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Studs: Basket? Martinis? Prongs? Backs?

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ladyroadwarrior

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 29, 2011
Messages
20
Hi Ladies,
I'm probably the worst kind of lurker - I read all the time but own 0 diamonds and never post. I guess I just enjoy sparkly pretty things AND the academic/scientific knowledge about diamonds that seems to flow through this place. I started a studs project a few years ago (I wear fakies every day and just LUST over great studs) but decided to stop and save my pennies when I decided to go back to grad school. I hoped the desire would fade, but it sure hasn't. So now's the time to get serious about some great earrings.

But first I have a few questions. PS is an amazing place for diamond education and I feel pretty confident about how to pick stones based on all of the reading that I've done how many other people's projects I've watched.... but one thing that I feel like is missing is a primer on stud settings. Please help!

I'm certainly not covering everything, but I was hoping you PS experts could give me a basic understanding of the pros/cons of the major setting types and explain why certain things are more popular.

Setting Type:
Why do you prefer baskets to martinis to bezels? Will baskets droop? Will martinis stretch the hole in my ear? Do bezels take away some of the light return?

Prongs:
What's the scoop with prongs? Is anything more than 4 prongs wasted unless you're wearing big honker studs?

Backs:
Are push backs really that unsecure? Do screwbacks hurt or take days to take off? Are LaPousettes uncomfortable?
 
ladyroadwarrior|1360540319|3376979 said:
Hi Ladies,
I'm probably the worst kind of lurker - I read all the time but own 0 diamonds and never post. I guess I just enjoy sparkly pretty things AND the academic/scientific knowledge about diamonds that seems to flow through this place. I started a studs project a few years ago (I wear fakies every day and just LUST over great studs) but decided to stop and save my pennies when I decided to go back to grad school. I hoped the desire would fade, but it sure hasn't. So now's the time to get serious about some great earrings.

But first I have a few questions. PS is an amazing place for diamond education and I feel pretty confident about how to pick stones based on all of the reading that I've done how many other people's projects I've watched.... but one thing that I feel like is missing is a primer on stud settings. Please help!

I'm certainly not covering everything, but I was hoping you PS experts could give me a basic understanding of the pros/cons of the major setting types and explain why certain things are more popular.

Setting Type:
Why do you prefer baskets to martinis to bezels? Will baskets droop? Will martinis stretch the hole in my ear? Do bezels take away some of the light return?

Prongs:
What's the scoop with prongs? Is anything more than 4 prongs wasted unless you're wearing big honker studs?

Backs:
Are push backs really that unsecure? Do screwbacks hurt or take days to take off? Are LaPousettes uncomfortable?
Click to expand...


"Hi Ladies", .....I'm Insulted, just kidding. Guys on the forum also.
Setting: Martini
Prongs: 3
Backs: LaPousettes (very comfortable)
Best of luck
 
OK, trying to get my little ones ready for bed, so pardon the brevity.

Re: martini, baskets, etc. I think this is purely a matter of personal preference. For a while (years ago), baskets were in favor, now martini's seem more "the thing". I like milgrain bezels if you prefer vintage style or are trying to make your studs appear as large as possible.

Backs: I'd go with either jumbo push backs (which prevent the earring from drooping) or la pousette. I've had both. My 1.50 tcw had la pousette and I have to say that they were comfortable, easy to take on/off and I always knew that my earrings were secure.

My 1.40 tcw oec earrings have the jumbo push backs. I find them comfortable (no different from the la pousette) and they seem secure. I have never worn my earrings to sleep, but do wear them for everything from jogging to daily life (i.e. at the kids school, cooking, yard work, etc.) and I feel that they are secure. I guess maybe it depends on the size of the studs?? Maybe the larger need the jumbo backs to prevent sagging?

I hope that you make the leap from "fakies" to real....it sounds like you would really enjoy and appreciate them and if you get them from a vendor with a reasonable upgrade policy (in case you decide you want larger in the future), you really can't go wrong. They are truly classic pieces that you can wear as a 20 year old grad student or a 70 year old grandmother....super versatile!!

Please keep us posted on what you decide to do. We love a good pair of earrings around here! Hope that this was helpful and good luck!
 
I chose martini because I like the more modern design vs the classic basket. I was also worried that the shape could damage the piercing - nope, not at all. Nothing has changed in the year+ I have been wearing my studs! I chose prong vs bezel just as a design element - I wanted basically a 'floating' diamond in my ear, not bezelled. Its just personal preference.

I have the standard tension backs and have had no issues with them slipping off at all. I had read about the screw-backs being uncomfortable to get on and hurting people's ears as they went thru the ear. Again, it was all just preference.

My studs came from BGD and are .87ctw, J / SI/ signature stones so I knew they would be well cut and beautiful.

Hope you find the studs that make you happiest and enjoy the journey!
 
My studs are 1.2 ctw and I have baskets (platinum from Blue Nile). I feel like the baskets make them protrude farther than they should. When you look at my face straight on you see 3/4 stud and 1/4 the side of the basket setting. If I reset, I would go with something that held it closer to my ear, either a low basket setting (what DS has I believe) or martini with a donut to avoid hole stretching.

I prefer four prongs for anything under 2.5ctw. To my eyes, six prongs on a smaller diamond makes it too much about the metal. And I'm not a fan of the slight triangular shape that three prongs give a diamond. But this is totally personal preference.

I wear the tension style backs and love them. So comfortable and secure. I wear mine 24/7 except for a week cleaning.

I adore a milgrained bezel but the only thing holding me back is that I also love the look of the larger (3 or 5 point) jackets and I'm not sure they would look as nice with a bezel setting. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
 
Thanks, ladies & gents. Looks like lots of personal preference here. Please keep the opinions coming.

Enerchi|1360544284|3377025 said:
My studs came from BGD and are .87ctw, J / SI/ signature stones so I knew they would be well cut and beautiful.
Click to expand...

@Enerchi - I am looking at something with very very similar specs. I think they're appropriate for daily wear (I'm in my late 20s, business school student headed back to the professional world soon) but big enough to have some impact.
 
I like low profile 4 prong basket settings with friction backs. I always have them change out screw backs for me because I find them to be kind of a pain and I drop them a lot too. I can't wait to see what you get.
 
I've had baskets and a couple of types of martinis and I prefer baskets or martinis with flat U bases (as opposed to the sort where the head meets the post in a sharp V).

I have jumbo pushbacks like Yenny and I like them. I can't stand screwbacks - they irritate my ears, they take eons to put in or take off, once my longer hair got caught and unscrewed one of them, and the worst bit - the threading functions as a macabre collection system and... ew. Just... ew.
 
I also have three prong martinis with regular push backs. Very comforable and secure. Mine are from BGD. 60tcw J VS2. I've had them since December & love them. I will probably upgrade to 1tcw eventually, these were my starter studs. The J color doesn't bother me at all, but as I understand BGD's upgrade policy if trading up you have to go up in two catigories, so in my case I would increase size and color. Something to consider when ordering. I would have been fine with Si1 but there weren't any available when I ordered.
 
Enerchi|1360544284|3377025 said:
I chose martini because I like the more modern design vs the classic basket. I was also worried that the shape could damage the piercing - nope, not at all. Nothing has changed in the year+ I have been wearing my studs! I chose prong vs bezel just as a design element - I wanted basically a 'floating' diamond in my ear, not bezelled. Its just personal preference.

I have the standard tension backs and have had no issues with them slipping off at all. I had read about the screw-backs being uncomfortable to get on and hurting people's ears as they went thru the ear. Again, it was all just preference.

My studs came from BGD and are .87ctw, J / SI/ signature stones so I knew they would be well cut and beautiful.

Hope you find the studs that make you happiest and enjoy the journey!
Click to expand...

It sounds like Enerchi has my earring twins! (Although mine are not from BGD - so they'd have to be "brothers from another mother.")

I also chose martinis because I like the "floating" look, and because many baskets I've seen "out there" are set pretty high so the earrings seem to "droop" a little. However, I've also seen PS'ers who specified that they wanted their diamonds set low, and ended up with lovely baskets. I have push backs because I've been very conscientious over the decades ( :wink2: ) to keep my piercings small, and screw backs 1) are thicker than I like for a post, and 2) were uncomfortable going in. Plus I never sleep with earrings in, and knew I wouldn't reach for my studs as often if I had to fiddle with the screw backs every time.

In spite of liking the minimal look of the 3-prong martini, I've also fallen in love with the look of the 8-prong martini. If I ever get studs that are 1/2 c each or larger, that's how I'll probably set them.

So ladywarrior... it sounds like you're thinking about taking the plunge??? :appl: :appl: :appl: Congratulations!
 
I used to have 1.6 ctw 3 prong martini's w/ regular push backs. I have since changed to 4.35 ctw 6 prong martini's w/ jumbo push backs which are my new favorite style for earrings!
 
mom2boys|1360556536|3377230 said:
I used to have 1.6 ctw 3 prong martini's w/ regular push backs. I have since changed to 4.35 ctw 6 prong martini's w/ jumbo push backs which are my new favorite style for earrings!
Click to expand...

Yes, well, studs like yours would be fabulous wire-wrapped with paperclips so I'm not sure that's a fair comparison :bigsmile:
 
I prefer classic low set baskets like Tiffany uses. They sit close to the ear but the base is flat so it can't affect the hole and they don't droop. I just also prefer an even number of prongs! However I will say that I love yssie's custom 8? Prong settings for her antique diamonds and mom2boy's 6 prong martinis for her large stones.

I use push backs but not jumbo because they are too huge for my posts!
 
:lol: :lol: :lol: VRBeauty!!
It sounds like Enerchi has my earring twins! (Although mine are not from BGD - so they'd have to be "brothers from another mother.")
Click to expand...

Indeed that's what we must have!! :D

You are getting a lot of great feedback and suggestions, Ladyroadwarrior - are you starting to lean one direction or another? have you picked out the diamonds yet? Chosen a vendor? Gone thru the "SMTB - Show me your studs thread"? [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-diamond-studs.51981/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-diamond-studs.51981/[/URL]

Enjoy the research!!
 
We have set up to 2 carat stones each in 3 prong martini settings with monster friction backs with no problems. Almost all of our customers prefer to see stone, not prongs, and with the monster backs there has been no issues with lost earrings.

Bryan Cavitt
Images Jewelers
 
I think the setting style all comes down to personal preference. I know some would say my 8-prong settings are too small for my stones but I love them. I also like 4-prong and 3-prong settings, as long as they are set low. I like bezels for stones that aren't too large.

I can't stand screw backs so I would definitely go with friction or LaPousette backs.
 
Not sure if you need more feedback, but I'll include mine in case it's helpful.
I have approx 2.3 tcw, RB, set in 3 prong martini settings with screw backs. I like the martini setting, and think the screw backs give me some peace of mind. No problems there.
But, I do find that I rarely wear these earrings. They just seem too big to me. Mine are family stones, so I'll keep them, but I do wish I had a pair of 1.4 to 1.6 tcw. I think I would wear those daily.
 
Enerchi said:
You are getting a lot of great feedback and suggestions, Ladyroadwarrior - are you starting to lean one direction or another? have you picked out the diamonds yet? Chosen a vendor? Gone thru the "SMTB - Show me your studs thread"? [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-diamond-studs.51981/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-diamond-studs.51981/[/URL]

Enjoy the research!!
Click to expand...
Yes, this is quite helpful. I have reviewed all of the show me your studs thread and have made some initial contacts with BGD but am still very much in process. Should I post here re: my search or start a new thread as this was (intentionally) regarding general setting preferences and not my specific project?
 
Setting type:
Depends on the size of the diamonds and the design. If the diamonds are well cut, it doesn't matter if the stones are bezeled or prong set.

Prongs:
I actually like the look of itty bitty 8 prongs.

Backs
I am likely to be in the minority but I prefer screwbacks. My ear holes are very small (just dots I can hardly see) but it is comfortable and I have no issues taking them off or putting them on everyday.
 
I like 6 prong baskets with diamonds set really low with jumbo push backs. My baskets to not droop with jumbo backs.

I tried 6 prong martinis and found that they sunk too far into my ear (although, my fault because I push backs on tight). They are fabulous on my ears if I take the time to adjust them.

I do not like screw backs. I take my earrings off daily and found it to be irritating and more likely to drop either the earring or back. I have never tried LaPousettes. When I found that I did not like screw backs, I did not change the post, I just wore the jumbo backs on the screw posts. It worked great.

I like bezels for a second hole or for younger children. I think prong settings show off a diamond better.

I prefer 6 prong rather than 4 in earrings because I like the circular look. I think the number of prongs is personal preference.

Hope you are getting closer to finding the right ones for you. Trying different styles on is the best way to choose.
 
I am so excited to answer this question as I just turned in my 2.05 baskets friction backs for 2.41 martini with 8mm larger friction backs. I really like to martini you can actually see the certificate insription under 10x magnification yet you can see more of the stone when looking at your face. I do take them out at night as I do not want them to make my holes larger. I have only had them like four days so I am not sure if they would make bigger holes but i don't want to chance it.

so baskets are great also I just suggest you trying them both on
 
Hi,

I agree with others that say baskets, Martinis, or bezels are personal preference. Bezels will limit some light return but if your diamonds are cut well than the difference shouldn't be too great. I love my friction backs from BGD . I wear them daily and have had no problems with them. I opted for jumbo backs and it feels safe and secure in my ear. I opted for bezels because I loved the vintage millegrain look and my earrings have great light return and are little freballs on my ear but I have heard great things about BGD truth setting too!
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
I prefer classic low set baskets like Tiffany uses. They sit close to the ear but the base is flat so it can't affect the hole and they don't droop. I just also prefer an even number of prongs! However I will say that I love yssie's custom 8? Prong settings for her antique diamonds and mom2boy's 6 prong martinis for her large stones.

I use push backs but not jumbo because they are too huge for my posts!
Click to expand...

Just searching old threads and found this! This is the exact setting I am looking for for my next project... diamond earrings! Can you recommend where I can find them? Thank you!!
 
CharlotteYork said:
Just searching old threads and found this! This is the exact setting I am looking for for my next project... diamond earrings! Can you recommend where I can find them? Thank you!!
Click to expand...

What size are you needing? I got mine through WF, but they were special order from Sasha Primak. Because I have upgraded, I have a couple sets I could list if you wanted. Can’t discuss here, but you can start a thread on Pre-loved if you want to talk!
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
What size are you needing? I got mine through WF, but they were special order from Sasha Primak. Because I have upgraded, I have a couple sets I could list if you wanted. Can’t discuss here, but you can start a thread on Pre-loved if you want to talk!
Click to expand...

OK, fabulous!! Let me get a little further down the road with my research process (and recuperate from my new ering! :geek2:) and I will definitely start a new thread! Thank you!!
 
I abhor my platinum four prong screw backs (1.21 tcw). I rarely wear them as they are so uncomfortable. I adore my BGD .41 tcw martini settings because they sit closer to my ears. The picture below shows the BGD with my .25 tcw BN premier diamond studs. As you can see the martinis sit closer to my ear than the four prong BN baskets. I wear these two baby studs everyday!
2FC10513-E44D-4EDA-A372-DE60B86A3193.jpeg
 
Enerchi said:
I chose martini because I like the more modern design vs the classic basket. I was also worried that the shape could damage the piercing - nope, not at all. Nothing has changed in the year+ I have been wearing my studs! I chose prong vs bezel just as a design element - I wanted basically a 'floating' diamond in my ear, not bezelled. Its just personal preference.

I have the standard tension backs and have had no issues with them slipping off at all. I had read about the screw-backs being uncomfortable to get on and hurting people's ears as they went thru the ear. Again, it was all just preference.

My studs came from BGD and are .87ctw, J / SI/ signature stones so I knew they would be well cut and beautiful.

Hope you find the studs that make you happiest and enjoy the journey!
Click to expand...
If you don’t mind , can you plz tell me if the yellow tint obviouse in your Js?? Can you plz snap a pic ? Do they face up white or you already can spot some color??
 
Height of the settings has little to do with the number of prongs. There are high settings and low settings. I prefer low but want a flat base because martinis can stretch the piercing hole. My last two pair were special order platinum low 4 prong settings like the Tiffany ones, and on the last upgrade I had WF make me low set 6 prong crown settings. Regular posts and backs are best to me.
 
This is an old thread
 
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