With unlimited versatility and a gorgeous sparkle that complements any outfit, it’s not hard to see why so many people love a beautiful pair of diamond earrings.
Diamond earrings have been steadily gaining popularity since their debut in the early 1900s and today are the most popular choice of earrings.
Why do so many people have an affinity for diamond earrings?
Diamond earrings are a true classic. A simple pair of diamond earrings can become a lifelong staple in a wardrobe, making them a cornerstone of any jewellery collection.
So how do you decide on the perfect pair of diamond earrings for your collection?
This guide will help you explore how to buy a pair of diamond earrings that you’ll love for a lifetime.
Know Your Budget
Your budget is the first item to consider before buying a pair of diamond earrings.
Because diamond earrings can reach upwards of $30,000, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your finances and budget before falling in love with a pair of diamond earrings that are out of your budget.
Diamond earrings will last a lifetime and should be treated as an investment. However, the amount of money you invest into a pair of diamond earrings is completely up to you.
Your budget may range from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand depending on what you’re able to invest.
These 0.36ct Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings are an affordable option of diamond earrings that features two round brilliant diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. Each diamond is graded D/E in colour and has VVS/VS clarity.
If your budget is a bit more flexible, these 2.02ct 18k White Gold Hand Cut Diamond Stud Earrings feature two 1.01ct diamonds set in 18k white gold. Each diamond is E/F in colour and has a SI clarity grade.
Cut and Carat
After you’ve determined your budget, it’s time to determine what cuts and carat weights are right for you.
So, what is carat weight?
Carat weight refers to the metric weight of a diamond. Diamond earrings are measured in total carat weight, meaning the total combined weight of the diamonds.
The most popular carat weight for diamond earrings is 1 carat. A pair of 1ct diamond earrings will be comfortable and won’t pull down the earlobe or create drooping.
Another benefit of selecting a pair of 1ct diamond earrings is that the compact size of the diamonds makes them perfect for creating a layered look when worn with other earrings.
While diamond earrings come in different carat weights, bigger doesn’t always mean better.
Diamond earrings are also available in a variety of cuts. A diamond cut refers to the physical shape of a diamond.
The cut of a diamond is important because it plays a key role in how much brilliance a diamond presents.
The cut of a diamond can also impact:
- Scintillation (sparkle)
- Brightness (reflected white light)
- Fire (reflected light into visible colour)
A diamond with a poor cut can appear dull.
The most popular diamond cuts for diamond earrings are round and princess. Typically, diamonds with Very Good or Excellent cut grades are recommended.
It’s important to remember that diamond stud earrings may spin and rotate.
That’s why it’s important to choose a diamond cut that looks good from all angles.
For example, these 1.10ct Amethyst and Diamond Stud Earrings are a comfortable option that features two oval cut amethyst gemstones surrounded by a delicate halo of diamonds set in 18k white gold. These earrings will have a gorgeous aesthetic no matter how they’re rotated.
Another great option includes these 1.00ct Diamond Teardrop Earrings that feature a beautiful array of bright F/G colour and VS clarity diamonds set in 18k white gold. Each earring has a carat weight of 0.50, making them an excellent choice for frequent wear.
Colour and Clarity
The colour and clarity of a diamond are crucial factors to consider when buying a pair of diamond earrings because both can impact the light performance of a diamond.
The colour of a diamond is graded on an alphabetic scale using the letters D through Z and refers to the absence of colour in a diamond. The lower the letter, the higher the colour grade.
Diamonds will higher letter grades will have a yellow tint that can impact the overall appearance of the diamond.
While diamonds with lower letter grades will fetch premium prices, it’s not always advisable to go with the most expensive colour grade of the diamond.
This is because there is little visible difference between a top-tier colour-graded diamond and a middle-grade diamond.
Diamonds graded H through K in colour will provide the best bang for your buck without compromising the colour.
These 0.50ct Compass Style Diamond Stud Earrings are a great example of beautiful round cut diamonds with an H colour grade set in 9k white gold.
Clarity refers to the number of natural blemishes (inclusions) found on a diamond. Inclusions can be found on the surface of the diamond, as well as internally.
Inclusions are found in most natural diamonds and form during the natural formation process. Some inclusions are more prominent than others and can impact the appearance and performance of the diamond.
Clarity is graded using an eight-category scale that ranges from flawless (FL) to included (I). Grades are assigned to a diamond based on the size, shape, location, and number of inclusions found on the diamond.
Because diamond earrings are typically viewed from afar, the clarity of a diamond has less impact than if you were shopping for an engagement ring.
For diamond earrings, it’s typically recommended to select diamonds with a clarity grade of at least SI1 or SI2. These 1.50ct Vintage Inspired Diamond Stud Earrings are an excellent example of gorgeous SI grade round brilliant diamonds set in 18k white gold.
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In some instances, it may be fine to choose diamonds with I1 or I2 grades depending on the location of the inclusions.
Setting Styles
After determining the cut, clarity, and carat weight of your diamonds, you’ll want to select a setting to secure them in place.
A setting refers to the metal base that secures a diamond or gemstone into place.
Most diamond earrings feature a metal prong setting that secures the diamond in place using metal prongs. Diamond stud earrings can have anywhere from three to eight metal prongs depending on the size of the diamond.
This 0.50ct 18k White Gold Four Claw Lab Grown Diamond Earrings is an excellent example of a four prong setting and features 18k white gold and beautiful round cut lab grown diamonds.
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Another common setting option for diamond earrings is a bezel setting, which uses a metal rim to surround and secure the diamond in place.
These 0.31ct Round Cut Diamond Stud Earrings are a great example of a beautiful bezel setting with 18k white gold and G/H colour and SI clarity diamonds.
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If you’re looking for something a little different, try a hoop-style diamond earring. These beautiful 0.60ct Hoop Style Lab Grown Earrings feature 18k yellow gold with a gorgeous row of eco-friendly lab grown diamonds.
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For a bit more elegance, consider a pave-style hoop setting like these 0.17ct Stylish Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings that feature 18k yellow gold and a delicate row of diamonds.
Settings are available in a variety of metal options. The most popular metal options for diamond earring settings are:
- Sterling Silver
- Yellow Gold
- White Gold
- Rose Gold
- Platinum
Generally, sterling silver is considered to be the most lightweight and durable of the metals, while yellow gold is considered a traditional classic.
For those looking to maximize their budget, white gold is an excellent alternative to high-priced metals. These 0.54ct White Gold Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings are a beautiful example of a gorgeous and budget-friendly pair of diamond earrings.
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If you have sensitive skin, platinum is a beautiful hypoallergenic alternative, while rose gold provides a lovely romantic aesthetic.
Backing
Finally, is determining what type of earring back is best for your ear.
There are a variety of backs that can be used to secure a diamond earring in place, including:
Screw-Backs
Screw-backs feature a grooved post and are common with high-quality and expensive gold or platinum diamond earrings. Screw-backs provide excellent security to ensure the earring does not fall out of place.
Push-Backs
Push-backs, also known as butterflies, slide easily onto a straight post to secure the earring. Push-backs are common and easy to replace.
Hinge-Backs
Hinger-backs are relatively comfortable and feature a metal loop that hooks around the earlobe the secure the earring in place.
When choosing the type of backing for your earring, consider comfort, security, and lifestyle to ensure that you select the backing that works best for you.