Diamond studs all day over anything else but I’m a stud stalker and feel like they work with everything. Find them to be so classic and able to dress them up or down.
Please help me choose - VCA Alhambra pace earrings VS diamond studs
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I would add a 6 or 8 prong crown setting as another option if you want a base that will sit flat against your piercing. I’ve had a six prong martini and for me it dug into my piercing. The crown setting is better for my piercing.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!
Thank you so much @BigAkoya! Saving this post of yours for the future as it’s a treasure with useful tips and information. You have formulated so well and exactly what I need/want. I could not myself fully understand or formulate it! 🤗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!
Although I currently wear diamond studs, I agree totally with @BigAkoya -you have statement earrings, and $14,000 is not going to buy significant enough studs to be content with, you’re going to want to upgrade, whereas the VCA earrings are a piece and a look in themselves.
The price of the VCA earrings is only going one way, whereas (apart from large Type 11a and coloured diamonds), the price of mid range white diamonds is fairly static at the moment, in fact spinel is rising in price faster!
Good luck with your decision..
The price of the VCA earrings is only going one way, whereas (apart from large Type 11a and coloured diamonds), the price of mid range white diamonds is fairly static at the moment, in fact spinel is rising in price faster!
Good luck with your decision..
It sounds like diamond studs will better suit your needs. I also considered the pave vintage but I never loved them as they appeared a bit flat to me. I instead got the pave sweets in yg and the hammered vintage in wg. I find both great ‘basics’ and can be worn along or with my vintage necklaces. I also have studs and other diamond earrings for varies uses.
In your case I would get guilloche yg and diamond studs. That will give you more variety and give you options with your existing pieces.
In your case I would get guilloche yg and diamond studs. That will give you more variety and give you options with your existing pieces.
Hi there, what do you think is a good carat weight for a 6 prong martini setting? Not too small or too large.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!
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!
, @BigAkoya, I wish there was some way for you to publish your posts. In a book perhaps entitled How to Find, Refine, and Define Your Own Jewelry Aesthetic or something like that.
Hi! I like 1ct each (2cttw). It's the perfect size to me.
I find 0.5ct each (1cttw) a bit on the small side as I feel one has to "look for them."
On the other hand, I find 2ct each (4cttw) a bit on the large side. And yes, while they look big, to me, I feel this size has lost its classic elegance vibe. Jumbo diamonds on the ear are not my aesthetic as I feel they are more about "flashing ice" vs. wearing elegant jewelry if that makes sense. I personally feel the jumbo diamond earring look moves into the "jumbo cubic zirconia" look which is so common these days, even on teenagers. That's just my opinion of course, and a lot of people like to wear jumbo diamond earrings. It's all preference.
Diamond size also depends on where your ear piercing is. My ear piercing is low, and for me a 2ct diamond covers right to the edge of the bottom of my earlobe which is not a look I like. I prefer a diamond stud to show a tiny bit of skin at the bottom of the earlobe if that makes sense... like the diamond is floating, sparkling on the ear, not "hanging off" the ear.
So, the perfect size to me is 1ct each (2cttw). Here is my pair as FYI to show you what I mean from my prior post.
The first photo is a top view. See how the diamond looks perfectly round? This is exactly what I wanted.
People buy perfectly cut round diamonds for their brillance which is my priority. I love round diamonds and I wanted them to stay looking round which is why I choose the 6-prong.
I have a Tiffany engagement ring, and these earrings look just like it which is what I wanted. Tiffany does not sell and will not custom make 6-prongs (I asked).
The second & third photos show the martini and the screwback. You can see the underside is open, minimal metal.
Oh... forgot to mention one more thing...
You may know by now my ear piercing is small (I've whined about my ear piercing so many times on TPF!).
Hence, I need to use a thinner post. Otherwise, my ear piercing hurts. This setting is custom made as I bought each diamond loose and had the jeweler make the setting. I asked the jeweler to use thinner post. You can ask for whatever you want, so this is the time to be picky!
Hope this helps.
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Thank you for responding. I have a pair of diamond stud earrings, each diamond a little over a carat in a 4 prong setting. As you mentioned, it does make the diamond look square. I haven't worn them in quite a while, but you got me thinking. I am going to check into resetting them in a 6 prong setting. I need thin post as well. My right ear is a little wonky. Also, thank you for the pictures. I will show those to my jeweler.Hi! I like 1ct each (2cttw). It's the perfect size to me.
I find 0.5ct each (1cttw) a bit on the small side as I feel one has to "look for them."
On the other hand, I find 2ct each (4cttw) a bit on the large side. And yes, while they look big, to me, I feel this size has lost its classic elegance vibe. Jumbo diamonds on the ear are not my aesthetic as I feel they are more about "flashing ice" vs. wearing elegant jewelry if that makes sense. I personally feel the jumbo diamond earring look moves into the "jumbo cubic zirconia" look which is so common these days, even on teenagers. That's just my opinion of course, and a lot of people like to wear jumbo diamond earrings. It's all preference.
Diamond size also depends on where your ear piercing is. My ear piercing is low, and for me a 2ct diamond covers right to the edge of the bottom of my earlobe which is not a look I like. I prefer a diamond stud to show a tiny bit of skin at the bottom of the earlobe if that makes sense... like the diamond is floating, sparkling on the ear, not "hanging off" the ear.
So, the perfect size to me is 1ct each (2cttw). Here is my pair as FYI to show you what I mean from my prior post.
The first photo is a top view. See how the diamond looks perfectly round? This is exactly what I wanted.
People buy perfectly cut round diamonds for their brillance which is my priority. I love round diamonds and I wanted them to stay looking round which is why I choose the 6-prong.
I have a Tiffany engagement ring, and these earrings look just like it which is what I wanted. Tiffany does not sell and will not custom make 6-prongs (I asked).
The second & third photos show the martini and the screwback. You can see the underside is open, minimal metal.
Oh... forgot to mention one more thing...
You may know by now my ear piercing is small (I've whined about my ear piercing so many times on TPF!).
Hence, I need to use a thinner post. Otherwise, my ear piercing hurts. This setting as custom made as I bought each diamond loose and had the jeweler make the setting. I asked the jeweler to use thinner post. You can ask for whatever you want, so this is the time to be picky!
Hope this helps.
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Sorry if I'm being annoying,Thank you for responding. I have a pair of diamond stud earrings, each diamond a little over a carat in a 4 prong setting. As you mentioned, it does make the diamond look square. I haven't worn them in quite a while, but you got me thinking. I am going to check into resetting them in a 6 prong setting. I need thin post as well. My right ear is a little wonky. Also, thank you for the pictures. I will show those to my jeweler.
, just trying help, and I forgot one other thing.Since you mentioned you were going to show this setting to your jeweler, I want to point out one detail, as details matter.
I reposted my setting which is the first photo. However, I drew a red circle at the bottom of the martini Y. Do you see that little round base? This will help the Y to not sink into your ear piercing too much especially if you have a big opening in your ear piercing (my opening is small, hence the thinner post).
I also posted a second photo of another martini setting. Do you see the Y? It does not have a base, and for some people, this makes a difference as without the base, the Y can sink into the ear piercing which may not be comfortable (not to mention, aesthetically, it does not look as finished). This setting is also a 3-prong, and you can see how it makes the diamond look like a triangle.
Again though, all this stuff is preference, but it's good to know options so you can decide.
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