Choosing Beautiful Jewelry

How To Choose The Right Stud? The Dos And Don'ts Of Buying Diamond Earrings

22 March 2022

Bertha Garza

How should you choose a pair of diamond stud earrings? Diamond earrings are not all the same. If this is your first experience with gemstones for jewelry in general, take a look at the dos and don'ts to follow before you buy.

Do Consider the Four C's of Diamond Buying

You've probably heard of the four "C's" to follow. But you're not exactly sure what this means or what each "C" is. The "C's" are markers of quality. Each category represents a different aspect of a diamond that you should evaluate before you invest in a new set of stud earrings. The C's include:

• Color. This "C" may seem fairly obvious. The color refers to the diamond's hue. But it doesn't necessarily represent a fancy-colored stone (such as a pink, brown, or yellow diamond). According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), diamonds fall under the D, H, N, or Z categories. D is the "best" or most clear color.

• Clarity. This measure is the absence of inclusions. There are six clarity categories and 11 grades, starting with flawless and ending with included (or obvious blemishes under 10-times magnification).

• Cut. The cut will impact how well the diamond interacts with the light. Different cuts can create different levels of brightness or sparkle.

• Carat. The carat number is a measure of the diamond's weight. A higher carat diamond weighs more and looks larger.

Now that you know more about the four C's, you're ready to take the next step and start the selection process.

Don't Assume All Stud Earrings Are the Same

Stud earrings are simple, classic, and sit neatly on the earlobes. Even though all studs fall under one category, these earrings may differ in:

• Shape. The cut of the gemstone (diamond) isn't always a simple circle. Diamond studs may feature a princess, pear, oval, cushion, or emerald shape. The shape you choose depends on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you want from an earring.

• Setting. Even though the diamond is the main attraction, earrings are also made from metal. This means that you will need to choose a metal for the setting and a style (prong or bezel).

• Size. Again, all stud earrings sit on the earlobe. Longer drop earrings that hang down towards the shoulders are not stud options. While this might seem like it limits your size selection, you will still have the opportunity to choose from delicate barely-there diamond studs, medium studs, and larger statement pieces. 

Some studs may also feature a delicate multi-stone design. These earrings have smaller diamonds set around a central solitaire. This stylish option creates an ornate look that stands out from other studs.

To find diamond earrings for sale, contact your local jeweler. 

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