I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect pair of solitaire diamond studs. I know I’ll love and enjoy them and that they’ll be a forever staple in my collection. But I’m kind of torn on how to go about purchasing. On one hand, I’m considering starting off with something on the lower price end, possibly even lab. Then maybe upgrading in the future? The other part of me wants to splurge on Graff. Is it worth it though? Does anyone have any recommendations on where to buy a high quality pair of diamond studs? The 3 Cs are very important to me and I’d want to definitely stay above G, ideally F+ and VS2+. Any and all recommendations are welcome! Size-wise I’m considering something between 1.00-1.50 ctw. I have very small earlobes!
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Solitaire Diamond Earring Recommendations
- Thread starter pinkmilq
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You'll need to decide what you want IMO. No one will know if they're Graff, Tiffany, Cartier, etc.... but you're also entertaining lab. My advice is decide what you want, then go forward. Buy some CZs in various sizes and narrow down the size; come up with a budget once you know desired size.
Mine are from our jeweler, Victor Canera, who sources what DH requests. His work is exceptional, I'd prefer his pieces over any designer.
Mine are from our jeweler, Victor Canera, who sources what DH requests. His work is exceptional, I'd prefer his pieces over any designer.
That's such a difficult question! I've been in doubts over this forever and yet to decide. I'm also debating between branded and non-branded options. Like Swanky mentioned, no one will know if the studs are branded, so initially I thought there was no point to overpay for the brand name. Then, I went to a couple of highly rated jewelers to see their studs and the craftsmanship just wasn't there for me. I could see imperfections, I wasn't excited at all to wear them, I just realized I didn't want any of the ones I've tried on. Graff's and Cartier's studs were perfect, but the price premium is insane for something only visible to myself. I'm still undecided, so happy to follow here to see what you decide and everyone's thoughts.
There's other jewelers! Contact Victor Canera, he get excellent stones and his work is perfection
Thanks for the suggestion! Unfortunately, I don't live in the vicinity, do you think it's a good idea to work with him remotely or is it better to keep looking locally?
We don't live near him, he's FABULOUS working remotely.
He's in California, I'm in TX
No need to pay for branded studs unless that’s important to you. If you want natural diamonds and you want shopping to be easy without paying for branded pieces, I’d recommend Whiteflash. Their “A Cut Above” line is supposed to be amazing. I’ve heard great things about Brian Gavin too.
A few years ago I got a very cheap pair of diamond studs from Blue Nile because I wasn’t sure how often I’d wear them. I wore them a ton so I decided to buy some nicer studs. I bought the smallest size (I think 0.16 total?) of Diamonds by the Yard studs in platinum from Tiffany and they are my new everyday pair. I love them! I also bought some amazing lab diamonds (1.84 total) and got them set by David Klass. I am happy with my two pairs.
If you want branded, I would recommend checking Tiffany. I think the way they cut their diamonds makes them look bigger than the same size for other brands, and my understanding is that shallow cuts work pretty well for earrings (the light hits them at a different angle than rings).
A few years ago I got a very cheap pair of diamond studs from Blue Nile because I wasn’t sure how often I’d wear them. I wore them a ton so I decided to buy some nicer studs. I bought the smallest size (I think 0.16 total?) of Diamonds by the Yard studs in platinum from Tiffany and they are my new everyday pair. I love them! I also bought some amazing lab diamonds (1.84 total) and got them set by David Klass. I am happy with my two pairs.
If you want branded, I would recommend checking Tiffany. I think the way they cut their diamonds makes them look bigger than the same size for other brands, and my understanding is that shallow cuts work pretty well for earrings (the light hits them at a different angle than rings).
DH asked me the same question but as we know very reliable jewellers where we are based I decided not to go to Cartier/ Graff/ Tiffany etc. I got 2 carat RB Solitaires and I really love them. They are D VVs1 triple Ex GIA.
Another vote for Whiteflash. My 2.13 ttcw diamond studs are from there and I couldn’t be happier with them - VS1 clarity, I colour (but face up super white due to the cut) and triple excellent GIA.
I also have slightly smaller diamond studs from Blue Nile (1.62 ttcw) who were great to work with too.
I wouldn’t go designer for studs for all the reasons already mentioned in this thread, plus I wanted 1+ carat on each ear with my main pair which would be unaffordable if I bought designer ones from the likes of Cartier, Tiffany etc.
I also have slightly smaller diamond studs from Blue Nile (1.62 ttcw) who were great to work with too.
I wouldn’t go designer for studs for all the reasons already mentioned in this thread, plus I wanted 1+ carat on each ear with my main pair which would be unaffordable if I bought designer ones from the likes of Cartier, Tiffany etc.
Also recommend David Klass - I've worked remote with him and Amy. Super easy and they will also source stones if you like.
Have you been to Graff and tried on their basic solitaire pieces? I was there for the first time last month and tried on a few of the solitaire diamond pendants but did not find anything particularly striking or unique about them. If you like their flower or butterfly motifs then yes, consider Graff—but I wouldn’t use them for a basic diamond piece. Just my humble opinion, of course! You should definitely go with what makes your heart sing.
My studs are from kwiat and I always get a ton of compliments. Their stones are just cut beautifully and I think they’re better priced than Tiffany or Cartier.
I'm late to the party on this one but for me personally I wouldn't go with a designer brand for a basic like a diamond stud. You do want nice diamonds, but they aren't the only source for nice diamonds and you will pay more just for the name. Sometimes CONSIDERABLY more for the same diamond. So unless that is important to you, I would look elsewhere for diamond studs.
I think any of the large internet retailers are reliable, like Blue Nile.
I think any of the large internet retailers are reliable, like Blue Nile.