Classy. Gorgeous. Timeless. In the world of men’s earrings, diamond studs are second to none. They bring their attitude to every outfit and make it absolutely perfect. Nothing says bad and boujee like a pair of diamond studs!
Known for their distinct brilliance and dynamic popularity, these stylish adornments have never been out of style. Historians trace the origins of diamond earrings all the way back to 2500 BC. Each gem is unique yet versatile- you can pair them with a casual fit just as easily as you can with a full bling look. Easy to wear and easy to flaunt.
Whether you are a first-time buyer of earrings or rounding out a collection, diamond studs are the perfect jewels. The only problem: there are endless cuts, sizes, colors, and more to choose from. This quintessential jewel is quite possibly the hardest to shop for!
Since there are so many possible choices, it’s important to know your options. When you’re on the hunt, there are certain things to keep in mind.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of diamond studs!
The Size
We all know size matters. The bigger the diamond, the better it is. For many first-time shoppers, diamond sizes are confusing because you’ll be seeing them as carats (weight). Generally, carats are listed as the total weight of both the diamonds in a pair i.e. 2 carat diamond studs give you a 1 carat diamond on each earlobe.
Diamond studs for men typically range from 0.25 carats to 2+ carats. This gives you a variety to choose from so make sure you know how you’ll be using the studs before you buy. For example, you don’t want to be carrying around 2 carat diamonds daily. For casual wear, people tend to opt for smaller sizes like a 0.75 or a 1 carat pair. On the other hand, a party calls for a little more bling. It helps make a statement and commands quite some attention.
The Cuts
Diamond quality is graded on 4 Cs- Carat, cut, clarity, and color. The cut is one of the most value-determining factors. It defines a diamond and its unique brilliance. There are 12 distinct cuts a diamond comes in but of these the most popular in men’s diamond studs are round, princess, cushion, and baguettes. Let's take a look at each one to see what makes them unique.
Round Diamond Cut
Diamond studs for men may be many but round brilliant cuts remain the most eloquent and popular. This is the cut most people imagine when they hear the word diamond. The round brilliant cut boasts 52 facets, offers a white light reflection (brilliance), and is perfectly symmetrical in nature. It’s a timeless, versatile cut that pairs with just about anything.
These are usually the most expensive cuts in diamonds but they are definitely worth it.
Princess Diamond Cut
The princess cut is instantly recognizable. Celebrities like Harrison Ford and Chris Brown have walked the red carpet in them. They are a favored option for many because a princess cut is cheaper than a round cut of the same size.
This isn’t to say it's any less magnificent.
A princess cut is characterized by a sharp square shape and between 50-58 facets. The diamonds have four beveled sides and they are actually designed to optimize the rough’s brilliance.
Cushion Diamond Cut
For men’s diamond studs, the details really matter. That’s why many stylists prefer the cushion cut for casual looks. It combines the square shape of a princess cut with rounded edges from the round brilliant cut. Though they are fairly sparkly, the cut compromises on brilliance and makes up for it with fire. It's a good accessory to round out an outfit with a carefree, effortless style.
Baguette Diamond Cut
Baguettes are a trend that might be here to stay. Though the cut has been around since the early ’20s, they have the right blend of edge and style to stay fashionable. Baguettes have an identifying elongated stone that can be tapered or square. They only have 14 facets but they are so versatile in nature that it's hard not to want them. They complement other shapes which makes them easy to style for men and the contrast of luster and clarity with brilliance and fire makes up for their slight dullness.
The Colour
Diamonds naturally occur in a variety of colors. The different colors arise from impurities in the structure with the most exquisite stones being completely colorless. The GIA grading format for diamonds is D (colorless) to Z (light color) with each alphabet representing a degree of color.
One thing to remember about diamonds is that they reflect their surroundings. That means they will reflect or seem to pick up the color of everything around them- from skin tone to clothes. The good thing about this is that it makes it easier to style them with your usual wardrobe.
For men’s diamond studs, color usually won’t matter as much. You can find a colored diamond in a lower price range and still get the brilliance you want by choosing your cut carefully.
The risk of choosing a colored diamond stud is its utility. If you go with pink diamonds, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to nail different looks. Alternatively, if you’re looking to add on to a look with a pop of color, it might be worth it. After all, a diamond is a diamond.
One thing is for certain: if you are looking to spend big bucks, flawless, colorless diamond studs are the way to go. They pair well with casual fits and statement attire.
Trend Tip: Black diamond studs are all the rage these days in men’s fashion. They’ve been seen on runways, red carpets, and more. They are quite rare but still cheaper than colorless stones and yet, they are just as easy to style.
The Setting
Listen up! This is quite likely the most important part of choosing diamond studs for men: the setting. It can make or break your earrings. A diamond setting is how the stone is fixed to the rest of the jewel.
The most popular settings for diamond studs are prong settings, bezel settings, and halo settings. Let’s take a quick look at how these can affect your overall stunning studs.
This first setting is a classic and calls on four prongs to support the diamond on each corner. It leaves the stone exposed to light and greatly increases its brilliance. A timeless setting, it's equally conservative and elegant. This is generally the starter setting when you get your ears pierced. If you need a pair of earrings for everyday wear, this is a choice setting.
This simple and sleek design has the diamond completely enveloped by metal. It is very secure but more of a traditional setting. Nevertheless, diamond studs with a bezel setting are still good for casual wear since they make the diamond look bigger without increasing carat weight.
Quite simply the most glamorous setting of them all! Envied by most, the halo setting adds glitz to any look- suits, formals, and even custom fits. For all of your special events, this would be the ideal choice!
In this style, the diamond is surrounded by smaller diamonds that form a ‘halo’ around it. With the extra layer of shimmer, the studs go from stylish to statement.
It's never too late to up your fashion game, and earrings are a great start! Whether you are looking for a simple, elegant pair to add to your wardrobe or a statement piece for a special outfit, there are great choices available on Netcarat. Our extensive range of earrings has something for everyone! Find your dream pair here.
