How Low for Studs?

[Molls]

I gather from reading up that many use different criteria when looking for studs as opposed to rings. Are there general, most bang for the buck stud recommendations? For example, I can''t tell the difference between H and J color-is J too low for studs? Would you go lower than SI1? Or does it all depend on the cut? One more question--if buying from a reputable PS jeweler, it is essential to buy certified stones? (in the market for 1.20-1.40 each).

Thanks

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Cut is most important with studs, especially since they can become dirty so quickly with lotions and makeup being applied right next to them. Well-cut J colored studs of the size you're interested in will be very impressive.

Personally, I'd stick with SI1, rather than go lower. Regardless of clarity rating, you always need to ask the vendor if the stones are eye clean, so keep that in mind. Also, (just me again), if I were planning to spend the amount you are, I'd FOR SURE get certified stones. Even with my little .82 ctw studs, I bought AGS certified because I wanted to be sure I was getting what I paid for.

 

[Dreamer_D]

When I buy studs I will be looking for H/I SI1s most likely.

 

[Londongirl1]

Here''s a pic of my 1ctw studs - my Christmas present from my FI. They''re G/SI1 and I don''t think I''d have wanted them any lower (not that I got any say in the matter

)

 

[marcy]

I would not go lower than H and SI for that size of stud (but that of course is only my humble opinion.)

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 12/28/2009 4:13:07 PM
Author: Londongirl1
Here's a pic of my 1ctw studs - my Christmas present from my FI. They're G/SI1 and I don't think I'd have wanted them any lower (not that I got any say in the matter

)

Are yours certified? For me, I was really picky and ended up picking out F SI1 AGS000 stones - amazing, but still I think that going a few color grades lower would have resulted in similarily gorgeous results had I picked out H or I AGS stones

My pendant is an E VS2 and now I think I'd have gone lower to get a bigger stone. . .I do hope to upgrade that stone's size w/in a couple of years. . .maybe I VS2 or SI1.

 

[Lorelei]

If the cut is superb and the diamonds reliably graded, you can definitely consider I or J colour and SI clarity grades, even eyeclean or eyecleanish I1 can work for earrings if the wearer is open to this grade. But generally SI2 can be a popular choice with some.

 

[sparkle_zo]

Do you think it's waist of money paying for VS1/VS2 if stones are I color and will be used for studs?

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I am looking for studs right now (just can''t decide between ACA or OEC

) and between bezels, whiteflash W, or leverbacks

So basically it could be a few months until i get this project off the ground...

Anyway, I''d love H SI1 but am looking at any stones I like G-K and SI1-SI2 (as long as they are eye clean).

In a perfect world (and with a healthy budget) I think I''d go for H SI1 ACAs in the W prong 1ctw or more AND a pair of of baby bezel OEC AND a pair of .66 ctw+ ACA leverbacks with jumphooks so they dangle.

Clearly I''ve got some indecision issues about earrings right now, but I think H SI1 is fab for earrings regardless of my other issues

 

[neatfreak]

Mine are J ACA's and you would never know they were J's unless you looked at them from the side on a piece of white paper. Studs are looked at much further away than rings usually-so I am comfortable going as low in clarity as is eyeclean and pretty low in color too. As long as the cut is good you will be fine.

I do think generally you should buy GIA or AGS certified stones. I only would consider otherwise if going with Good Old Gold's studs that Jon grades himself or something similar. Or EGL stones that you get appraised. I would NOT go to most jewelers or even most vendors and get studs that aren't certed.

 

[Gypsy]

I'm going for K SI with med flourescence. I've seen them, and they're gorgeous. BGD signature super ideals. If I was looking for 2-3 ctw then I'd go up to a J or I. But not higher than that. I would not compromise on cut though.

 

[AmberGretchen]

My studs are I color (ring is G color), and I think they are PERFECT - I ended up with slightly higher clarity than I wanted (VS1), but those were the best fit for my budget and size requirements at the time. I would have happily gone down to SI1 or even SI2, if it was eye clean.

But it was important to me that they be certified, because I wanted to be sure I was getting what I was paying for.

 

[swingirl]

Date: 12/29/2009 9:33:21 PM
Author: Gypsy
I'm going for K SI with med flourescence. I've seen them, and they're gorgeous. BGD signature super ideals. If I was looking for 2-3 ctw then I'd go up to a J or I. But not higher than that. I would not compromise on cut though.

Oh yeah!!

I'm right with you!

 

[miraclesrule]

I hesitated to go lower than SI1 for our studs, but the cut was so great and since I can''t really see them, I went with J SI2 for our studs. I got much more bang for our buck and they are eye clean and great performers. My pendant was a an SI1 because it may end up in a ring some day. One never knows.

But if the budget allows for higher color and clarity, I say...GO FOR IT!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/29/2009 10:08:51 AM
Author: sparkle_zo
Do you think it''s waist of money paying for VS1/VS2 if stones are I color and will be used for studs?

Not at all if the wearer prefers VS.