Newbie here--please give advice for diamond studs!

[VickieS]

I’ve learned so much from everyone here—thanks! My head is swimming with the wealth of knowledge and defer to the experts here to help guide my selection for diamond studs. DH is buying me my first pair of studs for my Bday. Funds are limited for this purchase, so I would like to get the *best*(read sparkliest!) studs for the $$--reviewing current prices, this means around 0.7-0.9 ctw studs is in our budget, lower color is fine but eye clean. My main question is, in smaller studs, how much does cut come into play? I.e. how does a pair of BGD true hearts compare to James Allen very good or excellent cut? I’m eyeing a pair of matched diamonds from BGD, but might be able to get slightly larger stones from JA with lower cut quality. I would like to upgrade one day—so think certified studs are the way to go, even though this may mean smaller ctw initially. Is this a good plan? I've also been eyeing those scalloped earring jackets from IDJ as a way to get a bigger look with my studs LOL Those are beautiful! Arghh..been bit by the diamond bug here!
TIA!!

 

[rubybeth]

I would say cut quality is especially important for earrings, because they get dirty with hair product and whatnot, and you don't wash them often like you do with rings when hand-washing. Personally, I would go with the best cut, and maybe drop down on color and clarity (since few people are going to get right up close to your ear and see a small inclusion). I'd also go with upgradeable stones from whatever vendor you choose so that you have the option to go up in size or color/clarity later. And a simple setting that will work with earring jackets.

 

[stargurl78]

You are just like me Vickie! I bought my first pair of studs last year and I was deciding between JA and BGD stones. I ended up going with the slightly smaller signature BGD studs and I'm so glad that I did because when I bought my jackets this year and my studs were too small (there was a large airline), I was able to upgrade to ones that fit perfectly (I just got them last week and I LOVE them). The jackets definitely do help when you want more presence or need something a little dressier. So I vote for BGD studs closer to the 0.9ctw range and pick up a pair of the IDJ jackets Check out Whiteflash's selection too (they have a great upgrade policy as well).

ETA: If you post your budget we can try to help you find some options. Also, what color and clarity ranges do you prefer?