Help with Studs!

[pr1204]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to purchase a pair of studs for my wife. Don't want anything too large / gaudy but still very noticeable, so thinking about 0.5 - 0.8ct each. I'm open to lower color and clarity (hope for eye clean) if the cut is excellent. That's where I could use some help - I received some of the options below, and have looked at the usual sites (WF, JA, BG) as well.

I learned a fair bit about diamonds using this website a few years ago in the pursuit of an engagement ring. I purchased the e-ring from a then-local jeweler who I believe was fair and gave me a good stone at a good price. I now live in NYC so the jeweler sent me some options to think about, and wanted to get your expert opinions as well.

Please let me know what you think about the below options. Only a couple of the stones in the below three options grade out below 2 on the HCA, but wanted to get thoughts on price / other options available on the internet that could be comparable or better. Most important thing for me is good value for money, and great fire and scintillation! Also, which site do people recommend most for earrings? Have also read good things about IDJ in Manhattan...is that worth a visit? Thanks so much!!!

Option 1: 1.85 ct total; $10,000 (haven't negotiated yet)
Stone A:
GIA H VS2, 0.92ct, triple-ex
Table - 57.0% / Depth - 62.8% / Crown Angle - 35.0 / Pavilion Angle - 41.2

Stone B:
GIA H VS2, 0.93ct, triple-ex
Table - 58.0% / Depth - 62.3% / Crown Angle - 35.0 / Pavilion Angle - 41.2

Option 2: 1.44 ct total; $5,500 (haven't negotiated yet)
Stone A:
GIA H SI1, 0.70ct, triple-ex
Table - 60.0% / Depth - 59.9% / Crown Angle - 33.0 / Pavilion Angle - 41.0

Stone B:
GIA H VS2, 0.74ct, triple-ex
Table - 57.0% / Depth - 62.8% / Crown Angle - 35.0 / Pavilion Angle - 41.4

Option 3: 1.43 ct total; $6,500 (haven't negotiated yet)
Stone A:
EGL D SI1, 0.70ct, Excellent cut and symmetry, VG polish
Table - 58.0% / Depth - 61.9% / Crown % - 15% / Pavilion % - 44%

Stone B:
EGL D VS2, 0.73ct, triple-ex
Table - 56.0% / Depth - 62.0% / Crown % - 15% / Pavilion % - 43%

 

[DiamondBrokersofFlorida]

I would stick with GIA or AGS graded diamonds. In the top of your budget, you should be able to get some very nice diamonds maybe even larger.

 

[VRBeauty]

Personally - I think VS2 is overkill for earrings. Nobody is going to see earrings in situ close enough to see inclusions most inclusions! I'd go for SI1. If you're sure you won't be re-using the stones for a ring or something down the road, SI2 might even work if you can be sure that the inclusions don't interfere with how the diamonds perform at normal viewing distance.

 

[rubybeth]

You could try contacting Yekutiel at ID Jewelry (www.idjewelryonline.com) and let him know you are from PS and want the largest, sparkliest eye-clean diamonds for your budget. I haven't used them but was considering it on my search for studs since other PSers have had wonderful results.

 

[pr1204]

Thanks for the replies. Agree that VS2 may be unnecessary for earrings.

Any input on whether the options I was given are decent value or not? If not, can anyone suggest some other options at WF, BG that may be better? Also, what of the low HCA scores for many of the stones...should that reject them all together or not?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hi! First of all, you need to add the diameter measurements of all the stones. The diameter is even more important than weight because you want the stones to appear to be the same size!

Option 1: One of those stones is too deep at 62.8, so it very possibly may face up smaller than the other one. I also would hesitate to go over 41.0 for pav. angle on stones that have a 35 degree crown angle.

Option 2: Those just aren't matched well enough to consider.

Option 3: Omit EGL

I have bought studs from WhiteFlash's in-house selection. I like that they are ideal cut and I can upgrade them anytime. Mine are VS just because I prefer it, but many people do not care so much about clarity in earrings.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here are a few pairs for you to consider:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2763656.htm ($3684 pricescope member/wire price)

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2763657.htm ($3695 " )

or

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2813905.htm ($3173 " )

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794547.htm ($3517 " )

or

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2794529.htm ($3370 " )

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2813913.htm ($3310 " )