Searching for diamond studs - help appreciated!

[Mina-Lo]

Hi everyone!

I am a long time lurker and am finally in a position to purchase my very own diamond studs. However, I just realised I may have underestimated how much they are going to cost, and this is really a call to all the lovely experienced Pricescopers out there to help me find me the cheapest diamond studs at the best price...

I am looking for -
- a pair of round diamond studs
- as high a carat as possible (I'm aiming for at least 50 pointers each if I can)
- up to a H-I colour
- clarity as low as SI1
- I'd like excellent cut, my engagement ring has excellent cut, but not symmetry and polish and it still bugs me!
- minimum flourescence

My engagement ring is a 90. point round brilliant diamond in a cushion-shaped halo with milgrain (quite a dainty/antique look). Ideally I wanted halo studs, but I don't think my budget will extend that far.

I have around $3000 Australian to spend - is this going to be impossible for the setting + diamonds?

I have looked at Blue Nile and I like their halo studs, but the cut/clarity worries me. Also, I'm guessing it will just be cheaper to get a simple setting rather than a halo?

I'm not very experienced with diamonds and wanted to get the best looking/performing diamonds I can, I thought my best bet would be to ask some experts as I'm sure you could do a lot better than I can!

Can anyone please suggest any diamonds/settings? Or this a futile exercise with my current budget? Is it safe to order from a US site and get them shipped to Australia?

Thanks in advance- can't wait to see what goodies you unearth!


Mina

 

[VRBeauty]

Mina-Lo:

What you're looking for is definitely possible! Here's one option:

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/3-prong-martini-diamond-earrings-1345.htm

and another:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond-studs/earrings/item_421-8221.asp

Both of these are pre-set earrings from dealers that a lot of PS'ers have worked with.

If you want to get into the finer points of selecting individual diamonds, you might want to ask in the Rocky Talky forum.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, this thread belongs in Rocky Talky. Just click "report concern" in the upper right hand corner of your original post and ask the admin to move it.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1472826.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1463833.asp

My preference is a traditional 4 prong setting and then get 3 pt. diamond halo jackets from ID Jewelry when you want more size and bling. This is the perfect size for jackets!

 

[stargurl78]

I would definitely go with basic studs now (in 3, 4, or 8-prong settings) and get jackets later to dress them up, as DS suggested. I like the 2 JA stones she suggested as well!

 

[Mina-Lo]

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much for your responses- I love all the suggestions. Is I color too low? Will it be noticeable?

Does James Allen have an upgrade policy? I think blue nile do, I guess this is something to consider- I want to leave my options open for the future.

Thanks for the jackets suggestion- I think having a permanent halo would be a little too much for everyday wear, but I love the idea of dressing up the studs with the jackets, as long as they fit correctly.

I will put this topic in the Rockytalky section.

Thanks for your help

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think you have to spend double at James Allen to upgrade and Blue Nile has some conditions as well. Read those carefully. The best upgrade policies are at vendors such as WhiteFlash and Good Old Gold who allow your total price of the diamonds to go toward new diamonds of any price above the originals (but not the settings).