bought my first pair of everyday custom studs last week (they're still being made). they are .85, which is odd, but falls between .75 and 1, which i felt was perfect for my look and ears. but how come i can spend 5K on a handbag without any thought and feel so guilty and weird dropping 2K+ on earrings??
Diamond Studs
- Thread starter sdkitty
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That's what I did! This way I can wear my studs every day. They are 3ctw RB and they feel like the perfect size for me.
Same! We got lucky in the small earlobe department. Able to save some money!!! I wanted 2 carat when I was originally purchasing my first set of studs about 5 yrs ago but they were far too large on me. I think the ones I ended up with are 1.23.
I've recently thought about going up to 1.8, but the comparative difference is pretty minimal. May as well get a totally different pair of nice earrings.
I am looking into purchasing my first diamond studs (in fact my very first pair of diamond earrings) and hope to get some input from ladies in this forum. I am looking for around 1ctw and with parameters I VS2 since I want the biggest bang for the buck.
1) It looks like JA only has GIA report for studs with my parameters. Does that mean I should forget about purchasing from them even though their numbers are within the range in Ame's cheat sheet?
2) Both BGD and WF have AGS cert. Say their studs are both AGS Ideal and their numbers comply with Ame's cheat sheet, what else do I need to look into in order to find the most optimal cut?
3) Tiffany Victoria earrings in medium are a potential candidate. I only know that their diamonds are G VS2 and up but I don't think they can pull reports on their earrings. Since Ame's cheat sheet only applies to round cut, what's the quantitative way to examine its cut and quality?
4) With Tiffany Victoria medium earrings costing close to 3 times as much as diamond studs of compatible weight. Is the premium even worth it for its design and brand name? I know I am not comparing apples with apples but just thinking out loud in terms of the diamond weight only.
Please pardon my ignorance in my diamond knowledge and thank you in advance for anybody willing to chime in.
If you can't view reports (though reports are preferrable), you can buy a small Idealscope. It works relatively well (though not as well as if you are using it as intended) for viewing light return on diamonds that are set. I've used it on the past when viewing old cut stones that were already set in a piece.
IMO, buying diamonds is not like buying a purse with a fancy or fabulous name attached. A really well cut diamond is a really well cut diamond. Whiteflash, Brian Gavin, Crafted by Infinity, Victor Canera and Good Old Gold cut top of the line stones.
For Fancy cuts like the marquise in the Victorias, you need to make sure light is reflecting back to you fairly evenly (applies to all diamonds), minimal bowtie, and faceting that appeals to you. Don't look at stones in stores under bright lights. All diamonds can be made to shine in "magic" jewelry store lighting.
https://ideal-scope.com/
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1) Why would you rule it out because it has a GIA report? Just because it's GIA? If the stone looks awesome, and has great angles, it's a contender. The reason I personally don't recommend a GIA report is because GIA doesn't truly grade cut quality. They put a "grade" on there, but their "excellent" means jack squat. AGS grades cut quality, which is why their grade means something.
2) Look at the numbers, look at the Ideal Scope and ASET images, and see if any of the stones really "do it for you", besides being within the budget. There's no need to go high in color, and get a clarity that is "eye clean to your definition" meaning what is eye clean to you. Their definition will likely mean face up head on only and from specific distance. My personal definition meas "can I see it AT ALL without my super loupe from any angle, any direction, in any lighting condition, PERIOD?" If so, then you cannot label that eye clean. I don't go below VS1 for that reason, but most "normal people" can do perfectly fine to SI1 or sometimes even I1. I cannot personally handle that. But I will snap up a nice J in a heartbeat. Bec the warmth is awesome--esp in a stud. It's on your head--which you cannot see--not your hand.
3/4) Regarding the Tiffany: They usually cannot pull reports on any stones below like .33 cts or something other than engagement rings. Solitaire studs are hit or miss, as are solitaire pendants. Regardless, there aren't exactly "set numbers" for anything outside of rounds. There are some working "ideas" for fancies, but nothing set. And at that size, not really helpful anyway since those don't typically get graded or viewed individually, they're parceled.
I am personally not a fan of that design (Victoria), so I will be biased in favor of a pair of simple studs, nor do I think the brand is worth it for something easily copied by just about anyone else. They do have some designs well worth the pricepoint, this just is't one of them. Further, the brand doesn't select stones for cut quality, they select stones for color, clarity and size--which is what their sales psychology is based on. "If he really loved you, he'd get you the biggest, whitest, clearest diamond we sold!" You will be hard pressed to find a good array of winners in their inventory, as many of the posters I have assisted on here with a Tiffany setting might tell you, BUT if that design speaks highly to you and having the branded item is important, by all means, get what you love.
Thank you very much for your in depth input.
1) Like you said GIA grading for cut doesn't mean much and with my diamond knowledge being next to nothing, I am not sure if JA's diamonds are indeed a great cut even if the numbers fall within the range in your cheat sheet. I guess I rely on reassurance from AGS cut grade.
2) I will look into I VS1 then. Somehow I have this idea of a warmer color J will make the diamond looks smaller because it is not as "white" if you know what I mean
3/4) I know it is all about personal preference but do you mind giving some suggestions within Tiffany that you think are worth the price point?
Lastly, is there a particular timeframe where loose diamond inventory are at their most abundant hence cheapest? (Sorry if this is a stupid question)
They’re really never cheapest, but anytime you’re leading up to a holiday like Labor Day thru basically end of Feb is going to be hell on supplies. Supplies won’t replenish fully til after Valentines and most “market corrections” occur not long after that meaning prices usually go up.
1) I don’t see why they would be ruled out just because of that. If there are one or two in the ranges that you are interested in, you can Pm them to me (DO NOT post them publicly) and I can give input
2) Not wanting a J is mind clean, but the warmth will not make it look smaller. That literally has nothing to do with it. Cut quality will affect the diameter and the face up appearance, not the color grade, just like sparkle has literally zero to do with what color, carat or clarity it is. All cut quality. The only time clarity could impact sparkle is if it’s heavily included.
3) I think several of their wedding band styles can be worth the price—some of the narrower bands like the Legacy or the Channel sets. Despite the lower carat weight, they set them well, and aren’t marked up nearly as high as many competitors would be for equal labor. The stone quality isn’t maybe as good as say HPD or BGD but the price difference isn’t as far off sometimes as you’d think. Also their Legacy cut itself doesn’t have much on the market like it. I don’t prefer it’s setting but the stone itself I believe they will set into a solitaire, on request. That would be well worth the expense.
1) I don’t see why they would be ruled out just because of that. If there are one or two in the ranges that you are interested in, you can Pm them to me (DO NOT post them publicly) and I can give input
2) Not wanting a J is mind clean, but the warmth will not make it look smaller. That literally has nothing to do with it. Cut quality will affect the diameter and the face up appearance, not the color grade, just like sparkle has literally zero to do with what color, carat or clarity it is. All cut quality. The only time clarity could impact sparkle is if it’s heavily included.
3) I think several of their wedding band styles can be worth the price—some of the narrower bands like the Legacy or the Channel sets. Despite the lower carat weight, they set them well, and aren’t marked up nearly as high as many competitors would be for equal labor. The stone quality isn’t maybe as good as say HPD or BGD but the price difference isn’t as far off sometimes as you’d think. Also their Legacy cut itself doesn’t have much on the market like it. I don’t prefer it’s setting but the stone itself I believe they will set into a solitaire, on request. That would be well worth the expense.
I really need some advice
I'm looking at buying a preowned engagement Tiffany ring
I have 2 options and need advice
My first option is a 1.01 d vs1 no fluorescence very good symmetry and polish and unsure cut as on old certificates
It measures up at 6.60x6.55x3.92
My second stone is a 1.05 d vs2 faint fluorescence triple excellent stone measuring up at 6.45x 6.49x4.02
I need some advice about which is better stone.. I'm confused why the bigger stone as small mm diameter measurements ..
Opinions greatly appreciated Thankyou
I'm looking at buying a preowned engagement Tiffany ring
I have 2 options and need advice
My first option is a 1.01 d vs1 no fluorescence very good symmetry and polish and unsure cut as on old certificates
It measures up at 6.60x6.55x3.92
My second stone is a 1.05 d vs2 faint fluorescence triple excellent stone measuring up at 6.45x 6.49x4.02
I need some advice about which is better stone.. I'm confused why the bigger stone as small mm diameter measurements ..
Opinions greatly appreciated Thankyou
You need to start a new thread or this will never get seen.
But beyond that, there's not anywhere near info information on this post to tell us anything about the cut quality.
Go to Pricescope.com. If you want to buy preowned without the Tiffany markup, check out IdonowIdon't.com.
"They have screw-on backs, so there is little chance of losing them."
I lost 1 of my 1st pair of diamond studs. Screw backs. Bought 2nd pair but larger diamonds. Lost 1 of them too. Screw backs. I still love, love diamond studs but too nervous to buy another pair. Except.... I googled a bit and read abt using cheap, clear, plastic cylinder-shaped backs. Bought box at Walmart and have worn a set with pearl studs for couple of months 24/7. Haven't moved an iota. They are so snug that I couldn't see their holes to insert posts. So I just jabbed at the area a hole ought to be and the back magically mounted the post. I assume they're sold by the box bc one ought to use new pair everytime different earrings are inserted into ear holes? p.s. 2nd pair of stud's screw backs were custom and jeweler had ck'd and cleaned the earrings 4 days b4 I lost the 1. Dangit.
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