Size Help: Diamond Stud Earrings for Fiance

[jmhgv2]

This forum was invaluable when I picked out my fiance's engagement ring, and I was hoping for some advise on diamond stud earrings for Christmas.

Some background:

(1) She's fairly conserverative when it comes to jewelry.
(2) I'm looking for an everyday pair, not something for just special occasions.
(3) I'd say here earlobes are on the smaller side, I think.

I was wondering what I should look for in terms of carart, cut, color, and clarity. I'm particularly interested in the right weight/size based on the the considerations I listed above. I was thinking maybe something around .5 ctw, but, then again, I don't really know what I'm doing. I'd like to keep my budget to around $1,300, if at all possible. I suppose I could go higher if that number is just not going to work.

Thank you in advance for the advice!

 

[Kim N]

What size is the diamond in her e-ring? Does she have a pendant—if so, what size?

 

[jmhgv2]

What size is the diamond in her e-ring? Does she have a pendant—if so, what size?

Thanks, Kim. Her e-ring is 1.23.

She does have a Pearl pendent necklace. I’m not sure of the size but I think it’s pretty average.

Does that help at all?

 

[Kim N]

Thanks, Kim. Her e-ring is 1.23.

She does have a Pearl pendent necklace. I’m not sure of the size but I think it’s pretty average.

Does that help at all?

I think this preset pair from Whiteflash would look very well-balanced and fits right in your budget.

3 Prong Martini Diamond Earrings | 7054

Make a statement with the exquisite Five Stone Open-Basket Diamond Right Hand Ring - Setting Only. Shop now at Whiteflash and express your unique sense of style. | 7054

www.whiteflash.com

 

[jmhgv2]

I think this preset pair from Whiteflash would look very well-balanced and fits right in your budget.

3 Prong Martini Diamond Earrings | 7054

Make a statement with the exquisite Five Stone Open-Basket Diamond Right Hand Ring - Setting Only. Shop now at Whiteflash and express your unique sense of style. | 7054

www.whiteflash.com

Thank you, Kim! Those look great.

 

[0515vision]

That’s a great everyday size, and I’m biased bc that’s my personal everyday size.

You can also go to a jeweler or department store counter and take a look at that size in comparison to others in person. (Just don’t buy there!)

 

[Kim N]

Thank you, Kim! Those look great.

You're welcome! If you want them to be individually graded and eligible for an upgrade program, I found these.

0.33 Carat round diamond

This 0.33 carat round diamond H color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

0.32 Carat round diamond

This 0.32 carat round diamond I color vvs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

14K White Gold Four Prong Stud Earrings (Mounting)

Timeless and stunning, round diamond stud earrings add a classic elegance to any occasion. Made with standard friction back posts. Available in screw backs for an additional $125. (Center Diamonds are sold separately) Center diamonds or gemstones purchase required

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Roselina]

My husband got me a pair of 1 ctw, maybe H colour preowned studs years ago (they seemed huge then). They are still my most worn, most loved earrings today. They go with everything - everyday but also classy for a night out.

 

[jmhgv2]

You're welcome! If you want them to be individually graded and eligible for an upgrade program, I found these.

0.33 Carat round diamond

This 0.33 carat round diamond H color si1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

0.32 Carat round diamond

This 0.32 carat round diamond I color vvs1 clarity has Excellent proportions and a diamond grading report from GIA

www.jamesallen.com

14K White Gold Four Prong Stud Earrings (Mounting)

Timeless and stunning, round diamond stud earrings add a classic elegance to any occasion. Made with standard friction back posts. Available in screw backs for an additional $125. (Center Diamonds are sold separately) Center diamonds or gemstones purchase required

www.jamesallen.com

Yeah I was wondering about the cut of the Whiteflash suggestion. Is that kind of risky to buy them without knowing the cut?

 

[Kim N]

Yeah I was wondering about the cut of the Whiteflash suggestion. Is that kind of risky to buy them without knowing the cut?

I do personally trust Whiteflash's preset diamonds more than other vendors'. You could ask them the cut quality of the exact stones you would receive.

 

[dk168]

I would suggest a pair of 1cttw to start with, and add a pair of earring jackets at a later date or together with the studs now if budget allows.

Jackets are very versatile in that they add bling to the studs without having to spend too much money compared with upgrading the studs to bigger size.

I would probably choose a earring setting that works well with jackets, and choose a vendor such as White Flash that offers both.

DK

 

[jmhgv2]

Has anyone tried the basket setting? Do they poke out too much?

https://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/4-prong-basket-diamond-earrings-1353.htm?backs=jumbo

I like the martinis but I know they can be a bit of a gamble in terms of stretching a piercing.

 

[0515vision]

Under 1cttw don’t need baskets in my opinion. That’s a light weight, and any drooping can easily be fixed with silicone disks in the back. Even at that weight I like La Pousette backs for security. I lost a mined stud once which was only held by a butterfly back. At that weight, martinis shouldn’t stretch the ear hole.

I purchased my current .89 cttw LGD studs from Jonathan @Rhino at Distinctive Gem. I’m sure he could help with mined studs. He might even be running a sale at the moment, although I’m not sure if it applies to jewelry.

 

[Lookinagain]

If you are going with three prong martinis and not baskets, try to make sure that her piercings are straight from front to back of the ear lobe. I have one piercing that is slightly tilted downward and martinis make this more noticeable, whereas baskets and bezels make it not noticeable at all.

 

[jmhgv2]

If you are going with three prong martinis and not baskets, try to make sure that her piercings are straight from front to back of the ear lobe. I have one piercing that is slightly tilted downward and martinis make this more noticeable, whereas baskets and bezels make it not noticeable at all.

Thank you! Have you tried WF’s 4 prong basket? Just trying to make sure they’re pretty standard and not anything unusual, especially in terms of height

 

[Lookinagain]

Thank you! Have you tried WF’s 4 prong basket? Just trying to make sure they’re pretty standard and not anything unusual, especially in terms of height

I have not, but I'm sure other folks out there have. Are you worried that they are kind of deep and won't lie flat enough against the ear lobe? If so, I can't help with that but maybe someone else can.

 

[jmhgv2]

I have not, but I'm sure other folks out there have. Are you worried that they are kind of deep and won't lie flat enough against the ear lobe? If so, I can't help with that but maybe someone else can.

I have not, but I'm sure other folks out there have. Are you worried that they are kind of deep and won't lie flat enough against the ear lobe? If so, I can't help with that but maybe someone else can.

Thank you. Yeah that’s what I was wondering.

 

[Rhd3]

I can weigh in here as I’ve had both martini and basket settings (platinum) for my Whiteflash studs (1 ctw). The martini are set lower but I didn’t care for the drooping so I had them reset to a basket setting. The baskets don’t droop and are comfortable but you won’t get the floating effect of a martini.

 

[jmhgv2]

I can weigh in here as I’ve had both martini and basket settings (platinum) for my Whiteflash studs (1 ctw). The martini are set lower but I didn’t care for the drooping so I had them reset to a basket setting. The baskets don’t droop and are comfortable but you won’t get the floating effect of a martini.

Thank you! That’s good to hear. Do you think they would still work with smaller diamonds?

Anyone else have any experience with the 4 prong baskets?

 

[Rhd3]

Thank you! That’s good to hear. Do you think they would still work with smaller diamonds?

Anyone else have any experience with the 4 prong baskets?

I’d think that they would be less likely to droop with smaller stones but I don’t really know. The Whiteflash martini settings are more substantial than other martini settings I’ve seen. I wonder if the weight of the platinum played a role and they would have sat nicely in gold? I have a pair of larger stones (6 mm) set in a martini setting (not by Whiteflash) and they sit perfectly on my ears. They’re 14k gold in a delicate setting and are lightweight.

 

[jmhgv2]

I’d think that they would be less likely to droop with smaller stones but I don’t really know. The Whiteflash martini settings are more substantial than other martini settings I’ve seen. I wonder if the weight of the platinum played a role and they would have sat nicely in gold? I have a pair of larger stones (6 mm) set in a martini setting (not by Whiteflash) and they sit perfectly on my ears. They’re 14k gold in a delicate setting and are lightweight.

Whoops sorry. I meant do you think smaller diamonds would work with the baskets. I didn't know if they would overwelm the diamonds.

 

[purplesilk]

Please, take her to a brick and mortar store and let her try different tcw and different settings; then come back here and let the lovely PSers help you get what she wants.

 

[0515vision]

I echo what @purplesilk said. We’ve given you lots of information, but it ultimately comes down to her preferences. This is especially true for daily wear studs. For her to reach for them everyday, the prongs/baskets/backings/diameter ask need to suit her tastes and earlobes.

In terms of surprising her with a gift, you could purchase a set of CZ’s. After she opens the box, you tell her that the CZ’s are merely placeholders. Now the two of you will go to places together to see what she likes. Then you’ll buy optically optional stones from a reputable online dealer in the style that suits her best.

 

[Rhd3]

Whoops sorry. I meant do you think smaller diamonds would work with the baskets. I didn't know if they would overwelm the diamonds.

I don’t think the baskets would overwhelm smaller diamonds.

 

[lucida818]

I once had a pair of 0.88 ctw in 4-prong basket setting & they sat perfectly well on my lobes. They went very well with jackets too.

 

[Lookinagain]

Please, take her to a brick and mortar store and let her try different tcw and different settings; then come back here and let the lovely PSers help you get what she wants.

His preferred budget is $1300, maybe a bit higher, so that will determine the tcw to a great extent.

 

[purplesilk]

His preferred budget is $1300, maybe a bit higher, so that will determine the tcw to a great extent.

I know it, but having a certain budget doesn't mean you have to spend the whole budget, it only fixes the maximum amount of money you are comfortable to spend: she might prefer small tcw, so he is able not to waste money.
Once my then fiance-now husband wanted to gift me a pair of diamond studs: his budget was 500€, but, since I got the chance to try on and decide, at the end he spent 250€ and gave me what I liked (at the time I got ten pointers, which I adored).
Unfortunately he bought both the engagement ring and a very very expensive anniversary ring by himself, without my input: both rings are in a drawer because I don't like them; if I have had the chance to choose, he would have spent 1/3 and I would have had something nice to wear.
Just my experience