What size stud should I upgrade to? (See picture)

[miagracie]

I've been debating on what size studs to upgrade to. I'm wondering if I even SHOULD upgrade in size. I've been looking at 1.5 - 1.8 total (.75 or .90 in each ear). But the quality isn't as good in my budget as the smaller 1 ct (.50 in each ear) studs.

I have .50 (.25 in each ear) martini studs (pictured). They aren't the best quality but look nice in person. The pictures don't do the sparkle justice. But I wish I had gone up in clarity and color at the time at least one grade.

I have halo jackets that are .25 total and I wear those to dress up the studs. I'd say that the jackets measure about 6.9mm across and are close the the diameter of a 1.25 or so stud. (Based on a print out of diamond sizes that is pretty accurate from what I see.)

So...should I upgrade from the .25 each ear to .50 in each ear (1ct total)? Would there be that much size difference? Or should I just keep the .25's (in each ear) and invest in some more earring jackets? Or should I get the 1 ct total (.50 each ear) and invest in earring jackets. Or should I go ahead and try for the 1.50 (.75) in each ear?

On jackets...is it true the sizes are by .25? If so, and if I'd like to wear jackets should I stick with .25 or .50 in each ear? Or should I go for the .75 in each ear-and if so, I couldn't find or want to wear jackets, right?

Or should I just use the halo/jacket and forget about upgrading?

What size stud upgrade, if any, would you recommend for me? How much would be too much? Thoughts...

Pictures below...please excuse my frizzy hair (it's raining here) and the bad pictures. My ears are hideous (got that from my Dad), please excuse them. *smile* They at least look worse in the picture than in real life.

For size reference on the earrings and my lobes, they are very thin and I'm a small person 5'2 125 lbs.

 

[Enerchi]

I think you'll notice a difference between .25 and .5 in each year. If you went to .5, would you existing jackets still fit the new stones? PSers seem to always be upgrading and this could be your intermediate step between your final .75's if they are not affordable at this time.

Maybe the .5's would satisfy you... for now?

 

[Amys Bling]

I think you'll notice a difference between .25 and .5 in each year. If you went to .5, would you existing jackets still fit the new stones? PSers seem to always be upgrading and this could be your intermediate step between your final .75's if they are not affordable at this time.

Maybe the .5's would satisfy you... for now?

These are my thoughts... I you go too big where you sacrifice quality you may regret it... You say you regret the quality of the current ones and they will be much smaller.

I say get good quality 1.0 cttw studs now and then upgrade again down the road. Go with a vendor that has a good upgrade policy.

 

[justginger]

I personally do not like the look of studs that are disproportionately large in comparison to the ears to which they're anchored. 5mm, around .5 ct, is the largest I wear because I have fairly petite earlobes. Any larger and they just don't look nice to me. That being disclosed, I think with your lobe size, .5s would be lovely. Larger?...perhaps too much for my taste.

 

[OcnGypZ]

I wear my 1/4 ct's everyday. Just enough sparkle to keep me happy.

I'd upgrade to 1/2 ct stones if you do anything at all.

In looking at the picture of the jackets, it looks like they may be big enough to accept 1/2 ct stones as well.

This way you'd have 4 possible looks!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree with upgrading to .5 each from a place that allows upgrades such as WhiteFlash.

 

[Rena7]

I have both .50tcw and 1.00tcw studs. For me I think the 1.00tcw are just perfect. I have tried other sizes in fakes and I really love this size. I think you just have to try them and see what size you love.

 

[miagracie]

Thanks! I'm going to go with the .5 in each ear (1 ct total) with a better quality than the .25's. I was afraid I wouldn't notice that much difference between the two sizes. Good to know that others with small earlobes have been satisfied with the change between .25 & .50.

Besides Whiteflash, who else lets you upgrade or trade in? Does anyone let you trade in jewelry (not just earrings) in perfect condition from other stores? Favorite places for earring jackets?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Good Old Gold allows trade-ins on diamonds, but usually WF has the largest selection of matched pairs. We can help if you'd like.

 

[Gypsy]

BGD allows trade ins as well. JA might too.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Pretty sure JA requires you spend double or something like that, though.

 

[Amys Bling]

Thanks! I'm going to go with the .5 in each ear (1 ct total) with a better quality than the .25's. I was afraid I wouldn't notice that much difference between the two sizes. Good to know that others with small earlobes have been satisfied with the change between .25 & .50.

Besides Whiteflash, who else lets you upgrade or trade in? Does anyone let you trade in jewelry (not just earrings) in perfect condition from other stores? Favorite places for earring jackets?

great choice

 

[Enerchi]

Going up to the .5's sounds like a great decision! you do have lovely delicate ears and maybe jumping from the .25's to .75's would make them look like....(gasp!) they weren't real!

This size should also allow your existing jackets to fit as well - but give the dimensions to the vendor to be sure. Hopefully you'll be able to invest in better quality .5's than having to compromise if you went up further in size.

Excited to see your new studs soon!

 

[miagracie]

Thanks! That's kind of what I was worried about them looking fake if they were too large. Will post pics when I get them!