18ct White Gold 2ct Lab-Grown Diamond Emerald-Cut Stud Earrings

A stud earring is the simplest structure in jewellery and the least forgiving: a setting, a post and a back, with nothing to hide behind.

This one is 18ct white gold, carrying 2 ct of lab-grown diamonds in total, cut emerald-cut. As a shape, an emerald cut is a step cut: broad parallel facets and a flat table, which trades sparkle for clarity and a long, architectural flash.

Will this suit me?

• Size: Sold as a pair. Each earring carries about 1 ct; an emerald cut of that weight typically measures about 7 × 5 mm face-up (for scale, an Australian 5c coin is 19.4 mm across).
• On the ear: A large stud with real presence. Emerald cut stones look a little larger than a round stone of the same weight. Their broad, flat facets give long flashes of light rather than sparkle.
• Comfort and security: Claw settings show the most stone but can catch on knitwear and fine hair. At this weight, a larger disc back helps the earrings sit upright on softer lobes.
• Everyday wear: Earrings take very little wear, so the softer, richer-coloured 18ct suits everyday wear here. The bright white finish is rhodium plating, which wears with daily contact and can be renewed by a jeweller.
• Other options: Metals: 18ct yellow gold, 9ct yellow gold. Total weight: 3 ct. Shape: oval.

Claw setting holds the stone at its girdle with individual prongs, leaving the sides open so light enters from every direction. It shows the most stone for the weight; the claws themselves are the wearing part and should be checked periodically.

What matters is that the setting sits flat to the lobe and the post is centred in it. An off-centre post is the reason studs tilt forward as the day goes on.

Specification

• Metal: 18ct white gold (750)
• Total stone weight: 2 ct
• Stone: Lab-grown diamond
• Cut: Emerald-cut
• Setting: Claw-set
• Type: Stud Earrings
• Sold as: Pair

18ct white gold is 750 parts per thousand fine gold in a white alloy, finished with rhodium plating. The plating is a wearing surface and is renewable; beneath it the alloy carries a faint warm cast, which is normal for white gold.

Care. Sold as a pair. Butterfly backs loosen with wear and are worth replacing before they are lost.