Need Help Picking Out Diamonds for 3.8 ctw - 4.75 ctw Earrings

[glitterbomb]

Hi there! I need some help picking out diamonds for my first, and hopefully forever, pair of diamond stud earrings.

I'm upgrading from 2 ctw lab diamond earrings that I find too small for me now. I have tried some CZ studs to try to figure out what size I want, and I think 8.5mm would be perfect. I tried 8mm earrings and I honestly was not as happy with them as the larger pair of 9mm.

I'm debating between:
a pair of WF ACA E VVS1 1.917 ct & F IF 1.903 ct (around 7.95mm each) - 3.82 ctw
OR
a pair of WF ACA G VS2 2.367 ct & G VS 2.387 ct (around 8.55mm each) - 4.75 ctw

Both pairs are similar in price.

I already ordered the WF G VS2 pair, but am having second thoughts after realizing that one of the diamonds, the 2.367 ct diamond, has two dark crystal inclusions that seem pretty noticeable to me. I'm not sure why I didn't notice it before placing the order, but now that I have seen it, I can't unsee it. I'm not sure if this would be noticeable in real life? WF pulled them from production and will check the stones and let me know if they are eyeclean in their opinion on Monday. If they are not eyeclean, WF said there would be no problems for me to pick out different diamonds out for the earrings.

Here is a link to this specific diamond, would these inclusions bother you? https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4422546.htm

I'm also not sure how color sensitive I am, but overall I think I would feel mentally happier and content with the color & clarity of the 3.82ctw pair, but I would prefer the size of the 4.75 ctw pair. So you can see how I am conflicted....

Upgrading to a 4.75 ctw pair of higher color/clarity diamonds is out of my budget right now, unfortunately!

What would you guys suggest?

Thank you!

 

[MissGotRocks]

I would wait to hear from WF regarding the G VS2 stone. It probably is eyeclean - the images are highly magnified but won't be that obvious in real life. They will be able to tell you better and can take images of the diamonds in more of a real time fashion.
The E VVS1 and IF would be beautiful but it probably is a bit of overkill for earrings unless you really feel you need that level of eye clean. Either way, you will have a pair of killer earrings!

 

[lulu_ma]

+1 as long as the 2.367 is eye clean, you will have a pair of stunning earrings!

IMO, the specs of the smaller pair are overkill for earrings. G color ACA’s should be bright and white.

 

[tyty333]

These inclusions would not bother me. Personally, I can only see the inclusion on the edge of the stone in the magnified images.
Let us know what WF says. I think either pair would be gorgeous!

 

[crbl999]

Earrings will not be seen close up like rings. For this reason, many PSers go with lower clarity and color (H/I, VS2). Once set, these diamonds will be primarily viewed in the face up position and color will not be as noticeable compared to a side profile. The G will face up very white.

I am sure the G VS2 will be eye clean. Even if it was slightly visible, I would go with the G VS2s. I am color and inclusion sensitive, but I see a lot of value in maximizing size with G VS2. It's a great combination.

You can always ask for color comparison photos of the G stones next to the E and F stones. That may be helpful if you are unsure about the color.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

The G pair is outstanding! That stone will be totally eyeclean in real life viewing. Those videos are highly magnified! G color faces up very white, and I would not go to E VVS in studs. I have 3.2 ctw WF studs and they are H VS1-VS2. I prefer VS2 for studs but that was the best match for what I wanted. I love the size you are getting and the diamonds are outstanding! Don't worry!

What kind of settings do you want?

 

[glitterbomb]

The G pair is outstanding! That stone will be totally eyeclean in real life viewing. Those videos are highly magnified! G color faces up very white, and I would not go to E VVS in studs. I have 3.2 ctw WF studs and they are H VS1-VS2. I prefer VS2 for studs but that was the best match for what I wanted. I love the size you are getting and the diamonds are outstanding! Don't worry!

What kind of settings do you want?

Thank you! Your studs sound beautiful!

I have been debating between the 6 prong, and the 3 prong martini settings. I think I'm going to go with the 6 prong, as I prefer the more symmetrical look. Hopefully they are low profile enough! I like how flush the 3 prong martini settings are, since they can be pushed more into the ear lobe, but prefer the symmetry of the 6 prong.

 

[glitterbomb]

Earrings will not be seen close up like rings. For this reason, many PSers go with lower clarity and color (H/I, VS2). Once set, these diamonds will be primarily viewed in the face up position and color will not be as noticeable compared to a side profile. The G will face up very white.

I am sure the G VS2 will be eye clean. Even if it was slightly visible, I would go with the G VS2s. I am color and inclusion sensitive, but I see a lot of value in maximizing size with G VS2. It's a great combination.

You can always ask for color comparison photos of the G stones next to the E and F stones. That may be helpful if you are unsure about the color.

Thank you! That is a good idea to ask to see both pairs next to each other.

 

[glitterbomb]

These inclusions would not bother me. Personally, I can only see the inclusion on the edge of the stone in the magnified images.
Let us know what WF says. I think either pair would be gorgeous!

Thank you

 

[glitterbomb]

+1 as long as the 2.367 is eye clean, you will have a pair of stunning earrings!

IMO, the specs of the smaller pair are overkill for earrings. G color ACA’s should be bright and white.

Thank you!! I think I'm going to go with the G VS2 if they are confirmed to be eye clean

 

[glitterbomb]

I would wait to hear from WF regarding the G VS2 stone. It probably is eyeclean - the images are highly magnified but won't be that obvious in real life. They will be able to tell you better and can take images of the diamonds in more of a real time fashion.
The E VVS1 and IF would be beautiful but it probably is a bit of overkill for earrings unless you really feel you need that level of eye clean. Either way, you will have a pair of killer earrings!

Thank you

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thank you! Your studs sound beautiful!

I have been debating between the 6 prong, and the 3 prong martini settings. I think I'm going to go with the 6 prong, as I prefer the more symmetrical look. Hopefully they are low profile enough! I like how flush the 3 prong martini settings are, since they can be pushed more into the ear lobe, but prefer the symmetry of the 6 prong.

I'd definitely favor 6 prongs over 3 in stones of that size. Mine are H and they are so nice and bright! I think you'll love the larger G stones!

 

[glitterbomb]

I'd definitely favor 6 prongs over 3 in stones of that size. Mine are H and they are so nice and bright! I think you'll love the larger G stones!

They are beautiful!! Thank you for sharing! Do you have a mod shot of what they look like on the ear, by any chance?

 

[Lakefront]

I agree with the G choice. The larger stones seem to be exactly the size you wanted. I’m a complete color snob and I would be perfectly happy with G for earrings. I think you’ll love them. They sound amazing!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

They are beautiful!! Thank you for sharing! Do you have a mod shot of what they look like on the ear, by any chance?

Thank you! I only have one kind of bad picture of them on the ear! With the lighting they look smaller to me than they appear in real life. I think they are reflecting the green grass in my yard! These are special order similar to Tiffany basket settings, and I think the 6 prong may sit lower. You'll need large backs for them to sit right, though.

 

[Sprinkles&Stones]

Thank you! I only have one kind of bad picture of them on the ear! With the lighting they look smaller to me than they appear in real life. I think they are reflecting the green grass in my yard! These are special order similar to Tiffany basket settings, and I think the 6 prong may sit lower. You'll need large backs for them to sit right, though.

These are the absolute perfect size on you. They look amazing, like a million bucks! This is my inspiration!

 

[Mreader]

Get the BIGGER pair - and also I’m jealous!

 

[RunningwithScissors]

Everyone is different, with different preferences and different abilities to see and tolerate color.

I wish we could all be a little more sensitive to that fact. Labeling things as "overkill" etc is derogatory, and while I know its not meant to be rude, it is. It is a roundabout way of calling someone else's decisions stupid because they don't match your likes/dislikes and abilities.

I selected 3.8 ctw E VVS2 diamonds for my own stud earrings. I love them and have no regrets. For me, I'd NEVER trade them for lower color. I personally can instantly see, and do not care for warmer diamonds. It is totally fine to like warmer diamonds, or to not be color sensitive enough to be able to tell the difference, but it is NOT okay to claim that everyone is that way or that no one needs a higher color.

To me, many of the stud pics posted on Pricescope are screaming yellow and the owners posted them as examples of how white they look. I'm glad the owners are happy with them, we must all please ourselves in life. But those colors would absolutely not work for me and would make me very unhappy.

Five minutes before I read this thread I was actually sitting at my computer cropping images to finally, finally create a Show Me the Bling post about my earrings upgrade from earlier in the year. I love them and I'm super proud of them. They have been a bright spot in an otherwise crappy year caring for ailing parents. I haven't had a chance to do it until just recently. But now I think why bother go through the effort when the crowd labels E VVS2 studs as "overkill," ie something that no one needs, ie pointless.

 

[glitterbomb]

Everyone is different, with different preferences and different abilities to see and tolerate color.

I wish we could all be a little more sensitive to that fact. Labeling things as "overkill" etc is derogatory, and while I know its not meant to be rude, it is. It is a roundabout way of calling someone else's decisions stupid because they don't match your likes/dislikes and abilities.

I selected 3.8 ctw E VVS2 diamonds for my own stud earrings. I love them and have no regrets. For me, I'd NEVER trade them for lower color. I personally can instantly see, and do not care for warmer diamonds. It is totally fine to like warmer diamonds, or to not be color sensitive enough to be able to tell the difference, but it is NOT okay to claim that everyone is that way or that no one needs a higher color.

To me, many of the stud pics posted on Pricescope are screaming yellow and the owners posted them as examples of how white they look. I'm glad the owners are happy with them, we must all please ourselves in life. But those colors would absolutely not work for me and would make me very unhappy.

Five minutes before I read this thread I was actually sitting at my computer cropping images to finally, finally create a Show Me the Bling post about my earrings upgrade from earlier in the year. I love them and I'm super proud of them. They have been a bright spot in an otherwise crappy year caring for ailing parents. I haven't had a chance to do it until just recently. But now I think why bother go through the effort when the crowd labels E VVS2 studs as "overkill," ie something that no one needs, ie pointless.

I'm really sorry this thread made you feel bad about your beautiful earrings

Everyone has different priorities and preferences, some people prefer to maximize size and go lower color/clarity, and others would prefer to go for higher color/clarity and have a smaller size (not that 3.8 ctw diamond stud earrings are small by any means, that is still a large size!) and I think both choices are completely understandable and should be respected!

I would love to see a picture of your earrings if you decide you want to share, but I understand completely if you don't.

Because of your comment I am thinking a lot more seriously about the 3.8 ctw pair of the E VVS1 and F IF diamonds...so thank you!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I definitely think you need to figure out your own personal level of colour and clarity sensitivity, mostly because you have a size goal in mind (8.5mm). Is there a jewelry store near you where you can see an ~1.9ct F and ~2.4ct G? At least def get the comparison videos from WF. With an earring the face up colour is also the most important since you can't really see much from the side, and it's at a further distance than your hand. Whether you'd be happy with G or would prefer E/F is something only you would know!

The other option you have is to go for the G VS pair now, and later upgrade to E/F in the same size if you feel like G is too yellow. In my opinion, it's better to max size first and colour later, because then you can reuse the settings.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I also want to point out that being colour perceptive and colour sensitive are two different things. You might be able to spot the colour differential but it might not bother you. Or you might generally be good with spotting differences in colours/hues generally but it doesn’t jump out at your eye with diamonds because they tend to have coloured flashes and sparkle.

 

[Mreader]

@RunningwithScissors we have all been dying to see your earrings so please please share. The OP said she did not know how color sensitive she was; in other words she seemed unsure. In that case most of us were trying to reassure her that earrings can be more forgiving and that G can look white. If she has said she was totally color sensitive then the advice would have been different. As another person aptly pointed out you can recognize the color without being bothered by it. I didn’t find anyone’s comments as being judgmental towards color sensitivity. Again if OP said” I am REALLY color sensitive” then I she probably would have been steered toward the E. She also said size was a high priority. Again I really hope you change your mind about SMTB, and I’m so sorry it’s been a tough year.

 

[lulu_ma]

Everyone is different, with different preferences and different abilities to see and tolerate color.

I wish we could all be a little more sensitive to that fact. Labeling things as "overkill" etc is derogatory, and while I know its not meant to be rude, it is. It is a roundabout way of calling someone else's decisions stupid because they don't match your likes/dislikes and abilities.

I selected 3.8 ctw E VVS2 diamonds for my own stud earrings. I love them and have no regrets. For me, I'd NEVER trade them for lower color. I personally can instantly see, and do not care for warmer diamonds. It is totally fine to like warmer diamonds, or to not be color sensitive enough to be able to tell the difference, but it is NOT okay to claim that everyone is that way or that no one needs a higher color.

To me, many of the stud pics posted on Pricescope are screaming yellow and the owners posted them as examples of how white they look. I'm glad the owners are happy with them, we must all please ourselves in life. But those colors would absolutely not work for me and would make me very unhappy.

Five minutes before I read this thread I was actually sitting at my computer cropping images to finally, finally create a Show Me the Bling post about my earrings upgrade from earlier in the year. I love them and I'm super proud of them. They have been a bright spot in an otherwise crappy year caring for ailing parents. I haven't had a chance to do it until just recently. But now I think why bother go through the effort when the crowd labels E VVS2 studs as "overkill," ie something that no one needs, ie pointless.

Oh no @RunningwithScissors-my descriptor was NEVER meant to insult anyone-particularly you-as I think you have impeccable taste! Like @Mreader, I have been dying to see your HG studs. Pretty please do a SMTB thread. You've got an enviable collection and I personally would love to see it!

My comment was made specifically for the OP as she found 8mm too small. I know everyone has a different threshold for color sensitivity. My F color emerald cut used to be my gold standard. Admittedly, old cuts have opened my eyes to warmer stones. But, I still believe that G color ACAs will face up very white due to the super ideal cut.

 

[MissGotRocks]

No one was trying to insult the OP nor you @RunningwithScissors. She asked for suggestions and that is what she got. Most people would not find it necesssary to have E VVS clarity diamonds for earrings. Most people are trying to balance budget with size, color and clarity.
You have stated many times before - and I remember this when you were choosing your new diamond ring - that you are not only color sensitive but trained to see color. You choose high color and clarity and that is fine for you. They are certainly beautiful and just because you choose them, doesn’t mean that everyone else would do so. Saying that you see earrings here that ‘scream yellow’ to you might be disparaging to others but they don’t necessarily take it personally. They have purchased what they wanted as have you.
When any of us ask for suggestions or comments, we get what we get. I would think we are soliciting outside opinions to help make our decision. I just don’t think it is fair to read opinions and then apply it to yourself when your choices were not in play in the question. I can assure you I was only thinking of the OP’s choices - not of anyone else’s.
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with ailing parents. Many of us here have been through that with multiple parents and I know only too well how it frays the nerves. During those times PS was a respite of sorts for me; it gave me a break from thinking of situations that I could neither fix or control. Please try to let it be that for you - I can guarantee that none of the comments made in this thread or any other were made to be insulting or upsetting to those that have made different choices.

 

[yssie]

We really are all so different. One of the things I love about PS!

I do think @AllAboardTheBlingTrain makes a very good point regarding the difference between sensitivity and preference. Some people can see minute colour differences and prefer less tint, some people can see minute colour differences and don’t have preferences, and then there are some people who can see minute colour differences and actually prefer a slight tint! And of course some people aren’t hugely sensitive and won’t see the differences at all.

Many of us know that @RunningwithScissors is very colour-sensitive, and she prefers a colourless stone. Some folks might also know that I’m on the other end of that spectrum, I see colour well but I happen to prefer the near-colourless range. I own an E CBI and that was the stone that taught me that my eyes need slight warmth to feel invited and engaged; when I upgrade my engagement ring stone I plan to jump from J to I or maybe H to hopefully preserve my current face-up colour, as I think another J might be too tinted for me in my goal size.

All that to say - everyone’s different! The size difference we’re discussing here is significant, but bigger isn’t always better. If there’s a way for you to go out and look at some GIA graded stones in person to find out how *you* feel that would be ideal. The one thing I will say is that anyone else who sees your stones will just see “blazing white diamond” no matter which pair you choose! So make your choice entirely for yourself and what’s eyeclean and mind-clean for you!

@RunningwithScissors I’m so sorry to read that it’s been such a tough year for you Please do make some threads on your 2021 pick-me-ups - I want to see these studs! And your dragonfly!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

These are the absolute perfect size on you. They look amazing, like a million bucks! This is my inspiration!

So sweet! Thank you!!! I really do love them! I need to take a picture where my green grass is not reflecting and making them look much less white than they normally appear! Wish I hadn't posted that picture!

For @glitterbomb , here's a picture with my previous studs that were also H color ACAs and the pendant is H, also. Not sure this is any better color wise!

All I can say is we all have to balance budget, size, and color and clarity like I think MGR said above. I like VS minimum clarity. I want at least 1.6 cts each and could wear larger! So I went to H color to get superideal cut diamonds in the size I wanted.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just wanted to add that there are people here with D-K color superideal cut studs and the vast majority are happy with their choice! I am very happy for all who choose well cut stones for studs, because they are going to look better for that reason! I am delighted for the person who is able to get the size they want in D color just as I am for the one who chooses K. I guess I fall in the middle! I am very thankful for what I have and honestly didn't want to spend any more than I did for studs. I am also happy for those who choose well cut lab diamonds to get exactly the specs they want. There are lots of options, so it's nice that we can all choose what's best for us while being honestly happy for those who have larger or more expensive pieces than we do. I mainly want to see people get well cut diamonds because I know that's the most important factor in diamond light performance!

(Aside from recommending the G pair because of your size preferences, I personally wouldn't mix 2 different colors for studs (which the other pair were). It might be more of a mental issue, but when I was choosing between 3 well matched H stones, two were a better color match than the other.)

 

[glitterbomb]

So sweet! Thank you!!! I really do love them! I need to take a picture where my green grass is not reflecting and making them look much less white than they normally appear! Wish I hadn't posted that picture!

For @glitterbomb , here's a picture with my previous studs that were also H color ACAs and the pendant is H, also. Not sure this is any better color wise!

All I can say is we all have to balance budget, size, and color and clarity like I think MGR said above. I like VS minimum clarity. I want at least 1.6 cts each and could wear larger! So I went to H color to get superideal cut diamonds in the size I wanted.

Your studs, pendant, and ring are absolutely beautiful and look gorgeous together Thank you so much for sharing! They look gorgeous in the mod shot picture as well!

I am a bit unsure too about mixing E and F, the only reason that was the other option I was considering is because WF doesn't currently have another E or F stone in the same specs, so I would've had to combine the two.

I didn't consider that two diamonds of the same color could vary in color as well, I will ask WF tomorrow to look more closely at the G VS2 diamonds and let me know if they are a good color match in their opinion, and if they are both eye clean.

The lab diamonds I am upgrading from are from lightbox. I purchased a pair from their regular range (that they say are near colorless), and another pair from the finest range. At first they looked the same to me, but after comparing more closely, I noticed that the pair from the regular line are a lot more warm and have more of a yellow tint to them. They aren't yellow per se, but definitely not as white. I wish I knew what color they were. I'm guessing they are on the lower end of the near colorless range, maybe I or J, and the finest would be on the lower end of the colorless range, possibly F? I can actually see the difference face up, between both pairs.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes! I am familiar with the Lightbox stones and my understanding is that the regular ones will be lower color and the finest are better cut and in the colorless range. With G being at the top of the near colorless range, I have always thought it was the perfect color for those who want white looking diamonds while avoiding the price jump to colorless. I think you’ll see the G’s look white when you have them on. But just remember, like my picture taken outside, environmental colors will reflect in the stones. My inside walls are sort of beige, so even that very first picture I posted wasn’t showing the studs in the best environment. But when I have them on and catch a glance in a mirror somewhere, mine are bright and white. The good thing about G is that it is high enough to look fine even if you have a higher color engagement ring. I did look at G color myself, but the perfect match came up in H, so I grabbed them while I had the chance. I upgraded a few times, so obviously if you ever wanted higher color, you could do it. But if they say the stones are well matched and eyeclean, I honestly think you’ll be happy with them! But if you aren’t, then eventually the right pair will come along! Can’t wait to hear the outcome and hopefully see pictures soon!

 

[glitterbomb]

I received confirmation today the stones are both eye clean, and they are going to hide that one particular dark inclusion with a prong! So I am proceeding with the G VS2 pair! Very excited and looking forward to them… I will post pictures when they arrive!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread, I seriously appreciate it so much and it really did help me to feel confident in my purchase.