9 mm Lab-Grown Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold
Product code: BT-17862
Material
Quantity
A large round lab-grown diamond raised on four prongs over a halo of small stones like a moon's glow, with secure screw backs.
Jewelry details
A pair of 14K white gold stud earrings, each with a large round lab-grown diamond on four prongs over a ring of small stones like the glow around a full moon. The center stone is raised one level above the halo, so from the side you see two distinct layers: the large stone on top, the ring of small stones below.
Each earring has fifteen small stones in its halo, thirty for the pair, plus two large round center stones. All are lab-grown diamonds.
The center stone raised on four prongs
The center stone is held by four round prongs, set higher than the halo rather than level with it. Raising it has two benefits. First, light enters the stone from the sides as well as the top, so the center stone has more fire and brilliance as you turn your head. Second, the edge of the center stone doesn't rub against the small stones below, so the two layers won't chip each other on impact.
Four prongs show the most of the stone. For a large center stone like this, each prong is made thick enough and bent snugly against the edge. In return, four prongs aren't as secure as six if a hard knock lands on one corner, so the prongs should be checked regularly.
The halo on the lower level
Around the base of the center stone runs a ring of fifteen small round stones, set close together on a round frame with a gold outer wall. The halo makes the earring face look much larger and fuller than a single stone alone; from a distance, center stone and halo merge into one round mass of light.
The outer gold wall doesn't just hold the stones; it creates a bright polished border, keeping the edge of the earring neat rather than jagged from the side. The frame below is open so light reaches both layers of stones, and it's easier to clean.
At the workshop, the halo is set first and the center stone afterwards, because once the large stone is on its prongs it's very hard to get tools in to adjust the small stones below. The setter also has to space the fifteen stones evenly around the ring with no gaps in the rhythm.
Three things to check when you hold them
Look straight at the face: the ring of small stones should be evenly round around the center stone, not shifted to one side.
Look from the side: the center stone should stand straight on its four prongs, not tilted, and clearly higher than the halo.
Turn it over: the support frame is open to let light in, the post is straight and the thread turns smoothly.
Honest points to consider first
A large center stone plus a halo makes a fairly large earring face. If you have small earlobes or prefer very discreet earrings, try them on before deciding.
The face is heavier than a single-stone stud of the same size and can pull the earlobe slightly over long wear. The flower washer at the back is made wide to spread the weight, but it's still best to take them off to sleep.
A center stone raised on prongs catches long hair or wool scarves more easily than a flush-set stone.
Screw backs with flower washers
Each earring has a threaded post that screws into a flower-shaped washer at the back. A screw back is far more secure than an ordinary push back: once screwed on it won't slip off, ideal for earrings with valuable center stones. The wide flower washer rests against the back of the earlobe, keeping the earring upright instead of tipping forward under the weight of the large stone.
To wear, push the post through your ear and screw the washer on clockwise until snug — don't overtighten. To remove, unscrew it. If it's hard to turn, don't force it; bring it in to have the thread cleaned.
14K white gold and lab-grown diamonds
The earrings are made in 14K white gold, harder than 18K, so the prongs and threads last better through repeated wear. They're rhodium plated for a bright white finish; the plating thins after a while, especially on the back where it touches skin, and when you notice a yellow tint, bring them in for re-plating.
Both center stones and all thirty halo stones are lab-grown diamonds, with the same structure, hardness and sparkle as mined diamonds — indistinguishable to the naked eye. The difference is in origin and price: with lab-grown diamonds, a pair of large center stones like these is far more within reach than mined stones of the same size.
Keeping the earrings bright
Who they suit, and when to wear them
These earrings suit someone who wants jewelry with a clear focal point on the face, noticed the moment it's worn. The round, full face looks great with hair up, short hair or hair tucked behind the ear. Parties, weddings and important occasions are when they shine brightest.
They also make a meaningful gift for an anniversary or birthday: no ring size to guess, and stones valuable enough to keep for the long term.
