When it comes to finding the most stunning earrings to add to your jewelry collection, there are countless design factors to consider. Do you prefer something flashier, with dazzling diamonds and vibrant gemstones? Are you searching for something you can wear every day or a pair reserved for the most special occasions? While you’re answering all these questions, don’t forget one of the most important design elements: the metal.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for white gold and diamond studs or large silver hoops—in all cases, the metal setting is an important detail that impacts both the look and longevity of the design. Understanding the durability, quality, and aesthetic benefits of each type of metal setting will help you make an informed decision when shopping for fine jewelry.
The History of Diamond Earrings
Gold and sterling silver diamond earrings have a rich and fascinating history, with origins dating back to ancient times. The first recorded evidence of diamond earring designs appeared in India during the 16th century, an era of opulence and grandeur. Mughal emperors and nobility used yellow gold diamond earrings and other gemstones set in brilliant metals to signify power, status, and divine right.
In the following centuries, diamonds became increasingly available around the world as more mines opened up in Brazil and South Africa. As styles spread and the precious gemstone was more easily attainable, gold and diamond earrings became a staple in the courts of Europe. Often worn in conjunction with other diamond pieces, people in high society used diamonds to showcase their wealth and refinement.
Yellow gold diamond earrings remained an upper-class accessory until the mid-20th century when designs became more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. Each decade brought its own style trends, from the pearl and diamond studs of the 1950s to the chunky statement dangles of the 1980s and beyond, but one thing has remained true—diamond earrings are here to stay.
When Can You Wear Diamond Earrings?
The short answer? As long as they’re properly styled, sterling silver and gold diamond earrings can be worn anywhere, at any time.
Who said diamonds should be saved for special occasions? The right pair of dainty diamond stud earrings can elevate any kind of everyday outfit, whether you’re heading into the office or meeting friends for happy hour. Polished, refined, and oh-so-sophisticated, gold and diamond earrings are the epitome of everyday elegance.
On the other hand, yellow gold diamond earrings are the perfect touch for all your once-in-a-lifetime milestones. While there are plenty of diamond studs designed for day-to-day wear, certain events call for jewelry that reflects the significance of the event. Weddings, anniversaries, and galas are the perfect excuse to showcase the sparkling cluster earrings you’ve been saving for a special occasion!
3 Reasons the Metal Type Matters in Diamond Earring Settings
Did you know the right setting can make a world of difference in the enduring beauty of your diamond and gold earrings? There are three main reasons why the type of metal matters:
1. Metal Choice Impacts Durability
When you invest in fine jewelry, you expect it to last for years and years of wear. Because metals can vary in their hardness levels, the type used in a pair of earrings has an enormous impact on the overall durability of a design. Each jeweler has their own preferences for which is the “best” metal, but each option comes with its own pros and cons.
Jewelry metals must have the perfect balance of flexibility so that jewelers can craft their inspired designs and sturdiness so that they can be worn without fear of damage. The most popular choices for diamond earrings, 925 silver, platinum, and gold, are all well-known for their malleability and strength.
The Vickers Pyramid Scale Measures Metal Durability
The Vickers scale is a popular and easy-to-reference technique for measuring a metal’s durability. In this method, a diamond indenter shaped like a pyramid is pressed directly into the metal being tested. The size of the indentation is an indicator of the metal’s hardness and results in an assigned rating.
The higher a metal’s Vickers Pyramid Number, or HV, the tougher the metal is. The exact hardness will depend on the design’s composition, thickness, and overall construction. The most common jewelry metals fall under these ratings:
- Sterling silver: around 75 HV
- Platinum: around 125 HV
- 18K gold: around 125-180 HV
- 14K gold: around 140-200 HV
- Tungsten: around 410-430 HV
The Durability of Popular Gold Karats
When it comes to shopping for diamond and gold earrings, the karat, a purity indicator, is the best way to determine the baseline durability of a design. The most common karat options include:
- 18K gold: comprises 75% gold, known for a rich color but softer, scratch-prone surface
- 14K gold: has 58% gold, balancing pure gold content and durability.
- 10K gold: contains 42% gold, making it a more durable but less expensive option
Why Isn’t 24 Karat Gold Durable Enough for Diamond and Gold Earrings?
If you’re new to the world of fine jewelry, buying 24K gold for that set of earrings you want to wear every day could seem like a good idea, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While it boasts a brilliant shine and visually striking aesthetic, 24K gold is 99.99% pure gold and infamously too soft to be used for diamond and gold earrings. This malleability makes it prone to scratches, bending, and a weak grip—all of which you want to avoid when buying a pair of live-in white gold and diamond studs.
2. Certain Metals Are Hypoallergenic
Specific individuals may have metal sensitivity issues. When an allergenic metal touches their skin, it releases ions that bind to skin proteins, triggering inflammation, itching, or redness as an immune response. To avoid this, one should only buy diamond earrings made from a hypoallergenic metal.
Nickel is the main culprit for the majority of metal allergies. Other metals used in alloy-gold combinations, such as cobalt, chromium, and even copper, can cause similar reactions.
If you’ve never had issues with costume jewelry before, you may be completely unaffected! But if you’re unsure of a potential metal allergy, you can always consult with a doctor for a patch test.
What Types of Jewelry Metal Are Hypoallergenic?
If you have a metal allergy, you’ll want to stick to a select list for your sterling silver and gold diamond earrings. Search for designs that use:
- Platinum
- Titanium
- Rhodium plating
- 18K gold
- Sterling silver (if marked nickel-free)
3. Metal Settings Pull the Design Together
Metal settings, both literally and figuratively, pull a design together. When it comes to jewelry design, the metal is responsible for more than securing gemstones in place—the type chosen can make or break the overall aesthetic of a piece. But how?
Believe it or not, certain metals can increase (or decrease) the overall brilliance of a diamond. A gemstone’s brilliance is easily influenced by the reflection of whichever metal setting it’s near. Expert jewelers take this into consideration with every sterling silver diamond earring and yellow gold hoop they design.
Matching Diamond Color to Complementary Metal
Different metals have a direct impact on the visual quality of a diamond, especially when it comes to color. As diamonds are available in a variety of hues, it’s important to understand which metal brings out the best in your beautiful pair of diamond stud earrings:
- White diamonds: white gold or platinum creates a clean look and enhances brilliance
- Yellow diamonds: yellow gold brings out the rich, warm color
- Pink diamonds: rose gold adds a romantic touch and matches the blush palette
How to Pick a Diamond Earring Style
Before deciding what metal is right for your earring setting, you have to choose what diamond earring style is right for you. Are you a simple stud lover, or do you want statement earrings to make your outfit pop? The most popular styles for diamond earrings at Fink’s include:
Diamond Stud Earrings
Diamond stud earrings come in an array of stone shapes and metal settings to ensure there’s something for everyone. Characterized by the small, decorative element or gemstone attached to a post, a stud earring is inserted through the earlobe and secured with a backing. These simple and minimalist designs sit flush against the earlobe and are perfect for everyday wear.
For this style, platinum and white gold diamond stud earrings are the more popular choice. Both metals are known to optimize brilliance, ensuring all eyes are on you with every toss of your hair. If you prefer yellow gold or sterling silver for your day-to-day staple pieces, don’t worry—there are plenty of stud earrings crafted with those.
Diamond Dangle Earrings
Diamond dangle earrings are made up of a fixed earring clip, hook, or stud and a decorative element that hangs from the lobe. The adornments vary in length, ranging from short enough to sit just below the earlobe to dramatic lengths that can brush the shoulder. Any motion of the head adds a dynamic, swaying look, creating immediate excitement and movement that enhances your look.
Dangle earrings are designed to draw attention. The metal setting used adds to that effect! It doesn’t matter whether you prefer a glowy yellow gold diamond dangle earring or a sleek sterling silver diamond earring—as long as the metal complements your skin tone and the gemstone, you’ll make a stylish statement.
Diamond Drop Earrings
With a single, stationary embellishment hanging off the earlobe, diamond drop earrings are a slightly elevated version of the classic stud. Versatile enough to suit both casual and formal occasions, white gold sapphire and diamond earrings can be worn alone or in a trendy stack for maximum shine.
When it comes to the selection of diamond drop earrings, the metal setting options are endless. We recommend matching the metal to the pieces you already wear daily to ensure you can wear these smaller pieces whenever possible.
Diamond Hoop Earrings
Easily recognized by their circular or semi-circular shape, diamond hoop earrings loop through a piercing. The shape and setting of diamonds will depend on the designer, often featuring round, baguette, or pear-shaped stones and prong, pavé, or cluster settings.
With a range of hoop sizes and gemstone setting options, there’s a pair of diamond hoops for every occasion. Whether you’re sporting small diamond hoops for subtle glam at work or an extra-bedazzled pair at a dinner party, every metal setting option makes its own statement. Choose between white gold, sterling silver, and yellow gold diamond earrings to add a metallic accent to any outfit.
Diamond Climber Earrings
Sometimes referred to as elongated studs, climber earrings are a hot trend this decade. Ear climbers offer the appearance of multiple piercings without requiring any additional body modifications. Attaching to the wearer’s bottom lobe piercing, a diamond climber earring crawls up the earlobe, following the natural curve of the ear.
Since diamond climber earrings feature multiple gemstones in one design, choosing a metal setting that is appropriately matched is key to unlocking as much brilliance as possible. Ensure that the diamond color and metal complement each other before making a purchase.
Diamond Huggie Earrings
The Huggie earring, while technically a hoop earring, is popular enough to have its own category. Typically ranging in diameter from 5 to 10mm, these small hoops sit close to the earlobe. Though they can feature a variety of gemstones, diamonds are the perfect choice for bringing a bit of beauty to the small surface area.
Diamond huggie earrings are designed to be timeless. With plenty of sterling silver and yellow gold diamond earring options out there, finding a pair that suits you is easier than you’d think! When shopping for diamond designs, you’ll see plenty of options in every kind of jewelry metal on the market, like statement Roberto Coin diamond Huggies and more.
Take the Time to Deep Dive Into Diamonds
After you’ve determined which diamond earring style you desire, you should take the time to understand the gemstone itself. Diamonds are graded within select categories that add up to the design’s final value. Keep the 4Cs (or 5Cs, if you’re shopping at Fink’s) in mind when you’re shopping:
What is Diamond Cut?
Diamond cut refers to the stone’s facets, surfaces, and positioning—all of which add up to the gem’s brilliance and sparkle. If a pair of sterling silver diamond earrings has well-cut stones, the dimensions will be well-proportioned and symmetrical. The cut is one of the most important elements for magnifying the stone’s natural ability to reflect light—AKA, that signature sparkle we love so much!
What is Diamond Color?
Diamond color is an essential component of a diamond’s appearance, but it may not be in the way that you think. Where other gemstones are known for a rainbow of hues, natural diamonds are graded on a lack of color. Most diamonds used in fine yellow gold diamond earrings are colorless or near-colorless.
Diamond Color Grade Scale:
The stones used in sterling silver diamond earrings are graded with a letter range:
- Colorless: D-F
- Near Colorless: G-J
- Faint: K-M
- Very Light: N-R
- Light: S-Z
What About Fancy Colored Diamonds?
If a diamond contains more color saturation than a white grade Z diamond, it qualifies as a fancy-colored diamond. These rare gemstones derive their hues from various environmental factors, such as heat and pressure. The fancy-colored diamonds used in rose gold diamond studs can be found in a variety of vibrant hues:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
- Black
- Orange
- Brown
- Purple
- Pink
- Yellow
What is Diamond Carat?
Let’s not confuse carat with karat! When it comes to yellow gold, karat refers to purity. For diamonds, a carat is used to describe a stone’s weight. This unit of measurement has become a worldwide standard over the years, making it simple to assign a value to a single stone.
What is Diamond Clarity?
The clarity of sterling silver diamond earrings refers to the absence of both internal inclusions and external blemishes within the stones. Crystals, feathers, and cloud shapes occur naturally during a diamond’s formation, and while they aren’t often visible to the naked eye, they can affect a diamond’s durability, transparency, and brilliance.
Top 5 Types of Metal for Diamond Earrings
Now that you know what type of diamond earring you’re looking for and understand a bit more about the brilliant gemstone, you can start deciding which metal works best for you. When you’re shopping at your local jewelry store, don’t be afraid to ask all of the diamond-buying questions you can think of as you try on diamonds with each of the five most popular types of metals:
- Sterling silver
- White gold
- Yellow gold
- Rose gold
- Platinum
The Luster of Sterling Silver Diamond Earrings
Sterling silver is a great metal for earring settings and other types of jewelry. A metal alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other various metals, sterling silver is known for its enhanced shine, luster, and bright color. The added metals in sterling silver make it an extremely durable material; it’s even stronger than gold!
Even though this metal is solid and stable, it’s lightweight, making it the perfect choice for everyday staples. It’s not prone to scratches, dents, or rust and tends to remain untarnished for a long time. You can keep these sterling silver diamond earrings for your entire lifetime, provided you maintain and clean them regularly.
Bring Subtle Shimmer to Your Look with These Sterling Silver Diamond Earrings
Are you convinced you need some sterling silver earrings in your jewelry collection yet? If you’re not, the love knot sterling silver diamond hoops by John Hardy are sure to change your mind. These small hoop earrings make a powerful statement, featuring a complex chain-style texture and a diamond-studded knot.
The Brilliance of White Gold and Diamond Earrings
If you want a beautiful and precious metal adorning your ears, a pair of white gold and diamond earrings is the best choice for you. With a similar shine to platinum, white gold earring settings accentuate the sparkle of the diamonds and make them pop. It’s the perfect choice for people who prefer a white, silvery appearance in their diamond and gold earrings over warm, yellow-toned gold.
White gold is a durable metal that will stand the test of time. The presence of nickel, palladium, or zinc (depending on the design) makes the white gold and diamond studs more resistant to denting and typically more affordable than alternative designs.
Show Off a Sophisticated White Gold and Diamond Earring Design
These Roberto Coin diamond hoops are an exquisite white gold earring option. They’re baby hoops, so they make a statement while still being completely acceptable to wear to work and other day-to-day events.
The white gold hoops are set with white diamonds and measure 10mm in width. Add these gorgeous hoops to your collection, or get them gift-wrapped for a friend or loved one.
The Glow of Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
Yellow gold earrings are the best metal choice for people who love that classic, glowy look. With multiple karat options available, every iteration of yellow gold complements a diamond’s sparkle and brings out the natural beauty in any skin tone. Once you try on a pair of yellow gold diamond earrings, it’s easy to see why it’s been the preferred metal setting for centuries!
As discussed above, the higher the karat, the higher the purity and value. However, lower karats are more durable. We’d recommend 18k yellow gold for a pair of diamond earrings you plan to wear for special occasions, but 10k and 14k are more durable for daily wear. Keeping up with regular maintenance on your yellow gold diamond studs will help keep them in good condition for decades to come.
Add This Timeless Pair of Yellow Gold Earrings to Your Collection
If you want some simple gold diamond studs to go with every outfit, we’ve got the pair for you. With round white diamonds set in a simple round stud, our Sabel Collection bezel set diamond earrings gold are simply beautiful. If you love the style of diamond studs but don’t love yellow gold, they’re also available in white gold earring settings.
The Romantic Glow of Rose Gold Earrings with Diamonds
Known for its sophisticated shine and blush-pink hue, rose gold is one of the most unique-looking metals used for diamond stud earrings. Popular in decades past, rose gold diamond earrings have made a notable comeback in recent years. The warm-toned metal is designed to complement a variety of skin tones and can add a touch of femininity to any outfit.
In addition to its stunning color and distinctive style, rose gold is often chosen because it is one of the most durable types of gold out there. The presence of copper makes it more robust and scratch-resistant than other types of gold. It’s also a more affordable option than high-karat yellow gold diamond earrings due to the lower percentage of gold.
Stand Out in a Pair of Our Go-To Rose Gold Diamond Earrings
If you want the romantic vibes of rose gold earrings in your life, our Sabel Collection rose gold earring studs are perfect for you. They feature a chocolatey brown fancy diamonds in a classic four-prong setting that shows off the pink gold.
The Timeless Look of Platinum Diamond Earrings
Platinum is highly favored in the fine jewelry business due to its unmatched durability and natural white luster. Much more dense than gold or sterling silver, platinum resists wear and tear with ease, making it the ideal choice for everyday wear and secure precious stone settings.
This low-maintenance metal is rarer than gold and known to last years of use, making it a popular option for anyone looking for an heirloom-worthy accessory. Platinum is perfect for sentimental pieces that you wish to keep for a lifetime. Platinum doesn’t rust, fade, discolor, or lose shape over time since it’s one of the hardest metals you can find.
Mixed-Metal Earrings are Trending
It’s impossible to discuss popular earring metals without talking about the modern trend of mixed jewelry metals. Consider buying a few earring styles with blends of metals in various hues, like the sophisticated Marco Bicego double drop diamond earrings.
Once considered a fashion faux pas, this contemporary fad allows you to layer all your favorite pieces at once for a chic, multi-metal look. It also gives you the freedom to wear your favorite earrings, no matter which necklace or bracelet you choose to pair them with.
What About Gold Fill?
If you’ve been shopping for diamond earrings long, you’ve probably heard about gold-filled options. At first glance, gold-filled diamond earrings can seem tempting—after all, they’re available at a dramatically lower price point! But when you break it down, these pieces are not worth it in the long run.
Made by bonding a layer of gold alloy to a base metal core, gold-filled material is designed to resemble the real thing at a more affordable price. It’s more durable than yet another alternative, gold-plated, and can be hypoallergenic for individuals with low sensitivity. But, as it’s not solid gold, it has an enormous potential for tarnishing over time, especially if improperly cared for.
Expert tip: It’s important to remember that high-end designers will almost never use gold-filled metal in their designs.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying Diamond Earrings
If you’re considering investing in a pair of sterling silver or white gold diamond earrings, don’t settle for the first design you find. Take these important factors into consideration to ensure you buy the best pair for your needs:
Setting a Realistic Diamond Earring Budget
Before you shop for yellow gold diamond earrings, step back and consider your current financial situation. When planning a major fine jewelry purchase, many experts recommend setting aside one to three months of your salary to give you the proper parameters for a comfortable price point—whatever that means to you.
Luckily, the best jewelry stores offer timeless designs at a variety of prices. When you meet your jeweler, be transparent about your budget—they’re sure to help you find a design that suits your financial and style needs.
Finding the Most Flattering Earring Setting for Your Face Shape
Did you know that gold and diamond earrings can help balance your facial features? When you find a flattering earring style and stone shape, your natural beauty is enhanced. But how do you know what complements you best?
Start by trying on a few pairs of white gold and diamond studs with stones cut into the opposite shape of your face. The most common face shapes include:
- Square: soften your sharp features with a round hoop earring
- Round: balance out your rounded jawline with linear or narrow dangle earrings
- Oval: can pull off any earring shape
- Heart: focus attention on your high cheekbones with a defined yellow gold teardrop earring
- Rectangle: add width with wide, cascading dangle earrings
Do You Prefer a Specific Jewelry Finish?
A crucial step in jewelry making, jewelry finishes refer to the final treatment applied to the surface of the jewelry. This finishing touch impacts durability and aesthetics and can be done in a variety of textures. Once you’ve determined your preferred metal type for diamond earrings, make sure to look closely at the finish to see if it aligns with your tastes.
Common Finishes for Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings:
- High polish: a mirror-like finish crafted with buffing techniques known for highlighting a natural shine
- Matte: a softer finish made by sandblasting, known for more subdued looks
- Hammered: achieved by gently hammering the metal, results in a rustic, dented look
- Brushed: a slightly textured appearance made with a wire brush
- Satin: a slightly textured finish that still maintains a sheen achieved with fine abrasive pads
We hope that this guide to all things metal for your diamond earring settings helped set you on the path to finding the perfect pair for you. Regardless of your style and budget, we’re confident you’ll find the earrings you love. Soon, everyone you meet will be begging to know where you buy your diamond stud earrings.
