What specs for pair of .25 stones?

[petit_bijou]

Hi PSers,

I'm working with DK to reset my e-ring, and am wondering what specs I should request for the side stones...

They'll be in the .25ct range (4mm), so I don't know what kind of minimums or qualities I should request him to source. I don't want to overpay for specs that won't make a material difference in a side-stone of that size, nor do I really know how much cost variation there would be for stone quality at that size. Any suggestions?

 

[marymm]

If your E-ring is a diamond, I'd suggest matching the specs of that diamond - if it is a super-ideal, get super-ideal quality sidestones, if they are GIA XXX, have the sides match that, etc. At 4mm I'd probably get certed sidestones if the center is certed but YMMV.

 

[Nina-W]

If your E-ring is a diamond, I'd suggest matching the specs of that diamond - if it is a super-ideal, get super-ideal quality sidestones, if they are GIA XXX, have the sides match that, etc. At 4mm I'd probably get certed sidestones if the center is certed but YMMV.

I agree. At that size, they can still be great performers, especially if the are super ideals. I had a pair of 0.6ct ctw ACA studs. You can definitely see the difference between those studs and my other not so great diamonds. Plus you may change your setting and use them for other purpose in the future, for example a small pair of studs. I personal would prioritize cut and may drop color and/or clarify one grade below my center stone if I were to buy new side stones.

 

[petit_bijou]

Ooh these are good points! The center stone is a colored stone (lavender spinel), but it's a good point that they may end up being used as earrings or something else in the future.

 

[LIGemzGal]

My center stone is a 3.35 yellow sapphire. I opted to get two .31ct E/IF side diamonds. I also have six .10 ct diamonds along the shank (3 on each side for a total of .60 cts along the shank). The smaller diamonds are E/VVS as well. All of the diamonds are H&A, so well cut and very bright and fiery. I feel like if your center is a colored stone then your side diamonds can be as white or less white as you want. I think the color matching of the side diamonds comes more into play if your center is also a diamond. But that's just my opinion and personal preference. I felt like whiter brighter diamonds would play up the sapphire more, in sort of a "flashlight" effect, if you will. The side diamonds are small enough so they don't overwhelm the center stone but they're bright and fiery enough to draw the eye to it and the ring itself.

 

[petit_bijou]

Your ring is beautiful @LIGemzGal!! Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts.. I'm so excited about having diamonds incorporated into my ring, but I'm also scared I'll screw up my first custom experience lol, so it's so helpful getting feedback!

 

[LIGemzGal]

Your ring is beautiful @LIGemzGal!! Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts.. I'm so excited about having diamonds incorporated into my ring, but I'm also scared I'll screw up my first custom experience lol, so it's so helpful getting feedback!

Thank you. This ring might not seem like it, but I'm a minimalist when it comes to ornate details on rings. So I tend to take a hard pass on flourishings and complicated designs. I prefer to let the stones shine. But I hardly doubt you'll screw up your custom ring at all. Just go with what you love, even if no one else shares the love of your vision.