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Brian Gavin studs... should I return these?

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bling11

Rough_Rock
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Could I ask for your opinion whether you think I should return these and get them re-set.

I received my new studs today from Brian Gavin. They are a gift for my wife. I had two of their BGD hearts and arrows stones set in their Classic Martini. The problem I have with these is that the setting appears to be too big for these stones (.35ct each). I think the width (diameter) of the diamonds should be bigger than the setting. However, in my case, the setting width is bigger. If you look at the earrings from the front, they appear to almost like a bezel setting. I should not be able to this much metal from the front surrounding the stone.

I haven''t shown them yet to my wife but I''m wondering whether I should send these back and ask BGD to re-set them.

What do you guys think?

BrianGavin_Martini3_021810.jpg
 
oops. double-post.

(no pun intended)
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My expectations of martini set earrings are the same as yours. Straight-on, you see diamond and prongs, nothing else. I''d call them about it.
 
hmmm...yes, I would call and speak with them. I agree only metal and fine prongs should be seen when viewed head on.
 
Um, yeah, return. Those look awfully bulky. Granted, it''s hugely magnified, but it does look like they just stuck the diamonds in the wrong setting.
 
I agree, return them. You might not notice the bezel effect in real life, but for what you're paying, the setting should be right.

ETA: Sorry, just noticed you have them in hand and you do notice the bezel effect. All the more reason to send them back!
 
I agree...the basket ring should be a basket and not a bezel. But in your case it does look like a bezel. The prongs appear too thick or chunky...(thunky) too for that size stone.

and something else that bothers me...I would have thought that quality control would have made the arrows line up with just a smidgen more symmetry in relation to the prongs. Those BGD magnificent arrows take a back seat to the setting. One thing for certain is that stone we see is truly the reason you went to BGD, isn''t it? Perfection-beautiful cut. (your wife is going to get all sorts of comments and ATTENTION!)

While you are disappointed and frustrated, (I am too for you)...rest assured there is no reason to be hesitant in your contacting them.

Leslie wrote the book on customer service...but you already know that. You are in good hands. Call her!
 
Wow, so pretty! I actually like them better this way! You have the benefit of bezel oomph in a martini setting! I wonder if you should show her just in case she falls in love with them? They''re going to look a lot bigger in the setting you have now but still be lovely and open in the back. I love these! I wish I had set my studs like this!

But if it''s not your cup of tea, it would make sense to send them back. BGD is awesome in every way so you should have your new pair soon!
 
On the bright side those settings look VERY? strong.
That diamond ain't goin nowhere!

Also there are 8 arrows and 3 prongs.
There is no way to achieve symmetry unless you want to cover up the tip of an arrow.
Besides this complaint only exists in a photograph of the diamond.
In real life they move around and where the arrows are with respect to the prongs is not noticeable.
 
I would send them back, they do look like a bezel.
 
Date: 2/19/2010 2:36:59 PM
Author: kenny
On the bright side those settings look VERY? strong.

That diamond ain''t goin nowhere!


Also there are 8 arrows and 3 prongs.

There is no way to achieve symmetry unless you want to cover up the tip of an arrow.

Besides this complaint only exists in a photograph of the diamond.

In real life they move around and where the arrows are with respect to the prongs is not noticeable.

Oops you are right, Kenny.

I stand corrected. Forgive me for adding additional minutia in the mix. Drats. I hope my stupid statement didn''t take you too far backwards Bling11. Please ignore it.

I WAS WR>>>WRAA>>>WRA ONG>>>WRONG! Whew. I can do it after all. (imagine that, I don''t even golf!)
 
Gosh CB, don't be so hard on yourself.
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BTW, if a person does want arrow/prong symmetry they can opt for a 4-prong setting.
 
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back at cha Kenny!
 
I can see what you mean. I''d get them redone.
 
Thanks everyone for your replies. I showed the earrings to my wife and we decided to sleep on it over the weekend and decide on it Sunday night. The bezel look does add extra oomph to the size which we like... but at the cost of not having the diamond "float" on the ear look.. which was the main reason I chose martini setting.

I''ve already made a call to BGD and they are willing to re-set them for me if I choose to send it back.
 
Date: 2/19/2010 4:53:17 PM
Author: bling11
Thanks everyone for your replies. I showed the earrings to my wife and we decided to sleep on it over the weekend and decide on it Sunday night. The bezel look does add extra oomph to the size which we like... but at the cost of not having the diamond ''float'' on the ear look.. which was the main reason I chose martini setting.

I''ve already made a call to BGD and they are willing to re-set them for me if I choose to send it back.
I would send ''em back and bezel them. That way you get the oomph without the pesky prongs.
 
I''m with Bliss, I actually like the way they look in this mounting. If they were mine, I''d keep them. But thinking about it for a couple of days is the right thing to do. I''m sure B&L will do whatever you ask of them with no problem.
 
They aren''t awful, but if the wife wanted true martinis, then yes I would send these back.
 
Those settings come in standard sizes (they aren''t handmade for the specific stones), so I am sure they put them in the size closest to the stone size. You probably would have to have them handmade to really get a perfect fit with more delicate prongs. As someone already mentioned, this size stone is perfect to bezel. But if not, I''d leave them as they are.
 
I actually like them the way they are, they are very pretty!
 
Definitely return - I would imagine a martini to be just as you describe, without that bezel effect.
 
ETA I just read the rest of the thread - should''ve done that first!



Please do update us on what you decide
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I liked the bezel but the prongs look too big or something. Can''t hurt to call Lesley and talk to her about it.
 
I guess I''m with the minority here - I eally like them. An ear shot would cinch it for me though - got one?
 
We have decided to return the earrings. I was okay with keeping it but wife would prefer less metal.

I have also decided to take this opportunity to upgrade the stones to .425 each. Since reducing the metal will shrink the size of the earrings visually, I need to compensate with bigger stones. :-)

One question I do have for you guys is which of BGD''s martini settings I should go with. Should I stick with the Classic Martini ($175) or go for the Martini Cocktail ($225). Anyone have experience with both?

I would prefer which ever is more delicate looking.
 
Date: 2/21/2010 6:23:29 PM
Author: bling11


One question I do have for you guys is which of BGD''s martini settings I should go with. Should I stick with the Classic Martini ($175) or go for the Martini Cocktail ($225). Anyone have experience with both?

I would prefer which ever is more delicate looking.
I agree with your wife - less metal is better. You want the beautiful diamond to show!

As for the settings, from the photos it seems the Martini Cocktail has more delicate/thinner prongs. I''d probably go with that one.
 
Date: 2/21/2010 6:23:29 PM
Author: bling11
We have decided to return the earrings. I was okay with keeping it but wife would prefer less metal.

I have also decided to take this opportunity to upgrade the stones to .425 each. Since reducing the metal will shrink the size of the earrings visually, I need to compensate with bigger stones. :-)

One question I do have for you guys is which of BGD''s martini settings I should go with. Should I stick with the Classic Martini ($175) or go for the Martini Cocktail ($225). Anyone have experience with both?

I would prefer which ever is more delicate looking.
Bling11,

I own a set of 0.414ct in the Martini Cocktail. I do not own the classic martini, but I have viewed both in person. I am lucky in that my husband lets me visit Brian and Lesley once a year for a purchase and checkup on my previously purchased pieces.

I viewed both settings side by side and I went with the Martini Cocktail because IMHO it was more delicate, and streamlined. You will not see metal with a .425ct, except for the 3 tiny prongs. I wear them daily and they are extremely comfortable.
 
Martini cocktail are really gorgeous IMO.
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Thank you for your responses about the setting. I have decided to take your suggestions and go with the Martini Cocktail. They do look more sleek on the pictures from BGD website. I think it''s worth the extra $50.

I''m hoping the new settings together with the slightly bigger stones will look better than previous set. I will post comments when I get them in a few days.
 
I can''t wait to see the new ones!
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