Multitude of Q''s - earring studs, settings and charities

[Phoenix]

Hello PS'ers,

I wonder if you could help me with several questions please:

1) As some of you may know, I'm not wearing my fab 4.649ctw BGD studs since we now live in Shanghai, China and I can't get jewellery insurance. I'm now looking to purchase another pair and my maximum budget for these is USD10k. I figured that if I were to lose them (an extremely unlikely event - touch wood), I wouldn't cry so much (well, I'd still cry plenty, but I wouldn't be as devastated as I would be if I were to lose the 4.649ctw!

). So what would you buy with this budget if you were me? Pls note that not wearing earrings is not an option, LOL!

2) What settings would you consider? I'm looking for something extremely comfortable and that wouldn't tug on my ears too much, or would stretch my already-stretched earholes. I also have shoulder-length hair if that helps.

3) I'm selling some other jewellery to finance the purchase of this pair of earrings. I reckon I should have some left over and I'd like to donate the money, perhaps to the people of Haiti and the rest to Medicins Sans Frontieres. The latter I'm very sure about and know what to do; but could you please recommend what's the best way to go about donating to the former? The problem with Haiti is going to go on for a few years and with most big news, some people will forget that the Haitians will still need help for many years to come. Which charity or organisation have you guys had exprience with and which would be the best to donate the money to (I'd like to make sure that the money actually gets to the people in need and not get lost in "administrative expenses").

Many thanks.

 

[that_someone_special]

I have no idea... but wanted to stop in and say HI!!! And you''re such an amazing person!

Do you want just plain studs or studs with halos.... or studs with jackets... or......??

$10k gives you A LOT of options. Well, not 4.65ct options, but that''s a pretty healthy budget IMO.

And if you want someone to look after the BGD studs, I am more than willing to do so. I will even wear them every second of every day just so they won''t get lonely.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 12:47:47 AM
Author: swedish bean
I have no idea... but wanted to stop in and say HI!!! And you're such an amazing person!

Do you want just plain studs or studs with halos.... or studs with jackets... or......??

$10k gives you A LOT of options. Well, not 4.65ct options, but that's a pretty healthy budget IMO.

And if you want someone to look after the BGD studs, I am more than willing to do so. I will even wear them every second of every day just so they won't get lonely.

Hey there, girlfriend!!

I don't know what kind of studs I want, and that is exactly what's the problem, LOL!

All I know is that I would like H&A (if possible) but in any case ideal cut. I want them to sparkle sparkle...like crazy!!

He he, the 4.649ctw BGD studs, I may trade in later. No point in locking them up for the next five years whist we're in China. I'm thinking of putting them towards an upgrade later...not really doing anything for a while though.

 

[zhuzhu]

1 ct each of H&A in platinum screw-back setting will rock for everyday wear.

I also want to say that you can still insure your jewelries with an American company, even if you live abroad.

 

[Gypsy]

I think for 10K... you should get two pairs.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5403 these in the largest size as they will give you a LOT of coverage ( I have something similar-ish from Pearlmans at .20 carats and they out bling .80 ctw studs) and will give you something to switch between.

Then I'd spend 7,000 on 1.80 J-K SI BGD studs-- and that leave plenty over for the settings. Handmade Bezel studs in platinum for the settings. More Omph visually and still look great.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 3:21:01 AM
Author: zhuzhu
1 ct each of H&A in platinum screw-back setting will rock for everyday wear.

I also want to say that you can still insure your jewelries with an American company, even if you live abroad.

Thanks, Zhuzhu.

I'm thinking perhaps of going a bit larger, as I have jumbo earlobes, LOL! Also, my long-ish hair may swallow up the smaller sized studs.

Re the insurance, do you happen to know of any insurer(s)? Cehra and I have been looking but can't seem to find anything. The only company that came close was AXA (I think that's what it was) but the max limit is USD10k in total (I think?) or something like that. So I didn't bother.

Would appreciate it if you could pls recommend a company?

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 3:35:27 AM
Author: Gypsy
I think for 10K... you should get two pairs.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5403 these in the largest size as they will give you a LOT of coverage ( I have something similar-ish from Pearlmans at .20 carats and they out bling .80 ctw studs) and will give you something to switch between.

Then I'd spend 7,000 on 1.80 J-K SI BGD studs-- and that leave plenty over for the settings. Handmade Bezel studs in platinum for the settings. More Omph visually and still look great.

Thanks, Gypsy.

I appreciate your suggestions. Your Pearlmans earrings are very pretty, delicate yet still plenty blingy. I'm worried though about leaving a second pair lying around as they might get stolen/ lost.

I think i'd rather have just the one pair that I could wear all the time. J coloured studs sound great! I'm wondering though if the bezels would block out some light? Would love to hear from anyone who has them as well as non-bezelled ones and see if you can notice a difference?

 

[that_someone_special]

I''m wondering if you''re going to have to go to a K in color to get the size you want- though I think I remember that K''s had too much color for your taste?

BGD has:

J 1.210 VS2 $5782
J 1.008 SI2 $4032

They have a K cushion on their website 1.130 vs2 $3470 - I can''t imagine a RB would be that big of a difference... and these are all of the branded diamonds. If you look at their Brian Gavin Select diamonds, you get a bit more for the buck...

Are you against Si2? Anyway here is a link to a search on BGD, 1.1-1.5; J-K; VS1-SI2 for their select stones

LINKY

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 6:50:59 AM
Author: swedish bean
I'm wondering if you're going to have to go to a K in color to get the size you want- though I think I remember that K's had too much color for your taste?

BGD has:

J 1.210 VS2 $5782
J 1.008 SI2 $4032

They have a K cushion on their website 1.130 vs2 $3470 - I can't imagine a RB would be that big of a difference... and these are all of the branded diamonds. If you look at their Brian Gavin Select diamonds, you get a bit more for the buck...

Are you against Si2? Anyway here is a link to a search on BGD, 1.1-1.5; J-K; VS1-SI2 for their select stones

LINKY

Hmmm....I think K's can represent great value for money. However, if I had to choose btw size and colour, and were able to afford it, I'd go up to J!

I can't believe I've just said that, me...the "size wh$%%", LOL!!

Wouldn't cushions face up a bit smaller? I must say I'm *very* intrigued by BGD cushions. I wish I could see them in person. I'll bet they are real sparklebombs!!

I'm not against SI2 at all, esp. if the SI2 is eye-clean and is in earrings.

Thanks for the link. I'll go cruise their website now, he he!

 

[Phoenix]

Would s.o. please offer some suggestions RE the charities?

 

[that_someone_special]

I wish I could help with that, but I have NO idea... I too, get worried about the "administrative expenses" so I''m curious to see what others have to say!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Phoenix, that is so fantastic!

Here''s a list of top rated charities working in Haiti.

I think any of these would be fine, and you can click the link to read snapshots of their financials, including administrative expenses (which are certainly necessary, but should not be excessive.)

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=1004


For the earrings I would go with the biggest, cleanest, sparkliest J SI2s that Brian can find for you and then set them in eight prong martinis. YUM

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 2/9/2010 11:10:53 AM
Author: swedish bean
I wish I could help with that, but I have NO idea... I too, get worried about the ''administrative expenses'' so I''m curious to see what others have to say!

I don''t donate money. Every year, I buy school supplies, food, and clothes. Whatever I can afford at the time.

Since you''re in China, what about buying and donating food to local individuals rather than sending money to another country and not being sure what it''s used for?

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 11:10:53 AM
Author: swedish bean
I wish I could help with that, but I have NO idea... I too, get worried about the ''administrative expenses'' so I''m curious to see what others have to say!

Thank you, you''re a sweetie.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 11:48:49 AM
Author: Bella_mezzo
Phoenix, that is so fantastic!

Here's a list of top rated charities working in Haiti.

I think any of these would be fine, and you can click the link to read snapshots of their financials, including administrative expenses (which are certainly necessary, but should not be excessive.)

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=1004


For the earrings I would go with the biggest, cleanest, sparkliest J SI2s that Brian can find for you and then set them in eight prong martinis. YUM

Thank you so very much, Bella.

This is *exactly* the sort of information I was looking for!!

It's very very helpful indeed.

RE the earrings, I have a strong suspicion that you're so right!!

How are you liking your lovely diamond dangles, btw? As you can see, I'm so bl....dy indecisive. I need all the help I can get, LOL!

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 11:51:40 AM
Author: MC

Date: 2/9/2010 11:10:53 AM
Author: swedish bean
I wish I could help with that, but I have NO idea... I too, get worried about the 'administrative expenses' so I'm curious to see what others have to say!

I don't donate money. Every year, I buy school supplies, food, and clothes. Whatever I can afford at the time.

Since you're in China, what about buying and donating food to local individuals rather than sending money to another country and not being sure what it's used for?

Thanks, MC. I'm already doing that in China. In fact, I do volunteer work as well as donate money to local charities. I also try to help out some people whom I come into contact with. I am involved in charities/ charitable work in Singapore and Vietnam to help kids in Vietnam. I also donate to cancer research organisations etc.

In addition, I like to be able to donate to other organisations in other parts of the world. I see on the website that Bella sent me Medicins Sans Frontieres/ Doctors Without Borders. They saved my family and myself (long story). Without them, I'd have been dead long ago, seriously. I know what you mean about sending money to another country, but if it weren't for charities like MSF, people like my family and I wouldn't be here today to tell the story.

The point you made is an excellent point though. People who donate to big charities sometimes forget that those at your doorstep/ closer to home are also in need - sometimes even more in need than those seen in the media.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 2/9/2010 12:11:21 PM
Author: Phoenix

Thanks, MC. I''m already doing that in China. In fact, I volunteer my time as well as donate money to local charities. I also try to help out some people whom I come into contact with. I am also involved in charities/ charitable work in Singapore and Vietnam to help kids in Vietnam. I also donate to cancer research organisations etc.

In addition, I like to be able to donate to other organisations in other parts of the world. I see on the website that Bella sent me Medicins Sans Frontieres/ Doctors Without Borders. They saved my family and myself (another long story). Without them, I''d have been dead long ago, seriously. I know what you mean about sending money to another country, but if it weren''t for charities like MSF, people like my family and I wouldn''t be here today to tell the story.

The point you made is an excellent point though. People who donate to big charities sometimes forget that those at your doorstep/ closer to home are also in need - sometimes even more in need than those seen in the media.

Sounds like you would pick the perfect charity if you donated to MSF. Personally, I would help them out now that you''re in the fortunate position.

I think when it comes to local charities, what I''ve heard is that often food banks get tons of food around the holidays and then the rest of the year, people kind of forget. Also, they run out of basics like toiletries and female products that are kind of expensive. If we think about it, it costs $10 a month, for hygiene products, just because we''re women.

You''re very sweet to help out those in need.

 

[that_someone_special]

I looked at that website and I really like it!!!

I would donate to Doctors Without Borders.. their "overhead" seems very reasonable.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

charitynavigator is a great resource, as is guidestar.org. If you really want to dig in, you can look at the organization's 990 forms which are their tax forms and see their full financials.

I work in the non-profit sector and am glad this helps

phoenix, I am loving my dangly earrings. If I had to do it over again I would have gotten the dangles just a smidge shorter b/c I have pretty small lobes, but I

them and wear them almost every day. They are so comfy, so I jsut sleep in them and clean them every couple days

i realized how much I love them and wear them last week when I was home sick with a horrible head cold, a nose red like rudolph, and surrounded by kleenex and cough drops huddled up on the couch in my PJs under a blanket...with diamond earrings on

yep, PS has corrupted me

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 12:18:26 PM
Author: MC


Sounds like you would pick the perfect charity if you donated to MSF. Personally, I would help them out now that you're in the fortunate position.

I think when it comes to local charities, what I've heard is that often food banks get tons of food around the holidays and then the rest of the year, people kind of forget. Also, they run out of basics like toiletries and female products that are kind of expensive. If we think about it, it costs $10 a month, for hygiene products, just because we're women.

You're very sweet to help out those in need.

Very true indeed.

It's nothing for me really. We're in a position to help, so why not?

DH used to do pro-bono work at the Chicago Legal Clinic and we still donate on a regular basis. We have some friends that are a huge inspiration to us. There's one couple that we really admire and look up to. They have their own business and work all kinds of hours, as well as raise 3 children. And yet somehow they're still able donate to and volunteer at their local church. On top of all of this, they actually travel to Vietnam to visit these poor families in the countryside (in the middle of nowhere) and orphanages in VN to give books, writing materials, food, sweets, rice etc to them.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 12:25:12 PM
Author: swedish bean
I looked at that website and I really like it!!!

I would donate to Doctors Without Borders.. their ''overhead'' seems very reasonable.

That website is indeed very informative.

MSF/ DWB is really a *great* charity. I said it once or twice and I''ll say it again.

 

[Phoenix]

Date: 2/9/2010 4:54:25 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
charitynavigator is a great resource, as is guidestar.org. If you really want to dig in, you can look at the organization''s 990 forms which are their tax forms and see their full financials.

I work in the non-profit sector and am glad this helps

phoenix, I am loving my dangly earrings. If I had to do it over again I would have gotten the dangles just a smidge shorter b/c I have pretty small lobes, but I

them and wear them almost every day. They are so comfy, so I jsut sleep in them and clean them every couple days

i realized how much I love them and wear them last week when I was home sick with a horrible head cold, a nose red like rudolph, and surrounded by kleenex and cough drops huddled up on the couch in my PJs under a blanket...with diamond earrings on

yep, PS has corrupted me

Thanks so much again, Bella. I really appreciate it.

Glad to know that your earrings are so comfy that you can actually sleep in them. That''s really great!

 

[Phoenix]

Back to earrings, what do you guys think of cushions instead of RB? Nobody I know has cushion-shaped earrings. I''m curious to see what they look like on ears.

 

[Phoenix]

...or Asschers? What about these? Are they any good?

http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/stud_diamond_earrings/estate_asscher_diamond_platinum_stud_earrings1.html

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 2/9/2010 4:07:36 AM
Author: Phoenix

Date: 2/9/2010 3:21:01 AM

Author: zhuzhu

1 ct each of H&A in platinum screw-back setting will rock for everyday wear.


I also want to say that you can still insure your jewelries with an American company, even if you live abroad.

Thanks, Zhuzhu.


I''m thinking perhaps of going a bit larger, as I have jumbo earlobes, LOL! Also, my long-ish hair may swallow up the smaller sized studs.


Re the insurance, do you happen to know of any insurer(s)? Cehra and I have been looking but can''t seem to find anything. The only company that came close was AXA (I think that''s what it was) but the max limit is USD10k in total (I think?) or something like that. So I didn''t bother.

Would appreciate it if you could pls recommend a company?

yes - phoenix and I would both be VERY glad to know about this!! It would mean I could liberate my ring from the box its in!!! lol

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 2/9/2010 4:54:25 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
charitynavigator is a great resource, as is guidestar.org. If you really want to dig in, you can look at the organization''s 990 forms which are their tax forms and see their full financials.


I work in the non-profit sector and am glad this helps


phoenix, I am loving my dangly earrings. If I had to do it over again I would have gotten the dangles just a smidge shorter b/c I have pretty small lobes, but I

them and wear them almost every day. They are so comfy, so I jsut sleep in them and clean them every couple days


i realized how much I love them and wear them last week when I was home sick with a horrible head cold, a nose red like rudolph, and surrounded by kleenex and cough drops huddled up on the couch in my PJs under a blanket...with diamond earrings on

yep, PS has corrupted me

Date: 2/9/2010 4:54:25 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
charitynavigator is a great resource, as is guidestar.org. If you really want to dig in, you can look at the organization''s 990 forms which are their tax forms and see their full financials.


I work in the non-profit sector and am glad this helps


phoenix, I am loving my dangly earrings. If I had to do it over again I would have gotten the dangles just a smidge shorter b/c I have pretty small lobes, but I

them and wear them almost every day. They are so comfy, so I jsut sleep in them and clean them every couple days


i realized how much I love them and wear them last week when I was home sick with a horrible head cold, a nose red like rudolph, and surrounded by kleenex and cough drops huddled up on the couch in my PJs under a blanket...with diamond earrings on

yep, PS has corrupted me

I wonder if there is a show me your danglies thread - hahahaha Okay - sounds funny but I''m serious!!

 

[Cehrabehra]

I don''t think you''re going to get the shape impact with cushions on your ears. Unless they were like square H&A types or something

 

[Cehrabehra]

Okay here''s what I would do - I would get some studs - not the max size (You have big - I''m going for something different here) but a somewhat modest size and then get a) a halo jacket set to make them big and blingier and b) danglies that attach by just slipping the post through a hoop. Three earrings in one - and without either addon you would have a set that you could wear anywhere that isn''t tooooo flashy for those times when modesty is preferred for safety or respect. But of *course* I''d get the biggest ones you could get and still get the jackets and the danglies lol

 

[Rhea]

Date: 2/11/2010 5:38:23 AM
Author: Cehrabehra
Okay here''s what I would do - I would get some studs - not the max size (You have big - I''m going for something different here) but a somewhat modest size and then get a) a halo jacket set to make them big and blingier and b) danglies that attach by just slipping the post through a hoop. Three earrings in one - and without either addon you would have a set that you could wear anywhere that isn''t tooooo flashy for those times when modesty is preferred for safety or respect. But of *course* I''d get the biggest ones you could get and still get the jackets and the danglies lol

I love this idea! It leaves you with a few different options, including dangles you could wear with your other earrings.

 

[Cehrabehra]

Date: 2/11/2010 6:13:34 AM
Author: Addy

Date: 2/11/2010 5:38:23 AM

Author: Cehrabehra

Okay here''s what I would do - I would get some studs - not the max size (You have big - I''m going for something different here) but a somewhat modest size and then get a) a halo jacket set to make them big and blingier and b) danglies that attach by just slipping the post through a hoop. Three earrings in one - and without either addon you would have a set that you could wear anywhere that isn''t tooooo flashy for those times when modesty is preferred for safety or respect. But of *course* I''d get the biggest ones you could get and still get the jackets and the danglies lol

I love this idea! It leaves you with a few different options, including dangles you could wear with your other earrings.

what kind of danglies do you picture? I picture something really simple like dbty danglies - some kind of chain or chains with diamonds at the end(s)