Diamond Studs ---> Leverbacks... Opinions, please!

[Bliss]

I have studs that are slightly over 1.5 tcw, so about .78 each.

I have long hair and you can't really see the studs unless I have my hair up -- so I'm thinking about getting these settings custom made. I've seen aljdewey's amazing leverback diamonds and others, which are lovely! But I haven't seen the bezeled version yet. And they'd match my DBTY necklaces.

What do you think? My concerns are, they might look like costume jewelry once they're done because there are so many knock-offs of this design and do you think leverbacks "cheapen" the look? DH thinks the studs are the most classic option and I wonder if the dangly diamonds would be too trendy a style after a while.

But I love dangly earrings and think I'd love the movement in these earrings. Plus, if I want a more classic look, I have tons of pearl studs in my jewelry box. And maybe later I'll get another pair of studs if I miss the look. I'm just hoping I don't regret the reset! Say I hit 35 in a few years and think they look too "tween?"

Opinions please!!!

 

[Bliss]

Here's another image - I like how the entire back of the diamond will be exposed, too. The quotes I'm getting are for platinum so I can throw them in ammonia overnight with the other jewelry... Thoughts?

This is how I felt before pulling the trigger on a halo for my solitaire! It's hard to commit to one sparkly look! Must....get....more...sparklies! LOL.

 

[Bia]

They are beautiful, however, I''m a studs girl, so I''d keep the .78 diamond studs

I know that doesn''t help you

 

[tlh]

I love the leverback style. I do. But you know... some women even think studs are CZs. So, if you like the style go for it... diamonds bring out a confidence in the wearer no CZ ever did. And after 5 years, if you want to change it up again... why not? keep it fresh, and honestly, it is like getting a new piece!!!

 

[decodelighted]

A famous designer told me once that movement around your face makes you look younger -- so I''d say leverback. But I''m not usually a big fan of the standard size lever -- I like the dangle to hit just under one''s lobe ... as opposed to a quarter of an inch below give or take.

Don''t think they''d ever look "tween" ... but, then again, I wear pigtails and tweeny clothes at 41 so, heh, don''t listen to me!

 

[OUpearlgirl]

I think they''d be beautiful!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I think they would be beautiful too!

 

[LGK]

I''d leverback. I too have invisible earlobes- wayyy too much bushy hair!- so if I ever get nice earrings, they''ll be dangly too. What''s the point in having lovely studs if you can''t see them ever?

 

[zoebartlett]

I think they''re really pretty!

 

[marcy]

I think they''d be gorgeous. I have some diamond leverbacks and I wear them more than any other pair of earrings.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

I''ve had both. I loved the level backs--elegant!

cheers--Sharon

 

[chrono]

I prefer the collet set leverbacks for various reasons:
1. Movement means more twinkle to catch the eyes
2. Can see the profile of the diamond better
3. Easier to clean
4. Won''t get fingerprints all over the stone as you are putting them on vs studs

 

[Camille]

Def a studs girl....you''re right, too many out there ie Silpada. [pretty though]

 

[Kelli]

I like the lever backs better! I''ve been having this debate with myself too, since diamond earrings are my next planned purchase. I know almost EVERYONE says "studs are the most classic, you should get them first." BUT, a total idiot did my piercings when I was five, and they''re done WAY too low on my ears, so studs turn downwards and look like they''re falling out unless they''re in a very small size. For that reason I''m considering getting leverbacks instead. And then I can have teensy studs for my second holes.

Sorry for the rambling, I say if you''ll never see the studs anyway, go for the leverbacks. I don''t see how diamond earrings could look "tweeny."

 

[Phoenix]

I''ve discovered, through expensive mistakes, that I only like studs, so I vote for you to leave them as studs.

Trust me, I have longer hair too and even when I wear my smaller studs, people still do notice and comment. How can anyone not notice diamonds, the bling bling bling, LOL?!

 

[MishB]

Studs are definitely a classic piece, they go with everything, dress up/down etc.

I''ve posted about these earrings before, I had these made for my birthday last year, the single stone is from a pair of studs that I never wore because I thought they were too small (25 points each) so I had them reset in the lever back with the filigree rounds (which were also originally studs).

They are dazzling earrings, people always comment on them, although a lot probably don''t realise they are real. I wear them with everything though, from LBD''s to jeans and peasant tops.

I have long wavy hair too, and these are a lot more visible.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 4/29/2009 10:15:06 PM
Author: Kelli
I like the lever backs better! I''ve been having this debate with myself too, since diamond earrings are my next planned purchase. I know almost EVERYONE says ''studs are the most classic, you should get them first.'' BUT, a total idiot did my piercings when I was five, and they''re done WAY too low on my ears, so studs turn downwards and look like they''re falling out unless they''re in a very small size. For that reason I''m considering getting leverbacks instead. And then I can have teensy studs for my second holes.

Sorry for the rambling, I say if you''ll never see the studs anyway, go for the leverbacks. I don''t see how diamond earrings could look ''tweeny.''

I feel your pain Kelly. My piercings are uneven.

Drives me up the freaking wall, although I don''t think anyone else would ever notice.

I think the leverbacks would be lovely.

And if people think they''re fake... well... that''s their problem, LOL!

 

[geckodani]

Date: 4/29/2009 11:58:48 AM
Author: decodelighted
A famous designer told me once that movement around your face makes you look younger -- so I''d say leverback. But I''m not usually a big fan of the standard size lever -- I like the dangle to hit just under one''s lobe ... as opposed to a quarter of an inch below give or take.

Don''t think they''d ever look ''tween'' ... but, then again, I wear pigtails and tweeny clothes at 41 so, heh, don''t listen to me!

Me too! I have the hardest time making that happen though.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I really like the dangle bezel idea. Love it actually. I think lever backs really only look good with larger stones.

I once had some guy tell me that he though you should only buy nice jewelry in yellow gold because white gold and platinum make your jewelry look fake (or sterling silver). He said this while looking me up and down (while I was wearing my e-ring, and understated diamond studs and solitaire necklace). The jeweler was also standing there and said "no, most people look at the entire package (person) before judging whether they think something is fake or not and that a person's clothing style had more to do with it than their actual jewelry. He then said clearly my pieces were real given that I was dressed well and they were understated. He said that given my age, had I been wearing honking 5ct earrings (like the stone in the rude dude's ear) and a massive rock on my hand he would be more inclined to think it was all fake.

 

[Bliss]

Ohhhh thank you! Thank you for all the thoughtful responses!

I'm going to go to the diamond district this weekend to try some on to make a final decision! I wish someone would invent diamonds you can POP in and out of different settings. Wouldn't that be so cool?

Bia! Thank you! You think I should keep the studs as is? Oy! I can't decide! DH and my brother say the same thing. I've been torturing my brother with questions and he finally said, "STOP! I AM NOT A GIRL!" Hahahaha.

tlh, I should make up a song about it like you would and sing it until I decide! LOL. I'm leaning toward leverback sometimes and you know, you're right. I can always switch back!

deco!!!! Hahahahahahaha! You'll always be the hot young mama, eh? You know, I have also heard that movement around the face makes the wearer look younger and more lively. Hmmmm... I wear pigtails sometimes, too! (I'm waiting for DF to make a thread titled "ARE YOUR CLOTHES TOO TWEENY?" now!!!!!!) Lunchtime!

OUpeargirl, oooohhh. I love your style. There's another vote for leverbacks!

Tacori E-ring! Gorgeous baby! I always think that when I see your avatar! Wow, if I had a precious one like that, maybe I wouldn't need anymore sparklies!

LittleGreyKitten - yes! So you understand the invisible earlobe issue!!!!!!!!! God engineered my head such that with my hair down, other human beings would never guess that I owned a pair of EARS! LOL. OK, I'm exaggerating but you see what I mean? They're kind of like putting diamonds under your toes! No one can see them and I certainly can't either! LOLOL. OK, exaggerating again! It's too fun, though!

ZoeBartlett, thanks! Oooooh, another vote for leverbacks!!! And again, I like your style, too!

marcyc - AHHH! A leverback sista! You do get a lot of wear out of them? That is SO great to hear. I also think they'll be more comfortable because I'm always checking my studs to see if they're drooping or not on tight enough.

SHARON! Hello Canuk-Gal! You have BIG sparkles in your leverbacks! But you love yours? I love hearing that! Thank you! You have amazing taste, so that is really refreshing to hear!

CHROOOOONOOOOOO... You are a list keeper as well! I love it! I think your list is brilliant because you think of things most people wouldn't. But PSers think differently, don't we? I agree! More twinkle, profile is better, easier to clean (because the backs are open - BIG BIG PLUS FOR ME) and there won't be fingerprints! This is so crazy, but every time someone hugs me, their face oils get all over them. Am I crazy for thinking of this? LOL. But it's such a small price to pay for wonderful hugs!

Camille! Yeah! I had to look up what Silpada was and now I totally see what you're saying! In fact, when I was looking up ideas for custom designing these, all these cz versions popped up. Very popular design!

Kelli! Hey, big rock mama. You're having this debate, too? I also had my ears pierced when I was a tot. I remember crying and crying so the second hole is a little wonky because the sympathetic dermatologist lady was trying to "sneak attack" my lobe. You don't think the leverbacks could be tweeny? Aiiiight, sista! Another vote for the LB!

Phoenix!!!!!!! If I had 4+ total carat weight studs, ain't NO ONE ON EARTH who wouldn't be able to see my studs! I could be able to see them under the covers without a flashlight! The Pope could see them from Italy! They'd be visible from satellite images! Planes would start landing in front of me... Tom Hanks from Castaway would be celebrating with Wilson thinking help had arrived. LOLOLOL. The CDC would be spouting statistics for random temporary bling blindness. LOLOLOL!!!! You lucky lady! Mine are MUCH smaller so you can't see them as well. Hee hee. But you vote studs? I do love the simplicity of studs. Hey, I can always get a second pair... right? HELLLLLO, PUSH PRESENT! Thanks!

MishB, thank you! WOWOWOWOWOW. Your earrings are AMAZING!!! OOOOHHHHH... Your post makes me want to send these off immediately for a reset!!!! GORGEOUS. AMAZING!!!!!! CLASSIC AND ELEGANT! WOOOOOW!!!!! THank you so much for posting those!

geckodani!!!!! Hey, stud sista! Well, if I could pull off your sassy, pretty and sexy hairdo... I wouldn't be posting this thread! It'd be studs all the way. I didn't ever notice your wonky earholes that you're describing -- they just looked petite and lovely!

Hudson_Hawk, that is a crazy story! That rude dude is nutso! LOL. Ohhh, you're a classy studs lady. This also makes me wonder if I'll miss my studs. That means, I need to get a SECOND pair. I just want a pair to live in. I don't want a lot of variety anymore because I have so much jewelry. A lot of it lives in dark boxes!

 

[Bliss]

OK, which pair now?

The dangly ones would sparkle more and the backs would be COMPLETELY open... which I love.

But the stationary ones would be more classic.

Aiiieeee. So hard to decide!

 

[Bliss]

Hello! I forgot the attach the file!

Which ones? Anyone who owns this style or has tried them on? I have to go out and do that this weekend. Pros/cons?

I should have made them so that the diamond sizes were the same. I keep gravitating toward the ones on the left bc the stones are bigger. LOL.

 

[musey]

Do you think having them a bit lower will actually make that big of a difference in visibility? Or is it just the movement that will make them more eye-catching behind hair?

I think you should go for it. Obviously the studs aren''t doin'' it for ya, so why no change them into something you think will be more wearable?

 

[chrono]

I don''t think the one on the left will move. They look firmly attached to the leverback. The one on the right has jump rings to allow free movement. My pick? The right ones.

 

[geckodani]

Date: 4/30/2009 12:16:04 PM
Author: Chrono
I don''t think the one on the left will move. They look firmly attached to the leverback. The one on the right has jump rings to allow free movement. My pick? The right ones.

Ditto!

And Bliss you crack me up.

My hair definitely makes earrings a MUST!

 

[Kelli]

Gecko-- good to know I''m not the only crazy who complains about my earlobes!

Bliss-- I actually like the ones on the left, but I might change my mind if I ever saw them in person. They seem sturdier and I think I like the fact that they''d be more stationary. Do you mind telling me where you found those?

 

[geckodani]

Date: 4/30/2009 2:56:13 PM
Author: Kelli
Gecko-- good to know I''m not the only crazy who complains about my earlobes!

Bliss-- I actually like the ones on the left, but I might change my mind if I ever saw them in person. They seem sturdier and I think I like the fact that they''d be more stationary. Do you mind telling me where you found those?

Nope. I drive DH nuts with it sometimes.

 

[tlh]

Date: 4/30/2009 12:16:04 PM
Author: Chrono
I don''t think the one on the left will move. They look firmly attached to the leverback. The one on the right has jump rings to allow free movement. My pick? The right ones.

ditto@

 

[Bliss]

musey! Thank you! Yeah, sometimes I get wistful with the studs... but I think I'll do a changeover. I can always reset them if they don't work out. But I'm getting them in platinum and it would be such a waste! On the other hand, if I did them in white gold - and I loved them, I'd have to reset into platinum because of my sparkly cleaning habits. le sigh.

Chrono - you're right! The ones on the left are stationary. I agree, I like the ones that move on the right! But the overall length would be longer... Choices choices!

Your avatar is gorgeous & distracting... I keep forgetting what I'm typing when I see it!

geckodani, soooo true! I should chop my hair to accomodate my studs! LOL. I wish I could carry it off! The Halle is my dream hairstyle. I wonder if we can do earlobe exercises like kegels to "tighten" the holes? LOLOLOL. (PRAYING DF DOESN'T SEE THIS!)

Kelli! I did the lazy thing and Googled "bezel leverbacks" -- and then clicked on Images.
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=bezel%20leverbacks&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

They're the ones on the bottom row!

tlh - Oooooh, movement would be an added bonus! Choices, choices! I'll just have to go try some on!!!!!

 

[HollyS]

I''m a leverback girl. My favorite earrings -- wearing a pair now -- are leverbacks.

I would LOVE to have the $$ to spend on leverback diamond earrings.