Last minute earring help

[Austin shopper]

Hi guys,
It has been 2 years since I visited looking (and learning) all about diamonds prepping myself for the perfect engagement ring. Unfortunately as I was just about to pull the trigger on a diamond and setting, my finacee found her dream ring (which of course I just had to buy-thanks, Mom in law

).
It is now first anniversary time (June) and her b-day (May) and I am back for more ice. She currently wears some very small .50 ctw diamond studs which I believe she thinks are too small. She has never voiced this as she''s too humble, but I can sense this. Bigger studs would simply look fantastic on her. As I have been silently saving my pennies, I would like to absolutely blow her away with diamond earrings which she will remember forever.
Here''s where I would be indebted to the communities advice. My budget is right around $2,500-$3,000. tcw should be about 1.00. Other than an ideal cut and white gold setting, I am at a complete loss. I have spent the weekend here, however I am even more confused than when I started. I pasted a couple of diamonds I found, on a Ready Set Go, however, I am thinking of an ACA and having it mounted by one of the vendors here.
Any advice for a newly-wed in NYC? Ironic as we live 6-blocks from the diamond district, however, for some reason I am a bit leery not knowing what I am looking at. Thanks all.

Bob in NYC

http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=WFER-4R-Set&size=#

http://www.jamesallen.com/view_matching_pair.asp?cid=322&module=diamonds&item1=859983&item2=1098106

 

[Kaleigh]

I''d go with WF. I bought mine from them and love the upgrade policy. I can''t comment on JA, haven''t bought from them. They are great from what I have read on here. Just saying what my experience has been. Good luck!!

And what a sweet hubby you are!!

 

[Austin shopper]

To add to my original post, here are two I also found on BlueNile.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&track=btntext_viewselect&elem=img&pid=LD01321084&pid2=LD01321134&filter_id=6

http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?__fun_frm=i&track=btntext_viewselect&elem=img&pid=LD01309104&pid2=LD01309152&filter_id=6

Is there any difference between a 0.93 and 1.02, same price, but one is ideal cut and the other signature ideal? Thanks again.

 

[vfrhokie]

You may also want to check out http://www.goodoldgold.com/hastuds/

 

[Austin shopper]

One last set-

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Compare_Diamonds.aspx?idnos=912969,912981

If I get these, how do I best go about finding a setting? Thanks again.

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Aaaawww! What a sweet, lovely thing to do for her! Can I get you to call my husband and talk to him about this sort of gift?

My own experience of buying studs from Whiteflash was really positive. I emailed Lesley Harris and told her my budget and preferences and she came back with a perfect pair of ACA stones, which I had set in the Martini settings. Lesley just guided me through the whole process (my first online diamond purchase). It was stress and hassle free. Oh, and the ACAs are totally upgragdeable. Highly recommended!

I have also had a very positive experience buying studs from Diamonds by Lauren, who are in the Diamond District. I got my EC studs there, and again, I couldnt have been happier with the whole experience. I did visit, although they don't have a store, but you can email or call - check the website. I've bought a few things there and always been very, very pleased with them.

Good luck with the search, and I hope you'll come back and tell us what she thinks of them!

Jen

 

[Ellen]

Date: 4/28/2008 12:49:59 AM
Author: Austin shopper
One last set-

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Compare_Diamonds.aspx?idnos=912969,912981

If I get these, how do I best go about finding a setting? Thanks again.

This pair is perfect!

Just look through the settings at WF and pick the one you want. The majority of us on here have the handmade martini setting. They seem to just float on the ear, and are very comfy. If you decide you want these, just make sure you ask for the hand made, as there are two different settings of this type.

http://www.whiteflash.com/Fine-jewelry/Diamond_Studs/Three-Prong--Martini---SETTINGS-ONLY_1119.htm

 

[Austin shopper]

Perfect-thanks for the help, guys. One last question-Which setting is typically (as if there is such a thing) best for everyday use, the 4-pronged basket or the 3-pronged Martini? The Martini at first glance seem more formal (or am I just being a guy?)

Bob

 

[Ellen]

Date: 4/28/2008 9:33:27 AM
Author: Austin shopper
Perfect-thanks for the help, guys. One last question-Which setting is typically (as if there is such a thing) best for everyday use, the 4-pronged basket or the 3-pronged Martini? The Martini at first glance seem more formal (or am I just being a guy?)

Bob

To be honest, when on the ear, you really don't even see/notice the setting.

We recommend the martini because it tends to make the diamond "sit" better on the lobe, doesn't droop like other settings can. We like that.

And you're welcome!

 

[Austin shopper]

Awesome-Thanks Ellen. I am moving in with these. I''ll post a pic when I get ''em.

 

[Ellen]

Can''t wait to see them! And she''s going to love them, promise.