Re-set my ACAs from leverbacks into studs?

[rubyshoes]

So... I love my WF ACAs (.60 each) that I have in a custom-made WF 18k yg leverback setting. I am considering resetting them into platinum studs though, because they are the only yg item I have and they look mismatched with all my other stuff. (rings are plat, pendant is plat, cartilage studs are wg)

I have asked WF for a quote which I should have soon. The only thing is, their 8 prong studs in platinum would be a semi-custom order and therefore not refundable. Just in case the quote comes in high, is there a more economical route you guys might suggest? Like getting a Stuller setting and having Danielm or IDJ or someone else setting it? I also need to sell the yg settings, either selling them for scrap value or trying to sell on DB/LT.



These are the stud settings I want -

http://www.whiteflash.com/diamond-earrings/8-prong-martini-diamond-earrings-1548.htm OR

http://www.stuller.com/products/1913/2992879/?groupId=9682

Thoughts?

Oh, also... is there any truth to the notion that martini settings can enlarge a piercing hole? The WF settings above are martini whereas the Stuller settings are basket.

(I hope it's okay I posted here instead of RockyTalky.)

 

[Enerchi]

You could contact IDJ as well and see if they could credit you the value of the gold towards the new setting. They can also access Stuller settings.

Yekutiel is very easy to talk to so it may be worth just calling and having a chat!

 

[Rosebloom]

If you like the leverbacks, you could have them plated. Gorgeous collection!

 

[rubyshoes]

Enerchi, that's a good idea.

Rosebloom, actually I would prefer studs over leverbacks. Why this did not occur to me when ordering, I do not know. Re-setting is so pricey!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi,
You can ask them about crediting the scrap value toward the cost of the new settings, but possibly first try listing on DB and see if anyone would pay more than the value WF would give you. In fact, you might want to contact WF first and see what they would give you so you know how much to list them for. When I reset a pair of smaller stones, I got $24 credit toward the scrap of the stud settings w/backs. It wasn't very much. eta - that was from a local jeweler, not WF.

 

[VRBeauty]

I haven't had any problem with my martinis (.78 ctw) affecting my the size or shape of my piercing hole. I don't wear mine every day, but I do snug the friction backs up tight when I wear them.

If I get a larger pair of studs I'll probably be considering 8-prong martinis. It's not the "invisible setting" look I wanted this time, but I think it is a very nice look, especially in a white metal.

 

[Harpertoo]

I've had my 2ctw martini studs for several years and no ear issues.
I don't wear them all the time, in fact I was considering using the stones for something else, but the setting has performed wonderfully.

My jeweler did convince me to use WG rather than plat. for the durability of the threading, but I've never had issues with the threading getting messed up on my others plat. earings.

 

[NonieMarie]

I have a pair of 1.50ctw 8 prong martini studs. Because all 8 prongs meet at the bottom, there is enough metal that there is no problem with my ear. Wink made them for me with a 14k wg Stuller setting. The only think I don't like about the Stuller is that the tips of the prongs are squared. If I'd thought about it I would have asked him to shave them a bit to look more like claw prongs.
If you don't have a wg allergy, it does not seem necessary to pay the plat upcharge. When I was shopping for my bezel studs, Lesley at BGD said it was crazy to get earrings in plat if you did not have an allergy. She can wear what she wants and she has 18k settings.

 

[rubyshoes]

MC: Good idea, that is exactly what I will do. I kinda doubt they'll offer me a decent value so I might be better off listing the settings on DB/LT or even keeping them for future projects.

VRBeauty & Harpertoo, that is good to know!

NonieMarie, Yes, I too had noticed that the Stuller prongs seemed kinda flat. In fact, my pendant setting is from Stuller and I asked WF to shave the prongs down to look like little claws and they did a great job making the prongs delicate. If I buy the Stuller setting, I will ask them to do the same. Regarding wg vs plat, my skin does get red and itchy from 14k wg, although not from 18k. I just do not like wg as a metal though... I like yg and platinum but wg does not appeal to me (aesthetically and from a re-dipping POV). Plus there is a fear that over time my skin could get more sensitive and start reacting to 18k wg although it does not do so at the moment. Oddly, I can wear 14k rose gold without any problems. I wonder why. Good to know the 8 prongs won't enlarge the piercing hole.