Diamond Studs

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#856
eaf1973 said:
I have 3 ctw in a 3 prong martini with extra large screw backs. They're amazing, I steam clean them on Fridays and put them right back in. I have a lot of hair so thought I'd need bigger (and I did!) . But with studs you can go down a little in color and clarity, a good jeweler would recommend that actually.
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do you mind sharing a pic and specs of your studs, I'm in the market to buy a pair but like you I have a lot of hair and am thinking 4+ carats. Thanks in advance:smile1:
 
#859
I am about (finally!) to upgrade my diamond studs and have decided on a total carat weight of around 1.10. I don't mind dipping just beneath 1.10 if it means getting better quality studs.

Assuming everything else is equal (ideal cut, good table, depth % etc) which would you go for out of the following two pairs of studs?

Pair 1

1.08, VS2, I

Pair 2

1.10, SI1, G

Obviously the difference in carat weight is negligible. I have a diamond solitaire pendant (from the same vendor) with the same stats as the first pair of studs described above, except it is much smaller, and have been very happy with it. Because of the ideal cut the diamond faces up nice and white even at I colour. However, the colour is significantly better on the second pair of studs and of course they are slightly bigger at 1.10 total. So, should I go for better clarity on the first pair or better colour and (slightly) bigger carat weight on the second pair? I always thought clarity was the next most important C after cut? I have owned SI diamonds before (again ideal cut) and been very happy with them though.

Unfortunately I can't view either pair in real life before I buy, however the vendor has an excellent returns policy up until October this year if I buy now. I could therefore return the second pair if they turn out not to be eye clean.

The setting will be a four prong basket setting in 18k white gold. They come preset like this but I may change them at a later date to a martini setting in 18k yellow gold with my family jeweller.

Your thoughts would be appreciated ladies! I am hoping to make a decision and buy them by early next week :D
 
#861
^thanks! My gut instincts tell me also to go for the first pair, but it is useful to see what other people think :smile1: The size difference is tiny and at VS2 clarity I can be confident that there won't be any obvious imperfections.
 
#864
Hi Ame! Unfortunately I can't give detailed info on those as this is an English vendor and they don't provide that information with the stones as a matter of course. I have bought from them before and had an excellent experience - the diamond I purchased is like a little fireball. I did ring to ask about the table and depth percentages for the 1.08 pair - the table % is 57 for each stud and the depth % is 61.9 and 62. No flo. Excellent symmetry and polish. I'll call back to find out the stats for the other pair, but I am leaning towards the 1.08 ones at the moment given that there will be no discernable difference in size with the 1.10 ones, the clarity is better and they are (slightly) cheaper.
 
#865
Thanks Nikki! I am no expert either but I am thinking it might be safer to opt for the first pair since this is an online purchase. I can return them if necessary but would rather avoid it, so want to get everything right in advance.
 
#869
There's no guarantee a VS2 will be clean, either, but since you can return either pair, get whichever you're more comfortable with and return them if you're not happy. The lack of documentation and information is bothersome.
 
#870
saligator said:
I would go for the first pair. You may, later in life, want to do something else with the diamonds. If the clarity is limited, then the options are limited.
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Thanks for that, you are right - on the ears it doesn't matter as much if the clarity is a little lower but I know for a ring it would bother me. Having said that, unless I win the lottery these will be with me as studs for many years to come! I love the size and diamonds are just so expensive here in the UK, I would have to double what I am spending now just to push the size from 1.10 to 1.50! Crazy prices!

FelixItsHot said:
As long as the inclusions aren't terrible and the diamonds don't look milky or black-flecked, I think stones of that size should be fine.
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Thanks - I think on reflection though I will go for the 1.08 ones, maybe it is psychological but as this is a big purchase for me I will feel more comfortable not dipping below VS for clarity. I also have a small diamond with the same clarity and colour from the same vendor which I'm going to have reset into a diamond halo necklace at some point and I like the idea of the stones being so well-matched.

ame said:
There's no guarantee a VS2 will be clean, either, but since you can return either pair, get whichever you're more comfortable with and return them if you're not happy. The lack of documentation and information is bothersome.
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Thanks Ame, at least I can return them if for whatever reason I am not happy. I will also be getting them independently appraised before making a decision to keep them or not.
 
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