please help, new buyer and don't understand all of this

[ccousino90]

So in a few weeks will be the day my girlfriend and I started dating a couple years ago. I went to the mall with her little girls and we looked at earrings for her. I'm in sales and wasn't willing to buy from zales or Kays without some more research first. I eventually found this site and started reading reviews. I've seen most say to stay away from those retailers, but my price range is 500 or 600 dollars for white gold diamond earrings.

I've seen you can get much better deals on e-rings by staying away from those retailers, but does that apply for smaller purchases too? I know that price range isn't high for diamonds, but it's still a lot to me. Rather overwhelmed in this search, and I'm really hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Should I buy them online, local jeweler, or is a chain retailer okay for this? I'd always rather get the most for my money, and I'm not sure I'm knowledgable enough to do that. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Edit : in store I was looking at 1/2 ct radiant diamonds for $545.

 

[tyty333]

I would contact ID Jewelry, let them know your budget and see what they can do. Have you considered pre-loved? You
can get a lot more with your budget.

http://www.idjewelry.com/earring/

BGD has these...I would ask for a hand picture or an ear picture because I think they may be small but it's a nice everyday
earring.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-earrings/fashion/leverback-huggies-14k-yellow-gold-5413y14
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond-earrings/fashion/leverback-huggies-14k-white-gold-5413w14

 

[tyty333]

Here is a pair of old european cut diamonds that the vendor (mydiamondzone) can probably put in a stud setting for
around your budget. They are 4mm diamonds. Other PSers have bought stones from this vendor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-DIAMOND-H-VS-MATCHING-PAIR-STUD-EARRINGS-1-2ct-VINTAGE-/151609664181?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item234ca3e2b5

 

[rubybeth]

I've seen you can get much better deals on e-rings by staying away from those retailers, but does that apply for smaller purchases too? I know that price range isn't high for diamonds, but it's still a lot to me. Rather overwhelmed in this search, and I'm really hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Should I buy them online, local jeweler, or is a chain retailer okay for this? I'd always rather get the most for my money, and I'm not sure I'm knowledgable enough to do that. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Edit : in store I was looking at 1/2 ct radiant diamonds for $545.

Yes, buying online is going to save you a lot vs. maul store jewelry chains like Kay or whatever. I also like tyty's suggestions of contacting ID jewelry, and the huggies she posted from BGD would be stunning and very wearable for everyday or dress up. The quality of the stones (mainly the cut) are going to make these so much nicer than anything you can get in a chain store.

A couple other suggestions:

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/princess-diamond-earrings-667.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/earrings/preset-diamond-studs/

 

[ccousino90]

Thank you both so much for your help, I'm looking around the sites and have contacted them with my budget and what I'm looking for. They are sending me an ear picture of those earrings. I'm still looking, but I really appreciate the help. This being the first time I'm buying diamond anything for someone, felt a little out of my element. Again, thank you.

 

[ccousino90]

http://www.idjewelry.com/round-brilliant-cut-diamond-studs-4prstud-50-idj.html .. I like these as well, but again am not sure whether it's a good deal or not. I'm leaning towards studs because she is picky and I want her to love whatever I decide on.

 

[Candygrl]

I really like the IDJ ones for your budget . Those will look beautiful. I believe they have an upgrade policy if you ever want to upgrade down the road.

 

[ccousino90]

https://www.ritani.com/diamond-stud-earrings/round-four-prong-basket-diamond-stud-earrings-in-14kt-white-gold/6576

Would these be a better value? Believe the grading on the first one may be better. Rather get the better deal, even if it means the more expensive pair.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Please stick with rounds because they are going to be most brilliant on the ears if you buy well cut ones. These are super cute and have a lot more size because it is not just one diamond.

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/flower-cluster-diamond-earrings-875.htm