Diamond Query: Best 4Cs, Metal Type, and Prong Setting for a 1-Carat Stud Earrings

Last Updated on 24th March 2025

| Anonymous Reader

Looking to build a pair of 1 carat total weight diamond stud earrings for my wife either through James Allen or Blue Nile. Would like your advice and thoughts on the following:

Cut – Ideal
Color – F or better
Clarity – VS1 or better
Platinum 3 prong or 4 prong martini setting

If I go larger total weight, where should I compromise? Thanks in advance for your advice Sebastian!

Your Diamond Teacher |

Thank you for your inquiry. I am happy to help. My suggestion is to look at SI1 and VS2 clarity grades. There is a cost savings there and you are not compromising quality.

Diamonds which are VS2 are absolutely eye-clean and diamonds which are SI1 are almost always eye-clean. And the inclusions do not impede the diamonds light performance. I would definitely stick with Excellent/ Ideal cut GIA or AGS graded diamonds.

Regarding color, you can look at G and H color for a savings, as well. These diamonds will appear white. Unless, it is important to you and your wife to have colorless diamonds? Once you have selected diamond pairs, email them to me to take a look. I hope this helps!

| Anonymous Reader

Hi Sebastian,

Thanks for your note and advice. I am considering the attached from Blue Nile or James Allen. Price and selection seem to be better on Blue Nile. Do you think a platinum setting makes sense or is that overkill? How about a 3 prong setting? Thanks!

Blue Nile:

Blue Nile

James Allen:

Your Diamond Teacher |

Platinum is a great metal choice. It is also hypoallergenic. Three prong is very pretty and popular for earrings, but keep in mind it does offer less protection in securing the diamond. The positive is, less metal around the diamond can be more aesthetically pleasing.

Once you further narrow down your diamond selection, let me know if I can be of further assistance in making your final selection.

| Anonymous Reader

Thank you, Sebastian. Would you recommend a four prong martini setting instead of the three prong. I’ve narrowed the diamond selection to the following pairs and appreciate your advice on these:

Shape	Price	Ct.	Cut	Col.	Clarity	Polish-Symtry	Fluor.	Depth	Table	L/W	Price/Ct.
Round	$2,935	1.00	Ideal Ideal	E E	VS2 VS2	Ex-VG Ex-VG	None None	63.0 62.1	54 55	1.01 1.01	$2,935
Round	$2,957	1.00	Ideal Ideal	F F	VVS2 VVS2	Ex-VG Ex-VG	None None	61.1 62.6	57 56	1.01 1.01	$2,957
Round	$2,969	1.08	Ideal Ideal	G G	VS2 VS2	Ex-Ex Ex-Ex	None None	61.3 62.2	58 57	1.00 1.00	$2,749

Your Diamond Teacher |

A martini setting is a 3-prong setting by definition. It is really just a matter of personal preference whether you do a 4 prong or 3 prong. As for your diamond pairs… They are really all great. I would pick the most affordable pair!

They are all eye-clean, they are all excellent cut, they’re all about the same carat weight. And they are either colorless or near colorless, meaning they are all white diamonds, without a yellowish tint.

Rest assured any pair you select will be beautiful, sparkly, white diamonds. So, pick the pair that feels right to you! I hope this helps.

| Anonymous Reader

Thanks so much for your help Sebastian. I really appreciate it. Thanks again!