Need a little advice

[spasternack]

I''ve been looking for a pair of diamond stud earrings for my wife''s 40th birthday. For some reason I am having a lot harder time on this then her engagment ring 14 years ago. Anyway looknig for some advice from the experts on these stones. I started out with a budget of 2000 but I''m up 3000 and would like something in the .6 - .7 ct (for each earring) range.

What do you think about these

Mondera

http://secure.mondera.com/Diamonds/product.asp?mscssid=NRKFFVJRVETN9NP2G9TL9KNKDE388W8E&partno=472284
http://secure.mondera.com/Diamonds/product.asp?mscssid=NRKFFVJRVETN9NP2G9TL9KNKDE388W8E&partno=453274

or

Blue Nile
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00499221&keyword_search_value=LD00499221
http://www.bluenile.com/diamonds_details.asp?pid=LD00906849&keyword_search_value=LD00906849

or
James Allen
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=130&item=816812
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=130&item=796612

any thoughts/comments/suggestions. also what does cloud and feather mean in the clarity characteristics? Is that just something common in SI2 stones

Thanks in advanced
Dazed & Confused Husband & Father of two boys

 

[mrssalvo]

Hi spasternack and welcome to PS

I don''t have a lot of time to look over all the links you posted but wanted to give you my initial thoughts. Cut is so important, it is what''s going to make the stone sparkle. I prefer depths that are closer to 60% and I think the first stone was a 63% so i''d pass on that just because it will make appear a little smaller. I am not very familiar with Mondera or their policies. BlueNile has good reviews but they don''t own their stones so they can''t go and look at them and tell you if the SI 2 is eyeclean or what type of inclusions are there. JamesAllen is highly respected around here as a vendor and out of the 3 would probably be the one I''d choose to work with just because of the great feedback he''s recieved here. I''m sure others will chime in on all the stones.

Weekends are a little slower around here so it may take some time to get some responses. I''ll be back later and look at the stones more closly.

You are a very thoughtful hubby and you have made a great step by finding PS. The folks here will help guide you until you find the perfect earrings

 

[mrssalvo]

Hey spasternack

Ok, i looked at the stones more closely. I''m in favor of the JamesAllen pair. I would call Jim and ask him to look at them for you. Both stones have med. blue fluor. which I adore so I''d probably pick them if Jim says they are suitable for earrings. Obviously no one will be inspecting the stones in her ears the same way as an engagement ring so minor inclusions might not be a problem.

 

[Sundial]

You are not really "dazed and confused" if you have the presence of mind to plan a gorgeous pair of earrings for your wife's birthday!!! Really a nice idea by the way and I'm sure she will be thrilled. I agree with Mrssalvo. I would call up someone at jamesallen.com and discuss those two stones. I have SI2 studs and they look great.

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome to PS and ditto Mrssalvo''s suggestions. Good luck with your project

 

[spasternack]

Thanks for the info.

Steve

 

[strmrdr]

Id have the James Allen crew bring in both diamonds for a look.
gd sym on the second one might or might not be an issue.
Thick girdle im not too thrilled about.
You might have them do a quick hunt to see if any other well matched pairs are in the pipeline.
The inclusions need to be checked anyway so I'd have them brought in.

 

[spasternack]

Work is getting in the way of my search today

so I haven''t had a chance to call yet

but ...

If this Girdle is something to be concerned for what is a good girdle thin? med?

Thanks

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 4/24/2006 12:48:28 PM
Author: spasternack
Work is getting in the way of my search today

so I haven''t had a chance to call yet


but ...


If this Girdle is something to be concerned for what is a good girdle thin? med?


Thanks

thin-med is good