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Earrings for men are no longer for the rebellious or ostentatious but part of a growing trend. The diamond stud has been one of the most popular type of earrings for men and whatever your style, there’s bound to be one to suit you.
Whether you’ve just got your first piercing or have been rocking this trend for a while, we cover all you need to know about buying a diamond stud earring.
How are Men’s Diamond Studs Different from Women’s Studs?
Diamond studs are a unisex item and suit both men and women equally. The main differences, if any, would be in color and size.
Male diamond studs are often larger than those for women, although this is not always the case. In terms of color, a metal such as rose gold for the setting is quite feminine and not commonly used in men’s diamond studs.
How to Wear Diamond Studs
First and foremost, let’s take a look at how you can wear a diamond stud. Remember that this is a matter of choice and depends on your personal taste. In other words, there’s no right or wrong way to go about this. If you aren’t sure how you feel about wearing a diamond stud and if you want to start slow, then we recommend a single stud.
1. Solitaire and Single Studs
A ‘diamond solitaire’ simply means a single diamond. It comes with no side diamonds or other embellishments. If you like the idea of an understated style, then a single diamond stud earring is probably for you.
2. Double Diamond Studs
While single stud earrings for men are more popular, wearing a pair of diamond earrings has become an increasing trend in men’s jewelry, and has a contemporary feel to it.
You can choose to have both your ears pierced and sport one stud in each ear. You could also opt to have multiple piercings in the same ear.
In terms of style, it comes down to personal taste, but there are a couple of reasons to buy a pair of earrings even if you’ve only got one ear piercing.
It’s often more affordable to buy a pair of earrings than to buy two single studs as retailers offer them more frequently. And down the line, if you get a second piercing, then the studs are already matched. You can always just wear one earring if you want to and keep the second as a spare. However, if you’re going to spend more of your budget on a show-stopping earring, then we’d recommend finding a single perfect stud.
Choosing the Ideal Diamond Stud for You
When we talk about different types of diamond stud earrings, the most significant difference between studs for men will be the cut and carat. Here’s what you need to know about each of these essential characteristics of diamond stud earrings.
Shape of Your Diamond Stud
The two most popular shapes for diamond earrings worn by men are round and square. These cuts are popular as they are relatively unisex, and also look stylish whether worn solo or in a pair.
When you’re choosing the cut of a diamond it’s important to think about your personal taste, but don’t overlook some other factors too such as your face shape.
The shape of an earring can help complement and balance the shape of your face. If you have a round face, then a diamond that has geometric lines such as emerald or square cut will complement the natural curve of your face. Conversely, if your face is slightly long or square, then a round cut diamond stud will help create a stylish look.
By considering your face shape and personal taste, you’ll be sure to pick a diamond stud earring that looks stylish and smooth. If you aren’t sure what shape to choose, try on a few different shapes and see which you think looks best for you.
Choosing the Diamond Carat
Carat is often misunderstood as being the size of a diamond, when in fact it is the weight of a diamond. In fact, two diamonds may have the same carat weight but could have different cuts which mean they will look completely different. As you might have guessed the bigger the carat, the more expensive the diamond.
When you’re thinking about which carat weight is best for you, it’s worth noting the size of your earlobe. If you have small earlobes then a diamond with a larger carat weight might look a bit oversized and weigh your ear down. On the other hand, if you have larger earlobes then avoid very small carat weights for your diamond stud earring (unless you’re going for a barely-there look). In other words, decide on a stud size that complements the size of your ear.
The most common diamond stud carat weight for men’s diamond earrings is between 0.25 and 1 carat, but if your goal is to wear something eye-catching, then a larger diamond stud will make a dramatic statement. We’d recommend a single stud that’s 1.25 carats or heavier.
If you’re buying a pair of diamond earrings, the carat weight listed in the description will refer to the total carat weight of both earrings combined, so that a pair of 1-carat diamond earrings will have a 0.5-carat diamond on each earring.
If purchasing online, check if there are images of the stud on a model. This way, you get a clear idea of the size of the earring.
What Metal Color Should I Choose
The best way to choose your metal color is by looking through your other jewelry to see what you already own. If you have a white gold wedding ring, then a sterling silver stud earring will be a complimentary choice.
Another smart tip is to match the metal color to your watch as this will keep your jewelry looking coordinated and stylish. For something edgy and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll go for a white diamond set in black rhodium plated gold or silver. Because black goes well with any other color, this will still give you a cohesive look!
Our final nugget of advice for choosing your metal. If you want to spend more of your budget on the diamond then select an affordable metal such as 9 karat gold or sterling silver rather than something more expensive such as platinum.
Setting Choices for Men’s Diamond Studs
The most popular setting for men’s diamond earrings is a claw or prong setting. The prongs hold the diamond securely in place allowing the light to reflect radiantly on to it. The more claws holding the diamond, the more secure the setting but this is at the cost of obscuring the diamond.
If you’re worried about your diamond falling out, choose six prongs for a secure but minimalist look. Four claws are the smallest number of prongs that any diamond stud should have while still maintaining adequate security.
Another setting that’s popular with men’s earrings is bezel. This setting is the most secure type as the metal perfectly surrounds the diamond holding it in place tightly. The only downside to this is the bezel setting can often make diamonds appear smaller as less light can reflect from them.
Black Diamonds for a Modern Choice
For an edgy, modern look, you could always opt for a black diamond rather than colorless ones. White diamonds are classic and traditional in appearance, whereas black diamonds have recently shot up in popularity.
They give you the durability, class and value of diamonds but are more intriguing, bold and contemporary.
Best Diamond Substitutes for a Stud Earring
Diamonds are not just popular for their sparkly look but also for their durability. Diamonds have a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale and are the hardest natural substance on the planet. They are highly resistant to scratches, making them perfect for everyday wear.
But diamonds don’t come cheap. If you’re seeking a wallet-friendly alternative to a diamond, then moissanite might be what you’re looking for. Its durability is comparable to a diamond, and on the Mohs scale, it’s slightly lower than a diamond but higher than all other gemstones at 9.25.
Moissanite’s are almost impossible to tell apart from diamonds, especially in small sizes. All moissanite is created in labs making them not only lower in price but also eco-friendlier than diamonds.
Another excellent alternative to a diamond is cubic zirconia; these are synthetic stones that have very similar qualities to diamonds. CZ ranks 8 on the Mohs scale and are very durable stones.
Here’s a pro tip: If you’re thinking about buying a diamond earring but aren’t quite sure if it is the right look for you, then we would recommend trying either a CZ or moissanite stud first before purchasing a diamond. It’s an inexpensive way to get the look without spending too much money.
Where Should I Buy My Diamond Studs?
Buying your diamond studs at a brick and mortar store gives you the advantage of trying on the piece and seeing how you feel about it. However, taking your search online gives you endless options, and you can cherry pick the best price and stud to match you.
We suggest checking out diamond studs at a local jeweler and seeing what style suits you, then going online and looking for similar studs, comparing prices, diamond quality and styles.
Whichever retailer you decide to go with, always make sure that they are licensed, reputable and have great reviews. They should be specialized in what they do and should also provide you with certification for the diamond. Check that the certifying laboratory is reputable, such as GIA, AGS and EGL. We recommend the following retailers:
1. James Allen
An online giant in the diamond space, James Allen has a stunning collection of high-quality diamonds and settings. The images and videos are unparalleled in quality and makes shopping online similar, if not better, to shopping in store.
2. Blue Nile
Known for dominating the online diamond industry since the late 1990s, Blue Nile offers one of the largest online diamond inventories. Search diamonds and settings here at competitive prices, solid after-sales policies, and good customer service.
3. Amazon
Amazon offers a range of diamond stud earrings at a variety of prices. You can also find imitation and look-alike diamond jewelry. Always check the after sales policies of the vendor you buy from.
4. Etsy
A platform where you can find every type of jewelry, from genuine antiques to artisan boho pieces, Etsy is one of the best places to search for diamond studs. As always, due your due diligence and check that the vendor is reputable and that the jewelry is what the vendor claims it to be. For more information, check out our article on shopping for jewelry on Etsy.
If you would like more in-depth information about these vendors, check out our reviews on James Allen, Blue Nile. For an overall comparison, check out our article on the Pros and Cons of Engagement Ring Retailers.
Wrapping Up
Nowadays, a diamond stud is a go-to piece of jewelry for men. It’s easy to wear, stylish, and versatile, and because there are so many types of gemstones and styles, you can find one to match your budget.
