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I want to buy my wife a pair of 2 carat diamond white gold stud earrings. Budget is about $9,000. I have been looking at Ideal cut and H color.
I’m hitting a wall when it comes to finding “eye-clean” diamonds that are within the budget. I’ve tried Blue Nile and James Allen and everything in this price range seems to have visible inclusions-at least as magnified. Any thoughts would be appreciated-especially any links to actual diamonds you would recommend.
For studs, the diamonds must be within 1% of each other on the table size and the diameter of the diamonds should be the same. Under 1ct, the difference in average diameter should be <0.13mm. Over 1ct, the difference in average diameter should be <0.18mm. Color and fluorescence of both diamonds need to match. Clarity-wise, once the stone is eye-clean, it’s eye-clean, no matter if it’s an SI2 or VS1. The actual clarity grade isn’t important (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/).
We recommend getting diamonds with GIA/AGS certs only (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-certification/). These two are the most consistent and reliable labs.
What shape and setting style are you interested in?
I am interested in round diamonds with a simple white gold or platinum stud setting.
Thank you for the additional info.
Here are some nice pairs:
Blue Nile LD13859287
Blue Nile LD14181358
Blue Nile LD13579535
Blue Nile LD14129088
You can also get a non-certified pair, see this example: www.jamesallen.com/earrings/diamond-stud-earrings/14k-white-gold-four-prong-round-brilliant-diamond-earrings-200-ctw-item-67973?a_aid=dmnd1357. Let me know your thoughts.
I really like both pairs of diamonds from Blue Nile. I can’t really see much difference between them. Could I order those in a setting with guardian backs? Would you recommend 14ct white gold, 18 ct white gold, or platinum? Do you think a four prong basket style setting is the most common if the goal is to showcase the diamonds and be comfortable to wear?
As for the metal, it’s up to you if you choose platinum or white gold. You’ll need to maintain both metals. As our article says (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/), the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. But there is one advantage of platinum – it’s hypoallergenic.
Regarding 14k vs 18k gold, I can just say that 14k gold should be more durable and resistant to the tarnishing than 18k gold. Studs above 1tcw automatically receive guardian backs.
As for the setting, it’s completely up to you what you like. There isn’t much difference in how it would show the diamonds.
I selected the second pair of diamonds and put it in my cart (one of the first was pending sale already!). I can’t figure out how to add the 14ct white gold studs – it seems that when buying diamonds individually the only option is to make a ring?
You need to contact BN via their live chat or phone, they will be more than happy to assist you with the purchase and set the preferred diamonds. Let me know how it goes.
I contacted them via chat and they were able to help me out. The earrings are ordered and should be exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much for your help!
I’m glad I could help you.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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