Don't waste money at Tiffany's

^^And cost less than solitares

I agree with round style, and going just a little bigger than you may think for the studs - I was initially drawn to the smaller studs but it was clear from trying them on that the little studs just get lost and a medium size looks better as we get older. I have the same style as your wife, and after trying on various types of solitares I fell in love with a pair of diamond cluster studs in a medium size (i'm sorry I can't remember the weight) - some are called diamond clover cluster or diamond flower cluster. Basically a bunch of smaller diamonds - here is the closest picture I can find:

http://houseofdiamondshawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/E003510.jpg

We found them at Dominion Jewelers in Northern VA (Falls Church) and they really go with everything from tshirt and jeans to dressed up. I get compliments on them all the time.

thank you all for your suggestions. I guess I'll look for round studs at about 1/2 carat each - if she wants to trade up (sooner or later) we hopefully should be able to do that.

which brings me to a 2nd question - what jewelry stores do you recommend? Is a place like Tiffany's or Mervins worth it? Or how about something like Blue Nile?

Anonymous wrote:1ct round, 3 prong, martini style with screw on backs!

Martini is the best because then it won't look like it's falling off the way basket style does. I think 3 prong looks more round than 4 prong. And 1-1.5 ct is the best. I wear 1ct daily and it's the best size. Don't go smaller. 1ct looks classy without looking too flashy for daily use.

+1! This is the way to go. I have these exactly and have worn them the past 6-7 years daily.

Anonymous wrote:I am your wife. Also don't like flashy or much jewelry, but like simple things I can wear over and over without having to think whether it goes with my outfit. My husband gave me a modest pair of round diamond studs 10 years ago and has upgraded them twice (find a jeweler that does this type of "trade up" program).

This. I dress minimal style too. I'm finding as get older, the daintier 1/2 ct in each ear doesn't look right with my work attire. 1 ct per ear is better so now I've got fakes in. The smaller real ones come out when I'm wearing jeans and a T shirt. Really like the screw back suggestion.

I am your wife. Also don't like flashy or much jewelry, but like simple things I can wear over and over without having to think whether it goes with my outfit. My husband gave me a modest pair of round diamond studs 10 years ago and has upgraded them twice (find a jeweler that does this type of "trade up" program).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1ct round, 3 prong, martini style with screw on backs!

Martini is the best because then it won't look like it's falling off the way basket style does. I think 3 prong looks more round than 4 prong. And 1-1.5 ct is the best. I wear 1ct daily and it's the best size. Don't go smaller. 1ct looks classy without looking too flashy for daily use.

OP said she doesn't like big earrings. Those are way to big and flashy. I prefer smaller. OP, type is really specific to the person. I don't like round and prefer any other cut.

1ct is .5 ct in each ear. It's not big or flashy at all.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1ct round, 3 prong, martini style with screw on backs!

Martini is the best because then it won't look like it's falling off the way basket style does. I think 3 prong looks more round than 4 prong. And 1-1.5 ct is the best. I wear 1ct daily and it's the best size. Don't go smaller. 1ct looks classy without looking too flashy for daily use.

OP said she doesn't like big earrings. Those are way to big and flashy. I prefer smaller. OP, type is really specific to the person. I don't like round and prefer any other cut.

Round--anything else will move and then you'll have one ear sideways and the other upside down.

Anonymous wrote:1ct round, 3 prong, martini style with screw on backs!

Martini is the best because then it won't look like it's falling off the way basket style does. I think 3 prong looks more round than 4 prong. And 1-1.5 ct is the best. I wear 1ct daily and it's the best size. Don't go smaller. 1ct looks classy without looking too flashy for daily use.

OP said she doesn't like big earrings. Those are way to big and flashy. I prefer smaller. OP, type is really specific to the person. I don't like round and prefer any other cut.

1ct round, 3 prong, martini style with screw on backs!

Martini is the best because then it won't look like it's falling off the way basket style does. I think 3 prong looks more round than 4 prong. And 1-1.5 ct is the best. I wear 1ct daily and it's the best size. Don't go smaller. 1ct looks classy without looking too flashy for daily use.

Round solitaires. Only option! Dont go above 3/4 carat/ear and pick the best cut and color you can afford.

There was an awesome thread on this previously that gave a lot of information.

I want to buy my wife diamond earrings for our anniversary but I'm really stuck (ok, overwhelmed) with the myriad of choices and styles. She doesn't like big earrings (or big, flashy jewelry in general) and prefers a more classic, subtle look. So that got me thinking about diamond stud earrings - am I in the right general area? What about cut - does it make a difference if they are round vs. princess vs. cushion, etc.? What size generally works? She's a petite woman (5'4"), slender build so does that matter in terms of selection?

appreciate any help/advice you could offer this poor lost soul. thanks!