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Q&A: Experience Shopping for Diamond Studs Within a $2k-$2.5k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I have been looking at matched pair round diamond earrings for my daughter on James Allen. Completely overwhelmed!

I am putting them in a white-gold martini setting. About .45 carat each. I was deciding on F color, but after reading this, may be completely safe to go with a G with the same result? I would love to lock on a color grade first, then refine all of the characteristics.

Would approximately a VS2 be appropriate if I look closely at the inclusions? I would appreciate any help! Thank you so much! I am looking to spend around $2000 total to max (ish) $2500.

You can even go lower than G. I+ easily. You wouldn’t see any yellowness. Also, VS2 is absolutely fine. I wouldn’t recommend going anywhere higher. You wouldn’t be able to notice the difference. We always recommend SI2+. Don’t forget that nobody looks at earrings from the same distance as at rings.

Here is a pair I would go with:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.46-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6687139?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.45-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6605185?a_aid=dmnd1357
18K WHITE GOLD THREE PRONG MARTINI STYLE EARRINGS (MOUNTING)

The diamonds match perfectly and will look very brilliant. What do you think?

I read somewhere that the cut is the most important feature for a diamond and I should go with the “true hearts” cut no matter what. Do you not think so? Maybe it doesn’t matter so much on 1/2 carat earrings? I really want them to sparkle! They are for my daughter as a graduate school graduation gift, so I really want them to be great 🙂

You are right that the cut is the most important aspect of a diamond that makes it look brilliant and beautiful. There is no doubt about that. That, however, doesn’t mean that you have to go with True Hearts only. It’s important to look at the cut parameters (depth, table…). I always recommend only diamonds that will have a lot of fire and brilliance. No brand necessary.

I ended up ordering a pair of True Hearts diamond earrings from James Allen and just received them. Then I started wondering if I shouldn’t go with the ones you recommended. I actually put an order in for them to exchange to, but I don’t know what to do!! Yours are a bit bigger, and if would cost less, maybe I should do that.

Theoretically, you could order the pair I sent you as well, wait to see them in person, compare them with the pair you already have and then send one back.

I ended up going with the ones you recommended. I didn’t like the way one of the ones I got was placed in the setting, anyway. For the extra money, not worth it. They said the ones you recommended should look the same. Thank you!!!

Always happy to 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
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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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