Whiteflash diamond stud settings- 3 prong Martini vs 4 prong "W" Setting

[boxbits]

Hi everyone,

I'm contemplating the purchase of 1ctw diamond studs in white gold from WF and am trying to choose between the 3 prong martini setting and the "W prong" (4 prong) setting (stock photos from WF website below). I have read several posts here that indicate that the martini setting, in general, can be uncomfortable and are at times accompanied with the fear of or experience of stretched earholes. I like the W prongs but see no reason to spend more money on this setting if the martini setting suits just fine.

Can anyone attest to the comfort of either of these settings from Whiteflash based on personal experience?

Thanks in advance!

3 prong martini setting:



"W-prong" setting (4 prong) setting:

 

[whitewave]

My studs were 3 prong Martini and they were fine, were comfortable and I had no issues with them UNTIL... dom dom dom lol I decided to buy cushion shaped jackets for them from Brian Gavin.

The martini setting wouldn’t sit right and so I wound up resetting into a 4 prong basket (which isn’t exactly what the W are). I have to say, I like the new settings just as much and the jackets look phenomenal.

So IF you think you might eventually add jackets, I would seek their opinion on that topic.

I will add a pic for reference:

 

[MissGotRocks]

I had my studs reset into martini settings years ago. Over time, I found that the setting was going deeper into the pierced hole than I liked. I reset them into four prong basket studs and liked them so much better. They have a base that sits flush on the ear and I feel that the diamond shows up better. Many have the martini settings and love them but they weren’t for me. My settings are not the w prong - just the plain four prong basket.

 

[boxbits]

My studs were 3 prong Martini and they were fine, were comfortable and I had no issues with them UNTIL... dom dom dom lol I decided to buy cushion shaped jackets for them from Brian Gavin.

The martini setting wouldn’t sit right and so I wound up resetting into a 4 prong basket (which isn’t exactly what the W are). I have to say, I like the new settings just as much and the jackets look phenomenal.

So IF you think you might eventually add jackets, I would seek their opinion on that topic.

I will add a pic for reference:

Ooh, your set is stunning, @whitewave! Thanks very much for the advice and pics. You've given me something to think about re: jackets.

 

[boxbits]

I had my studs reset into martini settings years ago. Over time, I found that the setting was going deeper into the pierced hole than I liked. I reset them into four prong basket studs and liked them so much better. They have a base that sits flush on the ear and I feel that the diamond shows up better. Many have the martini settings and love them but they weren’t for me. My settings are not the w prong - just the plain four prong basket.

Thank you @MissGotRocks! Perhaps I will forgo the 3 prong martini to avoid the potential need for a reset in the future.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Thank you @MissGotRocks! Perhaps I will forgo the 3 prong martini to avoid the potential need for a reset in the future.

As I said, there are many that have the martini settings and love them. They just didn’t work for me. They may have some now that have a bit of a base to them but if I were buying again, I personally would still go with the four prong basket.

 

[Sunstorm]

This is so subjective because there are ladies who swear by the 3 prong Martinis and I personally cannot stand them. I also hate the look of an odd number of prongs on studs especially three. I wear four prong basket or bezel studs. I also think three prongs make the stone look smaller. Again this is just my subjective opinion on comfort and aesthetics.

 

[whitewave]

Ooh, your set is stunning, @whitewave! Thanks very much for the advice and pics. You've given me something to think about re: jackets.

See my post on it lol. I also found sapphire stones similar size, so I had BG set those in baskets too. I’m thinking ahead to emerald studs and pearls lol

(FWIW, the studs are from Blue Nile and the sapphires from AJs so I definitely appreciated BG’s graciousness in (re)setting outside stones for me)

 

[sarahb]

I also had my WF martini settings reset into a basket setting. For me, the martini's just sank into my ear lobe, & didn't 'sit' as well. With the basket setting, the earring now sits 'up' rather than sinking into the flesh of my lobe. To put it another way, the martini settings drooped & the baskets seem to not droop, at least to me that is. YMMV, best of luck with your decision!

 

[marcy]

I've only tried on martini studs in a store but didn't like how they felt or set on my ear. I find the basket setting studs comfortable. Can't wait to see your finished earrings.

 

[boxbits]

This is so subjective because there are ladies who swear by the 3 prong Martinis and I personally cannot stand them. I also hate the look of an odd number of prongs on studs especially three. I wear four prong basket or bezel studs. I also think three prongs make the stone look smaller. Again this is just my subjective opinion on comfort and aesthetics.

Thank you for your input @Sunstorm! There seem to be stronger opinions re 3 prong than other settings so I think I will request 4 prongs instead.

 

[boxbits]

I’m thinking ahead to emerald studs and pearls lol

I like the way you think. Obviously, your diamonds and (very gorgeous) sapphires need friends!

Thanks for letting me know about BG's CS. Very helpful for future purchases/projects.

 

[boxbits]

I also had my WF martini settings reset into a basket setting. For me, the martini's just sank into my ear lobe, & didn't 'sit' as well. With the basket setting, the earring now sits 'up' rather than sinking into the flesh of my lobe. To put it another way, the martini settings drooped & the baskets seem to not droop, at least to me that is. YMMV, best of luck with your decision!

Thanks @sarahb! I was also worried about the way the martini set studs would, as you said, "sit" on the lobe.

 

[boxbits]

I've only tried on martini studs in a store but didn't like how they felt or set on my ear. I find the basket setting studs comfortable. Can't wait to see your finished earrings.

Thanks for responding @marcy! I know it would be best to go to the store and try on different sets, but I haven't the time lately and am also itching to order so I can get them as soon as possible!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don't personally like 3 prong martini settings for all the reasons already posted. I like 4 or 6 prongs with a flat base. So I'd likely choose the basic 4 prong basket setting if I thought there was any possibility I'd ever upgrade my studs. This is coming from a person who twice decided I was on my final pair and chose platinum special order settings and then later upgraded and had to get new settings!!!

 

[hypermom]

I had the 3 prong martini settings for a short time and I didn't like how they stretched out my ear piercings--I like the basket settings much better!

 

[boxbits]

I don't personally like 3 prong martini settings for all the reasons already posted. I like 4 or 6 prongs with a flat base. So I'd likely choose the basic 4 prong basket setting if I thought there was any possibility I'd ever upgrade my studs. This is coming from a person who twice decided I was on my final pair and chose platinum special order settings and then later upgraded and had to get new settings!!!

You make a good point, @diamondseeker2006. I hadn't considered the cost differential of the settings in light of potential upgrades. The difference in cost between the classic 4 prong basket and the W prong are minimal compared to the total cost of the studs, but you've given me something to think about as I do hope I can go bigger in the future. Thank you!

I had the 3 prong martini settings for a short time and I didn't like how they stretched out my ear piercings--I like the basket settings much better!

I know this doesn't happen to everyone, but it is a concern for me and I'd like to avoid the issue and the need for reset in the future. Thanks very much for your input, @hypermom!