Martini stud settings

[dantm]

I'm looking to put together 2 pcs of 2 ct diamonds into a martini setting - currently looking into options of WG vs platinum. Some of the jewelers I talked to recommended 14K gold because it's most durable and lightest while others recommended platinum to match the more substantial nature of the diamonds.

Any thoughts and/or recommendations?

 

[DejaWiz]

There's probably not going to be much of a real-world weight difference for small stud settings between WG and PT.
You can check into Palladium, if you can find a jeweler that works with it...not a cost effective material, though.

 

[MamaBear]

Are these going to be your forever studs or do you plan to upgrade? If these are “the ones”, I’d encourage you to go platinum with jumbo backs.

 

[dantm]

They would be roughly forever studs for the wife - unless we hit a big lottery I think they are reasonably big enough...

 

[DejaWiz]

They would be roughly forever studs for the wife - unless we hit a big lottery I think they are reasonably big enough...

Yeah, 4ctw is pretty stout, in my opinion.
I'd recommend going the PT route.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I personally wouldn't do 3 prong martini with 2 ct diamonds. They are going to tilt downward naturally, and where the prongs meet the post, that can stretch the ear piercing. Just wanted to forewarn you about that.

My studs are in platinum (low 4 prong basket) settings.

 

[MiniMinerva]

Also, might you know if she has worn WG posts in her ears for long periods before? I tend to wear studs for longer periods than other types of earrings, and with repeated and extended wear I’ve noticed that unfortunately I can develop a sensitivity to some WG (likely from nickel that is sometimes a component of WG alloys). You can try to ask for a nickel-free alloy if you want WG, especially 14K since that has lower gold content than 18K. Since I know I can be sensitive to WG, for my studs I chose 4-prong baskets in platinum even though my stones are much smaller.

 

[dantm]

Thanks for the feedback -- most local jewelers recommended the martini setting to show the diamond -- are there any online forums or discussion points of the pros/cons of each of the settings especially as they apply to larger stones?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks for the feedback -- most local jewelers recommended the martini setting to show the diamond -- are there any online forums or discussion points of the pros/cons of each of the settings especially as they apply to larger stones?

To show the diamond?! Yikes, all stud settings "show the diamond"! Where are you buying these earrings? I can tell you now that you probably can get better quality and price through respected online vendors we use. Have you looked into learning about diamond cut before looking at the local jewelers? Are their stones GIA certified? If so, you could post the GIA reports here for us to help you narrow down the best cut ones and give you some price comps if you are set on buying locally.

 

[DejaWiz]

To show the diamond?! Yikes, all stud settings "show the diamond"! Where are you buying these earrings? I can tell you now that you probably can get better quality and price through respected online vendors we use. Have you looked into learning about diamond cut before looking at the local jewelers? Are their stones GIA certified? If so, you could post the GIA reports here for us to help you narrow down the best cut ones and give you some price comps if you are set on buying locally.

This. Even at GIA 3X, it's such a broad spectrum that a lousy proportioned diamond that leaks light like a pasta strainer cut to retain as much rough as possible and intentionally drive up the price can pop a 3X, while AGS would laugh it away as a mediocre to poor cut.
Please, let us assist by checking grading reports to ensure that you are getting every penny's worth of beauty out of your upcoming expensive purchase.

 

[heididdl]

I'm looking to put together 2 pcs of 2 ct diamonds into a martini setting - currently looking into options of WG vs platinum. Some of the jewelers I talked to recommended 14K gold because it's most durable and lightest while others recommended platinum to match the more substantial nature of the diamonds.

Any thoughts and/or recommendations?

This is a wonderful forum to learn about diamonds . They will help you find the perfect pair within your budget.

Regarding the settings it is really personal preference. I have had 14K gold settings and the alloy in the settings annoyed my ears so when I got my new studs I had them set in platinum. They are not any heavier then gold

I also prefer the 3 prong martini. I like them to sit close to my ear. Diamond seeker has a point that some people find the martini stretches their ear. Thats why there are choices. There are a couple of other great settings.
You should go try on settings in retail stores (although some of the settings suggested here are specialties and cant be found in a store front ) if you can first.
But when your ready give this forum your budget And we will help you find the best pair in your budget.

 

[vintageinjune]

This thread has a lot of information on settings for larger carat weight stud earrings:

Help Me Design Custom Stud Settings Please!

After a year of saving and planning, I now have two spectacular diamonds for stud earrings! They are a marriage of our beloved vendors, Whiteflash and HPD. The diamonds are in temporary settings and I need your help in designing their forever settings pretty please! The diamonds are: CBI 1.89...

www.pricescope.com

My studs are small by comparison at 1.84cttw, but I had custom 3 prong settings made that are similar to a 3 prong martini in looks, but the backs are a "C" shape instead of a "V" shape to prevent digging in to the earlobe, and it may or may not help at a larger size to prevent drooping since there is more surface area that comes in contact with the earlobe.