Diamond Stud Earrings: Why They are Everyone’s Best Friend

Diamond stud earrings have been popular for centuries.  In the contemporary western world, they are a basic of fashion.  Every woman is expected to have a set in their jewelry box, just as they would have a little black dress in their closet.

In the current economy, however, purchasing diamonds is a daunting task.  With all of us watching our wallets very closely these days, the idea of acquiring something as superfluous as earrings seems unwise.  However, it’s worth remembering that diamonds are an excellent long-term investment, unlikely to ever lose its value.  In an appropriate setting, diamond stud earrings are probably a better buy than most common stocks are.

What makes diamond earrings so special compared to other jewelry?  For starters, there is that pure sparkle that they provide.  Nothing else captures and light like a properly cut diamond.  Another reason they are popular is their versatility.  Diamond studs will look right at home with an evening gown, a cocktail dress, or a pair of jeans.  Finally, they are durable.  We all have heard that diamond is the hardest substance known to man, and when properly mounted, there is virtually nothing that can destroy these lovely little wonders.

Round diamond stud earrings are the classic style. However, princess and square cuts have been growing in popularity over the years, as well as more unique customer shapes.

The most common setting is known as the basket. It consists of 4 prongs, with the stone set deep so it stays close to the ear when worn. This allows the diamond to stand straight out from the ear, but the prongs obscure a portion of the stone’s surface. At the opposite extreme is the crown setting, in which the base of the diamond sits in a small cup. No prongs mar the beauty of the stone, but its weight, now extended away from the ear, can cause them to sag … not ideal.

A compromise is the martini setting.   This one is similar to the basket, but uses only three prongs to hold the diamond in place.  This perhaps provides the best balance between allowing the stone to be seen and presenting it attractively.

This is all well and good, you might say, but how on earth can I afford any of these?  One idea is to shop for loose diamonds rather than finished earrings.  With some modest effort, you can save a significant amount of money by doing this, and then having it put in a simple setting by a professional jeweler.

Another great place to look is online. As with so many products, web-based retailers can often offer more competitive pricing because they do not have the overhead of a brick-and-mortar store to deal with. Finally, you can shop wholesale outlets, online or otherwise, where there are many potential bargains to be had on discount diamond stud earrings.

When you are looking to buy diamond stud earrings, it’s important to have some understanding of “the four C’s” that are used to measure the quality of the stone. These would be color, cut, clarity and carat weight. Much has been written about the importance of each of these, both on the web and in print. Rest assured that there is no need to become an expert, but understanding the basics of how they interact to determine a diamond’s worth is necessary if you are looking to find value for the least amount of money.

The wondrous glitter of diamonds has fascinated women and men alike for hundreds of years.  Even in tough economic times, most people still want to invest in a pair of diamond stud earrings.  Hopefully, these suggestions will help you find the perfect set at a price you can afford.