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Q&A: Experience Shopping for Diamond Studs on a $12.2k Budget

By Mike Fried,

My husband would like to “surprise” me with new diamond studs at Christmas. I would love some help.

We are looking for round 1ct each platinum setting. I looked at Blue Nile $12,200 – was wondering if you think this is the best way to go.

Thank you.

For earring studs, we recommend sticking with I+ colored stones (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/stud-earrings/). 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/).

Here are my recommendations:
Blue Nile LD11422670
Blue Nile LD11455536

These diamonds are perfectly cut, eye-clean and brilliant.

Three-Prong Martini Earrings
Four-Prong Earrings 

Thank you for your quick and thorough response.

My thought and more??? How much are the videos of the diamonds magnified? Sometimes I saw black flecks, would those be seen with the naked eye?
What is your opinion on the different settings? I am going to go with platinum because I have a strong nickel allergy. I obviously want the diamonds to be secure.

Keep in mind that these videos are extremely magnified, that’s why you can spot some of the inclusions. I don’t think you’ll see any imperfections in person.
As for the setting, it’s a matter of personal taste and preference. Both those setting types are safe. Choose whichever you like more.

Thanks for your help. So next step… I’ll call Blue Nile and place an order.

My pleasure.

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.
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
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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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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
  • 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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