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Waffling on diamond stud purchase $2400 budget

MissStepcut

MissStepcut

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Messages
1,723
Guys I just cannot make up my mind!!

I am ready to buy diamond studs (hubby can figure out a different push present!) but I can't decide if I should go size over pedigree. I know, it's a personal choice, but I am really struggling with this!

Part of me wants runner's ACAs. They're .69 ctw G/SI1. The other part of me wants to get closer to a full 5 mm in each ear, possibly with IDJ's uncertified diamonds. Will I even miss the .5 mm?! Can I upgrade the WF ACAs if I do?

I've been combing JA for alternative stones, but I haven't seen anything I liked. I've also hit up the usual suspects of secondary market jewelers. Sigh.
 
Ah - first world problems, I hear ya! :D

I'd go size over pedigree simply because people will SEE the size, they won't see the papers and on your ears, you won't need the same level of perfection that you would on a ring. That's just me talking.... others may feel differently. I'd rather have bigger studs for the money and if you go with IDJ uncert stones, I think you will be VERY pleased with how bright, white and sparkly they are.

I have their uncert stones in my band and I'm THRILLED with how they sparkle and show fire and light!
 
I am willing to take the non-certed leap of faith... with certain assurances. I know people sometimes say earrings don't need to be as perfect as rings, and I agree to a point (eg clarity) but I don't know about cut: my ears get a lot less light than my hand, and might need the ideal cut "help," you know?

If I knew for sure that the uncerted stones had a great cut, I would probably be happy, but I doubt IDJ knows the angles and percentages? Maybe that's not true?
 
I could also get a BGD matched pair of ctw .96 or so, and it would take up the whole budget, but then I only gain .25 mms over runner's ACAs, and will I even see that?!
 
You could call IDJ and discuss those thoughts with them... they seem to be very accommodating and able to work wonders!

The BGD pair sound lovely! (that's where mine are from - the Signature line - J's SI .87cttw) ARe you ok spending the full budget? Would you prefer Runners ACA's?

You have to be comfortable with whatever direction you go, but I sense you aren't settled yet, right? :?
 
MissStepcut|1338644704|3207761 said:
I am willing to take the non-certed leap of faith... with certain assurances. I know people sometimes say earrings don't need to be as perfect as rings, and I agree to a point (eg clarity) but I don't know about cut: my ears get a lot less light than my hand, and might need the ideal cut "help," you know?

If I knew for sure that the uncerted stones had a great cut, I would probably be happy, but I doubt IDJ knows the angles and percentages? Maybe that's not true?
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Congratulation for you coming addition and what a great push present you are getting, the studs..mmm. :appl:

I see your point about earrings and less light, that was exactly my reasoning when I was shopping for my push present studs last Xmas. I went with BGD signature stones and cant be happier with them! i stayed just before half carat mark and was able to get great cut and the diameter of half caraters without paying the premium.

You have very generous budget for 5mm stones even with pedegree super duper cut upgradable stones. Just looked up at BGD there is a gorgeous pair of 0.45 FG SL1 for under your budget settings inclusive ( dont forget to ask for 5%discount on stone if you decide to go BGD root). Alternatevely I would absolutely ask Yekutiel to find you biggest brightest uncerted stones within your budget and then compare the BGDs and his offer. I think he will be able to fish you full half caraters but of course may be not in color and definately not in cut comparable with BGD stones. The trade away will be perhaps 0.1 mm but I am sure it is not noticable on the ears, only sparkles.

Besides, 5mm is totally noticable and great size for earring but not the size when you are saying, wow thats the biggest I can go..hehe, so upgrade option is great to have! :Up_to_something:
I
 
Enerchi|1338645736|3207770 said:
You could call IDJ and discuss those thoughts with them... they seem to be very accommodating and able to work wonders!

The BGD pair sound lovely! (that's where mine are from - the Signature line - J's SI .87cttw) ARe you ok spending the full budget? Would you prefer Runners ACA's?

You have to be comfortable with whatever direction you go, but I sense you aren't settled yet, right? :?
Click to expand...
I would be totally fine with spending the whole budget, though if I do buy runner's, I would have to make an offer since she's asking essentially full retail with free settings, and I might find my best offer turned down, since I know WF has good policies about buy-backs and upgrades. But, having hers out there definitely makes it harder to spend the whole she-bang on stones that are only .2-.25 mm larger.

I guess I would only be tempted by other secondary market ideal cuts or retail studs that were "ideal enough" to make me feel good about my choice. OTOH I suppose I may want to upgrade one day, so getting BGD or WF stones seems like a safer long-term bet.
 
Efriede|1338646053|3207772 said:
MissStepcut|1338644704|3207761 said:
I am willing to take the non-certed leap of faith... with certain assurances. I know people sometimes say earrings don't need to be as perfect as rings, and I agree to a point (eg clarity) but I don't know about cut: my ears get a lot less light than my hand, and might need the ideal cut "help," you know?

If I knew for sure that the uncerted stones had a great cut, I would probably be happy, but I doubt IDJ knows the angles and percentages? Maybe that's not true?
Click to expand...

Congratulation for you coming addition and what a great push present you are getting, the studs..mmm. :appl:

I see your point about earrings and less light, that was exactly my reasoning when I was shopping for my push present studs last Xmas. I went with BGD signature stones and cant be happier with them! i stayed just before half carat mark and was able to get great cut and the diameter of half caraters without paying the premium.

You have very generous budget for 5mm stones even with pedegree super duper cut upgradable stones. Just looked up at BGD there is a gorgeous pair of 0.45 FG SL1 for under your budget settings inclusive ( dont forget to ask for 5%discount on stone if you decide to go BGD root). Alternatevely I would absolutely ask Yekutiel to find you biggest brightest uncerted stones within your budget and then compare the BGDs and his offer. I think he will be able to fish you full half caraters but of course may be not in color and definately not in cut comparable with BGD stones. The trade away will be perhaps 0.1 mm but I am sure it is not noticable on the ears, only sparkles.

Besides, 5mm is totally noticable and great size for earring but not the size when you are saying, wow thats the biggest I can go..hehe, so upgrade option is great to have! :Up_to_something:
I
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I am not seeing the BGD pair you're talking about? Hmmm...
 
You do lose out on the upgrade if you purchase from ebay or runner - would you want to upgrade later?

I think it was Christina who made us aware that the .1mm width is about the size of a sheet of paper... (pretty sure that's the reference...) so the 2 sheets of paper width you would be paying for, doesn't seem as worth it, to me, if it were my budget. If it were me, I'd talk to IDJ - and ask if they also have an upgrade policy (and I think they do)
 
Enerchi|1338650796|3207830 said:
You do lose out on the upgrade if you purchase from ebay or runner - would you want to upgrade later?

I think it was Christina who made us aware that the .1mm width is about the size of a sheet of paper... (pretty sure that's the reference...) so the 2 sheets of paper width you would be paying for, doesn't seem as worth it, to me, if it were my budget. If it were me, I'd talk to IDJ - and ask if they also have an upgrade policy (and I think they do)
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Ah, thank you for letting me know that I lose out on the upgrade. That's probably a deal-killer.

I emailed IDJ yesterday afternoon, so I'll be waiting around to hear from them, I suppose!
 
If you don't get an email reply on Monday, just phone them. I find email is not their best communication method - phone is the best.

I know you won't get an upgrade with the ebay seller - no idea if runner's original purchase would cover you as a secondary buyer tho. I'd be inclined to think no - but worth asking, if they are still of interest to you.

I have BGD and at present, I have no intention of upgrading... because I've ordered jackets (woo hoo!) If you went with IDJ, you could get the size you are aiming for - approx .90 + cttw - and investigate jackets to increase the size when you feel like more bling or more width on your ears.

Something else to think about :naughty:
 
(I'm not called "the enabler" on PS, for nothing, you know!) :Up_to_something:
 
I'm with Enerchi ... Size is definitely noticeable above all else on the ears, though cut is a close second. The nice thing is, you don't have to choose - Yekuriel definitely knows from the HCA (I saw him call a stone's score just by glancing at the numbers). And if it's a non-branded H&A you get the best of both worlds (I am not ashamed to admit that is EXACTLY what I did). Nothing to lose by calling and asking ....
 
Hi all. Try Anjolee.com. You can get 1ct in 18k FG color, VS quality for just a little over your budget. I have purchased 2 items from them now, diamond hoops and a 5 stone dia band, and I am now a loyal fan. Let me tell you, I have so many rings that it is a little embarrassing, but I was stunned at how nice their diamonds are. Nothing to loose, you can always send them back.
 
Jeweljunke|1338652331|3207857 said:
Hi all. Try Anjolee.com. You can get 1ct in 18k FG color, VS quality for just a little over your budget. I have purchased 2 items from them now, diamond hoops and a 5 stone dia band, and I am now a loyal fan. Let me tell you, I have so many rings that it is a little embarrassing, but I was stunned at how nice their diamonds are. Nothing to loose, you can always send them back.
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I am not open to going a penny over budget unfortunately, but thank you for sharing another resource!
 
Circe|1338651883|3207847 said:
I'm with Enerchi ... Size is definitely noticeable above all else on the ears, though cut is a close second. The nice thing is, you don't have to choose - Yekuriel definitely knows from the HCA (I saw him call a stone's score just by glancing at the numbers). And if it's a non-branded H&A you get the best of both worlds (I am not ashamed to admit that is EXACTLY what I did). Nothing to lose by calling and asking ....
Click to expand...
Yeah, this really does seem like the way to go. I don't need H&A at all, but I've seen some really awful studs out there (deep, included, cloudy) and it has me a little gun shy about uncerted stones. This would be my first IDJ project, but I've been wanting to work with them anyway :)
 
Hi MissSC. I'm bad in that way. I set a budget and go over it all the time. It takes real willpower to stick to a budget. Glad someone has that willpower, wish I did :errrr: Anyway, you can also get the .75ct in the same color and quality from them under your budget. Jeez, I know I probably sound like their salesperson, but really, I'm not. I just fell in love with their quality of diamonds. Good luck :wavey:
 
I really doubt you could go wrong w IDJ. If there is something you are not happy with, they will correct it to your satisfaction right away. They seem to be very accommodating and have a great rep on PS. Of all my rings, IMO, the one band I have from them is my very favourite! It is white, fiery, well made... I have no regrets.

and...

these are earrings - very few people are THAT close to you to see the H&A effect. You could maximize your budget if you went with their uncert stones and then maybe you could throw in jackets. The ones I ordered are for a 5mm stud, the 3 pointers, and they were $650 in WG. Just like Cellantini's, Hawaiianorangetree and Stargurl's.
 
I got a pair of J SI1s from BGD for Christmas...around .82 ctw...for like 1200 for the diamonds and 175 for the settings (they were having a Christmas sale which helped). They look SO white in my ears, are totally eyeclean, and are soo sparkly! I haven't looked at their current inventory, but if you stick with J SIs you might be able to stretch the budget further, and they will still be amazing a gorgeous!

Though I also did just get an eternity band from IDJ, with 15 pointers (of their f/g eyeclean SI1 pricescope quality stones), and those diamonds have great sparkle too! I took a video and will post it if you're interested and I can figure out how...

You really can't go wrong either way!
 
atp223|1338656989|3207913 said:
I got a pair of J SI1s from BGD for Christmas...around .82 ctw...for like 1200 for the diamonds and 175 for the settings (they were having a Christmas sale which helped). They look SO white in my ears, are totally eyeclean, and are soo sparkly! I haven't looked at their current inventory, but if you stick with J SIs you might be able to stretch the budget further, and they will still be amazing a gorgeous!

Though I also did just get an eternity band from IDJ, with 15 pointers (of their f/g eyeclean SI1 pricescope quality stones), and those diamonds have great sparkle too! I took a video and will post it if you're interested and I can figure out how...

You really can't go wrong either way!
Click to expand...
We're the SAME! :appl: Twin-sies! I've done the same purchases - but my IDJ is a 1/2 band of 12 pointers! I concur with all you've written.
 
My problem with larger uncerted diamonds is...why aren't they certed if they are well cut? I understand uncerted on smaller stones, but with stones that are close to .5, I would want the lab report. You may want to resell one day and graded stones are just going to be easier to sell. My first studs were uncerted and naturally when I had them appraised eventually, the clarity was 2 grades lower than I was told. I finally traded them in at a loss and bought a watch. I think uncerted stones' specs are almost always optimistically represented. My studs since then have been ACA's and I think excellent/ideal cut is essential for studs (whether branded or not). They just show up sooo much better on the ears than less well cut stones.
 
Enerchi|1338657737|3207918 said:
We're the SAME! :appl: Twin-sies! I've done the same purchases - but my IDJ is a 1/2 band of 12 pointers! I concur with all you've written.
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Love it! I'm also a bit of an enabler, too ;)! (more so IRL than on ps but still...twinsies! haha)
 
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