Little Help on selecting diamonds for earrings

[dduff]

I am looking to purchase a set of diamond earrings for the wife. I am interested in round diamonds and the budget is up to 5K. I need some help on identifying which selection criteria to emphasize and which ones I can be flexible on.

I initially thought I would want to get an AGS certified set but the pricing is strong and I am under the impression that I can get a bit more for my money if I go with a high quality GIA certified set.

I am leaning towards focusing on color and the cut, to maximize the sparkle/fire aspects. Should these be the features I concentrate on? What are your recommendations?

 

[Skippy123]

Welcome Dduff,
Lots of people have been getting I's SI1 range for earrings. Hopefully someone will chime in; I had a stone that was an I AGS0 and I am sure they would be fine for earrings. Cut is the most most important thing.

 

[Ellen]

Cut first, then color, then eyeclean clarity.

As for AGS vs, GIA Ex, it depends. If you are buying from a reputable online vendor, there are several who carry GIA Ex stones that would be great. However, all GIA EX are not created equal, and if you're purchasing from a private shop, it would take some homework to know exactly what to look for.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/29/2007 9:01:52 AM
Author: Ellen
Cut first, then color, then eyeclean clarity.

As for AGS vs, GIA Ex, it depends. If you are buying from a reputable online vendor, there are several who carry GIA Ex stones that would be great. However, all GIA EX are not created equal, and if you''re purchasing from a private shop, it would take some homework to know exactly what to look for.

Dittoes! Welcome also

It might be worth taking a look at Whiteflash''s Ready set to Go earrings, as these are set with their excellent cut Expert Selection diamonds. This makes life easier, as you know the diamonds are well cut and matched by experts, unless you would enjoy the hunt of finding your own!

 

[Kay]

If you know what to look for, and the vendor provides enough information (angles, ideal scope pictures, etc.), you can get excellently cut GIA stones. It is less work to find AGS 0 (ideal) cut stones, and probably not much price difference. Having an excellent cut is the most important factor for gorgeous, sparkly stones. After that, I look at color, size and clarity. I am perfectly happy with SI1 and SI2 clarity stones as long as they are eye clean because that lets you get more size and/or better color for your budget. I would buy VS1 or VS2 stones if that was what was available, but would not pay the premium for higher clarity than that. You will want to make sure the diameter of the two stones is very similar (more important than matching weight).

I think .50 to .75 carats per ear is a fantastic size for studs. You can get white gold settings for $200-500 depending on the style you prefer, which leaves you with $4500-4800 for the diamonds. My choice would be F or G color and SI1-2 clarity in the largest size I could get in my budget. H or I in an ideal cut stone should also be very white, unless you or your wife are very color sensitive. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of stock available right now and I could only find a few I thought would make good matched pairs.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/Compare_Diamonds.aspx?idnos=395231,395233 0.56 and 0.57, G, VSI, super ideal cut for $4510 total before PS discount.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3787/ and http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3787/ 0.61 and 0.62, H, SI2 (ask vendor to verify if eye clean) for $3220 total before wire transfer discount.

Another option is the Whiteflash Ready, Set, Go (RSG) studs in a variety of setting styles. They have already pre-matched very well cut stones for you. The downside is that you cannot upgrade them later. You could get 2 0.75 carat, I, SI1 studs for $4000-4300, depending on the setting you choose.
http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=WFER-4R-Set&CategID=54
http://www.whiteflash.com/Fine-jewelry/Diamond_Studs/Three-Prong--Martini---READY-SET-TO-GO_950.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/golden-wardrobe/Gold_Details.aspx?ItemCode=WFER-W-Set&CategID=54

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would go with WF regular diamonds and not ready-set-go since the regular diamonds can be upgraded in the future. The other option is that Good Old Gold is now carrying uncertified hearts and arrows earrings, but they examine them to make sure they are the quality represented. Those can be a really good value. I have H color earrings and am totally satisfied with how white they are.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/29/2007 9:53:53 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I would go with WF regular diamonds and not ready-set-go since the regular diamonds can be upgraded in the future. The other option is that Good Old Gold is now carrying uncertified hearts and arrows earrings, but they examine them to make sure they are the quality represented. Those can be a really good value. I have H color earrings and am totally satisfied with how white they are.

Some can, but for anyone considering this, not all diamonds are eligible for trade in. See the info below for restrictions.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds_info/t/confidence.aspx?articleid=10&zoneid=3