Settings for diamond studs

[Hielito]

Finally got the pairings to match the loose stones purchased 1+ years ago.

Each daughter will have a pair of .41 CTW of D IF round brilliant GIA-EX, HCA <2 diamond studs. Will wait until they reach 16. to give them their earrings. They are not tall girls (will max out <5'2"), so I think the sizes will last a lifetime. Feel free to criticize. It is a learning curve with small downsize risks (with .20/.21 carat stones). Also feel free to offer any suggestions (mainly to the ladies out there) on when best to give or how to present.

My question: which setting will max the visual beauty of these stones? How about choice of backing? Our local jeweler (a friend who has done great work for us with other things) suggested a type that will minimize risk of losing the earrings. Is there is choice between security and light return?

Any other advice/criticism will be well received.

Thanks, H
P.S. the stones are so beautiful as loose stones. They don't seem real.
P.P.S. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah to all at Pricescope!

 

[marymm]

I like your idea of presenting them at their 16th birthdays - that is a good age and will make for a memorable birthday! In terms of settings, you could go with the three-prong martini setting or the basic four-prong - with diamonds apx 0.20ct I think 6-prong settings would overwhelm the diamonds - and I wonder if it might be a good idea to go with screw-backs? If your daughters have (or will have) had pierced ears for several years, then screwbacks would offer extra security and lessen the chance of an earring popping off and getting lost... but if their ears will have been fairly recently pierced, the thicker screw-type settings may not be very comfortable for them to wear. One idea may be to save the diamond pairs and present them loose on your daughters' birthdays and then allow them to choose the earring style they prefer? (you could pre-select some earring settings that fit your budget and have them choose from among them).

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I personally prefer 4 prongs over 3, but either should be fine. That is a lovely gift! I prefer and use regular push backs.

 

[stargurl78]

I normally prefer 6 or 8 prong settings but I think those would overwhelm stones of that size. I would go with 4-prong or bezel settings. I can't stand screw backs so I vote push backs.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Four prong looks good with that size of stones. I've had both push and screw back and heavy duty friction back is great. With screwback, the backs loosen up over time.