We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Choosing Round Diamonds for Stud Earrings with Around $2,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi guys, I am in the market for a pair of diamond stud earrings. I have smallish ears but would like a total weight of around 1ct (0.5 each). I don’t really want to spend more than $2500 but these are an investment to me and also mark a special occasion (my 40th bday)! So I really would like a stunning pair! I have looked at the Forevermark diamonds in a retail store here in Australia but the shop assistants were so pushy it really put me off. However the diamonds are super sparkly. I have also looked at bluenile but note that you don’t really rate them. I would like a round diamond and am leaning towards the martini setting but am open to suggestions. I also wear a lot of yellow gold but for this purchase would be happy with white gold.
Can you offer me any help? You have got some great reviews!
Thanks so much. 

It looks like you’ll need to stretch your budget if you actually want a full 1ctw. Including GST, a 1ctw will run you about $3,500a. Would you like me to pick out a set like that, or a 0.80ctw? 

Thanks for your response. It can be quite challenging to sift through the huge amount of information available on the web these days, or more specifically, work out what is genuine. However, I do feel more confident as I have read quite a few forums on diamond jewelry and many rate or have purchased from BGD and Whiteflash. I did register on BGD’s online store last night but if you can assist me, I would be super happy.

Can I ask, could you source a couple of pairs so that I can compare? One pair around 0.75ct and one around 0.9ct? At the end of the day, I would rather have a perfectly cut pair of quality diamond earrings over quantity. Brian Gavin’s signature cut diamonds look amazing, are the AGS graded signature diamonds the same as his hearts and arrows diamonds?

I also want to know a little more about return policies (hopefully won’t need one) and will have to pay GST and import tax on items over $1000. So I’ll have to do a little more research into that. Thanks again.

Sorry, I just re-read your email and you mentioned that the 1.0ct total would cost around $3500 including GST? Is that import tax/duties also?

Perhaps you could source me a pair of 0.8ct and a pair of 1.0ct. That way I can assess whether the extra 0.2cts are worth the extra money!

Thanks a million! 

1) We will not comment on White Flash. We have had horrific personal experiences with them that a) preclude us from being objective and b) make us feel no one should ever trust them.

2) You said you want to spend $2,500. The $3,500 estimate includes GST. That is for a typical Excellent cut. The price for a true H&A cut is far more. Then you are discussing getting larger diamonds. A 1.40ctw pair of H&A diamonds will cost you about $7,000 including GST.

I’d be happy to make recommendations but, I want to make sure we are on the same page. 


 I don’t want to spend that much money ($7000) on a pair of diamond earrings at this stage. Could you please go ahead with finding a 0.8ct TDW pair as you initially advised. Many thanks. 

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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
Arrow down
Arrow up
Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.