3, 4, or 6 Prongs for Small Studs?

[daisygrl]

I am thinking of purchasing rather small 0.84tcw round diamond earrings (for daily wear where I would not take them off unless for cleaning.) Which prong setting is aesthetically best for mini diamond studs (0.42ct each) that would be comfortable but would not cover up stones too much?

I understand that 3 prong martini style setting might sag (would it sag even when the diamond is very small)? 6 prong setting might be a bit overwhelming for this size of a stone. I am not fond of 4 prongs as much. Any suggestions?

 

[MRBXXXFVVS1]

I would go with a basket type of setting to avoid stretching out your piercing, as martini settings can do that.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd agree with 4 prong basket settings. The three prong ones often will sink into the piercing and can stretch the hole. I only use settings that have a flat base. I have 6 prongs on my current studs because they are over a carat. But I'd want the prongs to be almost invisible and that's why I'd choose 4 prongs for a carat or less.

 

[daisygrl]

Thank you, guys. I like my prongs to be as invisible as they can as well. I think I found a compromise between 3-prong martini setting and a 4-prong basket (not too fond of a basket setting) - paired with soft claw prongs. BGD has something like this and I really like it.

 

[Mamajemmy]

I’ve worn the three prong martini setting for several years and haven’t seen any stretching and the diamonds never tilt. The baskets always tilted on me— but I probably could have fixed that with getting different backs. I also love the look of 6 prong.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Thank you, guys. I like my prongs to be as invisible as they can as well. I think I found a compromise between 3-prong martini setting and a 4-prong basket (not too fond of a basket setting) - paired with soft claw prongs. BGD has something like this and I really like it.

That's what my wife have.They are PITB to clean.

 

[daisygrl]

That's what my wife have.They are PITB to clean.

Oh no. I was excited about these as they are so pretty. Are these harder to clean than the 4-prong basket setting? (I don't like those too much.)

 

[daisygrl]

I’ve worn the three prong martini setting for several years and haven’t seen any stretching and the diamonds never tilt. The baskets always tilted on me— but I probably could have fixed that with getting different backs. I also love the look of 6 prong.

I love the look of 6-prong as well but I am planning on buying mini 0.42ct each diamonds and I think it might overwhelm them. My first choice was 3-prong martini setting until I heard all the negative reviews about it. I believe there is an insert ( ) or something that would make them sit in place without sagging? Darn... this is getting harder than I thought.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Oh no. I was excited about these as they are so pretty. Are these harder to clean than the 4-prong basket setting? (I don't like those too much.)

The martini settings are easier to clean b/c of the open pav. My wife's are set in 4 prong basket style and they are PITB to clean.

 

[Mamajemmy]

I love the look of 6-prong as well but I am planning on buying mini 0.42ct each diamonds and I think it might overwhelm them. My first choice was 3-prong martini setting until I heard all the negative reviews about it. I believe there is an insert ( ) or something that would make them sit in place without sagging? Darn... this is getting harder than I thought.

I’d do the three prong. My 1.4 ctw never sagged.

 

[1ofakind]

In that size or even a bit smaller I actually like 6 prongs if they are small. They don't seem to overwhelm the stone and help accentuate the roundness. Have you considered bezel settings?

 

[daisygrl]

In that size or even a bit smaller I actually like 6 prongs if they are small. They don't seem to overwhelm the stone and help accentuate the roundness. Have you considered bezel settings?

I am not fond of a bezel but I sure am of a 6-prong... I was trying to find some 6-prong ones in the size I am getting but could not - just to see what they might look like.

 

[elizat]

I wouldn't call those rather small. Lots of people only wear .50 ctw.

But, I would do less metal in that size. Probably martini setting personally. The baskets are tight in that size with a 4 prong.

 

[daisygrl]

I wouldn't call those rather small. Lots of people only wear .50 ctw.

But, I would do less metal in that size. Probably martini setting personally. The baskets are tight in that size with a 4 prong.

Lol. I called them "small" based on what I see other PS's wearing. To me, they are a fine size. Ok, I will look into the martini setting. I like that style best.

 

[Dandi]

Mine are around .50ct each in a three prong martini setting, and I never find they sag or stretch the holes.

 

[elizat]

Lol. I called them "small" based on what I see other PS's wearing. To me, they are a fine size. Ok, I will look into the martini setting. I like that style best.

I had a under 1 CT tw pair in a basket. They collected gunk and it built up in the base. Gross, I know. I have lightbox 1 carat pair in a Martini. They don't do that like the others did.

 

[daisygrl]

I had a under 1 CT tw pair in a basket. They collected gunk and it built up in the base. Gross, I know. I have lightbox 1 carat pair in a Martini. They don't do that like the others did.

If I may ask, what is "lightbox?"

 

[elizat]

If I may ask, what is "lightbox?"

Lab grown diamonds from DeBeers. I have a pair of the pink ones. They are very budget friendly!

 

[AprilBaby]

Get an ultrasonic cleaner and you won’t have to worry about the gunk in the basket.

 

[daisygrl]

Get an ultrasonic cleaner and you won’t have to worry about the gunk in the basket.

I was actually thinking of the same thing...

 

[headlight]

I have not had a problem with martinis and I think they sit better in the ear. Also, I think you see more of the diamond and less of the mounting. I also think the usual basket type droops. Just my experience over the years with different types. And also the martini gives a round that very round shape.

 

[gregchang35]

I have had basket 4 prong setting and it was a pain to clean..to me, 4 prong also makes the round stone look more square.

I have 3 prong martini and they are so much easier to clean, and the stone looks more round.

I had basket screw on backs for safety. Much later- 10yrs or so- I decided to get the 3 prong martini. Because of my paranoia of losing the studs, I pushed it right on- I hear 2 clicks when I put them on. But I learned that I didn’t need to as they are quite secure and the first click is plenty.

Durinf the first week of doing the second click to ensure the studs don’t fall out, I found that It stretched the hole a little. but since then I only click the backs in once and all is good.


I have seen backs that help earrings prop up more.if there was a dropping issue. It comes on my FB feed occasionally and I can’t seem to find them now to show you.

as you can see- all varied opinions.
for ease of cleaning- martini’s are better than baskets. And I think someone posted BGD version of 4 prong martini’s that look like it would be much easier to clean.

mis there a way for you to see a few of these settings /try them in to get a feel?
I know Tiffany and co (in Perth Western Australia) will allow you to put/ try earrings on. So, if TnC is close by... go have a look.

found something on eBay.

Hypoallergenic Fits Earrings Ear Support Lifts Magic Bax Backs Studs Auxiliary | eBay

Product Features: Earring Backs / Earring Lifts. suitable for about 0.2-0.04 cm earrings, just slide the earrings into it, which allows your earrings to stay comfortably on the ear while being securely reinforced.

www.ebay.com.au

 

[WillyDiamond]

My 2 cents. Well can’t tell you from personal use.....bought for my daughter who wears them all the time and shows me. She has the 3 prong martini and they do not sag. Nice thing about 3 prong vs. the others, shows less prong and more diamond. Isn’t that the goal? I have posted this part many times, OP, I think it matters which back you have. The LaPousettes have a disk on the back which come snug to the bag of the ear, so no droop in the front. Also for security, you can’t beat the LaPousette.

 

[kenny]

That's what my wife have.They are PITB to clean.

PITB?

DF, you're not supposed to clean them with your butt.
Use your hands.

 

[diamondsR4eVR]

Get an ultrasonic cleaner and you won’t have to worry about the gunk in the basket.

I was thinking the same thing. I don’t wear mine to bed so they don’t get gunky, but I assume they would if I showered with them everyday. Mine are so easy to clean.

If you heart was set on 3 prong martini I would get that.

 

[daisygrl]

I have had basket 4 prong setting and it was a pain to clean..to me, 4 prong also makes the round stone look more square.

I have 3 prong martini and they are so much easier to clean, and the stone looks more round.

I had basket screw on backs for safety. Much later- 10yrs or so- I decided to get the 3 prong martini. Because of my paranoia of losing the studs, I pushed it right on- I hear 2 clicks when I put them on. But I learned that I didn’t need to as they are quite secure and the first click is plenty.

Durinf the first week of doing the second click to ensure the studs don’t fall out, I found that It stretched the hole a little. but since then I only click the backs in once and all is good.


I have seen backs that help earrings prop up more.if there was a dropping issue. It comes on my FB feed occasionally and I can’t seem to find them now to show you.

as you can see- all varied opinions.
for ease of cleaning- martini’s are better than baskets. And I think someone posted BGD version of 4 prong martini’s that look like it would be much easier to clean.

mis there a way for you to see a few of these settings /try them in to get a feel?
I know Tiffany and co (in Perth Western Australia) will allow you to put/ try earrings on. So, if TnC is close by... go have a look.

found something on eBay.

Hypoallergenic Fits Earrings Ear Support Lifts Magic Bax Backs Studs Auxiliary | eBay

Product Features: Earring Backs / Earring Lifts. suitable for about 0.2-0.04 cm earrings, just slide the earrings into it, which allows your earrings to stay comfortably on the ear while being securely reinforced.

www.ebay.com.au

It would definitely be best to try them on but everything is closed where I am and it does not seem like it will reopen anytime soon.

 

[daisygrl]

My 2 cents. Well can’t tell you from personal use.....bought for my daughter who wears them all the time and shows me. She has the 3 prong martini and they do not sag. Nice thing about 3 prong vs. the others, shows less prong and more diamond. Isn’t that the goal? I have posted this part many times, OP, I think it matters which back you have. The LaPousettes have a disk on the back which come snug to the bag of the ear, so no droop in the front. Also for security, you can’t beat the LaPousette.

I have immediately looked up your suggested La Pousettes and will consider them if i go with the 3-prong route.

 

[daisygrl]

I am looking for a setting that would give me that round shape you mentioned. I just felt like martini style would give you more of a triangular shape. Thus, I fell in love with one 6-prong custom setting, but that one covers up diamond too much, especially when it comes to tiny ones like the ones I am planning on getting. I need to look closer to those 3- prong martini ones. Unfortunately, can't try them on just online looking for now.

 

[gregchang35]

It would definitely be best to try them on but everything is closed where I am and it does not seem like it will reopen anytime soon.

How soon do you want the earring set? Woudl it be an issue for a later date, so you can go into a store to do more research?
Stores are slowly opening up where we are, as restrictions are lifting.

If you need earring sooner, hopefully you can make a decision based on what has been discussed.

 

[daisygrl]

How soon do you want the earring set? Woudl it be an issue for a later date, so you can go into a store to do more research?
Stores are slowly opening up where we are, as restrictions are lifting.

If you need earring sooner, hopefully you can make a decision based on what has been discussed.

Well, not too much in a rush. It was supposed to be my birthday present but I can wait. The problem is that I am not sure how much longer the vendor can hold the stones for me. If I purchase them now, they will be sitting in the box in my home. Then, once we reopen (I am in So Cal so it is not looking great), I would go and try them on, and then have to send the stones back to the vendor to set them....etc... seems like a hassle