DIAMOND EARRING SHOPPING: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Diamond earrings are a timeless jewellery piece and can be worn for any occasion. They also make great gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or even just because you want to show someone how much they mean to you. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to decide which earring is right. We will dive into this topic and provide you all the answers you need to get just the right one. Let’s start by selecting the earring style.
Which Types of Diamond Earrings To Buy – Studs, Hoops or Ear Jackets?
Diamond earrings come in a variety of styles, from sparkling stud earrings to subtle ear jackets and elegant hoops. Studs are one of the most popular types of diamond earrings. They feature a single stone that is mounted on a post. Studs are staple pieces you can’t go wrong with no matter the occasion. Take a look at our Irene Mini Single Stud in 9k White Gold if you are looking for a classic stud earring.
Hoops earrings are another great option when it comes to diamond earrings, as they offer more detail. Our hoop earrings typically feature tiny stones dotted around the hoop’s circumference.This creates a more sophisticated look and is less flashy than stud earrings. If you go for a smaller sized option, diamond hoops are also a great option for more casual everyday wear. Take a look at our Celia Hoops (available in Sterling Silver and Yellow Gold) to explore this option.
No matter which type you choose — studs, ear jackets, or hoops — diamond earrings will always remain timeless classics that offer beauty and elegance no matter what the occasion may be.
What Carat Weight to Pick When Buying Diamond Earrings?
One question we get all the time is which carat weight to pick when selecting a stud earring. A good rule of thumb is to choose a stud size that will easily fit in the earlobe, but with enough presence to make an impact. For those who prefer a subtle look, smaller diamond studs ranging from 0.10 carats up to 0.25 carats are ideal.
What Size Diamond Earrings are Best for Everyday Wear?
Carat sizes from 0.25 to 0.5 are great all rounders suitable for everyday wear. They can add some sparkle and glitz to everyday attire without being too flashy or ostentatious.
Stones between 0.5 and 1 carat are considered medium-sized earrings and offer a balance between making an impact while still looking appropriate for more laid back occasions. For those interested in going even bigger, consider our Aura Studs in 18K White Gold which feature 1.57ct stones and are real head turners.
When picking the right stone size, do not look at your earrings in isolation. Consider how your earrings match other jewellery that you are wearing, as well as how they fit with your overall outfit. If you are wearing other highly visible statement pieces, or have opted for a large wristwatch, then a small size stud will probably do. If you want the stud to accentuate your outfit, then go for a larger size statement piece.
What Shape, Cut, Colour and Clarity is Ideal for Diamond Earrings?
The shape of diamonds used for earrings can range from classic round cuts to modern princess-cut diamonds or even more intricate shapes like ovals or marquise-cuts. Take a look at the Dixie Stud in 9K White Gold if you fancy an oval cut shape, or the Petunia Studs in 9K White Gold if you want a playful earring.
The right shape can really help accentuate other features such as color or clarity and make a bold statement when paired with the right setting. If you are looking for something more colourful, take a look at our Eton Borderset Studs, classic green emerald earrings. If you look for something simple and understated check out our Eternal Four Prong Studs - classic white gold studs.
The cut also plays an important role in determining how much sparkle and brilliance is reflected by your diamond earrings. When selecting this factor, it’s important to ensure that all facets are properly aligned so light can pass through without obstruction and create beautiful reflections off each surface. If you look for maximum sparkle consider the Naila Stud available in 9K White Gold and Yellow Gold. A classic style stud earring that features a beautiful princess cut diamond held in a modern and contemporary four-claw setting.
Colour is another element that has a direct impact on how striking or eye-catching your diamond earrings appear. Generally speaking, higher grades mean whiter and brighter tones with less yellow visibly present in the stone itself. Most of our stones have a desirable D-G colour rating and are thus virtually “colourless”.
As for clarity, this refers to any blemishes or flaws within the diamond. Most of our stones have a VS+ clarity rating, meaning that they are “very slightly included” and that it would require a trainer diamond grader to use a 10x magnification glass to spot inclusions. You can find the exact ratings for each of our jewellery pieces on the respective product detail page.
How Much Should a Pair of Diamond Earrings Cost?
So how much should you expect to pay for a pair of diamond earrings? It really depends on the carat weight, clarity, colour), size, setting type or stone cut. At CARAT* our prices range from just above £100 to several thousand Pound pieces. That said, we offer one significant advantage: all our diamond earrings are in fact lab grown diamond earrings. In 2019 we launched our sister brand, GENTLE DIAMONDS in our continued mission to work with the finest alternatives to mined gemstones. That means that all our diamonds are lab grown diamonds that are 100% conflict free and more sustainable. They also come with a certification of authenticity issued by independent third party gemological laboratories such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Overall, opting for our lab grown diamonds is an excellent choice if you are looking for more sustainable, conflict free, high-quality gems at affordable prices.
Finding the “Best” Diamond Ring is a Personal Choice
When it comes to buying diamond earrings, there are many factors to consider such as quality, size and setting type. Also whether you opt for a stud earring, ear jacket, or hoop depends on your personal style and the occasion. The price of your purchase will depend on several variables, but if you want beautiful sparkling gems without breaking the bank, then our lab created stones should be your go-to choice! If you need some more guidance check get some inspiration on how to stack earrings, or our hoop earring shopping guide. We've also got you covered if you are not sure what size diamond stud earring is ideal for everyday wear.
