Diamond Stud Earrings

"How to Buy a Pair of Diamond Stud Earrings"

Buying diamond stud earrings - or diamond jewelry for that matter - requires a bit of research and putting your diamond knowledge to the test. Not many women have a basic understanding in how one evaluates a diamond, so if you need tips on how to get the best pair of stud earrings for your money's worth, continue reading!

Round diamond stud earrings
Courtesy of Diva Diamonds

A pair of crystal stud earrings (next to pearl stud earrings) are a must in any woman's wardrobe. They keep you covered on all of those inevitable occasions throughout one's lifetime - from weddings to birthday bashes - and when you want to add that subtle sparkle to your outfit without looking like a diva. And they're excellent as gifts!

This page provides you with shopping tips and advice on how to select a pair of diamond stud earrings - from how to adjust to your budget to what size of studs are the best for you. If you already know what you want then go straight to the shopping recommendations!

How to Buy Diamond Stud Earrings

Understand the 4 C's

A diamonds' worth is based on the four (4) quality C's of the diamond stone, which are:

Carat weight
It's the unit of weight for the diamond. A carat is further subdivided in 100 points ( 0.01 carat = l point ). One carat is equal to 0.20 grams.

Clarity
It describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. The clarity is determined by the number, size, nature, and location of the internal and external imperfections.

Color
Describes the amount of color the diamond contains. It can range from colorless to yellow with slight tints of yellow, gray or brown. Colors can also range from intense yellow to brown, blue, green, pink and red. These fancy colors are rare and of course, more valuable.

Cut (also Shape)
Refers to the number of facets in a finished diamond and how those facets are proportioned in the gems diamond. The proportions usually determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond. Generally, well-cut diamonds sell at a premium and poorly cut diamonds sell at discounted prices.

By gaining some basic understanding in how a diamond's quality is evaluated, you'll cut down on the diamond-hunt because you know what you're shopping for and what you're getting for the money invested in the earrings.

Secure the basics

Buy your first crystal stud earrings in clear crystal. It's classy and versatile - it goes with absolutely any outfit - from day to evening, casual to formal, simple or glamorous style. They add that little hint of luxury without looking like you're trying too hard.

Also consider securing them in a neutral shape such as round, or square (also known as 'Princess'). These two shapes also offer some of the best brilliance.

Select the right color

Since diamond stud earrings are worn on your face - it's important to choose a metal that suits your skin tone. The most common metals are white gold, sterling silver, yellow gold and platinum. Basically if you're warm-toned you'll look best in warm metals, and if you're cool-toned you'll suit cool metals which is further explained in the Gold or Silver Color Analysis.

Round Diamond Stud Earrings from MyJewelryBox

Note: If you're buying diamond studs in other colors than clear crystal, make sure the color is in your personal palette. Click here to find your best colors with the Seasonal Color Analysis.

Your diamond stud earrings budget

What type of quality you can get depends on how much you're willing to invest in the stud earrings. If you want to work within a preferred affordable price range - here are some basics on how to calculate the quality of diamonds you'll get:

In general, some of the affordable diamonds with a reasonable quality are at a $100-300 price level but at tiny sizes between 1/10 to 1/3 carat weight. They usually have a couple of "flaws" (that's why they're cheaper) but they're pretty much invisible to the the eye so this isn't something you should worry about.

These imperfections may include:

Yellow tints
Tiny inclusions and blemishes
Small size

But they're so subtle and hidden in such small gemstones that these factors shouldn't matter if you want a pair that is affordable and versatile!

Click here to learn how to read online diamond jewelry descriptions

On the other hand, larger and top-notch diamonds (great brilliance, clearer color and clarity) are usually offered from $600 and up.

Here are price examples of round diamond stud earrings from Mondera:

Note: If you have a set budget, explore all of your options within the budget on a couple of reputable diamond jewelry stores. You might find a wide range of diamond carat weights and qualities available in your preferred price range.

Looking for diamond replicas?

Cubic Zirconia almost like diamond stud earrings

Do you have tight budget? Want to buy crystal stud earrings in whatever color you prefer? Then consider cubic zirconia stud earrings instead

Cubic Zirconia is a man-made glass and considered more perfect in sparkle and quality than a diamond. I mean quality as in zero inclusions. You can also choose to buy it in your favorite color!

CZ stud earrings are usually offered from a price range of $20 and up.

Click here to learn more about Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

What is the best diamond stud earring size?

If you want to add a discreet hint of sparkle then smaller diamond stud earrings in 0.25 carat weight will do. 0.25 is also very versatile - not too small, nor large. They'll put a subtle glow to your face.

Diamond studs size example from Blue Nile: Certified Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.
Note that they diamonds have a grading of H-I in color and SI1-SI2 in clarity.

However, if you want a more dramatic, diva'ish feel, go for larger diamond studs; from 1 to 5 carat.

Diamond Size Chart

For comparison, check out this diamond size chart. Click here to learn more about diamond carat, size and weight. Approximate exact visual and printed sizes by screen size 1280 x 800 pixels.

Diamond weight size mm chart

More advice on Jewelry:

For more fashion tips on how to select the best jewelry for your personal, take a look at the Shopping & Styling Guide below:

Shop Diamond Stud Earrings Online

Shopping tip for international readers: Expensive worldwide shipping? US store doesn't ship to your country? Save up to 50% off retail price in your home country and gain access to the goodies. Try a mail forwarding service!