An expert guide to buying stud diamond earrings with cut, quality, and style tips for the perfect holiday gift.
Diamond stud earrings are a timeless addition to any jewelry collection. They effortlessly add sparkle and sophistication to everyday looks and special occasions alike.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know—from setting your budget to selecting the ideal cut, color, and clarity—so you can shop confidently and choose a pair of genuinely stunning diamond studs.
Why Stud Diamond Earrings Are Essential
Diamond studs are often considered essential elements of a complete jewelry collection. They are versatile, understated yet elegant, and perfect for all occasions.
In an era where virtual meetings have become the norm, stud diamond earrings are a subtle touch that makes a bold statement.
Buying diamond studs online presents unique challenges, but no more so than purchasing them from a jewelry store. In truth, most vendors don't provide all the details necessary to make an informed decision.
Stud Diamond Earrings from Brian Gavin
In this in-depth diamond stud earrings buying guide, we'll reveal the following essential steps:
In short, we'll teach you how to buy diamonds like a seasoned pro. Of course, if you want personalized guidance, our Diamond Concierge Service is here to help.
Step 1: Setting Your Budget
Budgeting for diamond studs is as personal as the jewelry itself.
Your allocated budget will influence the selected stones' size, quality, and features. Here's how to approach buying diamond studs:
Quick Tip: Diamond cut quality affects a diamond's sparkle more than any other factor. Consequently, it also influences diamond prices up to sixty percent. If your budget allows, opt for an ideal or excellent cut grade with proportions in our recommended range.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Diamond Shape
Due to their optimal brilliance, round brilliant-cut diamonds are the most popular shape for diamond studs. However, other shapes, such as cushion, princess, and emerald, can create unique and personalized looks.
Here's a quick overview of popular options:
Pro Tip: Fancy-shaped diamonds, such as cushion or princess cuts, require extra scrutiny when matching pairs, as slight differences in facet patterns, length-to-width ratios, and symmetry are more noticeable.
Step 3: Selecting Your Setting Style
The setting can impact both the comfort and appearance of your diamond studs. Here are some of the most popular options:
3-Prong Martini: This low-profile setting allows the diamond to sit close to the earlobe, showcasing the diamond's full brilliance.
4-Prong Basket: This classic, secure choice holds the diamond slightly above the ear, offering a traditional and elegant look.
Bezel Setting: Encloses the diamond completely for a modern, streamlined aesthetic and extra protection around the edges.
3-Prong Martini Settings by Whiteflash
Fun Fact: Setting white diamonds in yellow or rose gold creates a warmer appearance, while white metals like platinum or white gold create cooler tones.
Rule of Thumb: Generally, the color of the metal touching the edge of the stone influences our perception of color by one grade. Specifically, warmer-looking alloys, such as yellow and rose gold, make diamonds appear one color grade warmer. In contrast, cooler 'white metals' such as platinum and white gold make diamonds appear one color grade whiter.
Step 4: Deciding on Diamond Quality (4Cs)
Understanding the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—is essential for buying diamond studs. Here's how to prioritize each:
Diamond Cut Quality
Cut is King when it comes to sparkle. For stud diamond earrings, prioritize the cut grade over all other aspects, as a well-cut diamond will maximize brilliance, fire, and scintillation.
Generally, a diamond's overall cut quality depends on its proportions, polish, and symmetry. The cut grade on the lab report is based on those factors. Simultaneously, the degree of optical precision determines light leakage and the sparkle factor intensity.
Black by Brian Gavin Diamonds.
Our Recommended Proportions for Round Diamonds
These proportions set the stage for a high volume of light return and create a balanced light performance. Combined with the higher optical precision of Hearts and Arrows diamonds, they ensure your studs sparkle brilliantly from every vantage point.
Carat Weight
For earrings, carat weight refers to the combined total weight of both diamonds. For example, a pair marked as "1-carat total weight" will have two diamonds of approximately 0.50 carats each. Similarly, a two-carat pair of diamond studs consists of two diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carats each.
Quick Tip: Small differences in carat weight are usually less noticeable for earrings than for rings. However, the average outside diameter measurements must be similar to maintain a balanced look.
Color
Since diamond studs are generally viewed from a distance, the color does not need to be higher on the GIA color grading scale. G-K color grades offer excellent value while still appearing white to most observers. D-F color diamonds are available for those who prefer a cooler, colorless look but demand premium prices.
Clarity
For diamond studs, clarity is a balance between visual appeal and budget. SI1 or SI2 clarity is often considered "eye-clean" in earrings, meaning inclusions are not 'readily and immediately visible' to the naked eye. However, you might be able to locate the inclusions without magnification upon close scrutiny.
VS2 clarity and higher diamonds are good options that create a flawless appearance. In other words, the inclusions are generally only visible with 10x magnification or higher.
Expert Insight: Diamond studs hide behind one's hair and are admired from a greater distance than engagement rings. Many save money by focusing on SI1 clarity and slightly warmer color grades. However, we prefer not sacrificing diamond cut quality because the sparkle factor shines through.
Brian Gavin Signature Diamond SI1 Clarity.
Step 5: Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds offer excellent beauty and durability. Lab-created diamonds of similar quality are significantly less expensive than natural diamonds, making them an appealing option to maximize your budget.
Where to Buy Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds
Here are our favorite places to buy stud diamond earrings online:
Note: They offer impressive selections of natural and lab-created diamonds of various qualities to accommodate every price range.
Remember: Adhere to our recommended proportions to maximize the volume of light return and sparkle factor.
Step 6: Buying Tips and Professional Advice
Now that you know the basics, here are some pro tips to make sure you get the best-looking pair of diamond studs:
- 1Compare Vendors: Each online diamond dealer specializes in a specific niche and market segment. For example, Brian Gavin and Whiteflash are renowned for super ideal-cut diamonds and high-quality custom jewelry designs. At the same time, Blue Nile and James Allen offer a broader range of cut qualities and competitive pricing.
- 2Utilize ASET and H&A Scope Images: These images show light performance and optical precision, allowing you to verify the cut quality visually.
- 3Use Our Free Diamond Concierge Service: If you need clarification on matching diamonds, proportions, or any other detail, rely on our professional guidance. We're here to help you make an informed decision.
Fun Fact: Reflector scope images (ASET and Hearts & Arrows) reveal how light interacts with a diamond. The more balanced and intense the colors, the better the light performance.
Step 7: Finalizing Your Choice – Metal Type and Customizations
Choosing the right alloy type for your earrings is the final touch. Here are the most popular options:
White Gold and Platinum: Brightens the diamond's appearance, offering a sleek, modern look. Platinum is hypoallergenic and durable, though it may scratch and develop a patina over time.
Yellow Gold and Rose Gold add warmth and vintage appeal. Rose gold is trendy for its romantic hue.
Pro Tip: Metal choice can affect color perception—white metals make diamonds look whiter. In contrast, yellow and rose gold settings can enhance warmer hues. At the same time, it's essential to consider how those metals look against your skin and base your decision on personal preference.
Where to Buy Stud Diamond Earrings
- 1Brian Gavin Diamonds: Offers exceptional-looking super-ideal-cut diamonds and handcrafted settings.
- 2Whiteflash: Their A CUT ABOVE diamonds offer top-notch light performance and can be set in all popular styles.
- 3James Allen: This is the home of James Allen True Hearts diamonds and offers a broad selection of settings.
- 4Blue Nile: Is known for extensive options and a build-your-own earring tool.
Personalized Diamond Buying Advice
Diamond studs are an investment; buying them should be an exciting experience. If you'd like additional support in finding a matched pair, need specific details about the cut quality, or want expert tips, take advantage of our Free Diamond Concierge Service. We'll guide you through each step to ensure you choose a pair that will bring lasting joy.
Remember: The best stud diamond earrings aren't necessarily the largest or most expensive—they're the ones that shine brightest. The tips above will help you find the perfect pair this holiday season.
