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

Q&A: Experience Shopping for Diamond Studs on a 4k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

Checking out getting a pair of diamond studs, good quality around 3/4ct each and under $2k and ran into your contact info – I need some advise.

Have you found a pair yet or are you looking for info now?

I’m checking Blue Nile for earrings with platinum baskets and diamonds that are VS2-VS1 and faint in color and very good to good cut around 1ct each – any advise?

I’m afraid that it’s not possible to find 2ctw earrings for less than 2k. The cost of one 1ct round is at least 3k. If you get ~~0.70ct each, you’ll pay over 2k total as well. Any chance you would want something smaller?

So what would I expect to pay for a pair of VS2 – SI, faint color, good cut, .8ct?

That would cost around $4,000. See an example here:

Blue Nile LD12304697
Blue Nile LD12792358

Four-Prong Earrings

Does this come with authentication, certificate #’s, appraisal etc – whatever authenticates their value etc?

You’ll receive GIA certificate for each diamond, plus an appraisal with the value for the whole set I believe. If you contact Blue Nile, they will definitely be able to tell you more.

I have my last questions:

1/ Do I purchase this through you or Blue Nile?
2/ Can I use credit card?
3/ How long to get merchandise after I pay?
4/ How do I know that you are legit? (sorry I have to ask – so many scams these days).

1. You purchase directly from Blue Nile. You don’t do anything through us.

2. I don’t know why you couldn’t use a credit card. But if you contact Blue Nile directly, they will give you all the info about paying and shipping.

3. The shipping period depends on the diamonds you pick and how busy Blue Nile is at that moment. You can also check out the diamonds you’re interested in and on the right side of the page, there is a delivery note.

As for me being legit, not sure how I can prove that. However, you’re not paying anything to us, we’re just giving you advice and trying to find the best options for you. You can scour our website and check our review on www.ivouch.com and see what other people said about us.

Thank you so much for your complete and prompt response – I really appreciate your help.

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.
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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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

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

  • Hidden
  • 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.