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Help find 2 diamonds for ~4ctw, dream studs!

M

mkd79

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 22, 2022
Messages
9
Hello! Long time lurker on these forums, but I am finally ready to pull the trigger and make my dream diamond studs.

Could all of you wise posters help a newbie find the perfect diamonds to purchase? I've looked online for hours and have tried to educate myself, but can't seem to choose which 2 stones to purchase:

Size: I am looking for 2ct or slightly under per stone, for 4ctw
Look: I've gone to higher end stores like Graff and HW and tried on their studs. I am attracted to ones that have a brilliant sparkle but lay flat-er against the ear and don't jut out as much

Budget: I am very flexible and want to buy the best stones possible. I had originally saved up to buy mined stones, but decided to go with lab as the ones I've seen look absolutely spectacular in person. It's been a tough year personally and I want something to remember this time in my life as a memento and a fresh start!

Bonus points if someone can recommend someone who specializes in high-end platinum or white gold settings!

Thank you!
 
Frank Darling gets great reviews here for their settings, though I haven't heard much about their stud settings.

frankdarling.com

diamond-LGA992615JA | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.
frankdarling.com frankdarling.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com www.gcalusa.com

frankdarling.com

diamond-LGA644420JA | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.
frankdarling.com frankdarling.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com www.gcalusa.com
 
mkd79 said:
Thank you! I will definitely check it out!

What do people think about these?

They are 1.80, but I am ok going under 2 cts in each year if the sparkle and quality is able to go up. What do you think of the proportions?


Click to expand...

I think you can do better than these stones in terms of cut quality and proportions. I would also recommend, if you want the best stones possible, to stick with HPHT as long as there's no blue nuance. Let me take a look through Ritani's search results.
 
Here are some pairs for you to take a look at.

1.85 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond D Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.85 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut D Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG530213149
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

1.85 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond D Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.85 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut D Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG528239228
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

1.85 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.85 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG529267664
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

1.87 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.87 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG529279497
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG526279009
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG551277226
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

1.91 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond D Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.91 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut D Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG514284988
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

1.90 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond D Color VVS2 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.9 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut D Color VVS2 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG510177516
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG537257253
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

1.98 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS2 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.98 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS2 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG529268372
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com
 
@Kim N Wow! Thank you so much for sending these over, they all look amazing!

In your opinion, which one is cut the best and has the best sparkle? Since there seems to be about a $200-300 range in differences, do you think It's worth it to go up to the 2cts in each ear or the 1.85/1.90s look good?

Very newbie question, but if I am wanting my studs to lay as flat as possible against my ears, is that a setting or a diamond issue that I should screen for?

Thank you for all the great guidance, sorry if my questions are very basic!
 
Last edited:
mkd79 said:
@Kim N Wow! Thank you so much for sending these over, they all look amazing!

In your opinion, which one is cut the best and has the best sparkle? Since there seems to be about a $200-300 range in differences, do you think It's worth it to go up to the 2cts in each ear or the 1.85/1.90s look good?

Very newbie question, but if I am wanting my studs to lay as flat as possible against my ears, is that a setting or a diamond issue that I should screen for?

Thank you for all the great guidance, sorry if my questions are very basic!
Click to expand...

I find 3 prong martini settings lay flat to my ears the best
 
mkd79 said:
@Kim N Wow! Thank you so much for sending these over, they all look amazing!

In your opinion, which one is cut the best and has the best sparkle? Since there seems to be about a $200-300 range in differences, do you think It's worth it to go up to the 2cts in each ear or the 1.85/1.90s look good?

Very newbie question, but if I am wanting my studs to lay as flat as possible against my ears, is that a setting or a diamond issue that I should screen for?

Thank you for all the great guidance, sorry if my questions are very basic!
Click to expand...

You're very welcome!

My favorite pairs are the first and third. I do think the size difference between 1.85 and 2ct will be noticeable, so if you think you might get DSS, I'd get the 2ct in each ear.

Studs laying flat is a setting issue. I think if you get low basket settings with jumbo backs, that should help them lay flat.
 
I think I will go with the 2ct ones you recommended, I will sleep on it and pull the trigger tomorrow!

Just 2 more quick questions - is there anywhere else I should have looked just in case for the best cut of mmd, or do you think the 2ct each ear pair is great? This is such a big purchase for me that I want to make sure I am getting the best quality I can given my budget!

Do you recommend anyone I should reach out to in order to help me think through setting it?

Thank you!
 
www.distinctivegem.com

2.01ct D VS1 AGS Ideal Cut Distinctive Hearts & Arrows Cut Private Reserve Lab Grown Diamond

Diamond Details Measurements 8.17 - 8.22 x 4.94mm Cut Id Polish Id Symmetry Id Fluorescence None Culet None Report Table 58.4% Depth 60.2%
www.distinctivegem.com www.distinctivegem.com

www.distinctivegem.com

2.01ct E VS1 AGS Ideal Cut Distinctive Hearts & Arrows Cut Private Reserve Lab Grown Diamond

Diamond Details Measurements 8.19 - 8.22 x 4.94 Cut Id Polish Id Symmetry Id Fluorescence None Culet None Report Table 58.1% Depth 60.2%
www.distinctivegem.com www.distinctivegem.com

My personal experience with Jon at Distinctive Gems was outstanding, including the custom platinum settings he had made for my earrings. His Distinctive Hearts and Arrows are all guaranteed to be amazing performers.
 
@vintageinjune I just looked at the links you sent over. As someone new to all of this, can you help me understand why there is such a big price difference between the 2.00ct I am seeing on Ritani ~$2k and this? Is it the VS1 rating?

When set in a pair of studs what would look different to the eye? Thank you (and apologies if it is an obvious answer!)!
 
mkd79 said:
@vintageinjune I just looked at the links you sent over. As someone new to all of this, can you help me understand why there is such a big price difference between the 2.00ct I am seeing on Ritani ~$2k and this? Is it the VS1 rating?

When set in a pair of studs what would look different to the eye? Thank you (and apologies if it is an obvious answer!)!
Click to expand...

Jon's lab diamonds (his natural ones too) come at a premium due to the very tight parameters they must meet for cut quality and light performance, as well as the "brand name" so to speak. Each diamond comes with an incredibly detailed analysis and his personal vetting. You absolutely pay extra for that if you decide to go with him. Some find it worth it, some do not.

You can absolutely get a gorgeous pair of diamonds for much less elsewhere, but I figured I'd throw this option out there as these two diamonds are spectacularly matched.
 
@vintageinjune thank you for that very detailed explanation! Now I really do feel conflicted about which way to go....
 
mkd79 said:
can you help me understand why there is such a big price difference between the 2.00ct I am seeing on Ritani ~$2k and this? Is it the VS1 rating?
Click to expand...
We were just discussing this exact topic in a different thread. It's not a justified markup for a product of basically identical quality that can be found in abundance elsewhere

I love Jon and his AV cuts, but for H&A round his price points are just astronomically too high. The stones that @Kim N found you are going to be equally good performers.

Edit: thread here
Thread 'Lightbox LGD vs More $ Vendors' https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/lightbox-lgd-vs-more-vendors.276190/
 
As far as what would look different to the eye when set - depends on how good the competing diamonds are. KimN suggested several amazing pairs, and likely, your eyes wouldn't see a difference between them and the ones from DG (aside from the DG ones might look a smidge bigger due to the larger spread).

Some people like all the extra analysis and the feeling of assurance with such a big purchase that Jon provides (I certainly did for my earrings, but I'm older, wiser, and now know precisely what I'm looking for and would be confident to purchase my own diamonds elsewhere for much less).
 
mkd79 said:
I think I will go with the 2ct ones you recommended, I will sleep on it and pull the trigger tomorrow!

Just 2 more quick questions - is there anywhere else I should have looked just in case for the best cut of mmd, or do you think the 2ct each ear pair is great? This is such a big purchase for me that I want to make sure I am getting the best quality I can given my budget!

Do you recommend anyone I should reach out to in order to help me think through setting it?

Thank you!
Click to expand...

Did you happen to take a look at the stones I posted initially from Frank Darling? GCAL 8x diamonds are arguably among the best cut diamonds out there. You can find them at Frank Darling and Adiamor, though I've been seeing better prices at Frank Darling. They're pricier than Ritani stones, but GCAL has done all the cut analysis for you, so you're guaranteed a good performer.

David Klass Jewelry in Los Angeles could definitely make you a beautiful setting that lays flat on your ears.
 
I will use a more common sense approach. They are for the ears and not a ring so it would be wise to go with any of the diamonds KimN suggested! Not trying to poach from DG, but save yourself some $ and I am sure you will love what you receive from Ritani. They do custom settings and I am sure they can cater to your requests on settings too! They have a 30 day return policy. A 3% discount on each stone and they may have a discount on the earring settings. I received an email from them the other day that if you spend over 3k, you will get a pair of lgd hoop earrings!! Woohoo!
 
Im going to chime in . I bought ready go earrings from DG and a loose stone that Kim recommended from Ritani for a ring. My earrings are really beautiful but if I were to do it over I would have went with stones Kim and Deja picked for earrings as well. The cost difference was pretty significant and I could have gotten much larger stones for a lot cheaper.
 
Hi all! I mulled all night and purchased this morning these two stones that @Kim N recommended!

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG551277226
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG526279009
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

I wanted to thank all of you for the amazing advice and pointers! I'll post pictures of them on this thread when they hopefully arrive next week. Next up, the setting..!

How does it typically work? I am NY based but feel comfortable sending the stones to a trusted setter. I like the flat look of the Graff diamond studs (4 prong), and also the 3 prong look, my two main criteria is to limit the visibility of the metal and to have the stones be flush with my earlobe/not jut out

What metal should I use? White gold? Platinum?

Thank you!!
 
mkd79 said:
Hi all! I mulled all night and purchased this morning these two stones that @Kim N recommended!

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG551277226
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG526279009
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

I wanted to thank all of you for the amazing advice and pointers! I'll post pictures of them on this thread when they hopefully arrive next week. Next up, the setting..!

How does it typically work? I am NY based but feel comfortable sending the stones to a trusted setter. I like the flat look of the Graff diamond studs (4 prong), and also the 3 prong look, my two main criteria is to limit the visibility of the metal and to have the stones be flush with my earlobe/not jut out

What metal should I use? White gold? Platinum?

Thank you!!
Click to expand...

Try on different setting to see what you like. I personally am fine with white gold as platinum may be a little heavier on the ear lobes and may not lay as flat as you may want them to. Can't wait to see what you decide.
 
mkd79 said:
Hi all! I mulled all night and purchased this morning these two stones that @Kim N recommended!

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG551277226
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

2.00 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond E Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut E Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG526279009
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com

I wanted to thank all of you for the amazing advice and pointers! I'll post pictures of them on this thread when they hopefully arrive next week. Next up, the setting..!

How does it typically work? I am NY based but feel comfortable sending the stones to a trusted setter. I like the flat look of the Graff diamond studs (4 prong), and also the 3 prong look, my two main criteria is to limit the visibility of the metal and to have the stones be flush with my earlobe/not jut out

What metal should I use? White gold? Platinum?

Thank you!!
Click to expand...

Fantastic! I can't wait to hear what you think of them.

If you're in NY, ID Jewelry could set the stones for you.

idjewelry.com

Jewelry Store in NYC Diamond District - I.D. Jewelry

We are a top jewelry store in NYC’s Diamond District. Shop our collection of high end diamond eternity bands, engagement rings, stud earrings and more.
idjewelry.com idjewelry.com
 
I would set in either platinum or an 18k white gold/palladium alloy to avoid the risk of sensitivity issues with gold alloys that have nickel in them.

For larger size studs, I think a lot of fellow PS members found that a flat back setting combined with larger heavyweight backs kept the earrings from drooping, while also achieving a more "floating diamond" look.

Edit: This thread has a lot of good feedback on various earring setting styles. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/help-me-design-custom-stud-settings-please.265397/
 
I’m sure you will be thrilled with the diamonds you purchased!
 
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