How to Choose the Perfect Diamond Earrings
Diamond stud earrings can add a touch of sparkle to any outfit and turn heads. But choosing the
perfect pair of diamond earrings requires considerations that go beyond the basics like carat
weight and diamond quality.
For example, the cut of a diamond is critical in maximizing its sparkle and brilliance. You want a
round brilliant cut for the most dazzling effect.
Size
When shopping for a pair of diamond earrings it’s important to keep in mind that they will be
much smaller than the diamonds you’d find in a traditional engagement ring setting. This means
that the diamonds you select will perform differently, and that you’ll need to choose slightly lower
graded diamonds in order to fit within your budget.
The good news is that since a pair of diamond studs will not be worn as frequently as a full set of
diamond jewelry, it’s perfectly acceptable to purchase diamonds that are a bit lower in clarity and
color than those you’d consider for an engagement ring. This gives you the opportunity to spend
more in one of the other 4C categories without sacrificing the overall visual appeal of your studs.
To maximize sparkle in a pair of studs, it’s important to choose a diamond shape that
complements your face shape. Round cuts suit slimmer faces and elongated shapes like the
marquise and emerald cut flatter broader ones.
You’ll also want to pay special attention to the metal choice for your studs. White gold and
platinum are a classic pairing with any diamond, but if you have a particular metal preference it’s
worth exploring options such as yellow or rose gold. These metals can enhance the appearance
of a diamond by reflecting light in ways that highlight its beauty.
Finally, if you’re buying a pre-set pair of diamond earrings (as opposed to a build your own
option), it’s essential that the two diamonds match when it comes to size. The description of the
pair should note the total carat weight (e.g. 0.50 ct) for each individual diamond.
Shape
As for diamond shape, the classic round or princess cut are optimal for stud earrings as they
maximize sparkle. They are also easier to match than fancy shaped gems. Round studs are
great for those with thinner earlobes, while princess cut studs flatter broad earlobes.
Although carat weight is one of the first elements most people consider when shopping for a pair
of diamond studs, it is not as important as the diamond’s cut. The cut of a diamond is the most
critical factor in how much a diamond sparkles and shines, so opt for a pair that has either an
excellent or very good GIA cut grade.
Unlike engagement rings, which are often worn close to the face, stud earrings are usually
viewed from a distance. As such, the clarity of a diamond is less important, as the majority of
inclusions and blemishes cannot be seen. Therefore, it is perfectly fine to purchase a pair of
diamond studs with a Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) or Included (I1 and I2) clarity grade.
The diamond’s setting is another element to think about when choosing a pair of stud earrings.
For a timeless look, opt for a four-prong or six-prong setting. These settings have less metal
encasing the stone, so they allow the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle to shine through.
Lastly, it is important to note that when you see “CTW” on the product description of a pair of
stud earrings, this refers to the combined carat weight of both diamonds. This means that a pair
of studs with a CTW of 1 actually contain two diamonds that each weigh 0.25 carats. As such,
you should always double-check the individual carat weights of each earring to ensure that they
are what you are looking for.
Color
Diamonds perform differently in earrings than they do in rings due to their close proximity to the
hair and skin of the wearer. Consequently, diamond stud earrings tend to have lower grades of
color and clarity than engagement ring diamonds. This is a good thing for the budget – after all,
it’s possible to enjoy stunning earrings that look great but are less costly than a pair of 1/2 carat
studs of higher quality.
In general, we recommend opting for colorless diamonds (D-F) or near-colorless diamonds (G-I).
If your budget allows it, you can even consider a diamond with a yellow tint (K-Z) as long as they
are expertly cut and set in a metal that will complement them. Earrings are not the place to skimp
on this one as poorly-cut diamonds will reflect more light into their shadowy interior, making them
appear darker and more opaque than they should be.
Because of their small size, studs are also the ideal type of jewelry for which to invest in an
excellent diamond cut. This relates to the number and arrangement of the diamond’s facets,
which determine how much sparkle and brilliance they exhibit. Diamond studs should be set with
prongs to expose the maximum amount of surface area, and we would recommend choosing
ones that use the “pave” technique in order to maximize the diamond’s beauty.
Another aspect to take into account when selecting a pair of studs is the metal they are set in.
While most people don’t pay a lot of attention to this consideration when shopping for diamond
earring settings, it’s worth thinking about because a certain metal can significantly affect how well
the gemstone looks in an earring setting. For example, platinum is a more elegant choice for
colorless gems while gold will really enhance those that fall on the K-Z side of the scale.
Clarity
Diamond stud earrings tend to be a lot less visible than engagement rings. They are not likely to
be inspected closely, and they will be mostly hidden by your hair. This means that it is not as
important to prioritize clarity as it is for a ring. However, it is still essential to ensure that your
earrings are ‘eye-clean’ and that any inclusions cannot be easily seen from a few feet away.
A good setting is a must for any gemstone, but especially when it comes to diamond studs. A
prong mounting can be ideal for studs because it holds the gem in place while leaving enough
space for light to pass through, enhancing the stone’s sparkle. In addition, the prong can be
designed to protect the gemstone from damage.
Another aspect to consider is the cut of your diamonds. Earrings require a very delicate design,
and the cut of your diamonds can make or break the look you are trying to achieve. A well-cut
diamond will have proportional facets and an optimal facet arrangement to maximize sparkle and
brilliance.
If you want your studs to be as eye-catching as possible, opt for a diamond with a’very good’ or
‘excellent’ GIA rating. The extra sparkle you get from a better-cut diamond can help you make up
for some deficiencies in the other 4Cs. Using this knowledge, you can make informed trade-offs
when selecting your studs. For example, if you are watching your budget, you might choose
smaller diamonds that add up to the same carat weight as a single larger diamond and use the
savings towards one of the other Cs. This way, you can find the perfect studs within your price
range.
Metal
Diamond studs are a bit different than diamond engagement rings when it comes to selecting the
perfect setting. After all, people don’t tend to scrutinize your earrings like they would an
engagement ring. The fact is, most people will never even see the studs from close-up. This
gives you some wiggle room to choose a setting that you prefer – but the settings you choose
must still be high-quality.
For example, a four-prong setting will allow the beauty of your diamond to really shine and
sparkle. It will also keep your precious gems safe from accidental damage caused by earring
movement or abrasions from handling. For a slightly more elegant look, you could opt for a six-
prong setting. This style will accommodate princess-cut and cushion-cut diamonds well.
The metal used to make a diamond stud earring will also play a role in how the gemstones
sparkle and shine. The reason for this is that the encasing metal will reflect light, helping your
diamonds stand out. This is particularly important for a white or platinum stud setting, which will
best complement a diamond with a color grade of D-J. However, a yellow or rose gold metal can
work beautifully as well.
You can also opt for a pave style that features small diamonds clustered together in a paved
pattern, resembling a snowflake or a flower. This is a great way to add visual interest and sparkle
to your studs at a budget-friendly price point.
