Help Picking a Nice Pair of Diamond Studs

[Parker986]

First post here, and I am hoping for some suggestions for a nice pair of diamond stud earrings for a birthday gift.

My budget is $1,000. I am looking for a pair that are at least 0.5 Carat total, round, three prong setting in white gold. I have read as much as I could on what to look for, but am still not sure how to pick.

I wouldn't mind purchasing on-line, but it is so hard to tell from a picture what they will really look like. From what I have read, WhiteFlash, James Allen, and GoodoldGold are good places to consider.

I appreciate suggestions.

 

[tulip928]

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/earring-builder/diamonds

If you look at the first set of diamonds - .23 ct each, and add the 3 prong martini setting at $175, it comes in at slightly above your budget, but is exactly what you are looking for.

I have purchased two sets of studs from Brian Gavin and have been very happy with the quality of the diamonds, and service.

 

[AN0NYM0US]

I just bought a very similar pair of earrings for Christmas. I went with James Allen. I like the fact I can see the diamond on their site and they are very easy to work with. I did a quick search on their site and found a couple diamonds that I think will look good together.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...t-f-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-198075 - $410
It is an I1, but the inclusions are white/clear, not black and honestly you can go a bit lower on earrings as people won't be shoving their faces against it like an engagement ring.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-e-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-244854 - $440

Side by side comparison http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...er&TabSelected=3&ps=9&DiamondID=244854,198075

http://www.jamesallen.com/earrings/...three-prong-martini-style-settings-item-17226 - $170
I bought this setting with my earrings from JA and am very happy. The diamond doesn't get "swallowed" by gold and it really shows off the round diamond, where I find the 4 prong almost makes smaller diamond studs look square.

So $410 + $440 + $170 = $1020

If you ask for the Pricescope discount you should be at or just under your budget.

I just wanted to say, I am not telling you what you should buy, just that it is possible to stay in your budget and get what you want. If you are willing to go lower on color then you might be able to go a bit higher on clarity or carat, but honestly I think SI2/I1 should be fine for this project.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

At WhiteFlash, you can get .50 ctw for $895 (or $868 with PS discount and wire pmt):

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/3-prong-martini-diamond-earrings-1343.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/4-prong-basket-diamond-earrings-364.htm