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Minimalist Jewelry: A Beginner’s Guide

Discover the jewelry minimalists are going crazy for to wear alone, stacked, or layered with other fine jewelry pieces that will remain trendy now and for years to come.

Minimalist Jewelry

Whether you like plain and simple jewelry designs or you’re wanting to add a more minimalist edge to your style, we’re here to help you on your minimalist style journey.

Minimalist jewelry is and always will be a fashionable option for just about any event or occasion. We’ve looked at common mistakes made when trying to pull off this look and how we can make it easier for you to rock minimalist jewelry and still look effortlessly stunning. 

Here are our top tips to look out for when purchasing, pairing, and wearing minimalist jewelry like a pro.

What Is Minimalist Jewelry?

Essentially, minimalist jewelry is accessories with simple and unfussy designs that work subtly into your look. Simple fashion is the name of the game for people looking to buy and wear minimalist jewelry, but that’s not to say your overall aesthetic won’t make a statement. 

Often subtle jewelry can tie a great outfit together and give it the touch of sparkle it’s missing. Or it can add a hint of your personality to whatever you wear night or day! 

Can I Wear Multiple Pieces of Minimalist Jewelry?

Minimalist jewelry doesn’t necessarily mean you only need one piece of jewelry. Definitely play around with different pieces that you can stack, layer, or wear on different parts of your body. 

Whether you like layering or stacking your jewelry, you can style your go-to minimalist designs in a way that doesn’t give off a cluttered look. 

However, don’t feel as though you need to wear multiple pieces of minimalist jewelry. A simple necklace, bracelet, and ring design can look incredible without the need to add more.

Does The Minimalist Jewelry Need To Be The Same Metal?

Playing around with different metal colors is your prerogative, and no one should say otherwise. 

You can mix and match your minimalist jewelry to your heart’s content, but do keep in mind that when you pair the pieces of the same metal color, it really does make a statement. What you want to avoid is over cluttering your look with too many different colors. So we suggest you stick with two metal colors max. 

Most people with warmer skin tones can pull off a darker metal combination of yellow and rose gold. Whereas those with cooler skin tones look great in white metals like silver, white gold, and platinum. The key is to play around and see which metals look best on you. This can also vary for your day or night looks. 

Related Post: How To Choose The Right Jewelry For Your Skin Tone

Minimalist Jewelry: The Classics

When it comes to minimalist jewelry, invest in the essentials. Add a few classic pieces to your jewelry box for a chic minimalist style that works every time. Timeless jewelry pieces will always pass the latest trends. Whether it’s a pair of gold hoops or a cuff bracelet, you can wear these items to give your everyday look a contemporary spin. 

Classic or vintage jewelry can be bought for absolutely any occasion and will stand the test of time. They also make for the best gifts and are perfect for both casual and formal environments.

Minimalist Jewelry To Make A Bold Statement

The key to a minimalist style is an outfit that has one showstopping jewelry piece. Whether it be a sleek pair of thick huggie hoops or a chunky signet ring, a single jewel can keep you looking fashion-forward. Nothing screams minimalist chic more than one impactful piece of jewelry to keep all eyes on you.   

To get that big and bold look with one piece of jewelry, you’d do best by investing in some solid gold pieces. Modern minimalist jewelry trends all point to yellow gold jewelry, a warm and versatile metal that looks good on any skin tone. 

Minimalist Jewelry: Simple, Yet Sparkling

Just because you’re going with minimalist jewelry doesn’t mean you need to lose your shine. Diamond jewelry is still the perfect choice for a polished and sparkling aesthetic, like diamond pendants or diamond tennis bracelets. Our only advice here will be to stick to one kind of metal if you wear more than one piece of diamond jewelry. 

If you’re looking for just a hint of sparkle, a modest bezel set or dome ring could be the perfect asset to your minimalist collection. 

Keep Your Jewelry Box Light

Minimalist jewelry can serve you time and time again. Stick to a few flexible pieces that you might wear for both informal and formal occasions with any type of outfit. Here, we suggest starting with precious metals. These metals often appear as clean, sleek lines with smooth satin surfaces.

This type of jewelry is a staple of simple elegance and is easy to throw on at a minute’s notice. Take a pair of simple stackable rings or a medallion necklace, for example; put them on, and you’ve gone from casual to polished in an instant. Plus, it’s a long-term investment in quality and style you’ll get to cherish and wear any time you want.

Related post: Minimalist Jewelry: Back To Basics

Spice Up Your Minimalist Jewelry With Gemstones

A pop of color may be just what the fashionistas ordered. If your outfit of choice happens to be a simple white, beige or black ensemble, gemstone jewelry will serve as your ideal accessory. 

What we love about gemstones is their ability to look fabulous in whichever fine jewelry piece you prefer. Their color will give you the extra finesse your outfit needs to make a statement; from gemstone rings to a chic gemstone necklace or bracelet, your options are endless. 

As a minimalist rule, it’s less complicated to stick to your favorite type of gemstone and avoid unnecessary mixing and matching.

Avoid Complicated Designs

Minimalist jewelry can be fun and explorative, from asymmetric lines for abstract simplicity or perfectly symmetrical pieces that give you a sleek look. Try to avoid designs that are too intricate and move towards more opulent jewelry with clean cuts and smooth surfaces.

You don’t want to take away from the curated minimalism that comes with uncomplicated jewelry designs.

Buying A Piece of Minimalist Jewelry For Someone Special

If you’re thinking about getting a piece of jewelry for someone special, but you want it to be affordable and not over the top, minimalist jewelry is the way to go! 

We all like adding accessories to our jewelry boxes that we know we can wear every day no matter the occasion, so trust us when we say your gift will be appreciated and worn often!
Go for a simple stackable birthstone ring, a plain medallion necklace, a simple pair of hoop earrings, or a cuff bracelet to let them know you care and that you have great taste in jewelry.

Closing Thoughts

We at JamesAllen.com hope you enjoyed this article as much as we loved writing it. Our archives are brimming with fun and helpful tips about fine jewelry. Learn how to match your personality and style with the jewelry of your dreams. You can find our selection of reads below. 

If you have any questions about our products or you’d like to design your own earrings or pendants, visit our website here or get in contact with one of our 24/7 customer service agents here.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jessica Thomas

Jessica feels too much anxiety trying to come up with a cool bio. Read her awesome blog post instead.

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Simulant Diamonds vs. Lab Created Diamonds: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a traditional diamond, you’ve come to the right place. We’re explaining the pros and cons of real diamonds and diamond simulants, so you can choose the right stone for you.

Pair of tweezers and various fancy shaped diamonds

Note: At James Allen, we sell only U.S. Federal Trade Commission-certified true diamonds, which include both lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds.

What’s A “Real Diamond”?

The term “diamond” refers to a very specific stone: the crystalline form of carbon. While other forms of carbon exist, what makes a diamond special is its particular atomic configuration.

A carbon atom can bond with a maximum of 4 other atoms – and in diamond, all the available spots are taken by…other carbon atoms! That’s right, it’s carbon all the way. And this results in an extremely stable, super hard, super sparkling stone. 

Real Diamonds

Lab Created Diamonds

The crystalline form of carbon we call “diamond” can be attained only through intense heat, constant pressure, and a good amount of time. Nowadays, we can achieve that in a lab in specialized machines that knock a few billion years off the cooking time. The result is a lab-made diamond that differs from an earth created diamond in name only.

If you were to look at both types of diamonds through a professional jeweler’s loupe, or if you were to inspect both diamonds on a molecular level, you would see no difference. The same result was achieved through very different processes.

Lab grown diamonds and earth created diamonds are optically and chemically identical, the only difference being their relative origins. And this difference in origin leads lab grown diamonds to flaunt a much lower price point.

Lab Created Diamonds

Simulants, however, are not diamonds. They’re different minerals that bear a resemblance to diamonds. We’ll dig into two of the most popular diamond simulants: cubic zirconia and moissanite.

Diamond Simulants: Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite

Diamond simulants are various types of man-made stones that are synthesized for the purpose of being diamond lookalikes. These clear, sparkling stones mimic the beauty of a diamond, but at a much lower cost. However, they do display marked differences to both lab created and earth mined diamonds in non-visual traits.

Why does this matter? It’s important to remember that clarity is only one characteristic of jewelry stones. Color, resilience, and sparkle vary between these different stones; stones’ specific characteristics can greatly affect how you wear them in jewelry, and their lifetime cost to you.

Cubic Zirconia

What is cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is arguably the most popular diamond simulant. It’s a man-made, crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. 

How is cubic zirconia made?

In a laboratory, zirconium oxide powder is melted into various stabilizing agents at a super-high temperature of nearly 5,000 degrees F. When left to cool, this mineral mixture forms crystals, which can then be cut and polished into jewelry-grade stones.

Moissanite

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a form of silicon carbide crystal that’s synthesized in a lab. The result is a clear stone that, on the surface, bears a striking resemblance to real diamonds

How is moissanite made?

Moissanite occurs naturally, but it’s incredibly rare. Thus, all the affordable moissanite on the market today is created in a lab. 

How to distinguish between a real diamond and a simulant diamond:

Durability

The standard measurement to determine a stone’s strength is the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It describes a mineral’s resistance to being scratched and is measured from 0 (maximum softness) to 10 (maximum hardness).

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds:

Diamonds are the toughest stones out there. They score a maximum of 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning they can withstand absolutely anything you throw at them in your daily life. This durability is one of the reasons diamonds are the go-to stone for engagement rings, which are worn daily for decades at a time.

Because diamonds’ structure never changes, they can be passed on as family heirlooms. Both lab grown diamonds and earth created diamonds will last for, well, forever. 

Moissanite

While moissanite isn’t the hardest mineral out there, it’s close. It scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It’s more susceptible to scratching than diamonds are, but it still holds up extremely well to daily wear-and-tear.

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia is moderately hard. At an 8 on the Mohs scale, its resilience is comparable to that of other jewelry stones like emerald, beryl, and amethyst. Because it’s scratch-resistant, but not scratch-proof, cubic zirconia (particularly much-worn stones like those in engagement rings) often acquires many tiny scratches that cloud its appearance. When this occurs, a professional jeweler can recut the stone to restore its clarity.

Lifespan

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds

How long do diamonds last? Well, you’ll never have to throw one out due to deterioration. As the famous De Beer’s slogan correctly claims, “A diamond is forever.” The oldest diamonds found have existed for nearly 4 billion years, and they’re holding strong.

You can rest assured that any diamond you buy, whether earth mined or lab created, can be comfortably passed down through the generations. 

Moissanite

Though not as long-lasting as diamonds, moissanite will comfortably last for decades without any significant degradation in quality. However, since it’s a relatively newly recognized mineral, its exact lifespan is unknown.

Although discovered over a century ago, jewelry-grade moissanite crystals only began to be synthesized in the 1970’s and only became widely available in the 1980’s. Meaning, many couples getting engaged today with moissanite engagement rings were born before moissanite engagement rings became a thing. 

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia is made for short-term wear. With daily wear, you can expect them to last less than 5 years. This means cubic zirconia is a great “for the time being” stone; you can wear it as a placeholder until you replace it with your dream diamond.

Be advised that contact with common chemicals will cause cubic zirconia to lose its shine, making it wearable for shorter periods of time. So make sure to remove cubic zirconia jewelry before doing daily tasks like putting on lotion, using cleaning supplies, or using hairspray.

Color

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds

Colorless isn’t the only option! Due to trace elements in their composition, diamonds can display a range of colors. Plus, diamonds’ color is permanent. It won’t change at high temperatures or fade over time. 

Moissanite

Moissanite exhibits “thermochromism,” meaning that it is sensitive to a color change at temperatures above 150° F (65 C). These are usually temporary, but these heat-sensitive color changes can sometimes be permanent.

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia doesn’t change color when exposed to heat, but under UV radiation it can turn color, albeit temporarily. Most commonly, it turns yellowish, light green, or white. Indoors your stone will remain clear, but if you go outside on a sunny day it may change hue.

Sparkle

A diamond’s sparkle is largely thanks to two qualities: brilliance and fire.

“Brilliance” is a specific term describing a gemstone’s ability to return white light. It’s measured by the refractive index; a higher refractive index indicates a greater amount of white light reflected. The more white light reflected, the brighter the gemstone appears to the human eye.

“Fire” refers to a gemstone’s ability to return colored light, and is measured by the dispersion score. The higher a gemstone’s dispersion, the more it will display a rainbow of colors.

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds 

Diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42 and their faceting pattern returns light remarkably. They’re strikingly bright, but not too much so. Its dispersion is relatively low, at 0.044, so diamonds remain quite bright, with only minimal colorful sparkle. The combination of this brilliance (reflected white light) and fire (refracted color) give diamonds a truly balanced and unparalleled sparkle.

Moissanite

Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index than diamonds, at 2.65, and thus appears incredibly bright under natural light. However, moissanite has crazy high dispersion: 0.104. This is why it reflects back a ton of colored light, leading to a “rainbow effect” that tends to overshadow its brilliance.

The rainbow effect tends to make moissanite look fake to the well-trained eye, and is especially noticeable under natural light and in larger stones. In short, moissanite can often appear “too sparkly” under certain lights.

Cubic zirconia

With a refractive index of 2.15, cubic zirconia is the least brilliant of the bunch. Its lower score means that it reflects less light back to the eye, appearing duller than both diamond and moissanite under identical light.

It has a slightly higher dispersion than diamond, around 0.058, but isn’t very noticeable. Under natural light, it will appear quite white, but it will definitely lack the sparkle of either diamond or moissanite.

Ideal Size

Lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds

Diamonds come in every carat. At James Allen, we sell loose diamonds in a huge range of carat sizes: from petite diamonds in 0.20 carats, all the way to large diamonds that are upwards of a whopping 20 carats. Diamonds’ stunning bright white brilliance and minimal color dispersal look amazing in any carat weight.

Moissanite:

Moissanite’s intense rainbow effect increases as the stone get larger. For this reason, it’s best to avoid large moissanite stones in jewelry. Stick with the smaller sizes; under 1 carat is best. Think: diamond for center stones, and moissanite for accent stones.

Cubic zirconia:

Cubic zirconia comes in as wide a range of carat sizes as diamonds do. While you can find cubic zirconia in as large a carat as you’d like, it’s best to choose an average-sized carat (around 1 carat) both to maximize the amount of light that hits the stone and to avoid the relatively dull shine that becomes obvious in larger stones.

Cost

Earth created diamonds

Traditional diamonds are the most expensive choice. The process of discovering, mining, and shipping earth created diamonds is resource-intensive; the high cost of bringing them to market has helped diamonds achieve their luxe reputation.

Lab created diamonds

For when you want a real diamond, but want to pay 30% less. Because the process of creating a diamond takes significantly less time and resources than mining a diamond from the earth do, lab made diamonds cost significantly less than earth mined diamonds.

Moissanite

This is quite affordable compared to diamond, but it’s the more expensive of the diamond simulants. Moissanite costs about half of what a traditional diamond under 1-carat costs. As a traditional diamond increase in carat weight, comparable moissanites become relatively more affordable. 

Cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia is the most budget-friendly choice. It costs next to nothing compared to a traditional diamond. While a colorless, eye-clean 1-carat diamond could cost thousands of dollars, comparable cubic zirconia will cost only a few dozen dollars.

The Low-Down

Choose a classic earth created diamond if:

  1. You love diamond’s sparkle
  2. You’ll wear your diamond jewelry often
  3. You admire the billions of years of history contained in each stone

Choose a modern lab created diamond if:

  1. You love diamond’s sparkle
  2. You’ll wear your diamond jewelry often
  3. You want a large diamond at a lower price

Choose moissanite if:

  1. You’re on a budget
  2. You like small-carat stones
  3. You’ll wear your jewelry intensively

Choose cubic zirconia if:

  1. You’re on a budget
  2. You’ll wear your jewelry carefully and not every day
  3. You’re saving up for a more expensive stone

Choosing the stone that suits your lifestyle is an important part of designing meaningful jewelry that will last you throughout your life. And if you choose to buy either lab-created diamonds or earth-created diamonds, you can choose from 1000’s of beautiful options at James Allen.

Keep up on your diamond reading:

  1. Diamonds: The April Birthstone
  2. How To Take Care Of Your Diamond Jewelry
  3. Earth-Created Vs. Lab-Created Diamonds
  4. True Hearts™ Lab Created Diamonds
  5. Lab-Created Diamonds vs. Moissanite

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Your GIA Certification, Explained

A GIA certification is an official document detailing the nitty-gritty of your unique diamond. Why’s it important? Read on to find out.

GIA Certification

First of all, what’s a GIA certification?

A GIA certification (so named because it’s issued by the Gemological Institute of America) is a type of diamond certification: a document that describes in detail all the unique characteristics of your diamond. An official GIA inspector analyzes your diamond thoroughly and records its physical attributes in the certificate. The 4 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight) are covered exhaustively. No two diamonds will have identical GIA certificates.

In short, you can think of a GIA certification as your diamond’s “birth certificate.” 

Martini Diamond Stud Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Three Prong Martini Round Brilliant Diamond Stud Earrings (1.00 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

“What I’m most pleased with is how sparkly the diamonds are. I’m so glad I chose the 3 prong martini style, they don’t stick out or droop. They fit as flush to the ear as possible if that’s the look you’d prefer.” -Joyce J.

Four-Prong Diamond Stud Earrings

14K White Gold Four Prong Round Brilliant Lab Created Diamond Stud Earrings (1.50 CTW - F-G / VS2-SI1)

“I absolutely love my new earring studs! I was able to style them exactly how I wanted using the stones and metal I wanted. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.” -Matt T.

Is a GIA certification important? 

Well, yes and no. 

Yes: The GIA certification allows gemologists to identify, price, and appraise your diamond. By documenting its one-of-a-kind characteristics, a diamond certificate ensures that your stone is unmistakable.

No: You wear a diamond for the sparkle, not the certification. The GIA certification often comes in handy at the beginning of your diamond’s life – as you buy, appraise, and insure your diamond – then usually spends the rest of its days in a file cabinet.

To really understand the aspects of your diamond described in the GIA certification, you have to see them with your own eyes. With James Allen’s Diamond Display technology, you can view your diamond in 360° HD and up to 40x magnification. Then you’ll truly understand your diamond’s features.

Four-Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant

14K Yellow Gold Four Prong Basket Solitaire Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

“More incredible than I could have hoped! I have to say, I am so impressed! This design is just perfect and really lets the diamond “shine,” literally and figuratively.” – Maggie L.

Mounted Pear Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant

14K White Gold Pear Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant (Mounting)

“The stone is so beautiful and sparkly. I love how it is set so it shows off the shape of the pear. The workmanship is great and it was shipped quickly. I am so happy with my Diamond pendant” -Lenora L.

Your GIA Certification

The good news is that every James Allen diamond comes with an official certification. We provide reports from the industry’s leading labs including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Your diamond may come with a diamond certification from the GIA, the American Gem Society (AGS), or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These labs adhere to the highest grading standards, and only issue diamond certifications certified by professional gemologists.

To get your diamond’s certificate, simply ask our customer service team! Your grading report is complementary with your diamond.

Beaded Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Bead Accent Pavé Trio Diamond Engagement Ring

“I am very happy with this ring setting. It feels very dainty and sort of vintage. I love the small details of this setting that make this ring feel unique, like the milgrain beading around the center stone.” -Noel B.

Pavé Halo Engagement Ring

14K White Gold Pavé Halo And Shank Diamond Engagement Ring (Pear Center)

“I got my ring several months ago and I still get excited every day when I see it. The ring is gorgeous and sparkly and exactly how I hoped it would look when I bought my stone!” Katrina H.

Earth Created Vs. Lab Created Diamonds?

Lab created diamonds and earth-created diamonds both come with diamond certifications. That’s because lab created diamonds and earth created diamonds are, well, diamonds. And since both grow organically (one underground, one in a lab) they both form their own unique, gradable characteristics. In fact, even professional gemologists can’t reliably tell the difference between earth-created and lab-created diamonds.

Four Prong Tennis Bracelet

14K White Gold Four Prong Lab Created Diamond Tennis Bracelet (2.00 CTW - F-G / VS2-SI1)

“I bought this bracelet as a present to myself. I extensively researched the difference between lab grown and earth diamonds and since there is no physical difference and I wanted the bigger diamonds I chose lab grown.” -Katrina D.

Bezel-Set Tennis Bracelet

14K Rose Gold Bezel Diamond Tennis Bracelet (3 CTW - H-I / SI1-SI2)

“I have always been in search of a nice diamond bezel bracelet: something that sparkles and doesn’t get caught in your clothes. This bracelet just exceeds my expectations! The diamonds sparkle, the bracelet is smooth, and overall the design is very nice! I NEVER take it off!” – Beth L.

Still Have Questions?

At James Allen.com, our customer service agents are available to you 24/7. Feel free to contact us, and one of our non-commissioned diamond and jewelry experts will help you find the diamond of your dreams. 

Still diamond curious? Read on!

  1. Diamonds: The April Birthstone
  2. How To Take Care Of Your Diamond Jewelry
  3. Earth-Created Vs. Lab-Created Diamonds
  4. Why Carat Weight Doesn’t Really Matter

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase.

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Our Most Popular and Most-Reviewed Jewelry

Sure, the jewelry looks fantastic online…but what do customers really think? Read on to find out! We’ve arranged a lineup of the year’s most-reviewed items: engagement rings, wedding rings, and fine jewelry. 

Most-reviewed wedding rings and engagement rings

The reviews are in! Which items are James Allen customers totally in love with? The trends are clear: rose gold, pavé, and classic settings are in.

Rose gold jewelry

Rose gold jewelry got the lion’s share of rave reviews! Our lineup below includes rose gold engagement ringsrose gold wedding rings, and a rose gold necklace.

Pavé jewelry

This glittery lineup of popular jewelry is studded with pavé settings. Not only does pavé add sparkle, but when designed in a halo it makes its center stone appear larger!

Classic jewelry

Simple, unadorned jewelry makes a strong showing alongside its sparkling peers. Solitaire engagement rings, minimalist stud earrings, and gold-forward pendant necklaces are clearly popular.

Read on for a snapshot of our most-reviewed items…

Engagement Rings

Rose Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring

The Petite Pavé is one of our most popular engagement ring styles, and it’s clear that rose gold is rising in popularity. This delicate, feminine ring has just the right amount of sparkle…and it had our customers raving!

“The ring was perfect and my fiancé loved it and hasn’t stopped looking at it since.”
-Aaron B.

most popular engagement rings: rose gold pave engagement ring
14K Rose Gold Petite Pave Engagement Ring (Flush Fit)

White Gold Knife Edge Engagement Ring

A simple solitaire engagement ring – with an edge. The strong lines of this unique solitaire engagement ring draw all eyes to the featured center stone. Affordable, minimalist, and stylish, this engagement ring drew a storm of chatter.

“My fiancée loves it! The simplicity of the ring is amazing and more! It shines so big!”
– Jahaira C.

most popular engagement rings:  white gold solitaire engagement ring
14K White Gold 2mm Knife Edge Solitaire Engagement Ring

Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
with Oval Diamond

This yellow gold engagement ring is an utter classic. It’s designed for comfort – not only is it beautiful, but you can wear it all day. And customers loved it! This setting is suitable for mounting with any cut of a diamond – and customers took advantage of this, choosing (for instance) the oval diamond featured below. 

“Bought this beautiful piece for my wife and she was super happy! The quality of the style and cut is amazing!”
– Alessandro B.

most popular engagement rings:  yellow gold solitaire oval engagement ring
14K Yellow Gold 1.5mm Comfort Fit Engagement Ring

White Gold Pavé Rope Engagement Ring

This white gold engagement ring really puts a twist on pavé. It’s composed of two thin bands – one pavé and one classic – twirled together for just the right amount of subtle shimmer. 

“Loved the ring! Shines a ton. She loved it.”
– Chris F.

most popular engagement rings: white gold twisted pave engagement ring
14K White Gold Pave Rope Engagement Ring

Rose Gold Cathedral Halo Engagement Ring

With an arching, many-armed backet, this rose gold engagement ring is pure royalty. Its unique halo is slightly almond-shaped, tapering gracefully into the curved pavé-set band. This is a super-sparkler! And thanks to the surrounding small stones, the center stone actually appears larger than it is. 

“My now fiancée absolutely loves the ring and loves adoring the size of the diamond.” 
– Jonathan V. 

most popular engagement rings: rose gold pave halo engagement ring
14K Rose Gold Cathedral Pave Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Wedding Rings

Platinum Flush Fit Pavé Wedding Ring

This is a timeless wedding band that adds a good amount of sparkle. The pavé-set diamonds are set perfectly to allow the maximum amount of light to hit their facets. And if that’s not enough, it’s also effortlessly comfortable to wear. 

“Absolutely love my wedding band and engagement ring. My diamond is stunning and customer service was exceptional.”
– James S.

most popular wedding rings: platinum pave wedding ring
Platinum Flush Fit Pave Wedding Ring

Thin Pavé Wedding Ring

For those who love a solid stack of sparkle, this delicate pavé wedding ring is a perfect choice. Slim enough to accommodate both an engagement ring and an anniversary ring, this adds a graceful line of complementary glitter to any ring compilation.

“She said yes! The ring is absolutely remarkable and super elegant!”
– Andrew H.

most popular wedding rings: white gold pave wedding ring
14K White Gold Thin Pave Set Diamond Wedding Ring

Platinum Prong-Set Diamond Wedding Ring

This platinum wedding ring is set with 10 sparkling diamonds that cover half the band’s length. This wedding ring is gracefully bold. Its stones are larger than that of a pavé and, as such, they capture a good amount of light.

“Beautiful! Looks great with my engagement ring (which is also from James Allen).”
– Anne W.

most popular wedding rings: white gold prong-set wedding ring
Platinum Prong Set Diamond Wedding Rin

Rose Gold Vintage Marquise Wedding Ring

A wedding ring with all the romance of vintage jewels, but made to modern quality standards. The entire length of the rose gold band is set with alternating round and marquise diamonds that give off an uncommonly romantic whimsy.

“Exactly what I envisioned for my wedding band. Amazing quality too.”
– Justin L.

most popular wedding rings: rose gold vintage marquise and round diamond wedding ring
14K Rose Gold Vintage Marquise And Round Bezel Diamond Ring

Fine Jewelry 

Yellow Gold Four-Prong Diamond Earrings

These diamond studs became many of our customers’ go-to earrings this year! With their sturdy yet vanishing prongs, these yellow gold earrings upgrade your wardrobe for any occasion. You really can’t go wrong with diamond studs, especially these. 

“The 4 prong looks great!! Happy to have them!”
– Maria J.

14K Yellow Gold Four Prong Stud Earrings (Mounting)

White Gold Four-Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Diamond tennis bracelet: the ultimate in shine! This bracelet is straight-up, elegant, in-your-face sparkle. A continuous line of diamonds makes this bracelet shimmer from every angle on your wrist. Sturdy four-prong settings hold 53 brilliant-cut diamonds in a single, beautifully-crafted row. 

“The diamonds are bright and sparkly!”
-Yenny C.

14K White Gold Four Prong Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Rose Gold Curved Bar Diamond Necklace

A minimalist piece with personality! This diamond necklace features a curved row of round-cut diamonds gracefully suspended by a rose gold chain. The delicate line of glitter brightens up the wearer without being too in-your-face, and the rose gold lends this necklace a feminine touch.

This item is unique and beautiful. What a wonderful gift.”
– Shirley P.

rose gold curved bar diamond necklace

Yellow Gold Bezel Diamond Pendant

A minimalist diamond pendant necklace with an understood, practical grace. This diamond pendant necklace takes your everyday wear to the next level. The thin bezel setting makes it a fantastic option for active lifestyles, thanks to its strong, no-snag mounting and comfortable flattened back. 

“This necklace is perfect for my everyday life, a very classic and timeless piece.”
– Isa L.

14K Yellow Gold Bezel Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

Platinum Milgrain Bezel Diamond Pendant Necklace

This milgrain setting keeps your diamond secure and stylish. Its beading is the perfect mix of modern and vintage jewelry design. The smooth, curved back adds a gorgeous element of movement, ensuring that your pendant will always move slightly to catch the light and your diamond’s facets will sparkle.

“Awesome quality!  Very happy with my purchase.”
– James W.

Platinum Milgrain Bezel Diamond Pendant (Mounting)

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Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

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Diamond Stud Earrings: The Essential Guide

Sparkle from ear to ear with a pair of handcrafted diamond stud earrings.

diamond stud earrings classic round cut four prong earring settings cover

Diamond Stud Earrings: Make Your Ears Pop!

Friends, romantics, customers; lend us your ears! 👂

As the first points of sparkle a person sees when they look at you, you’ll want to make sure your lobes are suitably lustrous. And there are no more elegant ear accessories than diamond studs, which make for a dazzling first impression.

Thanks to their ear-hugging design, these earrings appear to float on the earlobe as if weightless in space. Whether you opt for the classic basket or super-trendy martini style setting, you’re bound to be flushed with finesse.

Stud-y up on diamond stud earrings with our essential guide.

Diamond Stud Earrings: So Right and Yet So Prong

Diamond studs come in a choice of fab settings including pavé, martini, and basket, each offering varying degrees of comfort and style, as well as durability. To help you decide between them, let’s take a closer look at two of the more popular setting styles.

BASK IN A BASKET SETTING 🧺

Traditional four or six-prong basket settings afford a reasonably good fit. In these diamond studs, the diamond is set low in the frame, so it sits flat against the earlobe.

Four-Prong Earring Settings

18K White Gold Four Prong Stud Earrings

Timeless and stunning, round-cut diamond stud earrings add a classic elegance to any occasion.

Princess-Cut Stud Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Princess Cut Diamond Stud Earrings

Another classic pair, these stud earrings feature a princess-cut diamond set in a light four-prong wire basket.

Scallop Basket Diamond Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Scallop Basket Diamond Stud Earrings

Designed to accent the beauty of the round brilliant diamond, these earrings feature six prongs and a scalloped basket.

Bezel-Set Diamond Stud Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Bezel Diamond Stud Earrings

Well, well, well. Bezel-set diamond studs are sleek, clean, and oh-so-sturdy. They really are the perfect choice for wearers that lead active lifestyles: the bezel setting won’t snag on any fabric, and it’s arguably the most secure setting. Plus, it’s cute AF.

Pear-Shaped Diamond Stud Earrings

14K White Gold Pear Shape Diamond Stud Earrings

Gorgeous, elegant, and unique – pear-shaped diamonds are taking over the jewelry scene. These shining droplets stand out from the crowd of more common diamond shapes, especially when poised perfectly on your lobes.

Oval Diamond Stud Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Oval Shape Diamond Stud Earrings

The trendiest diamond shape of the past few years is also one of the most flattering shapes for diamond stud earrings. Its curved edges and elongated form compliment every face shape and every wardrobe.

Emerald-Cut Diamond Stud Earrings

14K White Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Stud Earrings

The emerald cut is an in-your-face shape that shows off your diamond’s crystal clarity. It’s one of the earliest established diamond cuts. As such, these emerald-cut diamond studs boast an undeniable royal feel: bold, elegant, and confident.

MARTINI SETTINGS:
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED 🍸

Named for their conical shape, which resembles a martini glass, martini settings are very in right now due to their super-flush fit. Their narrow bottom means that the diamond can be set even closer to the earlobe than standard basket-style settings. Not only do you get a well-balanced and comfortable fit, but the low profile reveals less metal and more diamond.

Three-Prong Martini Style Earrings

18K Yellow Gold Three Prong Martini Style Stud Earrings

These martini settings are constructed to the exact size of the center diamonds, ensuring that the stones sit perfectly flush with the settings.

Double Prong Diamond Stud Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Double Prong Diamond Stud Earrings

The prong setting is a total classic. And the double prongs on these slices of bling add an understated pop of flair to a traditionally beloved setting. The minimalist prongs allow light to hit your diamond’s facets from nearly every angle.

Diamond Pavé Halo Frame Settings

14K White Gold Halo Lab Created Diamond Stud Earrings

Not your everyday diamond stud, this design combines the three-prong martini with a diamond pavé frame.

As a rule of thumb, the snugger the diamond is against the ear, the better. Besides looking more elegant and refined, a flush setting protects the diamond from undue wear and tear.

Diamond Stud Earrings:
A Word in Your Ear

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Jonny Hart

Jonny is passionate about puns, adores alliteration, and finds diamonds positively facet-nating! Since joining James Allen, he has written the word 'sparkle’ 9,732 times and counting.

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