Diamond stud earring in various sizes against a while background with a flowing purple ribbon


Diamond Studs: How to Shop for the Perfect Pair 

Diamond studs are an incredible gift to treat yourself or someone special. They are the perfect combination of elegant, versatile and tasteful. The right pair of diamond studs is something to cherish forever. From mimosas at brunch to exclusive black-tie gatherings and everything in between, there’s no such thing as a wrong time to flaunt a beautiful pair of studs. 

Of course, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to gifting diamond studs, like what’s the ideal size, setting and metal? Our expert Personal Jewelers have more than 110 years of experience in helping people give the gift of fine jewelry and are happy to share some of the key things to keep in mind to match you to the perfect pair. 

How to Choose Diamond Studs 

Sometimes, a beautiful pair of earrings just catches your eye and the choice is easy. However, for many people, especially when it comes to gifting, it helps to have a wide array of options to weigh. We think there are six key factors to consider when shopping for diamond studs. 

Budget: Knowing how much you want to spend is an important first step. Setting your budget is personal and depends on so many factors including who you are buying for, what statement you are trying to make, and how much you are comfortable spending. No matter your budget, there are always great options.  

Carat Weight: A diamond’s weight is measured in carats. As you might expect, the higher the carat weight, the bigger (and more expensive) the diamond. As we’ll explore later in this post bigger is not always better when it comes to diamond studs. You can also read about carat weight in more detail in our diamond buying guide. 

Cut: Diamonds come in a variety of cuts which impact not only the shape of the gemstone, but also the way each gemstone reflects light. Round cut and princess cut are among the most common you’ll find in diamond studs, but are far from the only options. The cut of a diamond gives each stone it’s brilliance and captivating sparkle. 

Setting: There are several options when it comes to diamond stud settings, but two of the most popular are prong and bezel. With a prong setting, little prongs hold the diamond in place while a bezel setting wraps itself around the entire outer edge of the diamond. We’ll get into the details of which setting might be best for you a little later in this post. 

Type of Metal: The most popular metal for diamond studs is by far gold. The purity of gold is measured in karats (not to be confused with carats). So, 14k gold is about half pure gold with other alloys mixed in to improve its luster and durability. At Ben Bridge, you’ll also find diamond studs in 18k gold and platinum. 

Metal Color: The purity of your gold setting isn’t the only consideration when it comes to choosing diamond studs. Yellow, white and rose gold are all beautiful options. The color is influenced by the alloys used to strengthen gold. Yellow is classically stunning. White is elegant and sleek. Rose gold provides a uniquely beautiful antique quality. 

What is the Perfect Size for Diamond Studs? 

Most people prefer diamond studs in carat weights between 0.25 and 1 carat. When you’re choosing diamond studs, it’s important to remember that bigger does not always mean better. A round or princess cut diamond will provide an incredible level of brilliance and sparkle at smaller weights without being too bulky or heavy for regular wear. 

If you’re buying diamond studs as a gift, you’ll want to know what type of earrings your special someone wears. Do they go for big, bold statements or subtly beautiful, understated style. With that in mind, you should also consider whether you are buying something for everyday wear, or a truly dazzling set of earrings for special occasions. 

If you’re looking to make a big impact with a modest budget, cluster diamond studs are an excellent option. By grouping small stones together, you get a big diamond look. You’ll also find clusters in an array of beautiful shapes and textures to make a truly personal statement. 

What is the Best Setting for Diamond Studs? 

There is no one answer when it comes to choosing the best setting for diamond studs. It all comes down to style and practicality. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular settings for diamond studs to help you determine what might work best for yourself or as a gift. 


Prong Setting

With a prong setting, the diamond is held in place by small metal prongs. This is a very popular choice for engagement rings and diamond studs because they allow virtually the entire diamond to be seen. Four prong settings are common diamond stud settings, but three-prong settings are also becoming more mainstream.  

 

Bezel Settings

Bezel settings provide a sleek and modern look. The metal wraps all the way around the diamond. Studs with bezel settings are great for stress-free everyday wear because the setting itself helps protect the diamond.  

Halo Setting

This setting is a perfect way to get big sparkle, even with a smaller center stone. With a halo setting, the center diamond is surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds, creating a captivating glow that catches the light from every angle. Halo settings are the perfect combination of value and style. 

Can You Wear Diamond Studs All the Time? 

Diamond studs are considered a jewelry box essential. They are versatile, elegant and work beautifully with any look. A reliable pair of diamond studs always look professional in a work setting and stylish for any occasion, from laid back to formal. 

There are really no rules when it comes to how to wear your diamond studs, so whether you love the way they look with your favorite tee shirt and denim jacket or that dress you save for special occasions, there’s nothing holding you back from flaunting your studs. 

Find the Perfect Pair of Diamond Studs

Whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of diamond studs for yourself or shopping for a special gift, you’ll find an array of styles, sizes and settings at Ben Bridge. Browse some of our favorites online, from single diamond studs to cluster, halo and colorful gemstones if you want to mix things up.