Why are diamond studs the most popular earrings in the world? It’s simply because there’s nothing more flattering than a brilliant diamond to illuminate your profile.
This timeless style dates back to the 19th Century and is still considered a classic must-have in every woman’s jewelry collection to this day. The right pair of diamond studs can instantly elevate any look, however, there are many important things to consider when shopping for the perfect pair.
Here is Beard’s Diamonds guide to choosing a high-quality pair of diamond studs that you will covet forever.
The 4 C’s of Diamond Quality
When shopping for diamond jewelry, it’s important to consider the 4 C’s of diamond quality; color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Using the 4 C’s when selecting a pair of diamond stud earrings ensures that you get the best quality for the best value.
Here are some tips for using the 4 C’s when purchasing diamond studs:
Color
Diamond color is graded on a scale from D to Z. In general, D, E, and F-grade colorless diamonds are more expensive. However, diamond studs will reflect anything close to them, like skin tone, metal setting, other earrings, and anything else nearby. This can dramatically influence how diamond color is perceived. Therefore, choosing an expensive, colorless diamond may not be your top priority, especially if you are looking for a more economical pair of diamond studs.
Clarity
Diamond clarity grades the visual appearance of a diamond based on the number of blemishes and inclusions a diamond has. However, even diamonds that are lower on the clarity scale, Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) or Included (I1 and I2), appear flawless to the naked eye. While clarity is a quality indicator, you may want to opt for something lower on the clarity scale so you can prioritize the cut and carat of your diamond studs.
Carat Weight
Naturally, carat weight is a measure of the physical weight of a diamond. Therefore, the higher the carat weight, the pricier the diamond. High carat weight can make quite a bold statement; however, you can still dazzle with a pair of 0.5-1.00 ct diamond studs.
Cut
Diamond cut is what makes a diamond stud truly radiant. Choosing a high-quality cut, like round brilliant, will deliver the most eye-catching sparkle.
It’s also important to choose an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ brilliant-cut grade to ensure that your diamond studs have perfect symmetry, proportions, and expert craftsmanship. No matter how big your diamond studs are, a poorly cut diamond will look flat and lackluster.
Other Considerations When Buying Diamond Studs
After the 4 C’s, there are a few other important considerations when choosing the perfect pair of diamond studs.
Shape and Cut
Diamond studs come in a variety of shapes and cuts, but the most popular are round brilliant cut- and for a good reason! This cut magnificently catches the light, giving round diamond studs maximum sparkle.
Other popular cuts are princess, oval, and pear-shaped.
Metal Color
Choosing the best color for your diamond studs comes down to personal preference. However, as previously mentioned, the color of your metal setting will impact the diamond’s color appearance.
If you want a clean, bright look, select a white gold or platinum setting. If you want a softer appearance, opt for rose gold or yellow gold settings.
Metal Purity
To make jewelry stronger and more durable, precious metals, like gold and platinum, are alloyed with other metals, like copper, nickel, palladium, and zinc. Karat is a measure of metal purity, therefore 18K gold has a higher percentage of gold than 14K gold. However, 14K gold is more resistant to scuffs and scratches because it is more durable.
Beard’s Diamonds carries the largest inventory of diamond studs in all of Jacksonville. We carry a large range of carat weights to help you find the perfect fit. All of our diamond studs are beautifully set in 14K white gold for maximum shine and durability. Yellow gold and rose gold are also available upon request.
Come visit our conveniently located showroom in St. Johns Town Center and find out why Beard’s Diamonds sells the most diamond studs in all of Jacksonville!