Marquise Diamond Ear Climber in 18k White Gold, 0.29 ct

18k white gold · 2 marquise-cut diamonds, 0.13 ct · 16 round diamonds, 0.16 ct · 0.29 ct total weight · sold as a single earring

Two marquise diamonds carry this design, 0.13 carats between them, with 16 round stones adding another 0.16. The marquise is an elongated cut with pointed ends that spends its weight on surface area, so it covers more of the finger or ear than a round of the same carat weight. Its long axis also pulls the eye lengthwise, which is exactly the direction a climber is meant to travel.

Those points are the cut's one vulnerability. They are the thinnest part of the stone, which is why marquise settings carry protective prongs at each tip. Worth knowing whenever the piece goes in for cleaning or resetting.