Diamond jewelry is the ultimate symbol of elegance and affluence. Attaining that level of elegance demands a considerable amount of financial investment.
Making such an investment demands extreme caution when picking the type of jewelry in a wide variety. One must consider their preference, appearance, and comfort when choosing.
I am writing this post to help you make the right decision when purchasing your diamond earrings. In this post, you will learn the difference between martini setting and basket setting diamond earrings, and you will be able to decide the best.
What does a martini-setting diamond earring look like?
The Martini setting diamond setting is made up of three metal prongs. The three prongs form a cone shape –wide at the top and narrow at the bottom where they join.
The three prongs in a martini earring setting form a V-shape, forming the shape of a martini glass and hence the name. In some cases, the martini setting has four metal prongs, but the shape must remain the same for it to qualify as a martini setting.
However, the four-metal prong martini setting is not common, probably because too much metal conceals a considerable part of the piece of diamond on the earring.
The prongs curve slightly at the top to hold the piece of diamond stone. The top curved part is made extremely small to ensure that it does not cover large parts of the diamond that should be exposed.
The small curve also ensures that the martini shape of the prongs is maintained. The easiest way to determine whether a diamond earring has a martini setting is to observe whether it has three or four metal prongs and whether they form a V-shape or a martini glass shape.
Therefore, the bottom is usually sharp where it touches the earlobe.
Are martini studs comfortable?
Yes, the martini studs with three, four, or more prongs are comfortable when worn properly. Some people fear that the sharp edge at the prongs’ base may put excess pressure on the earlobe, thus causing discomfort.
However, the base is usually properly smoothened and does not exert pressure on the earlobe. However, as with any other type of earring set, one should wear them correctly to avoid pressing the earring backs too hard against the earlobe.
Too much pressure against the earlobe might cause discomfort, especially with the martini setting due to the narrow base.
The most common type of discomfort people experience with the martini setting is the fear of the diamond piece detaching from the prongs, especially with the three-prong setting.
The discomfort is, however, psychological and does not affect the earlobe. Purchasing a martini stud with many prongs will dispel the fear of losing the diamond.
Pros and cons of wearing martini setting diamond earrings
Pros
1. The martini setting exposes a large part of the diamond at the top and on the sides, thus making the earring more elegant.
2. The shape of a martini is beautiful and hence increases the elegance of the diamond earring.
3. The martini setting holds the diamond stone close to the earlobe and thus creates a perfect balance when wearing it, which is a significant comfort factor.
4. The martini setting ensures that the earring holds more securely to the earlobe because the diamond sits closer to the earlobe and attains a balance that prevents it from drooping and falling.
Cons
1. The three-prong martini setting poses a risk of losing the diamond stone and thus keeps the wearer in constant fear and uncertainty.
2. There is a risk of the pointed part where the prongs meet, pressing and digging into the earring hole, stretching it, and causing discomfort.
3. Only specific shapes or diamond cuts can fit in the martini setting.
What does a basket-setting diamond earring look like?
The basket setting earring is made of four prongs and two rings. The four prongs are connected by one ring at the top and the other at the bottom.
The top part is wider than the base, and the prongs curve gently to secure the diamond stone. The base is flat and has a fastened metal surface earring post. The prongs may be more than four and tend to be wide. The setting looks strong and secure.
Another common look of the basket-setting diamond earring is the solid metal casing on the diamond stone. In this type of setting, a solid metal casing covers the diamond stone entirely on the sides and the base.
The casing’s sides and bottom are solid, and the case is slightly curved at the top to secure the diamond stone. The upper part is the only area where the diamond stone is visible.
Some basket shapes have been modified into a crown shape to increase the visible part of the diamond stone. The base is flat and provides a good surface for the attachment of the earring post, and the setting resembles a basket and thus the name basket setting.
Although it is an old setting, it is still popular among diamond earring makers and buyers.
Are basket studs comfortable to wear?
Yes, the basket studs are comfortable. One of the greatest comfort elements is the basket’s flat base. When worn properly, the flat surface lies perfectly on the earlobe and thus provides maximum comfort and less risk of injury.
However, when worn incorrectly, the flat surface can press against the earlobe and cause a pinching effect that is painful and uncomfortable.
Such is, however, rare because the basket setting places the stone considerably far from the earlobe; thus, the risk of a tight base against the earlobe is unlikely.
Another form of comfort is psychological and originates from the assurance that the diamond stone is securely held. The basket setting is a strong tower that firmly secures the diamond stone. The wearer does not worry about losing the stone.
Pros and cons of wearing basket setting diamond earrings
Pros
1. The diamond stone in the basket setting is more secure and thus has zero risk of dislodging and falling.
2. The flat bottom surface provides a comfortable surface against the earlobe.
3. The basket can be made into many designs, including adding some stones on the surface of the basket and thus making it more elegant and stylish.
4. The basket has a flat surface that tends to sit further from the earlobe and thus has no risk of injuring the earlobe or stretching the earring hole.
5. It is possible to press the base of the basket against the earing without feeling discomfort and creating a feeling of enhanced security. Such also avoid drooping of the earring.
6. The basket can secure various diamond cuts or shapes.
Cons
1. The basket setting covers a considerable part of the diamond stone, thus robbing it of its elegance.
2. The prongs and rings that make the basket may add considerable weight, contributing to drooping.
3. The base of the basket sits further from the earlobe, thus the risk of drooping.
Martini vs. basket setting diamond earrings-Which one is better?
Martini setting diamond earing is better for individuals who value simplicity and elegance.
On the other side, the basket-setting diamond earring is better for individuals who value security.
Conclusion
The martini and basket-setting diamond earrings provide different aspects one must consider while purchasing.
The greatest elements to consider while deciding between the two settings are appearance and comfort.
Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.