What would $5000.00 buy me in the diamond stud world

[Von03]

I was curious as to what 5k would buy, size wise. I'm just thinking about starting the process of looking and was curious, as I don't have any idea, what that might get me. Thanks for the help. I love this site so much!

 

[kenny]

You probably could find a 5 ct or larger diamond for that price but it would look like something scraped up from the side of the road in the winter.

You need to learn about cut, clarity and color.
Then look at diamonds in person to find out what these three things look like.

Only after getting educated will you find out what size you can afford with the compromise of cut, clarity and color you are comfortable with.

Read the advanced tutorial here.
At the top of this screen click on Knowledge and read all the topics on the right.

 

[tyty333]

Probably 1.25 to maybe 1.5 tcw in lower colors (Jish range).
Smaller with better color if so desired.

 

[Von03]

Yes, I am pretty familiar with the basic 4 C's. I think I would stay in the h-J color range and no lower than sI2 (eye clean). I just thought it would be fun to hear what others opinion might be, but I will be doing some looking in the next few months. Not sure what setting style I will choose, I also want to pick upgradeable stones, so I can go larger in the future.

 

[kenny]

Yes, I am pretty familiar with the basic 4 C's. I think I would stay in the h-J color range and no lower than sI2 (eye clean). I just thought it would be fun to hear what others opinion might be, but I will be doing some looking in the next few months. Not sure what setting style I will choose, I also want to pick upgradeable stones, so I can go larger in the future.

Read the vendor upgrade policies carefully.
Take a screen-capture and print it out for future reference so you can prove what the policy was back in 2010 when you bought your stone.
Some require you to spend MUCH more, others don't.
Others carry both upgradeable stones and non-upgradeable ones.

 

[Doc_1]

First i will advice to go to local stores to try on different sizes to see what is the target size for your ear that you will like.
a .5 could look large on a small ear and vice versa !
once you decided on the size you have all the options in front of you in loose certified diamonds that you can mount to the setting you like. there is a thread about earring studs in the sticky i suggest to take a look at it:

show-me-the-ring/show-me-your-diamond-studs-t51981.html

 

[DianaBanana]

I got a beautiful 1.59ctw set from Brian Gavin for $5895 including the handmade martini settings....original post here:

show-me-the-ring/my-new-1-59ctw-bgd-studs-set-in-leon-inspired-martinis-t131567.html

$5000 is a great budget, I love my studs!!

 

[starryeyed]

I just did a quick search on JA - it looks like you can get around 0.80 ct. each, I, SI-1, SI-2, EX/EX, 2.0 or lower, GIA or AGS. I also saw some G's and H's for a few dollars more.

JA will let you upgrade if you spend double the original purchase price.

 

[tyty333]

If you want to upgrade (easily) you will have to go with more of the branded H&A that different vendors offer. Which also
means you will have to go a little smaller in size (but worth it if you know you want to upgrade in the future).

Whiteflash - ACA and Expert Selection (ES) have good upgrade policys
BGD - Brian Gavin H&A
Good Old Gold - ones that say they have a Lifetime Guarantee

There may be other vendors that have good upgrade policys but these are the ones off the top of my head.

Edit - here is a nice pair
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamond ... 340008.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamond ... 340009.htm

 

[tyty333]

Here are a pair of H color stones...
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamond ... 347505.htm
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamond ... 347507.htm

I didnt really check out the numbers on any of these but just trying to give you an idea.

 

[vintagelover229]

I know you said you were interested in an upgrade policy, which I know that JBEG now has. They have a set of BEAUTIFUL OEC bezel platinum earrings just slightly over your budget (might even have a little wiggle room! Never hurts to ask!). They are 2ctw and a double bezel, giving you more coverage. Here they are!
http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/earrings

 

[tyty333]

I know you said you were interested in an upgrade policy, which I know that JBEG now has. They have a set of BEAUTIFUL OEC bezel platinum earrings just slightly over your budget (might even have a little wiggle room! Never hurts to ask!). They are 2ctw and a double bezel, giving you more coverage. Here they are!
http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/earrings

Wow! She may not need to upgrade with those!