Recs on where to start purchasing my first pair of diamond studs?

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

When using the HCA tool on some of the ACAs they mostly score a 1.2. I’m a newb is that good or is the lower the number the better?

There is no need to calculate HCA for an ACA / superideals and you also already have advanced images to see their performance.

HCA tool is to help you filter out GIA XXX stones that are unlikely to be top performers (score >2).

For your first pair of studs, I would suggest you stick to ACAs to make your experience easier, get max sparkle and potential to upgrade later to larger studs flexible.

With WF, their signature lines are held in house so it is also possible ask them to help to make sure the pair of stones are matching and confirm if it is eye clean as well. You can even ask WF for comparison photos/videos etc. to help you decide. Use their expertise to help you.

On the other hand, the GIA XXX diamonds are mostly in a 'virtual inventory' and so the vendor don't actually have them on hand. It would be difficult to do what I just described above with their customer service.

 

[seaglass]

I got my wife a pair of 0.8 ctw G, VS1 ACA studs recently. Just haven't had the time to really look at them myself and take pics to post. I swear she has worn them almost daily since. Do they sparkle more than a pair from Costco that cost 2/3 the price? I don't know, I'd have to see them side by side. Would anyone see the difference on someone's ear? I don't know? I kind of doubt it? But I rest easy knowing I got her the best performing diamond studs I could find. And I'm happy to pay a premium on the excellent service I received. There's no right or wrong. As long as you're happy with how it looks on your ear and not in some super magnified picture.

 

[JenniferMarie90]

I got my wife a pair of 0.8 ctw G, VS1 ACA studs recently. Just haven't had the time to really look at them myself and take pics to post. I swear she has worn them almost daily since. Do they sparkle more than a pair from Costco that cost 2/3 the price? I don't know, I'd have to see them side by side. Would anyone see the difference on someone's ear? I don't know? I kind of doubt it? But I rest easy knowing I got her the best performing diamond studs I could find. And I'm happy to pay a premium on the excellent service I received. There's no right or wrong. As long as you're happy with how it looks on your ear and not in some super magnified picture.

I was looking at .8 ctw myself. Do you have any pictures of them in the ear by chance? Btw I have another pair of studs, very small for my second piercing from costco and they are lovely!

 

[JenniferMarie90]

There is no need to calculate HCA for an ACA / superideals and you also already have advanced images to see their performance.

HCA tool is to help you filter out GIA XXX stones that are unlikely to be top performers (score >2).

For your first pair of studs, I would suggest you stick to ACAs to make your experience easier, get max sparkle and potential to upgrade later to larger studs flexible.

With WF, their signature lines are held in house so it is also possible ask them to help to make sure the pair of stones are matching and confirm if it is eye clean as well. You can even ask WF for comparison photos/videos etc. to help you decide. Use their expertise to help you.

On the other hand, the GIA XXX diamonds are mostly in a 'virtual inventory' and so the vendor don't actually have them on hand. It would be difficult to do what I just described above with their customer service.

Ok good thanks so I can stop wasting my money on HCA codes lol

 

[MiniMinerva]

I was looking at .8 ctw myself. Do you have any pictures of them in the ear by chance?

I have 0.82 ctw ACAs and can confirm they sparkle furiously! Even in dark environments (e.g. dim room, driving at night) they are visibly white and send out an occasional flicker as they capture any available light. I think these might be the types of conditions in which the suboptimal light performance of lesser-quality cuts would be most apparent. BGD stones are equally as stunning (I had a pair before these). Here’s are mine, as well as a WF photo of a slightly smaller size on ear:

 

[JenniferMarie90]

I have 0.82 ctw ACAs and can confirm they sparkle furiously! Even in dark environments (e.g. dim room, driving at night) they are visibly white and send out an occasional flicker as they capture any available light. I think these might be the types of conditions in which the suboptimal light performance of lesser-quality cuts would be most apparent. BGD stones are equally as stunning (I had a pair before these). Here’s are mine, as well as a WF photo of a slightly smaller size on ear:

those are gorgeous! What color grade are they?

 

[Missie1]

I would look at Blue Nile build your own studs. You can get beautiful studs and they have upgrade policy as well.

 

[MiniMinerva]

those are gorgeous! What color grade are they?

Thank you!! They are both D VVS2 (likely overkill for studs, but I tend to get attached to things and wanted the future option of incorporating them into a ring if I couldn’t bear to turn them in for upgrade).

 

[Piper70]

I would look at Blue Nile build your own studs. You can get beautiful studs and they have upgrade policy as well.

This is what I did. It was very easy to use the filters to narrow down the search. I have large earlobes so size was my top priority. Got 1.8tw F VS2 studs and they are beautiful! It’s a perfect every day size for me.

 

[JenniferMarie90]

This is what I did. It was very easy to use the filters to narrow down the search. I have large earlobes so size was my top priority. Got 1.8tw F VS2 studs and they are beautiful! It’s a perfect every day size for me.

I'm curious of the price difference between blue nile and WF. I'll have to look because if its not too $$ saved then I am leaning a little more towards WF. But I hadn't thought of Blue Nile so I appreciate it.

 

[Missie1]

This is what I did. It was very easy to use the filters to narrow down the search. I have large earlobes so size was my top priority. Got 1.8tw F VS2 studs and they are beautiful! It’s a perfect every day size for me.

I had that size prior to my last upgrade and loved them. They were a perfect size for daily wear. I wanted larger so I went back and upgraded. It was such smooth process. Love Blue Nile

 

[WillyDiamond]

OP
I worked with Lesley at BGD to put together a pair of diamond studs for my daughter, she loves them. Later on I bought a pair of Fiore Jackets for them, makes them look bigger,. Who does not like bigger?

Not a great picture, she has a huge, thick head of hair.

 

[JenniferMarie90]

There is no need to calculate HCA for an ACA / superideals and you also already have advanced images to see their performance.

HCA tool is to help you filter out GIA XXX stones that are unlikely to be top performers (score >2).

For your first pair of studs, I would suggest you stick to ACAs to make your experience easier, get max sparkle and potential to upgrade later to larger studs flexible.

With WF, their signature lines are held in house so it is also possible ask them to help to make sure the pair of stones are matching and confirm if it is eye clean as well. You can even ask WF for comparison photos/videos etc. to help you decide. Use their expertise to help you.

On the other hand, the GIA XXX diamonds are mostly in a 'virtual inventory' and so the vendor don't actually have them on hand. It would be difficult to do what I just described above with their customer service.

WF just got in a pair of I color 1.0 ctw. How are I color diamonds as studs? I was trying to stick to g or H but these are a pretty good price.

 

[Missie1]

WF just got in a pair of I color 1.0 ctw. How are I color diamonds as studs? I was trying to stick to g or H but these are a pretty good price.

You can go as low as J for studs and be ok. They will still face up white

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

WF just got in a pair of I color 1.0 ctw. How are I color diamonds as studs? I was trying to stick to g or H but these are a pretty good price.

It'll still be beautiful IMO.

I don't think you'll see a huge difference in the level of tint/color at that size. Personally I would suggest getting that larger pair if still within budget.

With WF you can upgrade by spending only $1 more than original. So if you decide to upgrade color later it is easy. Also if you only upgrade color but not size, you might even be able to reuse the setting.

 

[seaglass]

I was looking at .8 ctw myself. Do you have any pictures of them in the ear by chance? Btw I have another pair of studs, very small for my second piercing from costco and they are lovely!

 

[seaglass]

 

[seaglass]

 

[seaglass]

Her ring I got from BN as it met super ideal parameters and HCA scores and was IF for really not much more than the ACAs I was looking at. But the service is definitely more intimate with WF in my experience. BN just seemed more retail with lots of different people interacting on my purchase, where as I had a consistent person at WF who handed me off when she was off and then reconnected when she returned. Plus BN lost an order request for custom wedding band later on. YMMV

 

[JenniferMarie90]

Thanks for posting pics! I just saw 1ct studs at Costco that looked really nice. I would have to get them reset but they were only $2499.

 

[Izzy70]

I had that diamond pair in my wish list of earrings. In the end I went for a different pair but it was a difficult decision. These are mine 0.804 ctw H VS2.

 

[JenniferMarie90]

I had that diamond pair in my wish list of earrings. In the end I went for a different pair but it was a difficult decision. These are mine 0.804 ctw H VS2.

They are gorgeous do you Love them!? I have two pairs in my white flash cart right now lol

 

[MiniMinerva]

WF just got in a pair of I color 1.0 ctw. How are I color diamonds as studs? I was trying to stick to g or H but these are a pretty good price.

My BGD studs were I color…here are a couple of pics of them on a white background, in case that might be helpful while you decide:

 

[JenniferMarie90]

My BGD studs were I color…here are a couple of pics of them on a white background, in case that might be helpful while you decide:

I was looking at BGD website and they mostly have I color in the stud pairings so I'm seeing maybe thats actually quite common! The hearts and arrows in yours are amazing. What setting is that?

 

[blingmeupscotty]

Have you looked through the local pawn shops? You never know what steals are waiting in the wings. Rubylane? 1st dibs?

 

[JenniferMarie90]

Have you looked through the local pawn shops? You never know what steals are waiting in the wings. Rubylane? 1st dibs?

I haven't but I live in Vegas so maybe I should.

 

[blingmeupscotty]

I haven't but I live in Vegas so maybe I should.

1000% you should..especially there.

 

[Izzy70]

They are gorgeous do you Love them!? I have two pairs in my white flash cart right now lol

Hi, yes I love them in real life they are clear and sparkly, just realised one of them in the photo doesn’t look very good.
They are that good that I got the same specs but slightly smaller at 0.607 ctw as a Christmas gift to myself so double the bling on each lobe!

 

[MiniMinerva]

I was looking at BGD website and they mostly have I color in the stud pairings so I'm seeing maybe thats actually quite common! The hearts and arrows in yours are amazing. What setting is that?

They’re the Handmade Platinum Milgrain Studs in platinum:

Handmade Milgrain Bezel Studs

The Brian Gavin handmade milgrain bezel stud earrings will become one of your most prized possessions. The setting emphasizes the center stone so that the studs are very prominent when worn, yet is delicate and quietly complimentary to the diamonds, not overpowering. You are sure to get lots of...

www.briangavindiamonds.com

IMHO, the bench at BGD truly does impeccable work! I can be picky, and I really appreciated their high standards in the finish. Their bezels are minimalist, precise, and finely detailed — perfect for complementing their amazing stones.

 

[JenniferMarie90]

Agree with all this! I would get a top cut but compromise on color and clarity (as long as eye-clean). Whiteflash has the most flexible upgrade policy, but their pricing will be higher. It looks like a pair of 0.51 I VS2 A Cut Above stones will be around $1700 each.

Hey Kim, could I get your thoughts on two pairs I have my eyes on? I saw you commented on another persons ACA choice so I would love your opinion.

0.838 CTW for $2519
1.029 CTW for $3582 (will 1.029 really be visually larger for the extra $1000?)

Pair 1 0.838 ctw

Diamond | 0.424 ct H VVS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4335912

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.424 carat H color VVS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4335912

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.414 ct H VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4430067

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.414 carat H color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4430067

www.whiteflash.com

Pair 2 1.029 ctw

Diamond | 0.514 ct I VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4469145

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.514 carat I color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4469145

www.whiteflash.com

Diamond | 0.515 ct I VS1 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4419942

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 0.515 carat I color VS1 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4419942

www.whiteflash.com

anyone else's feedback is welcomed too!