A Guide to Diamond Stud Earrings

Diamond stud earrings are timeless and undoubtedly a well gifted piece of diamond jewellery. Here is a guide to help you pick the perfect pair!

Diamond Studs are the most popular choice when it comes to buying diamond earrings. The classic design makes this style timeless and undoubtedly a popular piece of diamond jewellery.

Diamond studs come in a range of shapes and metal settings - with all the choice, this can make your decision in finding the perfect diamond stud earrings difficult. Here is a guide to help you out pick the perfect pair!

What is a Diamond Stud?

Diamond studs are one of the most common types of earrings. Any diamond cut that has equal proportions are well suited to be a stud earring. The most popular diamond stud cuts include round, princess and asscher.

Since the latter part of the 19th Century, diamond stud earrings have been a key piece of jewellery. With their popularity surging in the 1970s, they have remained a fashion staple and every woman's (and in most recent years mens)  ‘must have' jewellery.

How Much Should I Spend on My Diamond Stud Earrings?

Diamond earrings can cost anything between £100 to £20,000+. Deciding how much to spend on diamond stud earrings is dependant on personal preference. Unlike an engagement ring, where the quality of the diamonds matters to the tiniest detail, you do have more leeway. It is important to pick a budget before starting to shop, so you can ensure you get the best quality and value for money, within your price range.

How to Use the 4 C's When Buying Diamond Stud Earrings

Diamonds are evaluated worldwide using the 4 C's - cut, clarity, colour and carat. When choosing any diamond jewellery gifts, these are very important to consider. When selecting your diamond stud earrings, you want to ensure that you get the best quality diamonds which are within your budget. Through using the 4 C's you can prioritise what are most important to you, so you can get the best value for money!

Colour

When looking for colourless diamond studs, it isn't necessary to spend thousands. The tiny facets on the diamonds surface act as mirrors, reflecting what is closest to them. Your hair, skin, metal setting or any near objects will affect the perceived colour of the diamonds. Meaning investing in the most expensive, colourless diamond is less important! Picking a diamond lower on the colour scale will still allow you to get that desired sparkle but for a lower cost. Most experts believe G-H, when mounted, will still achieve that complete colourless twinkle to the naked eye - but if you have a tighter budget, going slightly lower on the scale will not necessarily take away the beauty of the diamond.

Clarity

When picking your diamond stud earrings,  clarity is one of the 4 C's you can save on and still get a great set of diamonds within your budget. It is highly unlikely that someone will be able to see imperfections in the diamonds when you have your studs on - only through a diamond loupe can most inclusions be seen. Choosing a diamond lower on the clarity scale will not defer from the beauty. If you can afford to, we recommend SI2 or above - this will ensure the diamond studs are clean to eye which is especially important if you choose to have a fancy cut.

Cut

When choosing the cut of your diamond studs, you want to ensure the proportions and symmetry are good. The cut of the diamond governs how well the light is refracted - ultimately deciding how well the diamond sparkles. Poorly cut diamonds not only shows poor quality and craftsmanship, but will not give you that desired sparkle. Investing in excellent or very good cut grades from GIA, will make sure your diamonds facets arrangement will provide the most radiant pop when reflecting light.

Carat

To make a big impact, choosing a heavier carat weight will make a lasting impression. You should choose the biggest carat that is within your budget. But it is important that the carat weight is not the only criterion when choosing your diamond studs.

It is important to consider all 4 C's when picking your perfect diamond studs. A poor cut will make your diamond dull; too low colour will make your diamond have a yellow/brown tinge; a bad clarity will make your diamond dark in appearance. It is important to get a great mix of all - and don't forget to get your diamond certification as proof of purchase!

How to Pick the Best Metal to Pair With My Diamond Studs

There are two important things to consider when choosing the best metal to pair with your diamond studs. The metal colour and wearer allergies.

Metal Colour

As diamonds are highly reflective gemstones, the colour of the metal influences the diamond's apparent colour.

If you are after a bright white look and have invested in a high grade on the GIA colour scale - a white gold or platinum would be the perfect choice to enhance the diamonds and create that eye-catching sparkle. If you have chosen diamonds with a noticeable yellow tinge, you can create a softer look by pairing with yellow or rose gold. Mid-ranged diamonds are good to pair with either white metal or yellow gold - depending on what effect you are after.

If you have decided on unique coloured stud earrings, such as yellow diamonds or black diamonds, choosing a metal that compliments the diamond colour is down the personal preference. White metal can really emphasise the beauty of the coloured diamond. Whereas a yellow gold can create an eye catching contrast for a black diamond stud.

Allergies

If you are allergic to metals used in gold alloys, such as copper or nickel, you should always avoid yellow, rose and white gold to prevent irritation. Platinum is great choice of metal if you are allergic or unsure as it is hypoallergenic. You are able to wear this metal without the fear of irritation or allergic reactions.

If you need further advice to pick the perfect pair of diamond stud earrings, contact our team on 0121 200 1300. Our products are fully customisable,  we can personalise them to be perfect for you!