18K Yellow Gold Studs Earring Setting
This stud style earring presents a single center gemstone set directly on the ear, in a low profile heart inspired open framework that emphasizes symmetry and light return. The setting accommodates a variety of center stone types including sapphire, ruby, emerald, and precision cut gemstones, with recommended cuts being round brilliant for maximum scintillation, cushion and oval for strong face up color, princess for crisp geometric lines, and emerald cut for step cut clarity and depth. Faceting specifications are matched to the chosen cut, with attention to table percentage, crown and pavilion angles, and pavilion depth to optimize total internal reflection and color saturation. For colored stones color grading guidance is applied, evaluating hue, tone, and saturation, with sapphires graded from cornflower to deep blue, rubies evaluated for vivid red to medium deep tones, and emeralds selected for vivid green balance and acceptable characteristic inclusions. Clarity considerations are tailored to each species, accepting typical emerald veils while preferring clean windows in sapphires and rubies, and each stone is seat cut to the setting with precise girdle clearance to prevent stress on thin edges.
The earring setting is custom made and offered in 14K rose gold, 14K white gold, 18K white gold, 14K yellow gold, 18K yellow gold, and platinum 950, with metal selection influencing color, hardness, and maintenance. Rose gold alloys incorporate higher copper content for warm tone and durable hardness, 14K options offer greater scratch resistance and everyday resilience compared to 18K which provides richer tone and higher purity, while platinum 950 contains 95 percent platinum for superior density and long term structural stability. White gold variations are finished with rhodium plating to achieve bright white luster and to enhance surface hardness, with even rhodium thickness applied and available for re plating over time. Finishing techniques include high mirror polish on exposed surfaces, micro satin on selected planes to reduce visible wear, and hand burnishing at prong heads to ensure smooth, secure contact with the gem girdle. Posts are precision milled for consistent diameter, and backs are available in friction butterfly or screw style for secure wear, with laser welding and careful re tipping processes documented to extend service life and maintain prong integrity.
