2 replies to this topic

[pfq1982]

Hi all,

It's been a long-time since everyone was so generous helping me find an engagement ring. (If anyone is interested in my engagement stone process, search for my name and read my threads) Good to see many of the same helpful names around (Denver, Jan, Lauren, Levi, sorry for others I forgot).

Now I've got a new question: How do I find good diamonds for stud earrings?

Like the engagement stone, I am most focused on diamonds that have the best light performance and are the flashiest for my dollar. And I'm probably looking for stones on the smallish side... certianly smaller than the 1.5 ct I bought for the engagement ring.

I found the HCA to be a helpful selection tool previously... does anyone feel this works well for earrings?

I assume we can sacrifice a lot of clarity in diamonds to set in earrings without impacting "performance" (i.e. light return?)

Since stones for studs can't really have light entry from the bottom or side of a setting, does anyone think some proportions work particularly well for earrings? Shallower depths? Bigger tables? What crown angles?

Thanks!

Patrick

[davidelevi]

Hi Patrick, welcome back.

Easy answer to your main question: by and large following the same rules/process that you followed for the ring. While it is true that light angles will be somewhat different, all "rules" devised to assess performance are still valid (you are still observing the stone from the same point of view, although the effect of your head's shadow will be different; it's still light coming into the table that is being reflected back to you).

You can sacrifice a lot more clarity - but it has nothing to do with light return (which is not impacted by clarity above I2 anyway). It has more to do with the fact that it is far less socially acceptable to snuffle in somebody's ear than it is to look at their hand (and ring) closely.

Bear in mind that one of the things with a pair is that you want them to look alike more than two random stones. This means not just similar size and colour, but proportions and cutting styles have to match relatively well. From that point of view, use a dealer that can see the stones before shipping them to you (or that has them in house).

[jan]

pfq1982, on Monday, Jul 12 2010, 04:29 PM, said:

Hi all,

It's been a long-time since everyone was so generous helping me find an engagement ring. (If anyone is interested in my engagement stone process, search for my name and read my threads) Good to see many of the same helpful names around (Denver, Jan, Lauren, Levi, sorry for others I forgot).

Now I've got a new question: How do I find good diamonds for stud earrings?

Like the engagement stone, I am most focused on diamonds that have the best light performance and are the flashiest for my dollar. And I'm probably looking for stones on the smallish side... certianly smaller than the 1.5 ct I bought for the engagement ring.

I found the HCA to be a helpful selection tool previously... does anyone feel this works well for earrings?

I assume we can sacrifice a lot of clarity in diamonds to set in earrings without impacting "performance" (i.e. light return?)

Since stones for studs can't really have light entry from the bottom or side of a setting, does anyone think some proportions work particularly well for earrings? Shallower depths? Bigger tables? What crown angles?

Thanks!

Patrick

I would stick with stones with GIA lab reports with the Excellent cut, polish and symmetry or the AGS ideal round diamonds. What size are you looking for?