18ct Yellow Gold 2ct Lab-Grown Diamond Oval 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 yellow gold, carrying 2 ct of lab-grown diamonds in total, cut oval. As a shape, an oval spreads its weight along the finger or the wrist, so it reads larger than a round stone of the same carat.

Will this suit me?

• Size: Sold as a pair. Each earring carries about 1 ct; an oval of that weight typically measures about 7.5 × 5.5 mm face-up (for scale, an Australian 5c coin is 19.4 mm across).
• On the ear: A large stud with real presence. Oval stones look a little larger than a round stone of the same weight.
• 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.
• Other options: Metals: 18ct white gold, 9ct yellow gold. Total weight: 2.8 ct. Shape: emerald cut.

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 yellow gold (750)
• Total stone weight: 2 ct
• Stone: Lab-grown diamond
• Cut: Oval
• Setting: Claw-set
• Type: Stud Earrings
• Sold as: Pair

18ct yellow gold is 750 parts per thousand fine gold. The higher gold content gives a deeper, warmer colour with a greater density and heft for a luxurious feel.

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