Looking for my first pair of diamond studs

[k822]

Hello everyone!

I just spent hours going through every post on the "Show me your earrings" thread as I am in the market to get my first pair of diamond studs.

First, a little back story (and a moment of silence):
I purchased a loose peridot (my birthstone) while on a trip to Nepal. I also had an old engagement ring (from a failed relationship) that had a lot of small diamonds in the setting. My husband and I had some old gold to melt down and decided to make a custom ring with all of our parts. We had it made by a local jeweler in late 2013. I recently lost it and had to make the insurance claim. With that being said, we will have some money coming to us to replace the ring - and I think I would like to get earrings this time, as I can wear them more than a fancy ring.

I also thought that since I am approaching my 30th birthday, earrings would be a good purchase (am I finally old enough to be trusted with real diamond earrings???)

So, I was originally looking at Costco for studs, but after I found this site, I think I might be in the market for BGD studs. I just know that I made the mistake of wanting "big" for my e-ring, and noticed (of course, way after the fact) that I sacrificed a lot of sparkle that I really want. I think new earrings is a chance to make up for that .

The Costco ones I am looking at are: http://www.costco.com/Round-Brilliant-0.60-ctw-VS2-Clarity%2c-I-Color-Diamond-14kt-White-Gold-Screwback-Stud-Earrings.product.100029771.html

I am also looking at BGD studs, 4 prong yellow gold screw backs, approx. .hearts and arrows, 30 carats each. They are a little more spendy than the same size Costco ones, but I really want to make sure I get the most sparkly I can afford.

My budget is about $1500. Of course, I would really like to go up to 0.75ctw, but then I would have to sacrifice the fire that I really want - so I am ok with smaller right now.

I also looked at white flash, but I couldn't find any screw backs - which are a must. I lose everything, (obviously) and will not spend big $ on earrings and not have them be screw backs. (Shoot, even my cz are screw back, lol).

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

While Costco seems attractive--they do not specify cut standards.

BGD matched pairs look desirable (30 points each, I color and SI1 clarity)--well cut so they would sparkle beautifully!

cheers--Sharon

 

[tmot14]

I think Whiteflash can get you screwbacks--it's worth checking with them. I have their preset 0.75ctw studs and they sparkle like crazy. It's up to you if you're okay with non-certified stones with no upgrade policy, though.

 

[k822]

Hmm, my reply disappeared...

Thanks for your replies. I decided to go with the BGD. A matched set of .30s, I, SI1. I also decided to go with the yellow gold 3 prong martini setting after speaking with customer service (Jamie) and upgraded to a screw back. It put me a little over budget, but I really think I will be getting a quality product that I will love. I can't wait to see them!

 

[enbcfsobe]

So sorry about your ring, but congrats on your studs! I went a little over budget to get a pair of .6ctw J, SI1 martini studs from BGD and have been thrilled with them. So glad I went for it, even if having certed super-ideal stones is more of a "mind clean" thing. Can't speak to the screw back, but I find the studs comfortable and easy to wear -- just the right amount of bling.
Fair warning -- the box my studs came in was ENORMOUS. Not just the outer packaging, but the presentation box -- it was like 4" square. I opened it and while the sparkle was evident, the studs looked disappointingly small in the oversized box. Once I put them on, though, they were just right, and if anything they seem bigger the more I look at them. The box is attractive, but really doesn't do the earrings justice, so don't be put off when you open it!