several sizes and decided that 1.5 ct TW is about right for the size of my lobes but I ended up buying smaller than that and getting great quality. I admit I have a little bit of DSS though. I think the best size varies by the person. I really like the size of that 1.1 ct on you though.

 

[GreenBling]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

The size looks great on you! I did option 2. My DH is actually happy that I found a way to fall in love again with the former e-ring.

 

[distracts]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

And also, can you all tell me if DSS sinks in as quickly with studs as it does with a ring? If I get 1.5ctw, will I get DSS super fast and then just end up trying to upgrade right away? Then I might as well go for buying the 1.1 to match my e-ring/pendant...

I thought 1 cttw would be my "forever" diamond stud size. 5mm looks pretty big in colored stones. But the studs I bought a couple weeks ago are 1.2 cttw and I could definitely go bigger... I am thinking I'll save up and in a few years upgrade to 1.5 or 2 cttw (realistically, probably 1.5 since I want AVRs). And I have tiiiiny earlobes.

The way I look at it is that people wear gigantic CZ studs all the time, and no one is going to know your diamond studs aren't fake unless you tell them, so rock it! And get the locking backs so you don't worry about losing them.

Oh and if your ears aren't pierced and you're going to pierce them again, go to a tattoo parlour that'll pierce them with 16ga and put 16ga starter studs in them. It'll make a bigger hole so it'll be harder to close up.

 

[tweeter8177]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I love the 1.1 on your ear and your creativity with tape is great! I wear 1.5 ct in each ear on a daily basis and don't remotely feel they are too big!

 

[LaraOnline]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I love the 1.1 on your ear and your creativity with tape is great! I wear 1.5 ct in each ear on a daily basis and don't remotely feel they are too big!

Ooh I would love to see a pic! I bet they look amazing...

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

And also, can you all tell me if DSS sinks in as quickly with studs as it does with a ring? If I get 1.5ctw, will I get DSS super fast and then just end up trying to upgrade right away? Then I might as well go for buying the 1.1 to match my e-ring/pendant...

I thought 1 cttw would be my "forever" diamond stud size. 5mm looks pretty big in colored stones. But the studs I bought a couple weeks ago are 1.2 cttw and I could definitely go bigger... I am thinking I'll save up and in a few years upgrade to 1.5 or 2 cttw (realistically, probably 1.5 since I want AVRs). And I have tiiiiny earlobes.

The way I look at it is that people wear gigantic CZ studs all the time, and no one is going to know your diamond studs aren't fake unless you tell them, so rock it! And get the locking backs so you don't worry about losing them.

Oh and if your ears aren't pierced and you're going to pierce them again, go to a tattoo parlour that'll pierce them with 16ga and put 16ga starter studs in them. It'll make a bigger hole so it'll be harder to close up.

Hi distracts, thanks for the great practical advice.

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

Hi everyone. Thank you for letting me know. I will let you all know how the ear piercing goes. I want to get it done to celebrate running the Marine Corp Marathon.

 

[m-2-b]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I personally wear 4+ctw studs on a daily basis (worked my way up from 1.5ctw studs). My suggestion would be to match your 1.1ct w/ a new diamond and then add some delicate halo jackets if DSS sets in!

 

[texaskj]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

With ears, it's all about the millimeters. Go get some cheapies and experiment.
I've seen women with studs that hang below their earlobes, which would drive me nuts.
Do you ever think you'll want second holes, third holes? My second hole on the left ear keeps me down to 1/2 carat for the first one.
You're great with the tape!

 

[marcy]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

LLJsmom, I think that size looks good on you but it is a personal preference. I have small earlobes and I don't like anything larger than 5 mm on me; most of my studs are 4 mm. Did you go try on assorted sizes at a jewelry store? Have fun shopping.

 

[LaraOnline]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I personally wear 4+ctw studs on a daily basis (worked my way up from 1.5ctw studs). My suggestion would be to match your 1.1ct w/ a new diamond and then add some delicate halo jackets if DSS sets in!

Mom2boys, it would be interesting to see a photographic representation of your 'journey'...
I am just at the 'baby steps stage of considering my first diamond studs, and I really don't know which way to go size wise.
OP's 1.1 looks really good on her!

I personally was thinking about starting out at 0.75 a side, but tbh I'm uncertain.
Maybe start and finish at 1 carat a side?

I love the bigger Hollywood look, but not sure how that would go down in my little regional place!

 

[dk168]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

OP,

I believe the 1.1ct looks good on your ear, and this is what I would do if I were in your situation.

Match the existing 1.1ct with another 1.1ct stone to make a pair of earrings, and have them set in a suitable setting so that they can be worn with earring jackets.

Then get a pair of earring jackets to start with, and add more jackets in different designs later if desired.

This way, the studs can be worn on their own during the day, and extra sparkles can be added for the evenings by adding a pair of jackets.

Enjoy your earrings, whatever you decide.

DK

 

[Rena7]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I tried out several sizes in czs and found that I really love a 1ctw. Now I've had my pair for several years and they are still the perfect size for me. No dss with those. I do think that 1.1 looks perfect on you. If I were you I would try to get a match for it. You might never feel the need to upgrade since that is a really nice size.

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

With ears, it's all about the millimeters. Go get some cheapies and experiment.
I've seen women with studs that hang below their earlobes, which would drive me nuts.
Do you ever think you'll want second holes, third holes? My second hole on the left ear keeps me down to 1/2 carat for the first one.
You're great with the tape!

Hi Texaskj, thanks for that visual. I never thought about the weight issue. But clearly I have not worn earrings for a long time. If the whole ear piercing thing works out I will do the fake thing test drive. Thanks!!

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

OP,

I believe the 1.1ct looks good on your ear, and this is what I would do if I were in your situation.

Match the existing 1.1ct with another 1.1ct stone to make a pair of earrings, and have them set in a suitable setting so that they can be worn with earring jackets.

Then get a pair of earring jackets to start with, and add more jackets in different designs later if desired.

This way, the studs can be worn on their own during the day, and extra sparkles can be added for the evenings by adding a pair of jackets.

Enjoy your earrings, whatever you decide.

DK

Hi DK , thanks for the practical advice. I always assumed that 1.1 would be too big if anything. I never thought I would think I would need something bigger. I didn't know what earring jackets were until I looked it up. They're pretty fabulous!! Do all studs accommodate earri g jackets?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I certainly think 1 ct stones are appropriate with the size of your e-ring and for daily wear. But, I have to say that unless your original diamond is ideal cut (or GIA Ex), I would have it recut and then match the other stone. It would drive me nuts to not have the stones match, and I surely wouldn't buy less than ideal cut for the newly purchased stone. I have my original 1 ct diamond but it is not cut well enough that I'd be happy using it, and it would lose too much weight to recut. So I will say that a lot depends on the cut of the current diamond. I also see nothing wrong with the .75 stones and buy halo jackets for those when you want more bling. I do not really think you have room for jackets with the 1.1 ct stone.

 

[jill_s]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

To answer your question, yes, DSS sets in very quickly even with studs! My vote is to get another stone to match your 1.1 - that size looks perfect in your ear. I can't remember who said this (I think it may have been diamondseeker or yssie), but she said that she wasn't totally happy with her studs until they totaled the approximately carat weight of their center ering stones. I COMPLETELY agree.

I originally started out with 1ctw studs that I immediately felt were too small. Within just a few months, I moved up to 1.65ctw which I wore and liked, but still felt they were too small. When I finally upgraded to my 2.41ctw, it felt just perfect! My center stone is 2.40, so the studs look like the perfect complimenting size. I will say that I have big earlobes, so I think my 2.4ctw studs look more like 2ctw. Either way, they are blingy enough that they are visible with my hair down, but they really sparkle when my hair is pulled back.

You may have mentioned this, but how do you like the 1.1? Now that you've seen it in your ear (and assuming that you liked the size), I think to get anything smaller would be disappointing, that is unless you thought the 1.1 was ridiculously too big!

I can't wait to see what you decide!

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

Thanks everyone for your varying experiences and opinions. It's so great to hear all kinds of perspectives. So today I am actually going to get the piercing done. My 8 year old daughter might consider it but she has a very LOW pain threshold, thoroughly wimpy like her mommy. . I think I will be required to get the standard mall 14 carat starters. I don't know if they can use anything else. I think I might be allergic since my holes never healed up when I was young. But who knows?? Maybe it was only because I was irresponsible about cleaning.

So my dilemma is a timing issue thing. My poor DH is at the end of his rope with me b/c I keep bring up new stuff I wanna buy. Assuming the ear heals up well, I think I probably will want to have the 1.1 in each ear. But, I know I do not have the funds to buy it now. I already have projects that will use up my 2013 funds. My goal is to have it for Christmas 2014. In the meantime,what do I do??!

1. Buy a much smaller set .7-.75 ctw from WF and upgrade over time?? If I have to upgrade 2 diamonds up to 1.1 each, that will take a long time, probably 3-4 years. This at least allows me to wear small studs for the time being. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. Will I live the small studs and stick with smaller? Or will it bug me because I've seen how the big studs look and I will think they are two small. It was Jill who mentioned this and I can totally see that happening.

2. Suck it up for a year and wear non- diamond earrings until I have the funds for what I want.

3. An idea just came to me this morning. I literally have half a set of earrings. So I could find a 1 carat CZ and set it in 14 carat gold and set the other one and wear it for a year. My DH totally laughed at me saying that I would mix up the two stones and do some stupid s*** like get rid of the real one and keep the fake one. So am I losing my mind?? That ensures I don't waste money on what I don't really want and let's me have the mental space to save up for a year.

4. Lastly, a gem show is coming in November and I know that I will be able to find some really good deals on decent diamonds (prob not spectacular), and buy something under 1 ctw for the time being. If it as under $1k, my DH might not divorce me. What would be a good deal for under $1k, I mean in terms of size, color and clarity??

What would you guys do?? Argh!! Too many options!! Help!!!!!

 

[LLJsmom]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I certainly think 1 ct stones are appropriate with the size of your e-ring and for daily wear. But, I have to say that unless your original diamond is ideal cut (or GIA Ex), I would have it recut and then match the other stone. It would drive me nuts to not have the stones match, and I surely wouldn't buy less than ideal cut for the newly purchased stone. I have my original 1 ct diamond but it is not cut well enough that I'd be happy using it, and it would lose too much weight to recut. So I will say that a lot depends on the cut of the current diamond. I also see nothing wrong with the .75 stones and buy halo jackets for those when you want more bling. I do not really think you have room for jackets with the 1.1 ct stone.

DS, your comment really made me think. My current 1.1 is so old that they did not even list the three categories of cut on the GIA report. I just know the cut is Very Good. It's very sparkly to me, as sparkly as the 3x ering, but that may be because the ering stone is much bigger than the 1.1. If I bought a new stone, I would want to get it from BGD or WF. If at that point I noticed that the 1.1 is way less sparkly, I could have BGD recut it right? I would not want it to go under 1.0. I wonder if that would even be possible. And I wonder if my DH would be hurt since that was our original stone?? But your comment is definitely something to consider...

Do you know of PSers who have had their stones recut for better performance?

 

[heididdl]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

To answer your question, yes, DSS sets in very quickly even with studs! My vote is to get another stone to match your 1.1 - that size looks perfect in your ear. I can't remember who said this (I think it may have been diamondseeker or yssie), but she said that she wasn't totally happy with her studs until they totaled the approximately carat weight of their center ering stones. I COMPLETELY agree.

I originally started out with 1ctw studs that I immediately felt were too small. Within just a few months, I moved up to 1.65ctw which I wore and liked, but still felt they were too small. When I finally upgraded to my 2.41ctw, it felt just perfect! My center stone is 2.40, so the studs look like the perfect complimenting size. I will say that I have big earlobes, so I think my 2.4ctw studs look more like 2ctw. Either way, they are blingy enough that they are visible with my hair down, but they really sparkle when my hair is pulled back.

You may have mentioned this, but how do you like the 1.1? Now that you've seen it in your ear (and assuming that you liked the size), I think to get anything smaller would be disappointing, that is unless you thought the 1.1 was ridiculously too big!

I can't wait to see what you decide!

Love my 2.41 studs my ering is 3.66 and studs that size would be way to large. But I guess you have to draw the line somewhere

 

[heididdl]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

Since your getting your ears pierced for the first time It might make sense to start the old envelope system an squirrel money away for a year. Your 1.1 very good cut earring is just fine for studs since you already have the one earring. As stated you have other projects. So let your ears wear starters for the year of hoops after healing an then save the bu cks for the matching earring

 

[distracts]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

Thanks everyone for your varying experiences and opinions. It's so great to hear all kinds of perspectives. So today I am actually going to get the piercing done. My 8 year old daughter might consider it but she has a very LOW pain threshold, thoroughly wimpy like her mommy. . I think I will be required to get the standard mall 14 carat starters. I don't know if they can use anything else. I think I might be allergic since my holes never healed up when I was young. But who knows?? Maybe it was only because I was irresponsible about cleaning.

re: aftercare, this stuff:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009F79EQ/
SERIOUSLY.

Cut a cotton ball in half, saturate it in the H2Ocean, pull it apart, and wrap around your ear. I had half inch steel studs with balls on the end so I could snip a little hole in each side and hang it on the earring, lol. I let it sit 10 minutes three times a day. Before I got that, my left ear just would not heal and it was really awful. Once I got that, it healed right up. Even with that, I went another two months before I could comfortably change earrings. Altogether, from when I first got my ears pierced to when I could comfortably change out earrings it was a year and a month (I had to let the left one grow in and then get it repierced because they didn't match and it drove me crazy). By which time I could afford to buy antique 1.2 cttw diamond earrings without getting the husband involved, lol.

I like idea #3, getting the CZ one. You could always have your jeweler engrave the one that has the CZ in it so you'll know which one it is.

I think you could definitely get .7ish cttw for under 1k at the gem show, especially if looking at antiques. I'd just look and see what catches your fancy.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help, diamond stud wearers! What is too big, or best si

I certainly think 1 ct stones are appropriate with the size of your e-ring and for daily wear. But, I have to say that unless your original diamond is ideal cut (or GIA Ex), I would have it recut and then match the other stone. It would drive me nuts to not have the stones match, and I surely wouldn't buy less than ideal cut for the newly purchased stone. I have my original 1 ct diamond but it is not cut well enough that I'd be happy using it, and it would lose too much weight to recut. So I will say that a lot depends on the cut of the current diamond. I also see nothing wrong with the .75 stones and buy halo jackets for those when you want more bling. I do not really think you have room for jackets with the 1.1 ct stone.

DS, your comment really made me think. My current 1.1 is so old that they did not even list the three categories of cut on the GIA report. I just know the cut is Very Good. It's very sparkly to me, as sparkly as the 3x ering, but that may be because the ering stone is much bigger than the 1.1. If I bought a new stone, I would want to get it from BGD or WF. If at that point I noticed that the 1.1 is way less sparkly, I could have BGD recut it right? I would not want it to go under 1.0. I wonder if that would even be possible. And I wonder if my DH would be hurt since that was our original stone?? But your comment is definitely something to consider...

Do you know of PSers who have had their stones recut for better performance?

Yes!!! Have it recut! I have no idea what weight it would be because it depends on how well cut it is now. He would evaluate it before doing anything. It would still be the stone your husband gave you, just better! Such as if you get a new haircut or color your hair or lose weight! It's still you!

Seriously, though, I was given a 1 ct diamond that had once belonged to my great grandmother and then went to my mother. The cut was pretty bad although it looked fine in a ring. I sent it to BG because I wanted it to be ideal cut before I would reset and wear it. Because the cut was pretty bad, it went from 1.0 to .80. You are lucky because yours is 1.1 and you have a little room to work with. I am sure he'd try to keep it above 1 ct, but worst case scenario, if it went to .90 or .95, you wouldn't have to spend as much on the matched stone!

To your other question, under no circumstances would I buy a smaller pair of diamonds to wear while you save for the new diamond. I'd buy a pair of matching cz studs to wear until you buy the match and then have your old stone set at the same time. I would not try to wear one diamond and one cz. You'd come out cheaper just buying the temp pair with cz's.

You probably have already gotten the ear pierced by now, but when they did my daughter's ear, they used surgical stainless steel. I would not use white gold if you were allergic before. (Or I may have misread that)