Journey to Making these Studs a Reality!!

[itzme]

I have been lurking on an off for the past few weeks to try to gain as much knowledge as I can on princess and rounds to initiate my project for sparkly everyday earring studs. I hoped to find all the info I need, but at this point I really need more guidance to actually move forward.

After many contemplations, I have decided that I want 0.3 ct RB per stud. My ears and earlobes are small so this is an adequate size with enough sparkle without looking over-the-top for everyday. I plan to purchase a pair of jackets (hopefully Leon Mege's Belgium set) for them in the future so I can dress them up on certain days/occasions I want more bling.

So here are a few of my dilemmas due to many uncertainties:

1- Where to source the diamond-
I've always been in love with Brian Gavin's H&As, and it is further fueled by the raves here. Seems like it's worth every penny. I see these studs and future jackets as a piece that will have strong staying power in my collection, so mind as well due them right the first time, right?

Another option is ID Jewelry with Yekutiel's helping hand. I've spoken with him before when I initially planned to get a pair of princess studs, and he's wonderful with a great eye for beautiful diamonds. His prices are definitely very competitive. He hasn't given me a quote on a pair of GIA triple EX rounds yet, and I feel guilty to ask him for another quote if I don't end up getting them from him.

2- The reason I'm unsure about getting them from ID is because I am deciding on where to get the setting-

I'm totally in love with BGD's truth settings, as I think I'm leaning more towards the look of the 4 prong over 3 prongs. I tried on a few 3 prongs from local jewelry stores and it ends up making the studs look triangular-ish. I love the claw prongs and I love how martinis fit quite flush to the ear. I'm not sure if BGD can make their handmade martini's with 4 claw prongs. Also unsure how 4 claw prongs will look on 0.3 ct stud. BGD Truths are $425, and Handmade martinis are $495 (both are quite pricey). If I get the studs from ID, BGD charges a setting fee, and I have to eat the shipping charges to them and the return insurance, which defeats the point of saving money from ID in the first place.

If I were to get them from ID, I have no idea what options they have.

3- Last thing to weigh in my options is whether or not the setting I choose will affect the aesthetic of how the future jackets fit.


My budget is preferably under $1500 for the whole packet of the stones and setting (not with the future jackets).

I am constantly thinking of these questions to myself, but nothing is being answered. I'd appreciate any guidance, input, enlightenment from you all. Thanks so much!!

 

[tyty333]

Personally, I would just have BGD do them (and later do the jackets).
I dont think you will be saving much by getting the stones from ID then having them
sent and set by BGD. Leon Mege jackets would be very expensive.

 

[itzme]

Thanks tyty333, for your advice. I was thinking the same in terms of not saving much if I were to buy from ID and set with BGD. I would set with ID if they have good 4 prong settings that look delicate with a great finish.

I also know making the jackets with LM will cost a Pretty penny, so I'm also open to other recommended jewelers who can create a stunning pair of jackets.

Do you think I should set them with 3 prong martinis or the 4 prong truth earrings? I'm concerned the 4 prong truths might not complement the jackets.

 

[itzme]

So I've been thinking.. and I think I'm definitely leaning towards BGD for this because I think I'll be happier with their setting. Though I know BGD will end up being the pricier option.

I've been doing a search on BGD and the I colored stones definitely fit better in my budget, but I noticed from past experience that I can be color sensitive. Initially I was willing to compromise to an H color, but they don't have many to choose from in that color grade. Mainly G's or I's. I've read from a few threads that the H&A cut will help the stone face up whiter.

Do you recommend me compromise to an I color? Not sure if it matters, but I plan to go for the clarity grade of SI1. I'd really like to get this done by this weekend, but would hate to be hasteful and end up with a bad choice.

 

[stargurl78]

I am very color sensitive so I wouldn't go with I color but I know many people think that you can go lower in color for earrings so you might be ok with it. I think its a mind-clean thing for me though (I just ordered two 0.31ct H&A F SI1s on Wednesday from BGD and they'll be set in the 8-prong earring settings!!).

Maybe these 2 would work if you don't mind going a bit over budget (keep in mind you get a 2% discount for wire payment and remember to ask for the PS discount (3% I think)):

http://briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/0.302-G-SI1-round-Diamond-AGS-104052884052

http://briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/0.316-G-SI1-round-Diamond-AGS-104052884054

Also, one of their customer service people told me that a lot of their SI2s are also eye-clean, so you might want to expand your search to include lower clarity since it might save you some money.

 

[itzme]

Thanks for your input, stargurl78! I'm excited to see your set! Please post pics when you get them! If you don't mind me asking, how much were the settings?

Initially, I did take a look at those two G colored stones before expanding my search to I colored stones. I was really hoping to settle for H colors as a compromise between the two. SI2s do save me quite some money, but it makes me so nervous because I've never considered them before

I think the two G colored options can fit the budget, but it'll be pushing it depending on which setting/details I choose. Of course, it'll also give me great enjoyment to know that I got a killer pair of studs and still go below my budget. So if the I's won't be a noticeable difference I will also consider them.

 

[stargurl78]

No problem! I can't wait to get them and I'll definitely post pics. The cost of the 8-prong settings was supposed to be $280 (which includes the cost of setting them) but they messed up on the initial quote, so I ended up paying a tad less than that.

I understand you being nervous about the SI2s. If you're not comfortable going down in clarity, I'm sure I color will be fine, especially if you do go with his beautifully cut signature stones. Have you seen any I colored stones in person?

 

[itzme]

I don't remember seeing any I colors in this size in person, especially none with such great cuts comparable to Brian Gavin's.

Btw, BGD work like robots on speed. I'm sure you'll be getting them soon if you're not too swamped at this time picking up large amounts of orders during this season. I

 

[itzme]

I did a quick search and found these to be possible pairings. I'm no expert, but I pretty much based them on similar gradings and price:

Pair 1: I see alot of inclusions to the middle for these two
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.324-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104052884060 -$679
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.322-h-si2-round-diamond-ags-104054379068#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/0/ - $489

Pair 2:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.316-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104052884054#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/2/ - $658
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.315-g-si1-round-diamond-ags-104052884055#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/ -$658

Pair 3:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.316-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104054189091#more - $585
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.315-i-si1-round-diamond-ags-104054189092#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/ - $585

Which would be the most bang for the buck?

 

[stargurl78]

Hmm... I think this may be where the experts will have to chime in, I'm really not sure. It seems that all of the sets you posted are great options. I guess it really just comes down to what color and clarity grades you are comfortable with.

If it were me, I would probably go with the G SI1s. But I'm sure many others would pick one of the other 2 sets. Sorry I'm not much help!

 

[itzme]

I totally appreciate your time and advice, stargurl78. I know I'm asking a lot of questions here, but there is just so much info on pricescope. There's a difference between reading and understanding it, and actively applying that data. There is so much to learn...

 

[stargurl78]

No, its definitely not too many questions and I feel the same way, there is so much info here but still so much to learn! I'm sure they'll be beautiful no matter what you choose

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just found a better pair of I color. They are both VS2 and priced lower than your SI1's!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.315-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104054379054

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.318-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104054379052

This is a hard choice because I do normally prefer G and H color, but I do think in studs this size you'd be fine with I color. Brian Gavin makes nice jackets, too!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

One more thought. On stones this small, I don't think I would bother with handmade settings. You just don't see the setting when you have them on! I have .65 each G VS studs and still have them set in the standard 4 prong basket. I don't think the cost of the settings should be a third of the price of the earrings, personally. I think it is better to put more of the money into the diamonds.

Here is a pair of H VS2's if you are uncertain about I color:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.318-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104054379052

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.310-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104051366103

 

[itzme]

stargurl78- I sure hope they come out great too!

Diamondseeker2006- Thanks for adding those to my radar. I'm glad I have quite a few options, but it really doesn't help someone as indecisive as I am... On top of not being educated well enough on this. LOL. I understand your point about spending too much on something that does not show. Yet, something about those darn truth settings really speak to me! I like my earrings to sit flush on my ears so I'm a huge fan of martinis, and unfortunately baskets do not create that effect that I'm partial to.

I guess I will have to make a trip to some random jewelry stores to see how sensitive I am to I colors. I found this thread that increased my confidence in I colors: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-coloured-diamonds.158636/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-coloured-diamonds.158636/[/URL] ,however, pictures are not always the most accurate.

I'm also concerned about the effect of the I colors with the future jackets (which most vendors tend to use G/H). Le sigh!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think I color is not mind clean for you and that you should probably go with G or H, especially since you are going to do get jackets at some point. I will warn you that unless you are seeing AGS graded stones (or maybe GIA) you won't get an accurate picture of I color. Plus, unless you go out of the jewelry store lighting, you won't be able to tell a thing about color. In Tiffany's, D-I color pretty much all look the same because of their lighting!

Where are you seeing the Truth settings for studs? Or are they custom? I don't see them on the studs settings page. If these are studs you don't plan on upgrading, then I can see getting handmade settings. I just decided against it personally since all you see on the ears are the tips of the prongs!

 

[itzme]

I think I color is not mind clean for you and that you should probably go with G or H, especially since you are going to do get jackets at some point. I will warn you that unless you are seeing AGS graded stones (or maybe GIA) you won't get an accurate picture of I color. Plus, unless you go out of the jewelry store lighting, you won't be able to tell a thing about color. In Tiffany's, D-I color pretty much all look the same because of their lighting!

Where are you seeing the Truth settings for studs? Or are they custom? I don't see them on the studs settings page. If these are studs you don't plan on upgrading, then I can see getting handmade settings. I just decided against it personally since all you see on the ears are the tips of the prongs!

Brian's H&A are all graded by AGS so I'm not too concerned about not getting the quality stated on the paper. At this point, I colors aren't mind clean to me because I just don't know how they compare to G and H in my eyes. I think I'll go to jewelry store today to take a look anyway as an opportunity. Other than that, I don't see where else I can try to look. I wish I had access to some of the ladies' jewelry boxes to play with

They took the Truth settings from the site when they upgraded the template. If you go to their homepage, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/ , it's the set of earrings on the first flash page. I just love the side design, although I'm not sure how high they are. I totally get your point about not overdoing it for something that isn't even obvious. Unfortunately, they do not have 4 prong martinis. I also want delicate claw prongs, and I figured the only way to get them would be a hand-forged setting, no?


On a side note, how does a bank wire work? Does it cost and fees on my end? Are there any risk?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think I color is not mind clean for you and that you should probably go with G or H, especially since you are going to do get jackets at some point. I will warn you that unless you are seeing AGS graded stones (or maybe GIA) you won't get an accurate picture of I color. Plus, unless you go out of the jewelry store lighting, you won't be able to tell a thing about color. In Tiffany's, D-I color pretty much all look the same because of their lighting!

Where are you seeing the Truth settings for studs? Or are they custom? I don't see them on the studs settings page. If these are studs you don't plan on upgrading, then I can see getting handmade settings. I just decided against it personally since all you see on the ears are the tips of the prongs!

Brian's H&A are all graded by AGS so I'm not too concerned about not getting the quality stated on the paper. At this point, I colors aren't mind clean to me because I just don't know how they compare to G and H in my eyes. I think I'll go to jewelry store today to take a look anyway as an opportunity. Other than that, I don't see where else I can try to look. I wish I had access to some of the ladies' jewelry boxes to play with

They took the Truth settings from the site when they upgraded the template. If you go to their homepage, http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/ , it's the set of earrings on the first flash page. I just love the side design, although I'm not sure how high they are. I totally get your point about not overdoing it for something that isn't even obvious. Unfortunately, they do not have 4 prong martinis. I also want delicate claw prongs, and I figured the only way to get them would be a hand-forged setting, no?


On a side note, how does a bank wire work? Does it cost and fees on my end? Are there any risk?

Nooo, I didn't mean you had to worry about Brian's stones! I meant if you went to a local jeweler you would need to be sure the stones were GIA or AGS I color for the comparison to be meaningful!

Regarding prongs, they are going to be sooo tiny on .30's that you can hardly see them. You can definitely ask for pointy prong tips even on stock settings. I did when I got my stock 4 prong baskets from WF. I agree with you about martini settings..I also prefer 4 prongs. Just remember that .30's are going to be close to your ear unless they are purposely set high. Brian sets stones very low even in the baskets. I will go try to find the truth stud settings, though. I am sure I'll love them!

Bank wire is free at my bank, but you'd have to call yours to ask. It is super easy and I have done it several times.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I thought of one more thing because I saw 4 prong Martini settings at Good Old Gold. I am betting you can get BG to order some of those for you if you decide you don't want to do custom. I am sure 4 prong martinis are a stock item at one of the mounting companies where jewelers get their stock stud settings.

 

[itzme]

Oh I completely misunderstood you! Whoopsie! I didn't get to go to the store today but if I do tomorrow I'll definitely ask them for their best I colored goods.

And look at what I found! 4 prong martini's are so darn hard to find! And these are only 14k, and they come in 4mm (25pt), and 5mm (50pt):

http://www.pasternakfindings.com/default.asp?catid={5DF732DE-EBF5-41B5-8197-74699C1E3B40}&details_type=1&itemid={D3300D42-F56F-47E1-BED7-B7070AA627E6}

I think I won't mind these if they made them in 18k. They don't have any other views for me to see how pointy the back is. I like it a little more curved for better comfort and for aesthetic purposes. Hence why I LOVE Leon Mege's martini's.

http://artofplatinum.com/vault/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1020&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1 - yummy sparkly goodness!!


I also found this too, but it doesn't have that line in the middle (have no idea what it's called):

http://www.pasternakfindings.com/category/gold_martini_earring_setting


BTW, did you find the Truth settings yet? I'd really love your opinion on them! They are also super enlarged on this page:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/black-friday-and-cyber-monday-diamond-and-jewelry-deals

 

[itzme]

DS, I ended up going with this pair!

I spoke with Lesley, and asked a whole bunch to questions (I feel like such a sore afterwards). She gave me the confidence to give their I colors a try. They are pretty well priced, IMO.

Now, we will work to find if she can locate a pair of 4 prong martini's with straight prongs just like their "martini cocktail" ones. Otherwise, it'll have to be handmade which is quite $$$ for the studs in the size that I'm getting. She advised me that the diamonds could be set low in the Truth settings, but still won't sit as flush as the martini's. More decisions to make!

DS, do you mind telling me where you saw the 4 prong martinis from Good Old Good?

 

[itzme]

I just found a better pair of I color. They are both VS2 and priced lower than your SI1's!

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.315-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104054379054

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.318-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104054379052

This is a hard choice because I do normally prefer G and H color, but I do think in studs this size you'd be fine with I color. Brian Gavin makes nice jackets, too!

Silly me, I realized I got so excited I forgot to clarify which stones I purchased!

As much as I am excited, I am ready to move forward to find those darn 4 prong martinis! Again, I am still awaiting for Lesley to let me know how her hunt is going.

On the other hand, I took your advice, DS, and contacted Good Old Gold about their 4 prong martinis. Apparently, they are still very new so they haven't had the chance to post it up online yet. I was quoted $140 for 18k, and $285 for platinum, but $100 for them to set them and a 2 week waiting period. That's quite a difference from BGD's $325.

If the 4 prong martinis are later sourced by BGD, I'm estimating that they'll be quoted similarly to the current cocktail martinis, at $325. Would it be out of line to ask Lesley to purchase it from Good Old Gold to set it? I'd rather ask here before I pick up the phone.

I am an amateur when it come to jewelry shopping etiquette and would hate to be labelled as the "annoying customer who makes us jump through too many loops to make a little bit of money, and I can't help but roll my eyes when she calls". However, I am just that consumer who would like to get the biggest bang for the best buck. Any thoughts on how I can go about now?

 

[Gypsy]

Ask BGD if they will price match? Will GOG charge you a setting fee or will they set them for free... could be a big difference if they charge a setting fee.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hey! I totally missed your next to last post! Yay on the diamonds! I did go find the Truth settings and I think they are gorgeous, really! I'd have to say that Leon's are my favorite 4 prong martini's, but if my recollection is correct, I think they were around $1000, which keeps me from getting those!

Brian Gavin wouldn't need to get martini settings from GOG because they all source then from suppliers of settings and findings. It's just a matter of them finding them. I'd never send earrings to another place for a setting unless I was getting something handmade. Definitely not worth it for stock type settings. Too much risk, too, to have someone besides the vendor set the stones. I have had a pair set locally before, though, because I wasn't sure if I'd keep the stones or not. They showed me a catalog and I picked out the ones I wanted and then they ordered them.

I think I saw the GOG ones either on their site or their FB page. I'll look quick and see if I see them. Yes, if you have Facebook, go to Good Old Gold and go down a few posts to Nov. 23rd and there is a picture of their 4 prong martinis. But I need to look back and see what you said about the price of the Truth ones, because I think I like them better.

 

[Gypsy]

Hey! I totally missed your next to last post! Yay on the diamonds! I did go find the Truth settings and I think they are gorgeous, really! I'd have to say that Leon's are my favorite 4 prong martini's, but if my recollection is correct, I think they were around $1000, which keeps me from getting those!

Brian Gavin wouldn't need to get martini settings from GOG because they all source then from suppliers of settings and findings. It's just a matter of them finding them. I'd never send earrings to another place for a setting unless I was getting something handmade. Definitely not worth it for stock type settings. Too much risk, too, to have someone besides the vendor set the stones. I have had a pair set locally before, though, because I wasn't sure if I'd keep the stones or not. They showed me a catalog and I picked out the ones I wanted and then they ordered them.

I think I saw the GOG ones either on their site or their FB page. I'll look quick and see if I see them.

Oops. Yeah if they are the Truth earring settings you aren't comparing apples to apples. GOG is probably talking about Stuller or other stock settings at that price and the Truth ones are custom.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I like the Truth settings and Leon's cup-shaped martinis better than martinis that come to a V point. I'd worry about that stretching the ear hole over time. How much are the truth settings? I think they are really beautiful and more special than stock settings.

And yes to Gypsy...I am sure the truth settings are more, too, but I am wondering how much more???

 

[itzme]

Ask BGD if they will price match? Will GOG charge you a setting fee or will they set them for free... could be a big difference if they charge a setting fee.

Would I seem too much of a penny-pincher to ask for a price match? I would think an established company like BGD has their set prices.

As for GOG, they are charging $100 to set them.... on $140 settings.

 

[itzme]

I like the Truth settings and Leon's cup-shaped martinis better than martinis that come to a V point. I'd worry about that stretching the ear hole over time. How much are the truth settings? I think they are really beautiful and more special than stock settings.

And yes to Gypsy...I am sure the truth settings are more, too, but I am wondering how much more???

I'm so glad you love the Truths too because I also love your taste in jewelry!

Here are some of my options and their prices:

- Leon Mege cup-shaped martinis - $1000 (totally not reasonable in relation to the size and price of my studs, but a girl can dream, right?)

- BGD Truth- $425 + PS discount

- BGD sourced 4-prong martinis- probably going to quote me $325 + PS discount

- GOG 4-prong martinis- $140 + $100 setting fee + shipping my stones there ($30?) + shipping finished product back to me ($35?)- A little over $300, unless if I can get someone to kindly drive me there

- Buy from GOG- $140 + $20 shipping to me + shipping them to BGD + unsure if BGD will charge me a setting fee ($75?)

OR have someone custom make me a cup-shaped martini for under $400


DS, I've really taken what you have said earlier to consideration, and I don't know how reasonable it is to spend so much on these settings with the possibility of upgrading in the future. I have a small head, and my earlobes are small, so these are going to look like 50 pointers on me. So I think I would probably upgrade to 40 pointers max in the future, but who knows. Is it possible to reuse the setting?

 

[itzme]

Another thought actually came up today, as I continued to ponder about the settings. Do you think the Truth settings are bottom heavy, and would increase the possibility of them dipping to a slant while they are in my ears? I usually don't push the ends tightly against my ears because the lobes get irritated.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I think any style will droop if the back is not on pretty tight.

You can only reuse the settings for new diamonds if they are pretty close to the same size. But I would get inexpensive ones now, personally.

Given the choices you gave me above, I would probably buy the 4 prong martinis from GOG, except you could probably find a local jeweler to buy them from as well. But regardless, that is a style you like and the least expensive option assuming BG doesn't charge much to set them. I always prefer the diamond vendor to set the stones in case of damage, so I'd send them to BG to set.

If there is any chance you will upgrade, I would advise getting your favorite and more expensive settings for your forever pair. These diamonds are really small and the settings just aren't going to show at all when you wear them! I know you already said that you don't like the 4 prong baskets, but BG sets his lower than anyone else, and they sit very close to the ear. I like that you have a flat surface against the lobe so that the V of the martini can't stretch the hole. And because the diamond themselves are low, they would still be very close to your ear. But I don't mean to keep mentioning that!

I have one more idea but I need to do a search first. Be back in a few.