Where to Buy Diamond Studs? 1.8–2cttw Round Brilliants – Help Finding a Matching Pair

[viola09]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking to purchase a pair of round brilliant diamond studs, around 1.8 to 2.0 cttw. I’m aiming for I color / SI clarity, but what matters most to me is finding a well-matched pair with great proportions and sparkle, ideally I’d like to go as large as possible without compromising to much, and without going over my budget of about 5k usd.

I’d really appreciate any input on the following:

• Which vendors would you recommend for a project like this? I’ve been looking into James Allen, Blue Nile -and also considering David Klass for the setting.
• Is it better to buy loose stones and have them set, or go with a pre-set pair from places like James Allen?
• Tips for identifying truly matching stones (in terms of table/depth, measurements, etc)?
• Has anyone worked with David Klass for studs—either using your own stones or having him source and set the whole pair?

I’d appreciate any input I can get. I feel a bit wary buying diamonds now, considering that the prices have tanked, I’m a bit worried they’ll keep going down. But it is what it is.

 

[TXwidow]

WhiteFlash sells 'matched' pair earrings, and you can select the 'setting' there.

 

[kenny]

A huge +1 on Whiteflash!
Their ACAs, (A Cut Above) diamonds have the best light performance!
I know, I have one.
... and their policies and customer service is excellent.

A good reason to get the diamonds set by your diamond seller is some will not set diamonds that they didn't sell.
Some have this policy: when setting diamonds provided by the customer they are not responsible for damage to diamond during setting.
I suspect this is to protect them if a customer brings in heavily included diamonds vulnerable to cracking when subjected to the heat and pressure stresses of the setting process.

 

[TXwidow]

I would call Whiteflash; start with your budget, color and clarity preferences and ask for the best 'matched' pair for earrings. Tell them what type setting you want.

In case you might, down the road, want to 'upgrade' their upgrade policy is way, way better than Blue Nile, James Allen, etc. If you decide on a purchase be sure to ask them about the policy for the stones you have selected.

 

[autumngems]

I got mine from RareCarat, 2.4 Tctwt J Vs, great price

 

[viola09]

Do you guys know if the setting needs to be changed every time the studs are upgraded? I’m trying to be financially wise about this, if I go with WF for example and get 1.0cttw studs, the setting would be 500usd, what if I in the future would like to upgrade to 1.5-2cttw, what do I do with the setting?

 

[MissGotRocks]

Do you guys know if the setting needs to be changed every time the studs are upgraded? I’m trying to be financially wise about this, if I go with WF for example and get 1.0cttw studs, the setting would be 500usd, what if I in the future would like to upgrade to 1.5-2cttw, what do I do with the setting?

They may offer you scrap value for the previous stud settings. That large of an increase - .50 or more, will necessitate new settings.

 

[viola09]

They may offer you scrap value for the previous stud settings. That large of an increase - .50 or more, will necessitate new settings.

Ahhhh, that's annoying. Are there any settings that more likely would be able to be re-used for a larger diamond? martini?

 

[Lookinagain]

Ahhhh, that's annoying. Are there any settings that more likely would be able to be re-used for a larger diamond? martini?

Not really, not with that much of a jump in size. What kind of setting are you looking for and what metal? You "might" be able to buy the stones and then have a local jeweler who deals with Stuller order a stock setting and set the stones. Not sure on the price differential but that may save you a bit on the settings.

Stuller, Inc.

Stuller, Inc. is the #1 supplier of fine jewelry, findings, mountings, tools, packaging, diamonds and gemstones for today’s retail jeweler.

www.stuller.com

 

[MissGotRocks]

No, the settings are just like heads for a diamond ring. They have seats cut into them to hold a diamond. If the size difference is very small, they might need be able to be reused but I have always had to buy new settings for larger earrings. If you are sure you will upgrade in the future, perhaps consider buying less expensive settings and get better ones or platinum ones or whatever for your final pair.