Settings play a major role in any piece of jewelry. Practically, they hold the gem securely in place so you can wear it without fear of loss. Stylistically, settings offer unlimited creative possibilities for displaying the gem to its best advantage. When it comes to diamond stud earrings, you’ll want to consider which settings offer the maximum sparkle, enhance the size of the stone and provide the best protection.

Settings that maximize the Shine

To get the most sparkle out of your diamonds, put the least amount of metal on the stones. Less metal equals more diamond visible to the eye. A setting with three of four prongs would be an eye-catching choice.

For smaller diamonds, consider adding a halo of diamond melee. Or encase the diamonds in a white metal setting that will complement their colorlessness.

Settings that maximize size

Prong settings can also maximize the size of a diamond, since they cover the least amount of diamond surface. So, if you’re going for size, go for a prong setting to expose as much of the diamond surface as possible.

Settings that maximize security

Even though diamonds are the hardest naturally occuring substance, it still can be chipped and scratched. However, diamonds worn as earrings won’t be subject to the same wear and tear that rings and bracelets receive. So the main security concern is that the diamonds won’t fall out of their settings.

Generally, settings that cover the least amount of diamond area maximize diamond size, but they also offer the least amount of protection. The most protection is offered by a bezel setting, whereby a thin metal strip is pushed or hammered around the gem to secure it. Although the bezel’s metal covers part of the diamond’s surface area, a white metal bezel can make a colorless gem look larger while it holds it in place.

Screw backs are a smaller, more discreet type of earring back, like push backs. So they’re also a great option for those with smaller earlobes. But screw backs have an advantage over push backs: they’re more secure. It does take a bit longer to put on a screw back than it does to put on a push back, since it needs to be carefully screwed on each time. And it is important to be delicate when screwing on a screw back, so you don’t strip your earring posts. Many people find that this small bit of extra time is well worth it for that extra sense of security, however, especially for diamond studs that are larger or more valuable.