Please help me choose - VCA Alhambra pace earrings VS diamond studs

[moineau]

Hello dear tpfrs!
I am on a waitlist for diamond pave Alhambra earrings in yellow gold and may have a chance to purchase them soon. However, I am now not sure if they are worth almost $14000 after the price increase! I am now thinking if it’s better to go for a nice pair of diamond studs instead (I don’t have them).
From VCA, I have Fleurette earrings in wg, large Frivole mirror finish earrings+Btf mirror ring and large Frivole pendant, Guilloche bracelet+Guilloche pendant, and white gold signature bracelet. Initially I was thinking to pair Alhambra pave earrings with the Guilloche set, but now I am thinking the studs might be ok too… also, I could wear the studs with the Frivole pendant+ring, as it’s too much for me to wear all three Frivole pieces together.
Please let me know what would you choose. Is pave Alhambra earrings really worth the $14000? Even more with tax… I never had a chance to try them on, they were never available. Thank you in advance for any advice!!

 

[littlecollector]

Hello dear tpfrs!
I am on a waitlist for diamond pave Alhambra earrings in yellow gold and may have a chance to purchase them soon. However, I am now not sure if they are worth almost $14000 after the price increase! I am now thinking if it’s better to go for a nice pair of diamond studs instead (I don’t have them).
From VCA, I have Fleurette earrings in wg, large Frivole mirror finish earrings+Btf mirror ring and large Frivole pendant, Guilloche bracelet+Guilloche pendant, and white gold signature bracelet. Initially I was thinking to pair Alhambra pave earrings with the Guilloche set, but now I am thinking the studs might be ok too… also, I could wear the studs with the Frivole pendant+ring, as it’s too much for me to wear all three Frivole pieces together.
Please let me know what would you choose. Is pave Alhambra earrings really worth the $14000? Even more with tax… I never had a chance to try them on, they were never available. Thank you in advance for any advice!!

Hi, I have the yellow gold pave earrings and they are gorgeous. I was put on a waitlist, but never got a call back because these earrings sell out so quickly. In the meantime, the earrings kept increasing in price. Luckily, I walked into the store around Christmas and they had a pair to try on and purchase. Around Christmas time, I notice that they also have the white gold and rose gold versions for sale online/ in store. $14000 is a steep price to purchase something without ever trying it on so I understand your anxiety. Maybe you can wait it out and see if there’s a chance to try it out before you decide. Don’t settle for something else because you might end up wishing that you’ve got what you wanted in the first place. The pave Alhambra earrings are so classic and beautiful. In YG, they go with most of VCA’s creations. Even people who don’t know the brand, compliment these earrings whenever I wear them. With regards to the diamond studs, I feel like this is a standard design which you can get from most jewellers later on.

 

[sammix3]

Hi, I have the yellow gold pave earrings and they are gorgeous. I was put on a waitlist, but never got a call back because these earrings sell out so quickly. In the meantime, the earrings kept increasing in price. Luckily, I walked into the store around Christmas and they had a pair to try on and purchase. Around Christmas time, I notice that they also have the white gold and rose gold versions for sale online/ in store. $14000 is a steep price to purchase something without ever trying it on so I understand your anxiety. Maybe you can wait it out and see if there’s a chance to try it out before you decide. Don’t settle for something else because you might end up wishing that you’ve got what you wanted in the first place. The pave Alhambra earrings are so classic and beautiful. In YG, they go with most of VCA’s creations. Even people who don’t know the brand, compliment these earrings whenever I wear them. With regards to the diamond studs, I feel like this is a standard design which you can get from most jewellers later on.

I agree 100%! I love them so much that I have both WG and RG.

 

[manuna]

Hello dear tpfrs!
I am on a waitlist for diamond pave Alhambra earrings in yellow gold and may have a chance to purchase them soon. However, I am now not sure if they are worth almost $14000 after the price increase! I am now thinking if it’s better to go for a nice pair of diamond studs instead (I don’t have them).
From VCA, I have Fleurette earrings in wg, large Frivole mirror finish earrings+Btf mirror ring and large Frivole pendant, Guilloche bracelet+Guilloche pendant, and white gold signature bracelet. Initially I was thinking to pair Alhambra pave earrings with the Guilloche set, but now I am thinking the studs might be ok too… also, I could wear the studs with the Frivole pendant+ring, as it’s too much for me to wear all three Frivole pieces together.
Please let me know what would you choose. Is pave Alhambra earrings really worth the $14000? Even more with tax… I never had a chance to try them on, they were never available. Thank you in advance for any advice!!

I have the YG ones and love them so much. They go with everything.

 

[CoastalCouture]

It might be an unpopular opinion on the VCA forum but, if you don't already have diamond studs, I would choose those first. I think they are a classic that will always go with everything across all the brands of jewelry you may own. You may want the Vintage Alhambra Pave earrings down the line but, if it were me, I would prioritize the studs first.

 

[sleepydoc.]

I am in a similar situation where I debated diamond studs vs pave / sapphire Frivole earrings which are 22K (CAD). The "value" convo for these brands will never win out, as you know there are plenty of other options for less $$$. If you would love and wear the studs just as much but feel better about the spend then by all means get those. They are classic! However if you have always wanted the pave Alhambra ultimately you may end up getting both and spending double lol. That's okay too but probably best to get the VCA first as the price will only keep going up.

I have decided to get the Frivoles as I think they are just far more unique and interesting than diamond studs.

 

[hmn002]

I pick studs! I have 2 pairs of diamond studs and think they are so beautiful and classic.

 

[BigAkoya]

Hi! You have gotten a lot of great input, and I'll share mine.

For me, I have gone through three pairs of diamond studs. I upgraded after each pair, thinking perhaps the reason why I didn't wear them often was because they were too small. I almost upgraded yet a fourth time. However, I really thought about it, smacked myself on the head, and then realized the reason why I don't wear diamond stud earrings is because I find them very boring.

Yes, diamond studs are classic. However, for me, they are too classic and too common. I like my jewelry to make a statement and be a bit more artistic. Everyone has diamonds studs, teenagers to adults, real diamonds or fake cubic zirconias from Claires. A diamond earring is literally everywhere.

So... think about if you really love the classic look of a simple diamond stud, or, if you think you get should a pair because "everyone is supposed to have a pair of diamonds studs."

I am not against buying classics, but one really needs to love the look.
For example, I am a huge fan of fine quality pearls. I love a classic & simple (e.g. boring & plain) big pearl stud earring. It's a clean, yet refined statement to me, and the pearl just pops.

On to your earrings...
I think your Fleurette earrings already provide that "stud sparkle" on your ear.
I also think since you have the Fleurette earrings, unless you buy 2ct each (4cttw) diamond stud earrings, a 1ct each (2cttw) is going to project a smaller look than your Fleurettes.

Let me explain why...
The diamonds in the Fleurette earrings are 10 pointers, meaning they are about 2mm round. At it's widest, there are three stones across, so that's about 6mm. Add the metal, and you get about a 8mm diameter (rough guess here, but since you have them, you can measure the precise diameter).

A 1ct round diamond is about 6mm. It's typically set in an open setting, minimal metal, so the diameter will remain about 6mm.
Hence, if you want a bigger diamond look than your Fleurette earrings, you will need to go bigger than 1ct diamonds.
If your intent is to get dainty diamonds, that's different of course. You'll have to decide which look you are going after for diamond studs.

I agree with @littlecollector you really need to try these on. I tried them on, and for me, I was disappointed. There is very little diamond sparkle. The few diamonds are super tiny, each at about 4 points. The metal dot in the center doesn't help either as it takes away from true continuous pave. The earring itself is mostly metal. That said, they are still very pretty if you want the Alhambra logo theme. If you want that Alhambra theme, you will love them! Are they worth it? Definitely not in terms of raw material. Will you get the "it's a VCA" ear-to-ear grin when you wear them? Definitely yes!

I love love love my Frivole WG pave diamond earrings. I am with @Sleepydoc Frivole is gorgeous, and they pop. I'm not sure if you want big sparkle, but if you want sparkle, these earrings are it!

Back to VA pave earrings or diamond studs...
My vote is since you already have the guilloche, I would get the VA pave earrings. I think the diamond "sparkle" will compliment the all metal guilloche "shine". I think diamond stud earrings (single diamond) with the guilloche (straight etched metal) makes the look a bit too sterile and singular, lacking artistic dimension.

That's just my two cents of course, and jewelry is 100% preference. I wanted to share my thoughts for a different point of view to help you decide.

Good luck and congratulations on your soon to be new earrings!

 

[880]

Agree with @BigAkoya. I have upgraded diamond studs; diamond emerald cut earrings; and, diamond drops. (I don’t have the. particular VCA earrings in question bc I think they will make my face look wide) I tend not to wear the diamond earrings I own bc I’m more into design, and actually not so much into diamonds as it turns out .

Of course, carat weight and quality can be had for less, but it’s more about if you love a particular design. When you think of the cost of something like a VCA design, I find it’s more accurate to think of cost per wear. But, everyone is different; there are no wrong answers here

 

[moineau]

Hi! You have gotten a lot of great input, and I'll share mine.

For me, I have gone through three pairs of diamond studs. I upgraded after each pair, thinking perhaps the reason why I didn't wear them often was because they were too small. I almost upgraded yet a fourth time. However, I really thought about it, smacked myself on the head, and then realized the reason why I don't wear diamond stud earrings is because I find them very boring.

Yes, diamond studs are classic. However, for me, they are too classic and too common. I like my jewelry to make a statement and be a bit more artistic. Everyone has diamonds studs, teenagers to adults, real diamonds or fake cubic zirconias from Claires. A diamond earring is literally everywhere.

So... think about if you really love the classic look of a simple diamond stud, or, if you think you get should a pair because "everyone is supposed to have a pair of diamonds studs."

I am not against buying classics, but one really needs to love the look.
For example, I am a huge fan of fine quality pearls. I love a classic & simple (e.g. boring & plain) big pearl stud earring. It's a clean, yet refined statement to me, and the pearl just pops.

On to your earrings...
I think your Fleurette earrings already provide that "stud sparkle" on your ear.
I also think since you have the Fleurette earrings, unless you buy 2ct each (4cttw) diamond stud earrings, a 1ct each (2cttw) is going to project a smaller look than your Fleurettes.

Let me explain why...
The diamonds in the Fleurette earrings are 10 pointers, meaning they are about 2mm round. At it's widest, there are three stones across, so that's about 6mm. Add the metal, and you get about a 8mm diameter (rough guess here, but since you have them, you can measure the precise diameter).

A 1ct round diamond is about 6mm. It's typically set in an open setting, minimal metal, so the diameter will remain about 6mm.
Hence, if you want a bigger diamond look than your Fleurette earrings, you will need to go bigger than 1ct diamonds.
If your intent is to get dainty diamonds, that's different of course. You'll have to decide which look you are going after for diamond studs.

I agree with @littlecollector you really need to try these on. I tried them on, and for me, I was disappointed. There is very little diamond sparkle. The few diamonds are super tiny, each at about 4 points. The metal dot in the center doesn't help either as it takes away from true continuous pave. The earring itself is mostly metal. That said, they are still very pretty if you want the Alhambra logo theme. If you want that Alhambra theme, you will love them! Are they worth it? Definitely not in terms of raw material. Will you get the "it's a VCA" ear-to-ear grin when you wear them? Definitely yes!

I love love love my Frivole WG pave diamond earrings. I am with @Sleepydoc Frivole is gorgeous, and they pop. I'm not sure if you want big sparkle, but if you want sparkle, these earrings are it!

Back to VA pave earrings or diamond studs...
My vote is since you already have the guilloche, I would get the VA pave earrings. I think the diamond "sparkle" will compliment the all metal guilloche "shine". I think diamond stud earrings (single diamond) with the guilloche (straight etched metal) makes the look a bit too sterile and singular, lacking artistic dimension.

That's just my two cents of course, and jewelry is 100% preference. I wanted to share my thoughts for a different point of view to help you decide.

Good luck and congratulations on your soon to be new earrings!

@BigAkoya I love reading your replies to others on TPF! Thank you for taking the time to reply to me🤗 your reply actually really helped me to analyze my collection and understand what I want. And I really want boring earrings as it turns out!I I realized that lately I stopped wearing any earrings when I wear my golden Tiffany hardwear necklace or large yg Frivole pendant with ring (the days I wear a pendant I don’t wear matching earrings). Somehow I always loved, bought or custom made earrings for their unique design. And now I understood I am a bit tired and actually want something extremely neutral and boring (but with a nice stone).
Actually I also stopped today by the VCA store and tried to keep a pave pendant next to my ear as they never have earrings available. Somehow it didn’t really pop on me…I will still wait for my turn on the waitlist to try the earrings on but perhaps will pass on them and get the studs. Thank you again for your thoughtful advice!!!

 

[moineau]

Hi, I have the yellow gold pave earrings and they are gorgeous. I was put on a waitlist, but never got a call back because these earrings sell out so quickly. In the meantime, the earrings kept increasing in price. Luckily, I walked into the store around Christmas and they had a pair to try on and purchase. Around Christmas time, I notice that they also have the white gold and rose gold versions for sale online/ in store. $14000 is a steep price to purchase something without ever trying it on so I understand your anxiety. Maybe you can wait it out and see if there’s a chance to try it out before you decide. Don’t settle for something else because you might end up wishing that you’ve got what you wanted in the first place. The pave Alhambra earrings are so classic and beautiful. In YG, they go with most of VCA’s creations. Even people who don’t know the brand, compliment these earrings whenever I wear them. With regards to the diamond studs, I feel like this is a standard design which you can get from most jewellers later on.

You were so lucky to get the in the store! The waitlists are eternal 😀and it’s so true - hard to commit to an item that I never saw in real life or tried on!

 

[moineau]

I am in a similar situation where I debated diamond studs vs pave / sapphire Frivole earrings which are 22K (CAD). The "value" convo for these brands will never win out, as you know there are plenty of other options for less $$$. If you would love and wear the studs just as much but feel better about the spend then by all means get those. They are classic! However if you have always wanted the pave Alhambra ultimately you may end up getting both and spending double lol. That's okay too but probably best to get the VCA first as the price will only keep going up.

I have decided to get the Frivoles as I think they are just far more unique and interesting than diamond studs.

The Frivole pave earrings are just stunning! Honestly there is no comparison between pave Alhambra and pave Frivole. The way the Frivole shines is amazing. I just now realized I also consider Alhambra earrings to “match” my tiny Guilloche Collection, not necessarily because I love the earrings as such!

 

[EpiFanatic]

Hi! You have gotten a lot of great input, and I'll share mine.

For me, I have gone through three pairs of diamond studs. I upgraded after each pair, thinking perhaps the reason why I didn't wear them often was because they were too small. I almost upgraded yet a fourth time. However, I really thought about it, smacked myself on the head, and then realized the reason why I don't wear diamond stud earrings is because I find them very boring.

Yes, diamond studs are classic. However, for me, they are too classic and too common. I like my jewelry to make a statement and be a bit more artistic. Everyone has diamonds studs, teenagers to adults, real diamonds or fake cubic zirconias from Claires. A diamond earring is literally everywhere.

So... think about if you really love the classic look of a simple diamond stud, or, if you think you get should a pair because "everyone is supposed to have a pair of diamonds studs."

I am not against buying classics, but one really needs to love the look.
For example, I am a huge fan of fine quality pearls. I love a classic & simple (e.g. boring & plain) big pearl stud earring. It's a clean, yet refined statement to me, and the pearl just pops.

On to your earrings...
I think your Fleurette earrings already provide that "stud sparkle" on your ear.
I also think since you have the Fleurette earrings, unless you buy 2ct each (4cttw) diamond stud earrings, a 1ct each (2cttw) is going to project a smaller look than your Fleurettes.

Let me explain why...
The diamonds in the Fleurette earrings are 10 pointers, meaning they are about 2mm round. At it's widest, there are three stones across, so that's about 6mm. Add the metal, and you get about a 8mm diameter (rough guess here, but since you have them, you can measure the precise diameter).

A 1ct round diamond is about 6mm. It's typically set in an open setting, minimal metal, so the diameter will remain about 6mm.
Hence, if you want a bigger diamond look than your Fleurette earrings, you will need to go bigger than 1ct diamonds.
If your intent is to get dainty diamonds, that's different of course. You'll have to decide which look you are going after for diamond studs.

I agree with @littlecollector you really need to try these on. I tried them on, and for me, I was disappointed. There is very little diamond sparkle. The few diamonds are super tiny, each at about 4 points. The metal dot in the center doesn't help either as it takes away from true continuous pave. The earring itself is mostly metal. That said, they are still very pretty if you want the Alhambra logo theme. If you want that Alhambra theme, you will love them! Are they worth it? Definitely not in terms of raw material. Will you get the "it's a VCA" ear-to-ear grin when you wear them? Definitely yes!

I love love love my Frivole WG pave diamond earrings. I am with @Sleepydoc Frivole is gorgeous, and they pop. I'm not sure if you want big sparkle, but if you want sparkle, these earrings are it!

Back to VA pave earrings or diamond studs...
My vote is since you already have the guilloche, I would get the VA pave earrings. I think the diamond "sparkle" will compliment the all metal guilloche "shine". I think diamond stud earrings (single diamond) with the guilloche (straight etched metal) makes the look a bit too sterile and singular, lacking artistic dimension.

That's just my two cents of course, and jewelry is 100% preference. I wanted to share my thoughts for a different point of view to help you decide.

Good luck and congratulations on your soon to be new earrings!

I agree with @BigAkoya. I wore my 2 ctw studs for 4 years straight and then I just grew really bored of them, after buying my VCA WG pave studs and have not looked back. I even upgraded to 4 ctw studs and nope, still bored. I’m a vca-earring person now. Fully converted.

 

[BigAkoya]

@BigAkoya I love reading your replies to others on TPF! Thank you for taking the time to reply to me🤗 your reply actually really helped me to analyze my collection and understand what I want. And I really want boring earrings as it turns out!I I realized that lately I stopped wearing any earrings when I wear my golden Tiffany hardwear necklace or large yg Frivole pendant with ring (the days I wear a pendant I don’t wear matching earrings). Somehow I always loved, bought or custom made earrings for their unique design. And now I understood I am a bit tired and actually want something extremely neutral and boring (but with a nice stone).
Actually I also stopped today by the VCA store and tried to keep a pave pendant next to my ear as they never have earrings available. Somehow it didn’t really pop on me…I will still wait for my turn on the waitlist to try the earrings on but perhaps will pass on them and get the studs. Thank you again for your thoughtful advice!!!

Hi! I'm glad it helped you understand what you are looking for.

I know exactly what you mean by boring. On days when I want to wear earrings that are classic & simple, it's a boring pearl stud for me! For you, it's a boring diamond stud!

Okay, now that you have shared your other thoughts on why you were considering the VA pave earring, I vote to get diamond studs. Why?

Because for you (assuming I got this correct)...
- You only considered the VA pave earrings to wear with your guilloche.
- You don't like to have too many statement pieces on you at a time, especially not near the face (e.g. no piling all three Frivole pendant, earring, and ring).
- You prefer to have one or two pieces as the star, but for the rest of your pieces, you prefer them to be more a supporting actor (e.g. studs).
- You also have HardWear and don't wear earrings (noooo!!!... you need some earrings to go with that fabulous HardWear piece!)

With those assumptions, I definitely think the diamond studs will work best for you. Because..
You can wear the diamond studs with your HardWear necklace which is a more structural look, and it will go great with diamond studs. You can wear the diamond studs your Frivole pendant and ring, and the diamond studs will highlight the center diamond in the Frivole. Yet, it won't be too busy and matchy matchy around your face (or look like you are wearing a three piece parure), which is what I think you don't like.

On the VCA pave earrings...
Yes, they did not pop for me either. I really tried to love them, but there is just so much hammered metal and not enough diamonds, at least for me.

I think for you, if you do not care about the "VCA logo" earring look, I would skip. Given how you like to wear your pieces, I think diamond studs work better. Diamond studs with your guilloche is a more architectural and singular look, but given you told me you also have HardWear, this is your style, this look is you!

I also think now the VCA pave earrings may look a bit too "old & frou frou" for you due to all the hammered metal, which is a technique used in ancient times.

I say this because all the pieces you mentioned in your post are polished metal (e.g. Frivole, guilloche, Hardware) and a more contemporary look. Hence, I don't think the VA pave earrings will go great with HardWear or Frivole. Of course you could wear them together as people throw stuff on all the time, and it works for them. However, the look will be a busy look, which I think is not the look you are after.

I think your look is bold, but a more fluid & clean shiny bold. If this is you, then the simplicity and singular statement of a diamond stud will work great your necklaces. Just a guess here on your jewelry look.

A bit about diamond studs if I may since this is your first pair...
Aside from the diamond itself, diamond stud earrings are not all created the same. For me, the setting makes a huge difference.

Setting and prongs...
- The classic setting is a four-prong basket. However, I think four-prongs on a diamond make the diamond look like a square. I am also not a fan of the flat basket base as it causes the diamond stud to sit above your skin, and depending on how your ears are, the diamond stud may droop. Pay attention to these two aspects as you decide.

- The three-prong martini setting is also very popular because the original idea was minimal metal (only three-prongs). However, a three-prong setting makes the diamond look like a triangle, so be sure to look carefully at that in case you are considering a three-prong martini setting. I do love the martini post as the diamond lays in the ear much better. Try on a martini post to see how you like it on your ear.

- For me, I love a six-prong martini setting. My earrings are six-prong martini set in platinum. The six-prong makes the diamond look perfectly round, and no, there is not too much metal at all. Think of the Tiffany setting, see how beautiful and perfectly round the diamond looks, and see if you like a six-prong.

Post...
- The classic post is the pushback/butterfly.

- There is also the pousette. For me, I'm not coordinated enough to use the pousette post. I cannot for the life of me put the earrings in on the first attempt. It's super annoying as I like to get dressed quickly. Major pain for me, so just FYI. Tiffany uses pousette backs for their earrings, so you can try them on at Tiffany (they will also change to pushbacks upon request). Many people do love them though.

-Another option is the screwback, which is what I have. Srewbacks are very simple to put on as well as being very secure.

Yikes! Sorry for the long post, I went overboard and will now zip-it. I hope it was helpful.

Jewelry is purely for pleasure, and half the joy of of buying the next jewelry piece is dreaming and thinking about exactly what you want and how you will wear it. Good luck and have fun!

 

[krawford]

Hi! I'm glad it helped you understand what you are looking for.

I know exactly what you mean by boring. On days when I want to wear earrings that are classic & simple, it's a boring pearl stud for me! For you, it's a boring diamond stud!

Okay, now that you have shared your other thoughts on why you were considering the VA pave earring, I vote to get diamond studs. Why?

Because for you (assuming I got this correct)...
- You only considered the VA pave earrings to wear with your guilloche.
- You don't like to have too many statement pieces on you at a time, especially not near the face (e.g. no piling all three Frivole pendant, earring, and ring).
- You prefer to have one or two pieces as the star, but for the rest of your pieces, you prefer them to be more a supporting actor (e.g. studs).
- You also have HardWear and don't wear earrings (noooo!!!... you need some earrings to go with that fabulous HardWear piece!)

With those assumptions, I definitely think the diamond studs will work best for you. Because..
You can wear the diamond studs with your HardWear necklace which is a more structural look, and it will go great with diamond studs. You can wear the diamond studs your Frivole pendant and ring, and the diamond studs will highlight the center diamond in the Frivole. Yet, it won't be too busy and matchy matchy around your face (or look like you are wearing a three piece parure), which is what I think you don't like.

On the VCA pave earrings...
Yes, they did not pop for me either. I really tried to love them, but there is just so much hammered metal and not enough diamonds, at least for me.

I think for you, if you do not care about the "VCA logo" earring look, I would skip. Given how you like to wear your pieces, I think diamond studs work better. Diamond studs with your guilloche is a more architectural and singular look, but given you told me you also have HardWear, this is your style, this look is you!

I also think now the VCA pave earrings may look a bit too "old & frou frou" for you due to all the hammered metal, which is a technique used in ancient times.

I say this because all the pieces you mentioned in your post are polished metal (e.g. Frivole, guilloche, Hardware) and a more contemporary look. Hence, I don't think the VA pave earrings will go great with HardWear or Frivole. Of course you could wear them together as people throw stuff on all the time, and it works for them. However, the look will be a busy look, which I think is not the look you are after.

I think your look is bold, but a more fluid & clean shiny bold. If this is you, then the simplicity and singular statement of a diamond stud will work great your necklaces. Just a guess here on your jewelry look.

A bit about diamond studs if I may since this is your first pair...
Aside from the diamond itself, diamond stud earrings are not all created the same. For me, the setting makes a huge difference.

Setting and prongs...
- The classic setting is a four-prong basket. However, I think four-prongs on a diamond make the diamond look like a square. I am also not a fan of the flat basket base as it causes the diamond stud to sit above your skin, and depending on how your ears are, the diamond stud may droop. Pay attention to these two aspects as you decide.

- The three-prong martini setting is also very popular because the original idea is there is minimal metal (only three-prongs). However, a three-prong setting makes the diamond look like a triangle, so be sure to look carefully at that in case you are considering a three-prong martini setting. I do love the martini post as the diamond lays in the ear much better. Try on a martini post to see how you like it on your ear.

- For me, I love a six-prong martini setting. My earrings are six-prong martini set in platinum. The six-prong makes the diamond look perfectly round, and no, there is not too much metal at all. Think of the Tiffany setting, see how beautiful and perfectly round the diamond looks, and see if you like a six-prong.

Post...
- The classic post is the pushback/butterfly.

- There is also the pousette. For me, I'm not coordinated enough to use the pousette post. I cannot for the life of me put the earrings in on the first attempt. It's super annoying as I like to get dressed quickly. Major pain for me, so just FYI. Tiffany uses pousette backs for their earrings, so you can try them on at Tiffany (they will also change to pushbacks upon request). Many people do love them though.

-Another option is the screwback, which is what I have. Srewbacks are very simple to put on as well as being very secure.

Yikes! Sorry for the long post, I went overboard and will now zip-it. I hope it was helpful.

Jewelry is purely for pleasure, and half the joy of of buying the next jewelry piece is dreaming and thinking about exactly what you want and how you will wear it. Good luck and have fun!

I have saved so many of your post and this one will be saved as well. You are a wealth of information which I appreciate very much!