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Q&A: Experience Shopping for 1.20 tcw Diamond Studs

By Mike Fried,

I’m looking for a pair of diamond stud earrings with locking clasps.

In particular, I’m looking for round, brilliant cut 1.20 to 1.40 total carat weight, SI-1 clarity, ideal cut (this is very important) I colour stones set in 18K white gold.

Any recommendations from your preferred online vendors would be greatly appreciated.

Can you also tell me what your approximate budget is? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

I’m not overly fixated on budget but am particularly interested to see what you’d recommend for earrings based on some of the recommendations below.

In general, do you agree, from an aesthetic perspective, that I’ve chosen to focus on the right attributes to highlight the brilliance and sparkle of the earrings? Have I aligned, in the right balance, most of the important considerations?

Yes, I agree with the specs you decided for.

I found this pair on James Allen for you:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4950878?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4579984?a_aid=dmnd1357

Both stones are very well cut, eye-clean and matched in all important specs.

What do you think?

Is there any downside about the medium blue fluorescence? And, in addition, for metal posts do you recommend 14k or 18k white gold? And I assume that screw backs are the best choice to secure the earrings in place?

Finally, are you aware of whether or not there are any duties levied to ship to Canada? As the earrings are manufactured in the US they should be eligible to enter Canada duty free. Are you able to confirm?

Medium fluorescence on I color stones is actually a bonus as it can make them look slightly brighter.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

We recommend 14k gold over 18k as it is more durable and resistant to tarnishing.

Yes, there are some taxes. There is a tax calculator on JA site. You can enter all the information and where exactly you’re from and it will show you the final costs.

And yes, I believe that screw backs are the best.

Many thanks for your help, it’s greatly appreciated!

It’s been my pleasure helping you. Thank you for your kind words.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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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
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