I love simple stud earrings. They come in so many subtle styles and sizes which allows us to pick the perfect match for your style. Great in third and fourth holes or as the main attraction depending on the day. Set with diamonds or colored gem stones, they are never out of place and always feel sophisticated yet simple. They also come in such a variety of unique settings (tension, bezel, gypsy, prong, pave) and many different styles that makes them so flexible. In my opinion, the best piece in a woman’s jewelry box. But, they come with a darker side too… The Worst…. Studs are one of the most popular items in any jewelry store. This means that the buyer has to be very careful when buying fine studs, especially set with diamonds. Jewelry stores are well known for pricing studs very high, say 60% above what they actually want to sell them for. When they see your sticker shock with the tag price, they seize the moment to comfort you like a friend and move in for the sale. The next price they give you will be the ‘top commission price’ meaning the highest price they might possibly sell these for which is typically 25% above the bottom dollar. If you seem to be warming up, they will throw in the free warranty, free cleaning for life, free appraisals and more. Keep in mind that the ‘free’ in all of these costs them money that they have to make on the initial sale. So this brings us to my first rule of buying fine studs at large jewelry stores….. NEVER buy before the third price is given.

In follow up posts in this series we will look at the BEST way to buy fine studs and also explore different sources and techniques for buying studs set with colored gems.

New blue topaz studs in sstcjewelry.com Gemspression line. Double gallery setting wrapping the stone girdle tightly

Fine, Fun Flexible Colored Gem Studs from sstcjewelry.com