Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Honest question... are ACA's worth it for every day studs?

Sprinkles&Stones

Sprinkles&Stones

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
May 19, 2020
Messages
1,993
Hi friends!

I am in the market for a upgraded pair of everyday diamond studs. I plan to keep them in 24/7 like I do with my 2 current diamonds studs. I currently have very small princess cuts, but for my next pair I am looking at doing RB in the Jame's Allen scalloped basket setting, .50 carat for each side, with total carat weight around 1.00 give for take.

My question is... Would it be *that* noticeable and worth the extra $1,000 or so to do ACA from Whiteflash, vs normal RB GIA's from Jame's Allen? I am not interested in color at all. In fact I would prefer warmer diamonds, as I am going to set them in yellow gold. I am going to do SI1 or above clarity, as clarity is also not that important as long as there isn't carbon spots or easy to spot inclusions. I am only interested in what the difference could be optically from A Cut Above's, vs. in house GIA RB from Jame's Allen.

Do you think ACA's would be that much more brilliant and sparkly, to the point where I and other's would notice? or do you think a good cut in RB from Jame's Allen's in stock diamonds would be fine for every day wear?

Thanks!
 
I personally have Whiteflash studs because I do appreciate the cut quality and they have an outstanding upgrade policy which I have used more than once!

Are you certain these are your forever studs? (I have thought that a few times. :lol: )

If you never plan to upgrade, you can find well cut stones at James Allen if that's what you want. But I'd encourage you to go with excellent cut with ideal cut measurements to be sure the stones will perform well.
 
Based on how you wear them, if I were you I wouldn’t spend money on ACAs or anything else costly. It’s very easy to lose one while bathing, swimming, etc. Also, wearing them 24/7 will keep them very dirty in which case why spend for ACAs.
 
no matter where you choose to purchase your diamonds, cut really matters.

it doesn't have to be branded ideal cuts, but if you choose to trade up or upgrade then it is to your advantage to go with whiteflash as they have one of the best trade up/upgrade policies around.

just my opinion
 
Johanna Arthur said:
Hi friends!

I am in the market for a upgraded pair of everyday diamond studs. I plan to keep them in 24/7 like I do with my 2 current diamonds studs. I currently have very small princess cuts, but for my next pair I am looking at doing RB in the Jame's Allen scalloped basket setting, .50 carat for each side, with total carat weight around 1.00 give for take.

My question is... Would it be *that* noticeable and worth the extra $1,000 or so to do ACA from Whiteflash, vs normal RB GIA's from Jame's Allen? I am not interested in color at all. In fact I would prefer warmer diamonds, as I am going to set them in yellow gold. I am going to do SI1 or above clarity, as clarity is also not that important as long as there isn't carbon spots or easy to spot inclusions. I am only interested in what the difference could be optically from A Cut Above's, vs. in house GIA RB from Jame's Allen.

Do you think ACA's would be that much more brilliant and sparkly, to the point where I and other's would notice? or do you think a good cut in RB from Jame's Allen's in stock diamonds would be fine for every day wear?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Good question! I literally just purchased and received ACA from Whiteflash for 0.5 carat each lever back earrings. (J color, SI1). TBH, I can’t really tell if there would be a huge difference if I had bought cheaper diamonds from JA or BN. I don’t feel they look particularly sparkly since the diamonds look quite small. If I were to go back in time, I’d really reconsider buying cheaper, albeit not as well cut diamonds from James Allen. They’re just so small there’s not much to see!! Even the sparkle part.

I may even have gone bigger with worse cut at JA for the same price (~$3,300)

also BN offered the same earring setting for much much cheaper.

maybe the lighting in my house sucks?? I dunno sigh
 
I’ve noticed over the years that the experts often suggest different options, you could do a search but here’s a comment I bookmarked,

post #2

Bit of Help With Diamond Studs

Hi everyone! Hope all is well and everyone is in a good place! I'm going to be getting my wife a pair of studs shortly and I just wanted to get your opinions /suggestions. - from Canada, so have to consider duty etc. - 0.80 tcw is what I'm after... Thinking h-j and si2-si1. - open to...
www.pricescope.com

I have a pair of 0.5cttw that are HRD top cut and plenty sparkly for me. Just keep them clean (personally I wouldn’t keep them in 24/7- your piercings will stretch over time)!
 
I feel like ACAs really have their time to shine when they’re worn in a ring or something that will be seen at close quarters. Earrings are hidden behind hair and seen at a distance by most, the only people who will be seeing them up close are few and far between. So to me, it isn’t worth it to spend that premium on ACAs for earrings. That isn’t to say you won’t see the difference - I believe ACA owners when they say that the difference is noticeable (though I don’t own any ACAs myself, I’m notoriously bad at spotting the difference through all these online guides and videos and stuff). But I do think that it’s perfectly reasonable to not want to spend the premium for something less notice (I wouldn’t).

If you have no intentions of upgrading and/or are willing to take a bit of a loss selling them secondhand yourself if that eventuality ever rises, I think the extra 1k could be put towards something else (this would be what I would do, personally, since I’m also not really an upgrader at heart). Alternatively, checking out the ES or PS options at WF to see if they’re cheaper if you’re on the fence about possibly upgrading - I don’t think there will be huge differences in performance between an ES/PS and ACA on the ear. Or speaking to another vendor like an IDJ? I’ve never used them but people around here seem to like them very much. JA does have an upgrade policy though it’s pretty restrictive (I think you need to choose diamonds that are at least 2x in price) but again it’s a moot point if you’re not planning to upgrade.

I would however stick to stones that have little leakage / good HCA scores, ideally spreadier/shallower stones (as long as not detrimentally shallow), GIAEx (unless it’s some real miraculous VG that isn’t leaky or badly performing). Not uncerted or just “GIA good”.
 
I went with the ACA's for my earrings, and don't regret it. Part of the reason with knowing I had the best possible light return without having to take the time to research every stone. I just chose the size and color I wanted. The other reason was that the performance even when dirty stays better than the mediocre stones they replaced looked even when clean.
 
I recently upgraded to ACA studs and I can tell the difference! The sparkle factor is incredible and the earrings make so much more of a statement than my old ones. My old ones are good, .5 each GH bought at a gem show and my ACAs are .61 each FVS1 and they really impress on the ear! So in my opinion they are worth the extra money. As stated earrings do need to be cleaned often.
 
My holes stretched by wearing studs 24/7(that's what I think caused it). You put a lot of pressure on your ears when you sleep unless you're a
back sleeper and never go on your sides or stomach.

I'm a stomach/side sleeper. I dont even wear studs anymore because my holes got stretched and I have to go to extra effort to get a stud to sit
upright in my ears.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
I personally have Whiteflash studs because I do appreciate the cut quality and they have an outstanding upgrade policy which I have used more than once!

Are you certain these are your forever studs? (I have thought that a few times. :lol: )

If you never plan to upgrade, you can find well cut stones at James Allen if that's what you want. But I'd encourage you to go with excellent cut with ideal cut measurements to be sure the stones will perform well.
Click to expand...

Great point! These will not be my 'forever studs', for sure. I will 100% be getting bigger nicer ones later in time! Which is why I am on the fence about spending the extra $$ for ACA now, I just want something bigger than a diamond chip haha!
 
headlight said:
Based on how you wear them, if I were you I wouldn’t spend money on ACAs or anything else costly. It’s very easy to lose one while bathing, swimming, etc. Also, wearing them 24/7 will keep them very dirty in which case why spend for ACAs.
Click to expand...

Good point! I was thinking the same thing.
 
Mandeefahzy said:
Good question! I literally just purchased and received ACA from Whiteflash for 0.5 carat each lever back earrings. (J color, SI1). TBH, I can’t really tell if there would be a huge difference if I had bought cheaper diamonds from JA or BN. I don’t feel they look particularly sparkly since the diamonds look quite small. If I were to go back in time, I’d really reconsider buying cheaper, albeit not as well cut diamonds from James Allen. They’re just so small there’s not much to see!! Even the sparkle part.

I may even have gone bigger with worse cut at JA for the same price (~$3,300)

also BN offered the same earring setting for much much cheaper.

maybe the lighting in my house sucks?? I dunno sigh
Click to expand...

Cool! Thanks so much for sharing. That really helps to hear someone's opinion who has had both ACA and JA.
 
Snowdrop13 said:
I’ve noticed over the years that the experts often suggest different options, you could do a search but here’s a comment I bookmarked,

post #2

Bit of Help With Diamond Studs

Hi everyone! Hope all is well and everyone is in a good place! I'm going to be getting my wife a pair of studs shortly and I just wanted to get your opinions /suggestions. - from Canada, so have to consider duty etc. - 0.80 tcw is what I'm after... Thinking h-j and si2-si1. - open to...
www.pricescope.com

I have a pair of 0.5cttw that are HRD top cut and plenty sparkly for me. Just keep them clean (personally I wouldn’t keep them in 24/7- your piercings will stretch over time)!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the bookmark, that's super helpful! :)
 
AllAboardTheBlingTrain said:
I feel like ACAs really have their time to shine when they’re worn in a ring or something that will be seen at close quarters. Earrings are hidden behind hair and seen at a distance by most, the only people who will be seeing them up close are few and far between. So to me, it isn’t worth it to spend that premium on ACAs for earrings. That isn’t to say you won’t see the difference - I believe ACA owners when they say that the difference is noticeable (though I don’t own any ACAs myself, I’m notoriously bad at spotting the difference through all these online guides and videos and stuff). But I do think that it’s perfectly reasonable to not want to spend the premium for something less notice (I wouldn’t).

If you have no intentions of upgrading and/or are willing to take a bit of a loss selling them secondhand yourself if that eventuality ever rises, I think the extra 1k could be put towards something else (this would be what I would do, personally, since I’m also not really an upgrader at heart). Alternatively, checking out the ES or PS options at WF to see if they’re cheaper if you’re on the fence about possibly upgrading - I don’t think there will be huge differences in performance between an ES/PS and ACA on the ear. Or speaking to another vendor like an IDJ? I’ve never used them but people around here seem to like them very much. JA does have an upgrade policy though it’s pretty restrictive (I think you need to choose diamonds that are at least 2x in price) but again it’s a moot point if you’re not planning to upgrade.

I would however stick to stones that have little leakage / good HCA scores, ideally spreadier/shallower stones (as long as not detrimentally shallow), GIAEx (unless it’s some real miraculous VG that isn’t leaky or badly performing). Not uncerted or just “GIA good”.
Click to expand...

These are my exact thoughts, I feel like you read my mind!
 
Rons Wolfe said:
I went with the ACA's for my earrings, and don't regret it. Part of the reason with knowing I had the best possible light return without having to take the time to research every stone. I just chose the size and color I wanted. The other reason was that the performance even when dirty stays better than the mediocre stones they replaced looked even when clean.
Click to expand...

That was a huge plus for me considering ACA, I don't have to worry about the cut and spend time obsessing over the light leakage reports. I can just pick them out and know they'll be perfect. Thanks for sharing!
 
bling_dream19 said:
I recently upgraded to ACA studs and I can tell the difference! The sparkle factor is incredible and the earrings make so much more of a statement than my old ones. My old ones are good, .5 each GH bought at a gem show and my ACAs are .61 each FVS1 and they really impress on the ear! So in my opinion they are worth the extra money. As stated earrings do need to be cleaned often.
Click to expand...

thanks for sharing your experience! It's super helpful to hear other people's experiences who have both ACA and non ACA earrings.
 
tyty333 said:
My holes stretched by wearing studs 24/7(that's what I think caused it). You put a lot of pressure on your ears when you sleep unless you're a
back sleeper and never go on your sides or stomach.

I'm a stomach/side sleeper. I dont even wear studs anymore because my holes got stretched and I have to go to extra effort to get a stud to sit
upright in my ears.
Click to expand...

Oh wow I never thought about that. I've been sleeping in my diamond studs for about 17 years and mine haven't stretched, but I think that's because my diamonds are so teeny, haha! When I upgrade I won't sleep in the bigger stones then since they probably will pull and stretch. Thanks for the heads up!
 
As someone who constantly lost studs when I wore them, I would vote “no”.
 
SallyBrown said:
As someone who constantly lost studs when I wore them, I would vote “no”.
Click to expand...

This is a concern of mine too! I haven't lost one yet... but there was a day when my stud fell on the floor and it took me a solid 48 hours to find it...
 
Johanna Arthur said:
That was a huge plus for me considering ACA, I don't have to worry about the cut and spend time obsessing over the light leakage reports. I can just pick them out and know they'll be perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...


You're very welcome, can't wait to see what you get! :)
 
I have purchased 1.1ctw from Brian Gavin (also super-ideal cut vendor) - and while they sparkled like crazy, they were so small that they did not make any statement on my ears. I would need 2ctw at least. Plus, I wear my long hair down most of the time so no one would even see them. Thus, I returned them and got a diamond bracelet instead. If I were you, I would not spend money on ACA unless you plan on upgrading.
 
Since you plan on upgrading, I'd either get ACAs now or if you want a temporary pair, I'd consider the link below. If you want to discuss that option further, it would have to be posted in the lab diamond subforum.

lightboxjewelry.com

Lab-Grown Diamond 1ct. tw. Round Brilliant Solitaire Studs | White

Brilliant white solitaire laboratory-grown diamond stud earrings in 10k white gold - wear to sparkle, give to delight.
lightboxjewelry.com lightboxjewelry.com
 
For me, the super ideals were worth it. I had tiny maul quality studs for 25 years. Jewelry is not something that was terribly important to me while raising our 4 kids! I purchased a pair of studs from HPD and another pair of ACA from Whiteflash this summer. The difference is unbelievable. I love them
 
Definitely would spring for the ACA studs. I had well cut studs that I sold and upgraded to ACA's. I wasn't sure if there would be a huge difference but I haven't regretted the decision for a minute! Check out JA's upgrade policy and how much more you have to spend to upgrade before deciding. Selling preowned diamonds almost always ends up in a loss and if you have to spend more than you planned or wanted to, not a good situation to be in. I never sleep in my earrings and don't worry about loss because I choose to insure them. If you feel that replacing one or both wouldn't be a hardship, you might not choose to insure.
 
HI:

If you plan to wear the earrings everyday--then buy the best cut from a vendor with the best trade up policy. Pieces that you wear every, single, day, "pay" out quickly.

cheers--Sharon
 
I wanted to add that to me, the studs are what people see much more than what they see on my hand. Most people are not like us and actually purposely look for diamonds! But considering most people look at each other when talking, they do notice studs! I, too, had generic diamond studs and taking the loss and selling them is the best decision I made regarding those studs! From then on I bought stones from Whiteflash and upgrade three times. Even though I gave you a less expensive temporary option in case you weren't ready to get superideal cuts, I think it's the wisest use of your money since you can upgrade and really only pay for the new settings. For that reason, I do recommend going with the lowest priced settings. I didn't do that because every time I upgraded, I thought it was my last pair!!!! So don't make that mistake!

I have said this before, but if I could only have two jewelry pieces, it would be a diamond ring for my left ring finger and diamond studs. I could be totally happy with that if it came down to it.
 
Most of my diamonds are old cuts but I bought ACA studs from WF to replace a pair of studs that I had from a local jeweler. They were nice stones, but my ACAs definitely sparkle a lot more, even when dirty. I agree with the above post that says people see your studs and I think well cut studs like ACAs give you more bang for your buck especially if you aren't buying large stones that anyone would notice no matter the sparkle quality. I can tell the sparkle from my ACAs when I look in the mirror and that counts too. Mine are I color and look very white so that is another point. You don't need super high color for them to look great and sparkle. I have used the WF upgrade policy too and I think that is an important factor to consider.
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top