Screwback earrings...is this normal?

[meesmom]

Never sleep in them! Not only you could damage them, it is not hygienic. I did it once with small studs and after 48 hours I had bloody earlobes with ravid infection. I heard others had the integrity weaken and lost a diamond. Yes, I too hate putting them on but O clean them daily and take a minute to sit down and put them on. It is a pain but better than infected ears. I absolutely despise screwbacks as I am clumsy too, so I just use normal butterflies, a little easier and defo more practical IMHO.

I hear all this, and i know its better to take them out. You are totally right, but I am concerned about the condition of the posts, all that screwing and unscrewing must wear them down. Id love to change the posts, then id take them out more frequently, if not every night. (I do take them out more than once a week. That was just an estimate. I normally take them out every 4 or 5 days to clean them and switch pairs.) But if you read my message way above this, tiffany is giving me a hard time about giving me a price to do this.

 

[distracts]

What you are telling us is the same reason my Tiffany studs never leave their box. Not only do they unscrew and are a pain to put on and take off, but the threads on the screws are abrasive to my piercings.
I look forward to hearing the cost for having them altered.

Same here - I have one pair of screw-back earrings and they hurt my ears so much just putting the post through and then if it moves around.

I hear all this, and i know its better to take them out. You are totally right, but I am concerned about the condition of the posts, all that screwing and unscrewing must wear them down. Id love to change the posts, then id take them out more frequently, if not every night. (I do take them out more than once a week. That was just an estimate. I normally take them out every 4 or 5 days to clean them and switch pairs.) But if you read my message way above this, tiffany is giving me a hard time about giving me a price to do this.

Is there a reason you have to get it done at Tiffany? If you have the paperwork when you bought, it seems unlikely to matter too much to resale, and afaik Tiffany doesn't have any kind of great warrantee or trade-in program that would make you want to ensure it's not worked on by an outside jeweler. For a basic item like studs or a plain ring I would absolutely just use another jeweler rather than going through the hassle and expense of Tiffany.

 

[josieKat]

I think whether you take them out or not, and whether it causes you problems or not (whether problems with the earrings or problems with your ears) is very individual. I usually wear one pair of earrings for a year or two at a time - simple tiny gold hoops or now my former AV sidestones in gold studs. I've had the latter in for two months with no issues whatsoever. (If I had larger more expensive studs I'm sure I'd be more inclined to baby them, but these are 10 pointers.) I hope you find a solution that works for you.

 

[meesmom]

I think whether you take them out or not, and whether it causes you problems or not (whether problems with the earrings or problems with your ears) is very individual. I usually wear one pair of earrings for a year or two at a time - simple tiny gold hoops or now my former AV sidestones in gold studs. I've had the latter in for two months with no issues whatsoever. (If I had larger more expensive studs I'm sure I'd be more inclined to baby them, but these are 10 pointers.) I hope you find a solution that works for you.

Thank you, I hope so too! I dont have any problems leaving them in, except for the occasional tightening at night. Im still weighing my options!

 

[Sunstorm]

Yes @meesmom I saw your post about Tiffany, we just posted at around the same time.

So, here is the naked truth, you may not like it. With Tiffany you are paying for a name and hence any repairs will apparently be “branded” and thus priced as well whether you like it or not. It almost seems as if they were trying to discourage people from altering their pieces. The time you have to wait is pretty extreme and so are their charges and not being up front about the cost is not very transparent.

I noticed with the designer brands in bags and other fashion products that repair service is just made extremely difficult. Prices are often crazy. Wait period is months. The pieces are often of lesser quality than the “smaller” designer pieces since I guess these big name brands mass produce. So I prefer finding the designers that are renown for there quality, such as often times local and not worldwide brand names and not for being fashion giants.

In diamonds and jewelry we have here very highly recommended vendors who are names in the trade but not the same as Tiffany. The way I would put it is insider trade names vs fashion brands. Style and quality do not equal fashion. The trade names are Who they are because of their quality, whereas Tiffany does not really have to offer much more than a name and people will still buy. I am merely stating some facts, I have nothing against their product. I wonder if the new ownership and trend towards them becoming even more a fashion brand will bring with it decline in areas.

Tiff once started out as a company of magnificent design. They have history. But studs are not exactly a proprietary design of Tiff’s, you could techincally have a reputable jeweler and not TIFF alter it and be done. Anyhow the intrinsic value is the diamonds with studs. But, if, however you prefer to keep it fully Tiffany, which may in this case be better since it did originally matter, then to keep the name, unfortunately you have no choice but to continue paying for that name.

 

[meesmom]

Yes @meesmom I saw your post about Tiffany, we just posted at around the same time.

So, here is the naked truth, you may not like it. With Tiffany you are paying for a name and hence any repairs will apparently be “branded” and thus priced as well whether you like it or not. It almost seems as if they were trying to discourage people from altering their pieces. The time you have to wait is pretty extreme and so are their charges and not being up front about the cost is not very transparent.

I noticed with the designer brands in bags and other fashion products that repair service is just made extremely difficult. Prices are often crazy. Wait period is months. The pieces are often of lesser quality than the “smaller” designer pieces since I guess these big name brands mass produce. So I prefer finding the designers that are renown for there quality, such as often times local and not worldwide brand names and not for being fashion giants.

In diamonds and jewelry we have here very highly recommended vendors who are names in the trade but not the same as Tiffany. The way I would put it is insider trade names vs fashion brands. Style and quality do not equal fashion. The trade names are Who they are because of their quality, whereas Tiffany does not really have to offer much more than a name and people will still buy. I am merely stating some facts, I have nothing against their product. I wonder if the new ownership and trend towards them becoming even more a fashion brand will bring with it decline in areas.

Tiff once started out as a company of magnificent design. They have history. But studs are not exactly a proprietary design of Tiff’s, you could techincally have a reputable jeweler and not TIFF alter it and be done. Anyhow the intrinsic value is the diamonds with studs. But, if, however you prefer to keep it fully Tiffany, which may in this case be better since it did originally matter, then to keep the name, unfortunately you have no choice but to continue paying for that name.

Thank you for your reply! You know, its really 2 things that are upsetting me. One the cost. I cant tell you how many times in the past ive sent things in and was quoted a low price, sometimes for materials only, and once, for a broken locket hinge, it was completely complementary.
But, i agree, that they can charge what they want. They are a brand, and for me to have non branded posts put on would kill the value and what they personally mean to me. But why cant they tell me what the costs will (or even might) be? I cant imagine calling bgd or whiteflash to get posts changed and having them tell me i have to send them in to be evaluated. Its like going to the car mechanic with your broken car and crossing your fingers. Will it be $400? $600? $1000???
The ring sizing price was a shock, but personally i could swing it. But to send out my earrings, which are valued at about $24k for both pairs (i cant imagine the cost to insure!!), just to have them sent back bc the cost doesnt fit in my budget right now stinks. As least if i knew the cost, i could make an informed decision and save up of need be. Anyway, my opinion doesnt solve anything, but it does feel good to get it off my chest!

 

[meesmom]

Same here - I have one pair of screw-back earrings and they hurt my ears so much just putting the post through and then if it moves around.



Is there a reason you have to get it done at Tiffany? If you have the paperwork when you bought, it seems unlikely to matter too much to resale, and afaik Tiffany doesn't have any kind of great warrantee or trade-in program that would make you want to ensure it's not worked on by an outside jeweler. For a basic item like studs or a plain ring I would absolutely just use another jeweler rather than going through the hassle and expense of Tiffany.

Hi sorry i didnt see your response until just now...yes its very important to me to get the posts done at tiffany, because the posts are the only place it actually says "t & co". The heads has the serial #'s and the dbty has a serial # and "peretti" on it, but no tiffany mark. I cant imagine what it would do to the value to have it done outside tiffany. And as i plan to leave these to my daughter some day, the value is important. Believe me, the diamonds are not that great, lol (the highest scored 2.4 on the hca, the lowest was somewhere in the 4's) and my engagement ring stone is better than any one of them, but i do love them anyway bc they are tiffany.

 

[Sunstorm]

You are absolutely right @meesmom! I think pretty much no one who owns a Tiffany would want to have them serviced elsewhere which is why they can charge what they want. But I have no idea why the prices increased like that since top service is part of a big name or should be. Except that like I said Tiffany was purchased by LVMH recently and Maybe the new osnership? I do think that even then it is standard practice and to he expected to receive a quote. Have you tried in person?

 

[meesmom]

You are absolutely right @meesmom! I think pretty much no one who owns a Tiffany would want to have them serviced elsewhere which is why they can charge what they want. But I have no idea why the prices increased like that since top service is part of a big name or should be. Except that like I said Tiffany was purchased by LVMH recently and Maybe the new osnership? I do think that even then it is standard practice and to he expected to receive a quote. Have you tried in person?

Yes im thinking in person is what im going to have to do to get some idea of pricing, even though the closest one is pretty far. I know one thats really far has a jeweler in house like once a month so i might just have to go to that one. I'm just so perplexed as to why they would do this to a loyal customer. If it was a repair, i'd kind of understand, but i think what im asking for is pretty straight forward. Anyway yes, i do think the acquisition has a LOT to do with it. I keep reading in the news that their sales are way down, so maybe lv is pushing them to up their repair prices? Who knows?

 

[rocks]

I did ask tiffany a while back about bigger screwbacks and they do carry those (for now at least) i think they cost $65 each, which for me isn't too bad! Maybe i should invest in those? Would it help?

I have had the xl screw backs on my studs for about two years. Love them. they are not Tiffany, but are custom/handmade.

 

[Sibsgirl]

Good to know! Do you wear them in the shower? Bc i heard as long as you don't they last a long time. My mom has had them for about a year and has already lost one, she says they are slippery little things, but she does say they are more comfortable than screws.

I don't ever sleep in jewelry, so I take everything off before I shower at night. However, I have certainly worn them in the ocean, in pools, etc., but not on a regular basis. They're definitely comfortable. I hope this helps!

 

[meesmom]

I have had the xl screw backs on my studs for about two years. Love them. they are not Tiffany, but are custom/handmade.

I am seriously considering just buying these and being done with it. Thats my other option besides going to tiffanys, hat in hand, and explaining (as nicely as i can) that i just dont feel comfortable handing over my earrings without a quote. If i knew it was going to cost a lot (for me i guess over $500) then id def try the jumbo backs 1st, to see if that solves my issues...
Could you tell me what you like about them, over the regular size? Its nice to know that someone has them and likes them!!

 

[meesmom]

I don't ever sleep in jewelry, so I take everything off before I shower at night. However, I have certainly worn them in the ocean, in pools, etc., but not on a regular basis. They're definitely comfortable. I hope this helps!

Thank you, it does!!

 

[meesmom]

UPDATE!!!!
I called again, and got a really nice custoner serv. rep. on the phone and before she could tell me to just send it in, i explained my situation, and the value of the earrings, and she put me in touch with their repair dept.!! I talked to a very nice young lady who gave me the pricing, and its not that bad! She even said she'd switch out the reg. backs for jumbo backs for a very small fee!
The only thing is that because of my carat weight, she doesnt think the jeweler would switch to regular posts. She said id have to get the earrings evaluated for that bc its not reccomended.
So now i have to decide between la pousette posts, or getting the threaded posts redone.....arggggh!
Decisions, decisions!!

 

[distracts]

Hi sorry i didnt see your response until just now...yes its very important to me to get the posts done at tiffany, because the posts are the only place it actually says "t & co". The heads has the serial #'s and the dbty has a serial # and "peretti" on it, but no tiffany mark. I cant imagine what it would do to the value to have it done outside tiffany. And as i plan to leave these to my daughter some day, the value is important. Believe me, the diamonds are not that great, lol (the highest scored 2.4 on the hca, the lowest was somewhere in the 4's) and my engagement ring stone is better than any one of them, but i do love them anyway bc they are tiffany.

Oh I see. I am not really a "brand" jewelry person so I just figured posts couldn't be that important! lol. But then I do things like immediately have rubber soles put on my Louboutins and actually cut off the strap on a pair of Valentino shoes once because it was annoying me (I thought I wanted ankle straps... I was so wrong), so my viewpoint is, uh, obviously more toward altering things immediately and irrevocably so that they're better for me to wear.

 

[MarionC]

Oh I see. I am not really a "brand" jewelry person so I just figured posts couldn't be that important! lol. But then I do things like immediately have rubber soles put on my Louboutins and actually cut off the strap on a pair of Valentino shoes once because it was annoying me (I thought I wanted ankle straps... I was so wrong), so my viewpoint is, uh, obviously more toward altering things immediately and irrevocably so that they're better for me to wear.

You are a person after my own heart. I alter things that way all the time!

I suppose the one thing about the Tiffany brand, and keeping the hallmarks, is the resale value. Other than that I wouldn’t care. I have my mothers wedding rings from Tiffany and due to the hallmark they are valued at double the price they would be from, say, a Pricescope vendor. And the quality of the diamond cuts are not up to Pricescope quality.

 

[Arcadian]

So I'm going to raise my hand and say I wear my studs nearly 24/7. I take them out once a week to clean (when I wash my hair) Yes friends, I'm a once a week hair washer. It takes me about 5 hours to do my hair on that day so, I do give my ears a break.... Yes I do wear mine to bed. They're not terribly big though. I do have LaPousette backs Mine are medium sized.

My caveat, I'm a back sleeper who uses satin wraps for my hair and satin or silk pillow cases(depending on what I grab first). That might not make a difference for some but it might for someone else. When I remove them I check the prongs to make sure they're fine. Have not lost a backing, have not broken a backing, no loose prongs. Prior to that, I had screw ins, same thing, once a week removal and heavy cleaning. I clean around my years every day with alcohol.... thats just a me thing though. Everyone has to find their own rhythm to what works for them.

You might do well with Jumbo Backs especially considering with LaPousetts you may as well end up changing most of the earring (not just the back but also the post) it can be expensive. And if you lose one, it will not be a cheap replacement either. When I started with these studs, I used to soak overnight. I no longer do that. I use straight d-limonene and a drop of sal suds which will cut grease in nothing flat, does not leave a film and makes my diamonds glitter. Non reactive to metals as well and soaking time just isn't necessary. I do soak in alcohol though for few hours while I'm doing my hair.

Jumbo backs are easier to replace are cheaper, and the reality is, most people don't have issues with them. Its worth it to you to go this option if you're price sensitive.

 

[meesmom]

Oh I see. I am not really a "brand" jewelry person so I just figured posts couldn't be that important! lol. But then I do things like immediately have rubber soles put on my Louboutins and actually cut off the strap on a pair of Valentino shoes once because it was annoying me (I thought I wanted ankle straps... I was so wrong), so my viewpoint is, uh, obviously more toward altering things immediately and irrevocably so that they're better for me to wear.

Haha, I love this! Yes shoes for me are different, as i refuse to be uncomfortable. I guess if tiffany closed or didnt do repairs anymore, id have no choice but to do the repair outside (and im sure id save a lot of money!) But as i said above, the quote i got was quite reasonable (in my eyes anyway), so im leaning towards getting the threaded posts redone, with the jumbo backs. Id love some more opinions if la pousette is much better? Im so torn...

 

[meesmom]

You are a person after my own heart. I alter things that way all the time!

I suppose the one thing about the Tiffany brand, and keeping the hallmarks, is the resale value. Other than that I wouldn’t care. I have my mothers wedding rings from Tiffany and due to the hallmark they are valued at double the price they would be from, say, a Pricescope vendor. And the quality of the diamond cuts are not up to Pricescope quality.

Nope, mine are def. not pricescope quality, lol. But yes, i cant see cuttting the value in half to save $100, considering the value as a tiffany branded pair.
Also, its a nice feeling to know that should i fall on hard times, i have them as a liquidable asset. It would hurt a lot to sell a pair, but i know i could do it if i had to.

 

[meesmom]

So I'm going to raise my hand and say I wear my studs nearly 24/7. I take them out once a week to clean (when I wash my hair) Yes friends, I'm a once a week hair washer. It takes me about 5 hours to do my hair on that day so, I do give my ears a break.... Yes I do wear mine to bed. They're not terribly big though. I do have LaPousette backs Mine are medium sized.

My caveat, I'm a back sleeper who uses satin wraps for my hair and satin or silk pillow cases(depending on what I grab first). That might not make a difference for some but it might for someone else. When I remove them I check the prongs to make sure they're fine. Have not lost a backing, have not broken a backing, no loose prongs. Prior to that, I had screw ins, same thing, once a week removal and heavy cleaning. I clean around my years every day with alcohol.... thats just a me thing though. Everyone has to find their own rhythm to what works for them.

You might do well with Jumbo Backs especially considering with LaPousetts you may as well end up changing most of the earring (not just the back but also the post) it can be expensive. And if you lose one, it will not be a cheap replacement either. When I started with these studs, I used to soak overnight. I no longer do that. I use straight d-limonene and a drop of sal suds which will cut grease in nothing flat, does not leave a film and makes my diamonds glitter. Non reactive to metals as well and soaking time just isn't necessary. I do soak in alcohol though for few hours while I'm doing my hair.

Jumbo backs are easier to replace are cheaper, and the reality is, most people don't have issues with them. Its worth it to you to go this option if you're price sensitive.

Ok please tell me more about your cleaning products ( i use dish soap, sparkle sparkle, and, occasionally, a bronson ultrasonic now, but im always open to new products/procedures). Also, id like to know about the pillow case u use? Ive always heard good things about satin ones (i wash my hair 3 times a week, but my hair is very fine and i sometimes have morning issues with it). Id like to buy one with confidence. Thanks!!

 

[WillyDiamond]

If you get the threaded backs, isn’t the problem going to repeat?
I posted many moons ago about the first pair of studs for my daughter, she lost one, I sold the other single stud, bought her a new pair and used the LaPousette backs, problem solved. No, you cannot shower with them, the inner parts are not precious metal. Yes, they come in Platinum. You could talk with Lesley at BGD, who did them for me. Good luck.

 

[rocks]

I am seriously considering just buying these and being done with it. Thats my other option besides going to tiffanys, hat in hand, and explaining (as nicely as i can) that i just dont feel comfortable handing over my earrings without a quote. If i knew it was going to cost a lot (for me i guess over $500) then id def try the jumbo backs 1st, to see if that solves my issues...
Could you tell me what you like about them, over the regular size? Its nice to know that someone has them and likes them!!

What I like best? My studs are 2.5cts total weight...they would droop a bit with the standard size screw backs. I started to wear plastic discs and the screw backs. It kept the earrings from drooping, but they get “icky”. Bought the xl backs...no drooping And i can keep them clean. Yay!

 

[meesmom]

If you get the threaded backs, isn’t the problem going to repeat?
I posted many moons ago about the first pair of studs for my daughter, she lost one, I sold the other single stud, bought her a new pair and used the LaPousette backs, problem solved. No, you cannot shower with them, the inner parts are not precious metal. Yes, they come in Platinum. You could talk with Lesley at BGD, who did them for me. Good luck.

Yes, i guess technically it could happen again, but it would take a while for the threads to get loose. These earrings are far from new (bought in 2001 and 200. And i love the fact that they will switch out the backs for jumbo size, which i am hearing awesome things about!
The only thing about the la pousette is that i cant get them wet. I love knowing i can wear these anywhere, even in my pool. It they made la pousette that could get wet, is get them in a heartbeat.

 

[meesmom]

What I like best? My studs are 2.5cts total weight...they would droop a bit with the standard size screw backs. I started to wear plastic discs and the screw backs. It kept the earrings from drooping, but they get “icky”. Bought the xl backs...no drooping And i can keep them clean. Yay!

Wow, mine are not nearly that big, but the dbty ones are .97 ctw, and with the bezels they are 6.9 mm and they do droop a bit, its true. The solitaires are 1.02 ctw and they are perfect, no issues. But the jumbo backs sound way more comfortable, and so much easier to use. Thanks for you input!

 

[AuntKiki]

You can buy a new set of la pousette backs if they wear out from being wet. I’ve worn them almost everyday since 2014. I haven’t had any trouble yet.

 

[lmyracle]

So I'm going to raise my hand and say I wear my studs nearly 24/7. I take them out once a week to clean (when I wash my hair) Yes friends, I'm a once a week hair washer. It takes me about 5 hours to do my hair on that day so, I do give my ears a break.... Yes I do wear mine to bed. They're not terribly big though. I do have LaPousette backs Mine are medium sized.

My caveat, I'm a back sleeper who uses satin wraps for my hair and satin or silk pillow cases(depending on what I grab first). That might not make a difference for some but it might for someone else. When I remove them I check the prongs to make sure they're fine. Have not lost a backing, have not broken a backing, no loose prongs. Prior to that, I had screw ins, same thing, once a week removal and heavy cleaning. I clean around my years every day with alcohol.... thats just a me thing though. Everyone has to find their own rhythm to what works for them.

You might do well with Jumbo Backs especially considering with LaPousetts you may as well end up changing most of the earring (not just the back but also the post) it can be expensive. And if you lose one, it will not be a cheap replacement either. When I started with these studs, I used to soak overnight. I no longer do that. I use straight d-limonene and a drop of sal suds which will cut grease in nothing flat, does not leave a film and makes my diamonds glitter. Non reactive to metals as well and soaking time just isn't necessary. I do soak in alcohol though for few hours while I'm doing my hair.

Jumbo backs are easier to replace are cheaper, and the reality is, most people don't have issues with them. Its worth it to you to go this option if you're price sensitive.

Are jumbo backs and La Pousettes interchangeable? Wondering if I get La Pousettes and wanted to switch to Jumbos if the post is the same?

 

[meesmom]

You can buy a new set of la pousette backs if they wear out from being wet. I’ve worn them almost everyday since 2014. I haven’t had any trouble yet.

Ok now you are making me question myself, no fair, lol!

 

[meesmom]

Are jumbo backs and La Pousettes interchangeable? Wondering if I get La Pousettes and wanted to switch to Jumbos if the post is the same?

The jumbo backs i am referring to are for screwbacks only. The la pousette backings go on a very thick post with 2 deep notches that the backing clips to. I dont think you can wear regular backs with a la pousette post, but someone else could probably give a better answer.

 

[CoolKat]

I changed my studs earrings posts from screw backs to La Pousette sometime last year. I just brought them to Tiffany & they shipped them to their NY store for the work. I got them back about 2-3 weeks if not faster. I didn't get/arrange for additional insurance to ship them out as the store was handling these babies. If something happened to them while in their possession, I'd assume they'd have to replace them

Agree with AuntKiki - you can buy a new set of the backings only. They have them in stock in the store so no wait time or shipping out needed for these. If you have a great SA they might even give them for free - but don't quote me on this one