Diamond Earrings

Diamond studs are the piece most people wear more than any other, which makes the practical details worth more attention than the carat weight.

On studs, total weight is quoted for the pair, not each stone — a 1 carat total weight pair is two half-carat diamonds. It is the most common misunderstanding in the category. Sizes around a third of a carat total read as everyday; a carat total is noticeable at conversational distance.

Because an earring is seen from the side and in movement rather than face-on under a lamp, clarity matters less here than in a ring. A small inclusion that would be findable in a solitaire is effectively invisible in an ear. Cut still matters, because it is what makes the stone flash as you move.

The setting decides security. A four-prong martini setting shows the most diamond and sits close to the ear. A bezel wraps the stone in metal: less brilliant, far harder to knock loose, and the sensible choice for anyone who sleeps in their earrings.

Check the backs. Screw backs are slower to put on and much harder to lose.