Worth it to re-set diamond studs?

[elizat]

As a quick background, I'm not normally a buyer of modern round stones. However, I have a few items. One is a pair of modern round studs. Years ago, I used the HCA calculator to buy them and they are probably okay, but I don't know. If I did the HCA right, one is a .9 and the other a 1.3.

They are in a bezel setting and I just have never really loved them for some reason- they don't seem lively like my other stones (old cut are what I primarily have). I don't know if it's because they are crappy stones (could be) or the light is blocked because they are .45 and .46 in bezels.

I normally buy old cuts because I prefer them. I bought these years before I figured that out though.

Is it worth it to reset them into a prong setting? The cost will be around $410 or so. If it won't improve them or I won't see a difference, I don't want to spend it. It may also be that modern rounds just aren't my thing either. Thanks in advance!

GIA cert numbers are: 5146168679 and 2146336392

 

[ccuheartnurse]

I checked the certs, they seem like they would be decent stones. If you aren't wearing them to start with, I would take them out of their setting & view them in a stone holder. Perhaps their performance is in fact impacted by the bezel. If you decide that you just don't want to use them in earrings, they may be nice to use as side stones for a gem ring in case you decide to go in that direction one day.

 

[Crystal_Dreams]

I would take them out of the bezels too. I have a BGD blue stone in a delicate bezel and it never seems QUITE as lively to me as all my other BGD stones of similar size.

 

[tyty333]

I would take them out of the bezels too. I have a BGD blue stone in a delicate bezel and it never seems QUITE as lively to me as all my other BGD stones of similar size.

Oh no @Crystal_Dreams ...can you capture this in video or pictures? I was just about going to put a branded Super Ideal in a bezel but if you,
or anyone else, feel like this is true, I might do a redesign.

Sorry for the thread jack @elizat!

 

[PreRaphaelite]

My experience is similar to yours, I kinda sorta went through this too... reset mine in Stuller 8-prong curved-base white gold. In theory it should have made a difference. I tried so hard to love them! I then had pearl drops made to hang from them as removable enhancers. I even considered halo-ing them. But it was a money pit situation in the end.

I just don’t like modern cuts. They are beautiful on other people but on me they never felt right. I gave them away and bought a pair of old cuts and never looked back.

Wishing you the earrings of your dreams!

 

[Missy]

Hi @elizat, Personally I think if you prefer old cuts resetting your MRBs won't change how you feel about them. The only thing that will is changing them to OECs if you want another OEC pair. Otherwise perhaps just sell them and use that money for something you would enjoy more. I am in the same OEC boat. I have MRB studs and never wear them but since I am not a stud wearer anyway I am holding onto them for my nieces.

 

[Crystal_Dreams]

I’m rubbish at photos and I’ve sold the comparable studs, so I don’t think I can get a photo... it was just something that My eyes perceived. The stone STILL sparkled nicely- but when side by side, IMO my stone was ‘less’ sparkly than its prong set counterparts, even after they had all just been cleaned together etc. all 3 were BGD stones in the 0.55ct range.

It’s a subtle difference, but there for me (though I know a lot of PSers don’t see a difference). I haven’t reset my pendant as it still works just fine. The other merits of the design and its simplicity speaks to me. Plus I prefer the rounded look of the pendant and I’m not sure I want something on a bail so lots of things to consider!

 

[elizat]

@missy @InsecureSweetGirl you are likely right... It's probably not a good use of money. It won't make them something else. I probably should list them and see if there is interest.

I actually really prefer a sleeper style earring with a very tight drop close to the lobe. JbG has had some that are similar to that in the "mini Olson's" style I really like in collet settings but they aren't perfect. They dangle too much. I think it's probably wise to re-home the studs if I can.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

I know what you mean about the sleeper style (Dormeuse, right?). I started with a pearl and diamond pair and might aspire to an all-OEC pair someday! I'm sure others will be interested in your studs and you can pour the value of them into a pair of old cuts. Please share pictures of the style you might want?