Diamond Earrings vs. Engagement Ring Stones

[zomby woof]

I will be buying my wife diamond studs for our 1 year anniversary. For the engagement, I bought the stone & setting with the advice and resources from this forum and I couldn't be happier with my decision!! (2ct, VS1, G, setting by Mark Morell) What advice could you give me regarding diamond selection for her earrings? I want to go at least 1.5 ct (it shouldn't be as big as her ring, right?) What should I be looking for this time around as opposed to last time, when clarity and cut perfection were my priorities? And what about custom setting vs. something off the shelf? I want these to be special. Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[rosetta]

how big are her earlobes?

1.5 is a very nice size, but if her earlobes are small, they may overwhelm them. Mine are small, and 0.5-0.75 ct look the best on me, but that's just my own opinion.

try posting on rocky talky to get more advice re specs. Viewing earrings is usually from a distance, so you may feel comfortable going with lower clarity.

good luck!

 

[zomby woof]

Thanks for that tip...

Sorry, I misposted this in the wrong area..

 

[kelpie]

You sound like such a thoughtful husband! I think it would be nice if the cut matched her ring but you can go lower in color and clarity and it won't be noticeable on the ears. For example my earrings are .78 CTW and one is .36 I I1 and one is .42 K SI2 and my e-ring is 2cts L VS2. With 8 inches of head in between there's no way you'd notice the differences in the stones and despite the low grade they look like a million bucks on (they are eyeclean even up close). I've found that my .78 pair does not appear any smaller than a 1 CTW pair and they are the perfect size for my smallish ears. I do think there is such a thing as too big for studs since many people prefer to wear them as their "everyday earrings". I think 1.50 sounds like a nice size to look really sophisticated and generously proportioned but personally I'm really cool with my size in relation to my ring and my earlobes so she may be fine with smaller. Look at the HCA which advises which stones are better for earrings and pendants. I'd think you'd be safe with a carefully selected pair of j-k/SI1-I1 and with the distances between all the stones she's wearing no difference in quality will be evident. As for the setting, I bet MM makes beautiful earrings! I advise against pousette backs.

 

[rosetta]

Kelpie may I ask why you advise against pousette backs? I don't have any, just curious!

 

[Mrs.W 514]

I wouldn't know why Kelpie doesn't like pousette backs but i don't like them because the "buttons" are spring loaded and sometimes find the "button" half depressed like one side is down more then the other. Also I don't like them is because the last pair i had just fell to pieces after about 3 months of wear.