From Oprahs’ 10 cart studs to the simplest 1/10th carat studs, Diamond studs are the best choice for your chicks when it comes to purchasing a nice diamond surprise for her birthday or some other gift occasion. Diamond studs are the perfect jewelry gift simply because they are always in style, and they can be worn to the gym or to the charity gala. If she doesn’t already have diamond studs then this is the perfect purchase, and will last forever in her wardrobe (or until she wants bigger ones) always remaining “in fashion”.

There are two things to consider when deciding about diamond studs. First and foremost is the shape of the diamonds. The two most common shapes are either princess cut or round brilliant. Both shapes are equally gorgeous and the stones will shine and sparkle from every facet as light catches each perfectly polished angle. Once you determine what shape to choose, the next thing to think about is the quality of the stones that will fit into your budget and needs. since diamond studs are worn on the ears they do not require the same “highest” quality standards that one might expect or demand from lets say an engagement ring.

QUALITY

Most people are not going to pull someone’s earlobe to get a closer inspection of the quality of their diamond studs. An individual who has a 2 carat vs1 engagement ring might be completely happy with a nice pair of i1 good color diamond studs. To better understand this we must first learn a little bit about what the jewelry industry calls the “4c’s“” of diamond quality. To see in depth the details of stone qualities and how they compare to each other each other click the link for the “4c’s”.

The range of I1-I2 with a color no higher then K is sufficient for most consumers. When deciding upon the quality, always strive for better color then for higher clarity. Our eyes always decipher color before we see details. Be it a red stop sign or an orange highway construction sign, we always see color first. Even to the eye, the difference actually visible between the clarities of 1-1 to SI1 and above is indiscernible. On the other hand a J-K color stone vs a F-G color is easily noticeable in normal light.

Once you determine the correct quality and price point you have budgeted, the last things you have to consider are the mounting type, metal color, and setting type. Princess setting are mostly 4 prong, while round studs usually offer 2 types of mountings. Most popular recently are 3 prong martini cup settings, which allow the full beauty and size to be shown by minimal amount of metal covering the front of the stone. Martini cup settings also allow for the stone to sit closer to the earlobe thus preventing “drooping” due to large stones in 4 prong mountings setting to far away from the earlobe and causing them to tilt downward. Studs can also be ordered with push-backs that allow for easy on and off, or the more secure “screw-backs” that use actual threaded nuts to securely hold your precious gems in place. The newest feature offers a hybrid back that can be pushed on but must be screwed off to remove.

PRICING:

Because of the great quality differences available and the pricing differences between brick and mortar stores vs. the Internet, make sure to do your research before buying.
Obviously the best pricing will be found on the Internet since their cost of doing business doesn’t require an expensive corner location in a mall. When purchasing from the Internet make sure to compare a few sites for pricing vs. quality. Ask yourself the simple questions listed below to insure that your chances of receiving the best product for the best price are realized.

1. How long has the website been in business?
2. Are they accredited by well-known organizations like the Better Business Bureau?
3. Do they offer a no questions asked 30-day return policy?
4. What do they charge for shipping? Many offer free shipping with each purchase.
5. Do they have a toll free number to contact a live person if you need help?
6. Are there customer testimonials on their site?
7. Do they offer a secure shopping experience while on their site? Are Verisign or thwate certificates used to ensure your personal information is secure?
8. Are they members of a shopping rating site like bizrate for people to review?
9. Do they incorporate the latest hacker safe site testing daily?
10. Do they offer a certificate program for diamonds purchased? If so is it from accredited organizations such as International Gemological Institute (IGI), Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS) If not do they unconditionally guarantee and stand by their quality?
11. Do they offer a lifetime trade up policy that will give you full value for your studs if you are purchasing a larger pair from them?

Once you answer these questions and the site seems to pass most of them then it’s just a matter of deciding which site to purchase from. Although the Internet seems proliferated with everyone selling everything from apples to zebras, there are a few well-known jewelry sites that offer outstanding quality and prices along with excellent customer service. To mention a few Blue Nile, Box 888, Mondera, Randolph James, James Allen, Overstock, Diamond ME and of course major retailers like ZALES, Kays, or Helzberg Diamond.

Remember that your hardest choice, the shape, is probably the only thing that will be a challenge to see if you get it right. If you have paid attention to hints, comments, and other subtle suggestions that she has projected your way, then most likely your purchasing experience will be a successful one.

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