A diamond earring can look beautiful on a display case and transform when worn. The size of the stone, the shape of the setting, the weight of the metal and the placement of the fastening can vary.
In Spain, those shopping for pendiente diamante are considering a range of different diamond earrings from every day wear to longer styles for a special outfit. In the Spanish language, the variations include pendientes de diamantes , pendientes de diamante and pendientes de brillantes. A good start to choosing is learning about the actual item rather than focussing purely on the carat value or what appears in the photograph.
Why the Design of a Pendiente Diamante Matters
Two earrings with diamonds of the same carat value can look very different. A round brilliant diamond in a four claw setting will show off more of the stone’s edge while a bezel setting will use a narrow border of metal to surround it.
The differences are not just cosmetic.
A bezel set diamond is likely to be more protected from the edges being chipped and it is less likely to snag on clothing. By comparison, prong sets hold the stone in place with claws or tiny metal fingers which should be checked for security.
When it comes to every day wear, the position of the diamond also matters. Earrings that extend too far away from the ear can catch on hair or fabrics.
Those who often wear headphones or work at a desk should think about a shorter design with a smooth finish and a reliable fastening.
Diamond Shapes that Change an Earring
Round brilliant diamonds offer the traditional sparkle because the cut is designed to create maximum brilliance. This also makes them suitable for smaller stud earrings. Other shapes can completely change the effect.
Using oval diamonds allows for elongated earrings without needing to go for a dangling style. Pear shaped diamonds are frequently seen in drop earrings with the narrowing at the top helping to balance the shape. Emerald cut diamonds have a distinctive step cut style, creating larger flashes of light rather than the sparkling effect of round brilliants. Princess cut diamonds offer a modern square shape that needs to be set carefully to protect the corners.
The shape should always be considered in relation to the setting. A diamond that looks beautiful as a loose stone will not necessarily look good once it is been set.
Lab Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds in Earrings
When it comes to choosing between lab grown and natural diamonds, it can be helpful to remember the differences and similarities.
Lab diamonds are real diamonds that have been created in a controlled environment rather than being formed underground. They are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds at a geological level.
The two main methods of growing diamonds are High Pressure High Temperature and Chemical Vapour Deposition.
The differences for earrings is likely to be in how the individual prefers the stones to look.
| Feature | Natural Diamonds | Lab Diamonds |
|---|---|---|
| Where they are formed | Underground | Controlled environment |
| Chemical composition | Crystallised carbon | Crystallised carbon |
| Hardness | 10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale |
| Appearance | Dependant on quality and cut | Dependant on quality and cut |
| Price | Likely to be more expensive | Likely to be cheaper |
| Resale value | Varies but can have value | Varies but can have value |
For those in Spain comparing the options for lab grown diamonds, Novita Diamonds Spain is a good resource to start with. Considering the cut, setting and overall price is more important than thinking that one type of diamond will automatically result in a more appealing earring. Neither option is guaranteed to look beautiful simply because of where it has been formed.
Understanding the Four Cs When Buying a Pendiente Diamante
The traditional four Cs when buying a diamond are cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. The value of each is relative to the design of the earring.
Cut and visible brilliance
The cut of a diamond determines how much light emerges from it. This is particularly noticeable in round brilliant diamonds. A smaller diamond that has been cut well will appear to sparkle more than a larger stone of lower quality. Fancy shaped diamonds need to be viewed closely because there is no overall grade.
Colour and matching
The colour of a diamond is likely to be most noticeable when comparing two of them side by side. A slight difference between one earring and the other might not be apparent when looking at a single stone.
It is best to look at the diamonds together to ensure that the colours match.
Clarity and smaller earrings
The clarity grade of a diamond is a measure of its internal and external imperfections. When it comes to small earrings, it is unlikely that surface flaws will be seen without magnification. The same applies to inclusions that are positioned so that they are not visible to the naked eye.
It is worth looking at the inclusions and their placement rather than paying for a higher grade than is needed.
Carat weight and the whole pair
Carat weight measures the weight rather than the size of a diamond.
Something to consider when looking at earrings is whether the carat weight refers to one or two diamonds. A listing for one carat can be two stones weighing half a carat each.
It is important to check if the weight refers to one or two diamonds when considering earrings.
Gold or Platinum for Diamond Earrings
The metal that holds a diamond earring together affects its colour, weight, skin friendly qualities and overall look.
In Spain, 18 carat gold, also known as 750 gold, is common in fine jewellery. It is a mixture of 75 per cent gold and other metals to make it more durable. Yellow gold contrasts well with white diamonds while white gold offers a cooler alternative. Some styles of white gold are rhodium plated, which means the plating will need to be renewed periodically. Rose gold has a pinkish hue due to the alloy used to make it.
Another popular option is platinum. It is a heavy metal that is naturally white but scratches easily and can mark the skin over time. As with white gold, those with sensitive ears should check the full composition rather than just the purity level.
The Fastening is as Important as the Diamond
A beautiful earring can be ruined by an unsuitable fastening.
Butterfly backs are often used for simple diamond stud earrings. They are a good option because they are easy to use, although the wings should not put undue pressure on the earlobes. Screw backs can also be useful, especially for heavier earrings. The fastening should feel secure but not cause irritation. Drop earrings typically use hinged or lever backs. It is important to check the quality of the mechanism rather than the overall design.
For heavier earrings, the weight distribution is also important. Heavier diamonds at the front of the earring could cause it to push forward into the ear if the fastening is not strong enough.
Those buying a pendant style diamond earring should check how much of the front part can move freely. It is also worth considering how the fastening fits into the earring.
How to Compare a Pendiente Diamante Online in Spain
Photography can make diamonds look bigger and brighter than they are. Close ups are useful for seeing the detail but it is important to compare the millimetre measurements. The shape of the earrings, the type of precious metal, carat weight and description of the fastening are also important factors to compare. When looking at similar styles from Novita Diamonds or another retailer in Spain, buyers should consider the following:
- Are the diamonds grown or natural?
- Is the carat weight for one or two diamonds?
- The earrings’ size and overall shape
- The precious metal and its purity level
- Independent grading reports
- Warranty, returns and any other conditions
For bigger or higher quality diamonds, a grading certificate from an independent organisation like GIA or IGI can be helpful. The type of report will depend on the specific stones and the items being purchased.
It is also important to remember that a grading report does not cover the overall construction of an earring. It does not guarantee that the setting will be secure and reliable.
Price, Value and what Spanish Buyers Should Know
The price of a diamond earring is not always related to the weight of the diamonds. There are several other elements that influence the value. The origin of the stone, the cut, its colour, the placement and quality of the setting, the precious metal and the overall construction also matter. Lab diamonds can sometimes be purchased at a lower price for bigger sizes compared to natural stones, depending on the qualities of each. It is unlikely that the price will be exactly the same for two pairs of earrings with the same carat weight because of these additional factors.
A lower price in Spain is only valuable if the earrings match the buyer’s expectations. It should not be the sole criterion for choosing one item over another. The conditions for IVA, delivery costs and returns should also be taken into consideration. For most online purchases in Spain, there is a 14 day cooling off period. There are exceptions for bespoke or custom made items. The individual retailer will be able to advise on the specific terms and conditions.
Comparing different jewelers, including Novita Diamonds Spain, can help ensure that the buyer knows what is being paid for.
Looking After Diamond Earrings without Ruining the Setting
Diamonds may be scratch resistant but that does not mean that an earring is indestructible. Gold and platinum can be marked, prongs can come loose and weak sections can bend or break.
It is a good idea to clean the earrings regularly to remove dead skin cells and other deposits that reduce their shine.
Many standard diamond earrings can be cleaned using warm water, mild soap and a soft brush as long as the setting is secure and it has not been specified that a different method is needed. Earrings with special treatments, unusual constructions or additional stones may need to be professionally cleaned.
After rinsing, it is important to dry the earrings with a lint free cloth rather than leaving them to drip over a sink. It can also be helpful to store each earring separately rather than letting them come into contact with other jewellery.
For frequently worn earrings, a visit to a jeweller for a professional clean and inspection is a wise investment. They will be able to check the security of the fastening and setting and identify any weak points that may not be obvious to the untrained eye.