Help me find my first pair of diamond earrings!

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PurpleRose

PurpleRose

O.G.
May 12, 2008
672
2
#1
I've just graduated with my bachelor's degree and I want to splurge on my first pair of diamond studs. :yahoo:I'm not really sure where to look other than my local jeweler and a few online sites. Any suggestions? My limit is about $1,000.

I like these bezel-set studs from Blue Nile, which would match a necklace I already have:
minihero_byoe_bz_128x100.jpg


But these prong-set earrings are less expensive:
minihero_ES00000900_128x100.jpg


Please help!
 
#2
IMO Bezel set is a bit more modern vs. prong set, as prong set studs are classics!!! In the end it's up to you, but I personally would prefer the prong set, especially since they are your first pair!!
 
#5
i love prong set diamonds, but you won't be sorry if you get the bezels... clean lines & the added bonus of making the earring look larger/more sparkly.

are you getting their ready built or doing the "build your own"? if you save a little bit more, you could concievably get close to a 1ctw stud pair. I paid about $1800 for them. They've got okay clarity, and look white in the light, and are an ideal cut, so sparkle great. I have pics in the reference forum ( post #29 )



grats on your BA!!
 
#6
I like both the prong and the bezel, though I recently purchased a pair of 3 prong, martini studs from BN and I LOVE them. I built them myself, and they were worth every penny! If you are building yourself, make sure you go for the best cut within your budget, as they will sparkle like crazy! My experience with BN was fabulous.

Congrats. on your Bachelor's! HUGE accomplishment!
 
#7
i have diamond earrings in both settings.

imo bezel setting makes the stones look bigger.

you really cant go wrong with either setting.


ps: with all other things being equal, bezel can be a little more expensive because it needs more gold.
 
#8
I would choose the prong-set earrings. I love that they are just classy and that they are not -held together- by the silver part.
Still, both are really nice finds.
 
#10
a little bit off topic here from the original question...how come bezel makes the diamond look bigger? I thought that since the diamond was "caged" it would make it look smaller..?

I have no experience with diamond studs but I'd like a pair too and from what I've seen, so far I like prong settings better.
 
#11
^^it's becuase the metal reflects light too, so at a glance, all a person thinking is "ooo! shiny!" and becuase the metal adds to the diameter, it gives an initial impression of "bigger".
 
#12
Thank you all for the advice! I think I'm really leaning toward the bezel-set. I tried on similar pairs at a local store yesterday, and I think that I'd be happy with the size of the 1/2 ctw bezel-set pair (and in fact, wouldn't want them much bigger) while I'd prefer a little larger size of prong-set earrings.

So, now that I think I have my heart set on the bezel-set earrings, is there any place else I should be looking for a good buy? I'm familiar with Blue Nile, but not many other jewelry sites.

Junkenpo, if I go with Blue Nile, I'd be going with the ready-made pair rather than build-your-own. I am buying the earrings with money I received for graduation, and because of the economy I'd prefer to save most of it while still treating myself. While a larger pair would be lovely, I think I'd get a lot of wear out of a smaller pair now (and have something to save for in the future).
 
#14
Just a quick update: I changed my mind & purchased a pair of prong-set earrings from a local jewelry store! I went a wee bit over my budget, but I'm in love with the size (3/4 ctw) and how sparkly they are. :love:

Thank you all so much for your help!
 
#15
I would go for prong-set for the following reasons
- more versatile, style-wise- bezel is a modern look
- could get away with wearing them with gold jewelry, too
- easier to wear as formal or casual
Don't get me wrong, I love bezels- but if you're only getting one pair of studs, I would pick prong set.
 
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