| Diamond Stud Earrings are a pair of single | | | | Of course everyone wants the largest size studs |
| diamonds set into simple post settings. They are | | | | they can get for the money, but how white the |
| simple and elegant earrings that are an important | | | | diamonds are, or their color, makes a difference in |
| part of a woman’s jewelry wardrobe. While | | | | the overall brightness of the earrings. You may be |
| diamonds studs larger than two carat total weight | | | | able to sacrifice on the color slightly if the studs |
| may be worn for special occasions, most women | | | | are set in yellow gold, but if you want them set in |
| wear their diamond studs every day. They | | | | white gold or platinum, they need to be near |
| provide dazzling sparkle that draws attention to a | | | | colorless or better. |
| woman’s face, without overwhelming even | | | | Clarity is a factor as well. While you don’t |
| the most casual of outfits. | | | | need perfect flawless diamonds, you do want |
| The first thing you need to do when buying a pair | | | | ones that do not have visible flaws in them to |
| of diamond studs is to set your budget. Finding | | | | distract from the look of the earrings. Remember |
| the right studs for you is a balancing act, so you | | | | that they will be sitting at eye level, so diamond |
| need the frame of reference a budget can give | | | | studs get more close attention then a diamond |
| you. Diamond studs are easy to find in a wide | | | | pendant and large obvious flaws will be noticed. |
| range of price points, from $50 to $50,000. Of | | | | The most important factor in selecting diamond |
| course, the larger the diamonds are, the more | | | | studs is cut. The primary job of diamond studs is |
| expensive a pair of studs is, but that is only part | | | | to sparkle. If they are not well cut to maximize |
| of the equation. The four C’s- carat weight, | | | | the natural brilliance and fire of the diamonds, then |
| clarity, color and cut- impact the price of a pair of | | | | they will not do their job. You also need to make |
| diamond studs. | | | | sure that the two diamonds used in the pair are |
| Since diamond stud earrings are worn right next | | | | similarly cut and match each other in size and |
| to a woman’s face, quality matters. A | | | | brilliance. |
| smaller, good quality pair of studs that have a lot | | | | Finally, decide what kind of setting you want, |
| of fire and brilliance will compliment a woman | | | | including the choice of metal. Smaller studs can be |
| much better than a large, but dull and dingy, pair | | | | set in either gold or platinum with push-on backs. |
| of studs. Go for the best quality you can afford- | | | | For larger studs, upgrading to platinum settings |
| you can always trade up to a larger pair later. | | | | with screw-on backs provides better protection |
| Carat is a measurement of weight, not size, so | | | | for your investment. Take wear and tear into |
| you may see a size difference between studs of | | | | account when choosing setting types- a woman |
| the same carat weight. A well proportioned ¾ | | | | who is rougher on her jewelry or looses earrings |
| carat total weight pair of studs may look just as | | | | may need the added strength and security of |
| large to the eye as a poorly proportioned one | | | | 4-prong platinum and/or screw-on backs no |
| carat pair, so look at pairs in a variety of sizes. | | | | matter what the size of the earrings. |