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.