Help with "the longest stud quest" on PS!

[valmanin]

And, yes, but stud I mean earrings...hardy har har...

I will spare you all the long story of how I got here and try to do bullet points. Looking for studs in about the J/K, SI range...you can probably tell I'm trying to maximize size. Budget is about $2500, but can go a little higher if need be. I thought for sure after my last thread that I wanted OEC studs to "match" my E-ring. I have some beautiful 1ctw antiques in my hands presently. The settings won't work out...can't get them in my ears...another long story. But, what occurred to me is, "dang, I can hardly tell these are OECs!" I love them louped...gorgeous cut, but at normal viewing distance...meh...may as well get MRBs for maximum wattage, ya know?

Question: at the 1 - 1.5 ctw size (.5-.75 each) does it make a difference to get H&A, ideal, or IDJ's version of "excellent" cut? Can you tell a difference in performance at that size? I am trying to decide (if I do go MRB) if I should go with larger uncerted stones from IDJ or BGD signature etc. etc. in a smaller weight. Also, I was wondering (and this may be ridiculous) if having "the best" cut would help the sparkle factor across the board. Like say, if I left my studs in for a week without cleaning them...gross I know...can the "best cut" help keep the performance alive? Or is a dirty diamond just a dirty diamond?

 

[HopeDream]

1) I love excellently cut stones
2) Earrings are absolute grease magnets - you have 5 seconds of perfectly clean earring time.
3) (But) You can't see your own earrings unless you look in a mirror.

I think having the best cut does help with the sparkle factor, especially at longer distances like from across the room.
Size also counts 0.75 ct is definitely going to stand out vs 0.5ct, but what size looks best on your earlobes?
Tough compromise!

 

[arkieb1]

I love OECs but I agree up until about .70 in each ear you (and everyone else) can barely notice they are OECs the pattern becomes more defined the larger the stones. So for visual impact under .60 each ear I'd go for H & A RBs because all that will be noticed is white fireballs if you want OECS I would go no smaller than around .65 in each ear - in this case bigger is better.

 

[valmanin]

Thanks Ladies! So, is it necessary to go with a H&A type cut for maximum performance or is that overkill at this size?

 

[baby monster]

I went for 60/60 stones for studs. They are under 2 HCA GIA XXX but not h&a. There was an interesting thread a while back on performance of 60/60 stones vs smaller tables in rings vs earrings. Gary Holloway IIRC said that shallow stones are better for studs because they maintain their performance much longer when dirty. Also, the viewing angle with distance is different on ears so shallow stones perform better. I'd suggest you ask IDJ to look for certed ideal cut 60/60 to maximize the spread.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I personally went with ACA's from WhiteFlash because that was most mind clean for me, plus I knew I wanted a liberal upgrade policy. I am not sure what IDJ's upgrade policy is, but if it is 100% value applied to any size upgrade, then I'd say that would be ok. I'd ask for GIA XXX that have HCA under 2.0, and personally, I'd go for maybe 57-58ish tables. You certainly can do 60/60's if you want as well. Ideal cut absolutely helps with the sparkle factor when clean or dirty, and I would say good color helps with appearance, too. I really like H or I color for studs.

It is helpful to know that you aren't seeing much in terms of the facet pattern in smaller stones. I plan to do some halo drop earrings and I think maybe small AVC's will show the facet pattern better than OEC's.

 

[valmanin]

Thanks babymonster and DS and everyone else! I was seriously considering this and then Adam found a match for his .74 EGL H SI3 he was looking for...a .73 EGL G SI1 or 2 (can't remember). Anyway, I can't seem to get away from old cuts! These are more tranny though which makes me happy! They average 5.7mm and are so white for me! Here are some pics...just got them to look at today!





And then, with my solitaire...and yes, I did have a moment of "Forget studs, I must make a 3 stone!!"

 

[valmanin]

Oh...DS...FYI at this size I CAN see the pattern and feel like the get the effect of the old cut chunky glitter!

 

[junebug17]

Wow, those are beautiful stones, and a great size!

 

[missy]

Love those! And you can see the chunky facets. Only sad you won't be able to see them while wearing them on your ears but hey, that's what mirrors are for.

 

[valmanin]

Wow, those are beautiful stones, and a great size!

Junebug, thanks! I am a little chicken-y about them being too big, but I think I can adjust. These are my first pair of studs so I really have nothing to compare them to....just holding them up to my ear with a pair of tweezers.

 

[valmanin]

Re:

Love those! And you can see the chunky facets. Only sad you won't be able to see them while wearing them on your ears but hey, that's what mirrors are for.

Hi missy! I know! That's how I got momentarily derailed by the thought of a 3 stone! I want to be able to see them!

 

[k_darling]

Wow, those are beautiful stones, and a great size!

Junebug, thanks! I am a little chicken-y about them being too big, but I think I can adjust. These are my first pair of studs so I really have nothing to compare them to....just holding them up to my ear with a pair of tweezers.

I'm sorry, I don't understand the meaning of "too big." They're absolutely lovely and I'm excited to see them set and on your ears!

 

[Calliecake]

They will make gorgeous earrings. Please don't ever change your engagement ring setting. Your ring is one of my Pricescope favorites!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Oh...DS...FYI at this size I CAN see the pattern and feel like the get the effect of the old cut chunky glitter!

Yay!!! They look gorgeous!!! I think this is SO much better with your ring! And I absolutely LOVE your diamond, too! I am so glad you put it in the pics!

Now I am very envious. I know I must get some, too!

 

[arkieb1]

Cool stones, can't wait to see them set!!!

 

[valmanin]

Wow, those are beautiful stones, and a great size!

Junebug, thanks! I am a little chicken-y about them being too big, but I think I can adjust. These are my first pair of studs so I really have nothing to compare them to....just holding them up to my ear with a pair of tweezers.

I'm sorry, I don't understand the meaning of "too big." They're absolutely lovely and I'm excited to see them set and on your ears!

Ha ha ha!!! Well, I solved that problem. My husband had me lie down on my side and he balanced one of the stones on my earlobe and then took a pic. We only had to go searching for the stone twice, once down the back of my shirt and the other time in my ear. Ew!!! I am officially relieved. It doesn't look too big at all! Just perfect!

 

[valmanin]

They will make gorgeous earrings. Please don't ever change your engagement ring setting. Your ring is one of my Pricescope favorites!

Thanks Calliecake! That is very flattering! There are so many beautiful rings on here!!! I have not plans to change my setting, but never say never! I have always had a little "3 stone" crush, but I love my solitaire...

 

[valmanin]

Oh...DS...FYI at this size I CAN see the pattern and feel like the get the effect of the old cut chunky glitter!

Yay!!! They look gorgeous!!! I think this is SO much better with your ring! And I absolutely LOVE your diamond, too! I am so glad you put it in the pics!

Now I am very envious. I know I must get some, too!

Thanks DS! I am really happy with the stones Adam found. He really pulled a rabbit out of a hat this time. He found the first stone but it took him about a week to find it's match. I can't even imagine what a pain it is to look for the needle in a haystack like that! I agree...these go with my ring better and they are just more "me". Thanks for the complement on my stone. I am really so grateful for her sparkly presence everyday!

So, are you planning on some AVRs for studs still?

 

[valmanin]

Cool stones, can't wait to see them set!!!

Thanks Arkie! Now I have to decide HOW to set them! It will take me a good 6 months to decide on prongs or bezels (with milgrain of course) and then another 6 months to decide on YG, RG or WG. Rough life, huh?

 

[arkieb1]

Cool stones, can't wait to see them set!!!

Thanks Arkie! Now I have to decide HOW to set them! It will take me a good 6 months to decide on prongs or bezels (with milgrain of course) and then another 6 months to decide on YG, RG or WG. Rough life, huh?

Bezels with milegrain gets my vote, it will suit them AND make them look larger..... or a delicate 8 prong setting.... And either the same colour as your ring or platinum.

 

[valmanin]

In a completely un-me-like move, I swiftly made a decision on the settings and will have my studs tomorrow!!! Gotta love Adam and OWD for their delivery on instant gratification!! I swear I sent the stones back on Wednesday and will have them in my ears tomorrow. Crazy!

However, these are probably temporary settings. Although...ya never know!

I do think I want either YG or RG bezels, but I just couldn't commit to anything. Plus, I've never worn studs before so I really don't know what I would like to see in my ears on an everyday basis. So, I had Adam put them in the simple 8 prong WG stuller settings that have been all over PS. Then I can "get to know them" before making a decision that I can't sell...ie handmade bezels.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[missy]

Woohoo Valmanin! I am sure they will be gorgeous!
Congratulations.