WF .33 studs: Handmade Bezel or 8-Prong Martini?

[mela lu]

If you were going to set two .33 carat RBs, (tcw .66), what setting would you choose and why?

 

[TravelingGal]

Since I had a similar thread re: .32s, I am guessing you may get a similar response which was overwhelmingly bezel. It will be interesting to see!

Of course, I voted bezel!

 

[mela lu]

Handmade Bezel

 

[mela lu]

8-prong Martini

 

[mela lu]

You are so right Tgal.

D''oh!

What I REALLY want to know is...WHY aren''t the 8-prong as fancied, and WHY aren''t there very many pictures of them here?

I would love someone who owns 8-prong''ers to weigh in....

 

[Skippy123]

There is some thread around somewhere where Mara had a picture of the 8 prong on (I think they were Alj's earrings) and then her 3 prong and the 8 looked bigger. I loved the 8 prong and if you decide to upgrade you won't lose much on the settings.

I tried searching but couldn't find the thread. Here are Anneh's 8 prong https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-1-21-ctw-8-prong-martini-diamond-studs-from-whiteflash.63833/

ETA: the ones Mara had on were like .38 in 8 prong and they looked great! Yay, found the thread https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/8-prong-martini-studs.39350/
hope that helps

 

[TravelingGal]

Well, maybe you might get different opinions...8 prong is quite different from the 3 prong I was asking about.

I wonder if 8 prongs look better with bigger?

ETA, looking at the votes, it looks pretty even so far, so the results are pretty different from my thread!

 

[Clio]

I loooooove the eight-prong setting and don''t care much for bezels, so it''s a clear choice for me. The eight-prong setting is just so pretty.

 

[mela lu]

Date: 11/14/2007 11:31:45 AM
Author: Skippy123
There is some thread around somewhere where Mara had a picture of the 8 prong on (I think they were Alj''s earrings) and then her 3 prong and the 8 looked bigger. I loved the 8 prong and if you decide to upgrade you won''t lose much on the settings.

I tried searching but couldn''t find the thread. Here are Anneh''s 8 prong https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-1-21-ctw-8-prong-martini-diamond-studs-from-whiteflash.63833/

ETA: the ones Mara had on were like .38 in 8 prong and they looked great!

Skippy hit it on the head.

DH isn''t crazy about the cost of the bezel especially b/c they are basically toast if or when we upgrade.

I just wonder if the .33 will look diminutive in the 8-prong.

IMO, although I love the bezel for praticality and size enhancement...I feel that they are experiencing a *bit* of a surge in appeal (aka trend) ever since FG''s got hers....

maybe?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

The eight prong are described by Mara as "delicate," which may really enhance the .33 size stones and make them appear more feminine than the bezel style would.

FG did get bezels which have created a frenzy of lovers here, but in real life I NEVER seen bezel earrings! I don''t think it''s a trend as the Elsa Peretti style is a classic Tiffany & Co. design. It''s more unique and different than the average four-prong stud, but just as unique as the 8-prong.

(now, I''m lusting over the 8 prong. . . I NEED another set of studs in that style!!!

)

 

[chrono]

Snce you are planning to upgrade the stones, I would not do the handmade bezels. It''ll be a waste of money. The 8 prong setting is very delicate, all you''ll see is bling.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2007 11:51:59 AM
Author: mela lu

Date: 11/14/2007 11:31:45 AM
Author: Skippy123
There is some thread around somewhere where Mara had a picture of the 8 prong on (I think they were Alj's earrings) and then her 3 prong and the 8 looked bigger. I loved the 8 prong and if you decide to upgrade you won't lose much on the settings.

I tried searching but couldn't find the thread. Here are Anneh's 8 prong https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-1-21-ctw-8-prong-martini-diamond-studs-from-whiteflash.63833/

ETA: the ones Mara had on were like .38 in 8 prong and they looked great!

Skippy hit it on the head.

DH isn't crazy about the cost of the bezel especially b/c they are basically toast if or when we upgrade.

I just wonder if the .33 will look diminutive in the 8-prong.

IMO, although I love the bezel for praticality and size enhancement...I feel that they are experiencing a *bit* of a surge in appeal (aka trend) ever since FG's got hers....

maybe?

Mela lu, this was a big concern for me as well. When I was going to treat myself to these earrings, I was planning to upgrade every year with my annual bonus. I REALLY didn't want to throw away all that money on that setting.

But now that TGuy wants to buy them for me, they become strangely sentimental, even though I've done all the "work" on them. He wanted to buy them for me not only for my 35th birthday, but to thank me for all my help with finding him a job (I did all the web searches, printed out listings for him, wrote his cover letters and did his resume. What can I say...he's English challenged and I'm math-retarded...we're a good fit). I think he'd wonder if I was nuts if I wanted to upgrade these every year, and the last thing I want to do is make him think I am not delighted with the things he buys me...especially since I picked them out!

So I went lower in color for a larger diamond. I'm not saying I'll never upgrade these, but I don't see me upgrading these for at least a few years...enough to justify enjoying the bezel in this size while it lasts. I see myself upgrading every 5 years? 40th bday sounds good. In the end, it was about $300 more for a style I really like right now...and as I said the thread that I started...I can blow that amount in one weekend for entertainment.

However, I do like those 8 prongs...they are elegant, and I love how petite the prongs look. I only wonder, like you, how they will look on more petite diamonds. I already know that .4s look fab in bezels, thanks to FG. And speaking of FG, where is that woman?

 

[TravelingGal]

One more thing...melalu, what''s your every day style? You strike me more as an elegant gal? I think bezels ARE more casual. The only closed toed shoes I wear these days are my workout shoes...I live in "REEF" flip flops and jeans/T''s. I work from home, and when we go out, it''s normally house parties at friends'' homes where I am STILL wearing jeans, T''s and flip flops. The bezel''s suit me 100%!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 11/14/2007 11:51:59 AM
Author: mela lu


Skippy hit it on the head.

DH isn't crazy about the cost of the bezel especially b/c they are basically toast if or when we upgrade.

I just wonder if the .33 will look diminutive in the 8-prong.

IMO, although I love the bezel for praticality and size enhancement...I feel that they are experiencing a *bit* of a surge in appeal (aka trend) ever since FG's got hers....

maybe?

This thread may help in case you didn't see it above. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/8-prong-martini-studs.39350/

 

[mela lu]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:07:00 PM
Author: TravelingGal
One more thing...melalu, what''s your every day style? You strike me more as an elegant gal? I think bezels ARE more casual. The only closed toed shoes I wear these days are my workout shoes...I live in ''REEF'' flip flops and jeans/T''s. I work from home, and when we go out, it''s normally house parties at friends'' homes where I am STILL wearing jeans, T''s and flip flops. The bezel''s suit me 100%!

LMAO!!!

I haven''t worn flats since recovering from a massive car accident 5 years ago! I grin and bear through my pain (thank you Advil) because I love my heels THAT much.

I never leave the house without make-up, and my mantra is "anything is possible with lip gloss." I really don''t suit bezels, but I''m worried that the .33''s will be lost on me.

I''m petite - which is my saving grace. 5''1" with a small frame (and small ears)...so maybe they will be okay. SIGH.

I just wish someone ELSE had 8-prong''ed their lickle stones for me to judge!!!

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:12:17 PM
Author: mela lu

Date: 11/14/2007 12:07:00 PM
Author: TravelingGal
One more thing...melalu, what''s your every day style? You strike me more as an elegant gal? I think bezels ARE more casual. The only closed toed shoes I wear these days are my workout shoes...I live in ''REEF'' flip flops and jeans/T''s. I work from home, and when we go out, it''s normally house parties at friends'' homes where I am STILL wearing jeans, T''s and flip flops. The bezel''s suit me 100%!

LMAO!!!

I haven''t worn flats since recovering from a massive car accident 5 years ago! I grin and bear through my pain (thank you Advil) because I love my heels THAT much.

I never leave the house without make-up, and my mantra is ''anything is possible with lip gloss.'' I really don''t suit bezels, but I''m worried that the .33''s will be lost on me.

I''m petite - which is my saving grace. 5''1'' with a small frame (and small ears)...so maybe they will be okay. SIGH.

I just wish someone ELSE had 8-prong''ed their lickle stones for me to judge!!!

Hehehe...that''s what I thought...

I think you''re classically gorgeous gal ms. melalu, and I have to revise my vote...I think you should get WF''s opinion on these 8 prongs for a smaller stone or go 3 prong martini.

Especially since Mr. hunkahunkaburninluvCroatia isn''t nuts about the bezel, it''s something to think about. And if you DO want to upgrade, you don''t want the cost of the bezel to be a strike against you. More than anything, as FG said on my thread, the upgrade factor is really key.

 

[E B]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:12:17 PM
Author: mela lu

I really don't suit bezels, but I'm worried that the .33's will be lost on me.

I'm petite - which is my saving grace. 5'1' with a small frame (and small ears)...so maybe they will be okay. SIGH.

I voted bezel because the design suits ME (I too am a more casual gal) but if they don't suit you, don't do it! In the thread that Skippy linked, Mara said that the 8-prong might overwhelm stones less than, what, .50ct? That might be something to take into consideration, too.

In conclusion, I change my vote to 3-prong martinis, which isn't an option, but I'm voting for them anyway. I think Mara's earrings look like a great size, and they're just a couple points larger. You say you're petite, and I think .33s in a 3-prong martini would look perfect. My opinion.

ETA: Arrg, TGal just beat me!

 

[mela lu]

hahaha Tgal you make me DIE!!

Mr.Croatia! hahaha...

but but but but

I don't really like the 3-prong martini

I'm not in love with the basket. It's a bit heavy looking for me, AND seems to sit too high off the lobe.

Am I too picky? Should I look into just getting the stones and having my jeweler set them in something else??

I'm going to have WF see if they have any pictures on file of .3 ish stones in the 8-prong.

 

[E B]

mela,

I don't know if this helps at all (and I hope snlee doesn't mind), but here's a link to her earrings which around the same size your considering, in 3-prong martinis:

snlee's ACA studs (~.70ctw)

ETA: Oops! Posted before I saw your post.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:32:04 PM
Author: mela lu
hahaha Tgal you make me DIE!!

Mr.Croatia! hahaha...

but but but but

I don''t really like the 3-prong martini

I''m not in love with the basket. It''s a bit heavy looking for me, AND seems to sit too high off the lobe.

Am I too picky? Should I look into just getting the stones and having my jeweler set them in something else??

I''m going to have WF see if they have any pictures on file of .3 ish stones in the 8-prong.

I think WF has two of them...one handmade, one regular. I recall reading one is more delicate than the other. Check on that.

Honestly, no one but you really sees the basket. As Mara said on the 8 prong thread, it''s more your delicious little secret. So as long as the 8 prong doesn''t look ridiculous, I say go for it.

 

[mela lu]

thanks EBree!! I saw her 3 prong''ers, and as lovely as they look on her, I just dont know if they are for me?!


PS. I actually think .33 is going to be an okay size for me (proportion). Now the question is, will 8-prong dominate.

Let''s see what WF says!


PPS. My outlook is down right now and I can''t email WF at the moment. It may be a wee longer wait then...

 

[mela lu]

PPPS. You gals are great! Thanks for talking this through with me

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:38:05 PM
Author: mela lu
thanks EBree!! I saw her 3 prong''ers, and as lovely as they look on her, I just dont know if they are for me?!


PS. I actually think .33 is going to be an okay size for me (proportion). Now the question is, will 8-prong dominate.

Let''s see what WF says!


PPS. My outlook is down right now and I can''t email WF at the moment. It may be a wee longer wait then...

I''d love to see pics if they have them. I am crossing my fingers that it will be fine, because it seems like you know what you want.

I''d email them for you, but I''ve tormented poor Bob enough already.

...and you can always pick up the phone and call...

 

[mela lu]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:41:49 PM
Author: TravelingGal

I''d love to see pics if they have them. I am crossing my fingers that it will be fine, because it seems like you know what you want.

I''d email them for you, but I''ve tormented poor Bob enough already.

...and you can always pick up the phone and call...

Phew. thank God my finger''s aren''t broken...

dialing.

 

[Mara]

i would definitely not put 8 prong on small stones like .33. there's going to be too much metal...you should stick with a minimal 3 prong or a bezel for a diff style.

i would only ever use those 8 prongs on something more like .60-.70c and larger stones. i have tried them on in .75c size (in the thread skippy linked, those were .75c stones, not .38s in 8 prong) and they looked great. i have also tried on a .38c pendant with 8 prongs and it was way too overwhelmingly metally.

my 3 prong martinis are .38 (also in that thread skippy linked) and i think that the minimal metal makes them somehow look bigger. oh also the cost for the 8 prong handmade for me should be reserved for your 'forever' earrings...aka i wouldn't want to spend something like $300 on a setting for stones i'd upgrade in a year or two and then have to have a whole new setting made.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:44:39 PM
Author: Mara
i would definitely not put 8 prong on small stones like .33. there''s going to be too much metal...you should stick with a minimal 3 prong or a bezel for a diff style.

i would only ever use those 8 prongs on something like .70c and larger stones. i have tried them on in .75c size and they looked great. i have also tried on a .38c pendant with 8 prongs and it was way too overwhelmingly metally.

melalu, are ya into heavy metal?

Drat that Mara...unfortunately I trust her taste.

And speaking of taste...Ms.Mara, don''t keep us in the dark too long about your "PLANZ". Maybe 8 prongers are in YOUR future?

 

[Mara]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:48:35 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 11/14/2007 12:44:39 PM
Author: Mara
i would definitely not put 8 prong on small stones like .33. there''s going to be too much metal...you should stick with a minimal 3 prong or a bezel for a diff style.

i would only ever use those 8 prongs on something like .70c and larger stones. i have tried them on in .75c size and they looked great. i have also tried on a .38c pendant with 8 prongs and it was way too overwhelmingly metally.

melalu, are ya into heavy metal?

Drat that Mara...unfortunately I trust her taste.

And speaking of taste...Ms.Mara, don''t keep us in the dark too long about your ''PLANZ''. Maybe 8 prongers are in YOUR future?

Hee. I''m a classical girl myself.

SOMETHING is in my near future. Just gotta decide WHAT.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:44:39 PM
Author: Mara

my 3 prong martinis are .38 (also in that thread skippy linked) and i think that the minimal metal makes them somehow look bigger. oh also the cost for the 8 prong handmade for me should be reserved for your ''forever'' earrings...aka i wouldn''t want to spend something like $300 on a setting for stones i''d upgrade in a year or two and then have to have a whole new setting made.

*snort* That hurts - coming from the dingaling who is spending 650 on settings. Damn that nickel allergy.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 11/14/2007 12:49:53 PM
Author: Mara

Date: 11/14/2007 12:48:35 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 11/14/2007 12:44:39 PM
Author: Mara
i would definitely not put 8 prong on small stones like .33. there''s going to be too much metal...you should stick with a minimal 3 prong or a bezel for a diff style.

i would only ever use those 8 prongs on something like .70c and larger stones. i have tried them on in .75c size and they looked great. i have also tried on a .38c pendant with 8 prongs and it was way too overwhelmingly metally.

melalu, are ya into heavy metal?

Drat that Mara...unfortunately I trust her taste.

And speaking of taste...Ms.Mara, don''t keep us in the dark too long about your ''PLANZ''. Maybe 8 prongers are in YOUR future?

Hee. I''m a classical girl myself.

SOMETHING is in my near future. Just gotta decide WHAT.

Indeed you are. I think .75ers with 8 prong would be fab fab fab and just suit you to a T. Buy them now. Before you have kids.

 

[Mara]

just call the $650 a pregnancy craving. sure it's more expensive than ice cream but better for your waistline.

i would LOVE me a pair of ~.70c earrings but unfortunately pickins are slim right now in the market and prices are expensive. so i may have to improvise and distract myself with something else FOR NOW.

also i was somehow blessed with small earlobes so less is more on me. it makes up for my chagrin over having a size 6 finger.