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Q&A: Looking for a Pair of Diamond Stud Earrings Within a $3,500-$5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m looking for diamond stud earrings at Blue Nile, James Allen etc. Something in the 1.5ct size and hoping to be in the $3,500-5,000 range, focusing a bit more on cut than clarity/color. It seems that when I’m looking at loose diamonds on James Allen there appear to be a lot of inclusions that I can’t tell if they will actually show up in person or if I’m overthinking it due to having access to the 20x magnification.

Am I better off sticking with the preset pairs in platinum rather than trying to build my own and screwing it up? Would you recommend ordering multiple pairs and keeping the best? Thanks!

If you also tell me what shape of diamond you’re looking for, I’ll be happy to send you my suggestions. Since you’re looking for quite a bigger stones, I’d search for a nice pair of GIA certified stones.

Hi, thanks for the response. I’m looking at round studs. I will probably end up with something around 1.25-1.5 ct in size now that I have poked around more. I don’t want them too big, and also want quality given my budget.

I also wanted to see if the mounting matters, not just for preference on looks, but if some are closer to the ear or anything like that. Thanks again!

……

Hi again, thank you for any help on this as I am pretty clueless. I wanted to run a couple by you that I found on the James Allen site:

These are both 0.61cts I color VS1 with an ideal cut for about $3,400. They look really clear to me.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2372764?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2432318?a_aid=dmnd1357

These are a little cheaper at 0.6cts each, I SI1 also with an ideal cut but for $3,000.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2266286?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2316978?a_aid=dmnd1357

On a slightly bigger side, and quite a bit more expensive:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2173257?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2045742?a_aid=dmnd1357

On the setting, I had been looking at the handmade ones given the 25% off sale, but it sounds like there isn’t much benefit in going above the 18k white gold four prong ones which are also 25% right now so $157.

Thanks again!

You’ve done a fantastic job in matching pairs. It’s not always easy and yours match in all important aspects.

The issue with one of the SI1 stones is that it has listed cloud as the only inclusion. It can cause a hazy look and that’s why I don’t recommend purchasing it.

The other two matched pairs are great.

As for the settings, I’d leave this up to your personal taste. We’ve had great experiences with the jewelry from JA. There’s no need to worry about any style so go for the one you like the most.

Here’s one more matched pair of SI stones:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2372004?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.62-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1764048?a_aid=dmnd1357

Let me know what you decide.

It was my pleasure helping you. Let me know how you like the studs once they arrive.

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!

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
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