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STUDS - Input please on options

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
I have hemmed and hawed about Studes for a while, what I have wanted has changed, as well as the stats I was looking at (and the budget has gone up :naughty: ), which in the long run is good because I will be able to get more bang for my buck.

Budget $4K ish, can go a smidge over for the right pair. Setting will be bezel, set $600 aside for that separately from the stone budget.

K Color – Possibly L but want to see images to see how much color they throw.

SI1 or Eye Clean.

I want the biggest (close to 6mm as I can) and most sparkle I can get, so Ideal cut being a non-negotiable, as I have read over and over on PS, cut is king.

I am thinking of setting these in a Bezel Platinum setting, no milgrain.


Reached out to Whiteflash and BG, both very friendly.

WF:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3502512,3502517 1.072ctw K SI1 A Cut Above H&A $2,625 (wire price: $2,547)
 
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3642165,3634227 1.331ctw K SI1 A Cut Above H&A $3,172 (wire price: $3,077)
 
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/compare.aspx?idnos=3660699,3502528 1.411ctw K VS A Cut Above/Expert Selection $3,892 (wire price: $3,776)

All very nice, but a little smaller than what I was hoping, and the VS is higher than I was looking for. Wanted to go SI1 or eyeclean to put my money to work on the size.

I realize that the exact mix I am looking for may not be available at this moment, and I can wait, there is no deadline for this project.



BG:

They don’t have a lot in the range I am looking. They did have this M that fit all of my other criteria:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.756-m-si1-round-diamond-ags-e-104085184005

They offered to photograph a K next to this M so I can see how much color they throw.

They just got a large shipment of stones so will not be getting new stock for a while. Their vendor is on holiday, will return on the 22nd, they have offered to reach out to them when they return to see what they may have that fits what I am looking for.



Questions:

#1- Are these good stones? I’ve looked at the stats and they appear to fall in the range of Ideal, but I don’t have the charts memorized like some

#2 – Does anyone have any BG studs in M? Any L studs?

#3 – Is there anything else I should be watching out for? Looking at?
 

ac117

Ideal_Rock
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Apr 28, 2014
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4,057
Do you have to have super ideal stones? If not, contact Yekutiel at IDJ - I'm sure he can find you a bigger GIA triple Ex pair within your budget!! Tell him you want ASET/images of the stones and post them here for opinions. :))
 

Elsafiancee

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 12, 2016
Messages
53
I personably found white flash to be extortionate Contact jewleryulovebyaby on etsy. . She did my studs and I got 1.52ttw , I si1, 3X for a fraction of the price you're quoting. She was great to work with.
 
Q

Queenie60

Guest
ac117|1470855082|4064407 said:
Do you have to have super ideal stones? If not, contact Yekutiel at IDJ - I'm sure he can find you a bigger GIA triple Ex pair within your budget!! Tell him you want ASET/images of the stones and post them here for opinions. :))

Ditto! Purchased my studs from IDJ and couldn't be happier! :))
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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58,547
Let's just say you get what you pay for! I would absolutely go with one of the Whiteflash pairs!!! Mine are from WF and I have upgraded multiple times to end up with my ideal size! Go for the 1.4 ctw pair if you can!
 

PintoBean

Ideal_Rock
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6,589
DS is right - you do get what you pay for. The ACAs (as super ideals) + the WF upgrade policy explains why WF studs will cost more.

Now for me, personally, I prefer to go with GIA XXX that are within ideal cut parameter guidelines, and go bigger than what I could get with my budget if I were to buy from WF. IDJ also has a good upgrade policy. I had the privilege of seeing Queenie's stones loose on a visit to IDJ, and they definitely selected fantastic stones for her.
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
I hear what you are saying about 'you get what you pay for', that being said, I have put out feelers to IDJ to see what they come back with, can't not check.

On a slightly different note, I wanted to discuss Bezels, particularly if there is a noticeable difference be WF and BG.

On scouring the Stud forum, BG has a half circle piece that connects to the earring post, WF a triangle piece. Is there any other noticeable difference about the quality or finish between these two?

From a design aesthetic, I prefer the half circle, but if it doesn't make a difference I don't need it.
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
I know its been a while from previous posts. Still looking, but finding that there is not a lot in the AGS0 range that is 0.75-0.80, on reflections I'm probably being a little neurotic, but I feel justified with this kind of a purchase, anyway...

That besides the point, my question is on searching Brian Gavin's website.

They told me they were getting a new set of stock in and to check back for updates to the list. I did, and didn't see anything. They then send me a listing for two diamonds and asked if I had seen the new stock. I told them no, and sent screen shots of not finding anything. They told me that I needed to dump my cookies, I did, no change. Also commandeered a co-workers computer who had never been on the website to check, no different stock.

Am I missing something? When I search the code for the L's they sent me, nothing comes up on their website. This is factory stock, and doesn't show up on a search for me, but BG folks seemed to be under the impression I should be able to view from search.

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diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Messages
58,547
There's no way I would ever consider L color in studs, except maybe in antique earrings with antique diamonds. K would be the absolute lowest, but I prefer J as the lowest. Clarity doesn't have as great an effect on price in lower color diamonds, especially in smaller size stones. I'd stick with WF because they generally have more of a selection and that is important if you ever want to upgrade. They often have better prices, as well, which is another reason I have stuck with them for studs. Notice that these K's cost LESS than the L's you just posted!

This is the pair I recommend:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3660699.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3502528.htm
 

AprilBaby

Super_Ideal_Rock
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13,234
When I bought ACA studs from WF I tried to pair them and they came back and found me a better pair. Have you talked to them?
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
Do you think its more important for the color of the studs to match, or the Holloway score?

0.704 ct K VS1 Expert Selection - 1.5 HCA - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3502528.htm

0.707 ct K VS2 A CUT ABOVE- 1.1 HCA - - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3502528.htm

0.707 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE - 1.5 HCA - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702238.htm

0.728 ct J SI1 A CUT ABOVE - 1.1 HAC - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3717123.htm

Is there that much difference between a 1.1 score and a 1.5 score? I have room in the budget to be a little flexible, for the small amount it is, I'd just go up to J color, IF the difference between the HCA scores of 1.1 and 1.5 is not noticeable.

If there is a noticeable difference the other options is go with the 1.1 HCA stones that would mix the K & J colors.

There is also this stone, which is the size I was looking for, 0.793 ct J VS1 Expert Selection - 1.7 HCA - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702250.htm I may be splitting hairs, but I really do want these studs to be total knock outs. There is also the issue of there is only one of these... :think:
 
Q

Queenie60

Guest
You will have knock out studs if you stick with the Whiteflash ACA or Expert selection. Give them a call and ask them to pair two stones up for you. They may not show everything on their website. Or do a live chat online. Their stones will definitely give you the look you want. Confirm their upgrade policy when you mix an expert selection with an ACA stone. Good luck and report back to us. :wavey:
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
You are right, I need to stop learking, and just call and talk to folks.

Going to do that this afternoon.

Settings - I have been circling the standard Bezel setting for a long time. But I've come across the Clover Setting like these of late : https://jewelsbygrace.smugmug.com/Earrings

I do plan on upgrading these studs in the next five years to something bigger. What are the thoughts on the clover setting vs standard Bezel?
 
Q

Queenie60

Guest
If you plan to upgrade, I would suggest you have them set in a standard white or yellow gold basket, martini, or bezel. Don't spend a lot on a setting if you're going to upgrade to larger stones. Let us know your thoughts! :wavey:
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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diamondseeker2006|1475160712|4081981 said:
There's no way I would ever consider L color in studs, except maybe in antique earrings with antique diamonds. K would be the absolute lowest, but I prefer J as the lowest. Clarity doesn't have as great an effect on price in lower color diamonds, especially in smaller size stones. I'd stick with WF because they generally have more of a selection and that is important if you ever want to upgrade. They often have better prices, as well, which is another reason I have stuck with them for studs. Notice that these K's cost LESS than the L's you just posted!

This is the pair I recommend:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3660699.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3502528.htm

Is there some reason you don't like the pair I recommended? They seem to be a great match, and yes, absolutely keep both the same color.

Whiteflash WILL make the bezel settings with the curved piece underneath because I have asked. But I agree with Queenie that if you intend to upgrade, I'd go with the standard settings.
 

WillyDiamond

Brilliant_Rock
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Dec 7, 2004
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1,452
call Leslie at BGD to find matched pairs for you.
Good luck
 

VRBeauty

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Apr 2, 2006
Messages
11,210
You are not going to notice a difference of one (or even two) color grades when the earrings are worn. If you can get both stones in the same color grade, go for it. If they're a grade or two off and YOU don't care about that, then trust me... no one else is going to notice it when you're wearing your earrings.
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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58,547
Okay, I really missed some things in your last post because I was in a hurry when I last posted! The HCA has nothing to do with choosing hearts and arrows, ideal cut diamonds. You only use the HCA on GIA Ex cut stones because it is a very wide range and you need the HCA to narrow down the range to the stones that are likely the best cut. When matching ideal cuts, the most important things to match are diameter and table size, and the ones below are close enough to be a great match! I like the J color better, too!

0.707 ct J VS2 A CUT ABOVE - - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702238.htm

0.728 ct J SI1 A CUT ABOVE - - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3717123.htm

I usually went with the basket settings under $200 until I upgraded to what I hope is my final pair! But I do love the bezel setting if you think you'll get enough wear out of them to make it worth it. As I said above, they will make those with the curved back piece if you request it. Show them a picture like the Tiffany ones (except I would not do screw backs). Bezels do give a size boost, which is nice!

tco-stud-earrings-3.jpg
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
Been playing phone tag, but take to Whitefish today, the 0.728 J SI1 was put on hold, so unless the purchase falls through, is not available.

I've asked WF to take an image of this 0.707 ct J VS2 Cut Above - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3702238.htm

With this 0.707 ct K VS2 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3660699.htm side by side to see how much of a color difference there.

They are going to be worn on different ears so I don't think I'd mind the color difference that much.

Does anyone have an image of WF Bezel studs with Migrain?
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
You are right about the color Diamondseeker, I think I just got hung up on the specs as they were almost identical.

Whitefish got back to me today with the two K diamonds you recommended as well as the J.

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What does everyone thing?
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
Milgrain question -

I have been going back and forth on the Milgrain or not to Milgrain......

Talking to WF - I asked when I would need to make the all about the Migraine, they said ASAP. They have stated "that a lip has to be created in order to add the migraine to the bezel, that the milgrain requires an edge" ( I get that).

They are saying the outer edge of the bezel would need to be flat to provide the edge to have the milgrain added (almost like a tube) versus the standard handmade bezel earrings which are completely rounded from front to back".

I drew some pictures of what I think is being described, as well as a picture of some earrings which I liked the migraine on, can someone review and tell me if I'm understanding correctly?


img_2336.jpg
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Apologies for the sloppy drawings, they were done very quickly.
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Messages
58,547
I'd still go with the two K stones since they are the closest in color and a great match overall.

I would have to see a picture of their milgrain bezel to be able to really decide. Off hand, I can't right now think of someone who has the bezels.

If you lean more toward antique style jewelry, I might lean toward the milgrain. If you wear more modern styles, then the plain bezels would be good, and of course, either is fine with anything! You can't really go wrong!
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
Trigger pulled, studs made and in the mail/FedEx.

Went with the smooth bezel at the last minute. Had a kids play date with a group of moms, one of the ladies had a very impressive pair studs that had the clean bezel, so timeless, sold me.

These beauties arrive Tuesday, but I am traveling for work so will need to wait until Friday.


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diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
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58,547
Wow, how gorgeous!!! :love: You couldn't have gone wrong with either choice, but I do love the plain bezels with modern rounds! They did a perfect job on the curved bases. These are going to be gorgeous! Come back and post more pictures on a Show Me the Bling thread when you get them! I'd mention the bezel settings in the title so the next time someone is interested in bezels, they can more easily search for your thread.
 

Volvoqueen

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Mar 26, 2010
Messages
142
I've worn these every day and love them. Comparing with my E-ring I've found that I'm not that color sensitive and I actually enjoy the warm. I don't see it at all in regular daylight, in the car, or bathroom (has really good light). If i shine a flashlight on them and hit them at a 45 degree angle and can see the warm, that is the only time. Camera seems to show more warmth than I see with my natural eye.

The one question I have is it normal for the stones to rattle in the bezels?

I sometimes tap a pen to my ear when I'm thinking, and I kept hearing this tap tap tap, and finally figured out its the diamonds in the bezel. Its not a huge rattle, I can't see any movement, just hear it when they are in my ears and I tap them lightly...I'm not trying to find something wrong with them, its just this was a good chunk of money, I want them to be right.

Feedback on the rattling is appreciated.

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LLJsmom

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I don't think they are supposed to rattle. What have others experienced?? I'm curious.
 

PintoBean

Ideal_Rock
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6,589
No, I have two pairs of bezel studs - one from IDJ, one from BGD with the U like your WF pair and neither of them rattle.
 
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