Your Guide to Buying A Perfect Pair of Earrings
Buying a pair of earrings is an exciting journey that blends elegance, personal style, and meaningful investment. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or seeking the perfect gift, diamond earrings offer timeless beauty and versatility, making them a cherished addition to any diamond jewelry collection.
There are so many options from which to choose–a dazzling pair of diamond stud earrings, pendant earrings, diamond hoop earrings or dramatic dangles. There are earring styles to match every occasion and personality.
However, choosing the right pair involves more than just picking a design. Here’s a guide for your search to find the perfect pair of earrings on your wishlist while still meeting your budget. To begin, you’ll need to consider your budget, the quality of the diamonds you desire, and the craftsmanship of the setting. You will want an understanding of the key factors like earring styles, backings, and the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) to help you purchase quality diamond earrings.
Determine your Budget
Choosing high quality diamond earrings within your budget requires a thoughtful approach. This buying guide helps you maximize value while ensuring the earrings meet your expectations. Look for more budget tips in the 4Cs section.
Start with a clear idea of how much you're willing to spend. Setting a budget helps narrow your options and prevents overspending. Luxury brands with iconic designs have the potential to cost more.
If sourcing is a factor, some may consider lab-grown diamonds because of their accessibility being they are manufactured to be chemically and visually identical to real diamonds. They will cost less because they are produced and are not natural diamonds.
When going for a quality real diamond, certain shapes like round diamonds are more expensive due to higher demand and greater material loss during cutting. Fancy diamond shapes (oval, pear, cushion) may cost less. Choose a size and diamond quality that fits your style and budget.
Prioritize the 4Cs Based on Desired Impact
The 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat weight) determine the quality and price of diamonds, so you will need to prioritize what is most important with your preferences and budget when buying diamond jewelry.
Cut
Choose the best cut you can afford. A well-cut diamond will have more sparkle and brilliance than one with a lower-quality cut. A well-cut diamond that has an excellent cut will cost more than a diamond with a good or fair cut. Don’t compromise on cut quality, as even a large or flawless diamond will look dull without an excellent or ideal cut.
Color
Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds (D-F) are rarer and more valuable, while near-colorless (G-J) options are more affordable, yet still attractive.
If budget-conscious, choosing near-colorless grades like G-J instead of D-F will save you money while still achieving a “white” appearance. Earrings, unlike diamond engagement rings, are worn farther from direct scrutiny, making slight color differences less noticeable.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the number and visibility of inclusions (internal flaws) and external blemishes. Flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) diamonds command higher prices compared to slightly included (SI1, SI2) or included (I1, I2) gemstones.
Selecting diamonds with clarity grades like VS2 or SI1 will still have excellent value. These gemstones have small inclusions that are usually invisible to the naked eye, and are less noticeable in earrings than in diamond rings. Avoid paying a premium for flawless (FL) or internally flawless (IF) stones if you are watching your budget.
Carat Weight
Large diamonds are rarer and more expensive. The price increases exponentially with carat size (e.g., a 2-carat diamond costs significantly more than two 1-carat diamonds of the same quality). Keep in mind however, that the cut, clarity, and color still impact the overall value of any sized carat weight diamond.
Consider slightly smaller diamonds (e.g., 0.9 carats instead of 1.0). The difference in size is subtle, but the price difference can be significant when watching your budget. For earrings, matching carat weight is more important than maximizing size.
Choose an Earring Style
Decide on the type of earrings you want. Are you interested in buying diamond stud earrings? Do you want some stylish and elegant diamond hoop earrings? Or, do you want a diamond pendant or dangle style earrings? Diamond stud earrings are classic and versatile for everyday wear. Diamond hoop earrings are elegant and stylish and are suitable for casual or formal occasions. Dangles or drop earrings are perfect for a dramatic and sophisticated look.
Featured are diamond stud earrings, diamond hoop earrings with a snapback, and 2 row split diamond drop earrings:
When choosing your diamond earrings, consider the diamond shape (e.g. princess, oval, marquise, round diamond, etc.) and also the type of precious metal (e.g. white gold, yellow gold, platinum, rose gold, sterling silver, etc.) that you desire. Below are Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Stud Earrings with a butterfly back in 14K white gold, Diamond Pear shape earrings, and Princess Cut Diamond Stud Earrings with a butterfly back:
Type of Settings and Precious Metal
The precious metal used for the setting (e.g. platinum, white gold, yellow gold) affects the price of your earrings. Platinum is typically more expensive than gold. 24K and 18K gold is more expensive than the lower-karat golds.
Intricate designer settings increase costs compared to simpler styles like diamond studs or basic hoops. Your choice of settings like bezel, halo, or prong settings, etc. will impact the overall price of the earrings. Prongs maximize the diamond’s visibility and sparkle. A bezel setting offers a sleek modern look with more security. Halo settings surround the center diamond with smaller stones for added brilliance.
Featured are Sapphire and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings with a tension back, Diamond Journey Bezel Setting Earrings, and Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings in yellow gold:
Settings with multiple diamonds (e.g. halo, cluster, pave designs) can raise costs due to the additional stones and craftsmanship. Displayed are Princess Diamond Cluster Stud Earrings, Diamond Marquise Shape Dangle Earrings, and Diamond Pave Oval Earrings:
Factors Influencing the Price of Backing Type
The earring back can impact the overall price of diamond earrings, though its effect is generally smaller compared to the diamond’s quality (4Cs) and the type of precious metal. The backing material, complexity of the design, brand and customization, and security features all play a role in the overall price.
Earring Back Material
Backings made from precious metals (e.g., platinum or 18K gold) are more expensive than those made from lower-karat gold or base metals. Platinum backings tend to be pricier due to their durability and hypoallergenic properties.
Push-back or butterfly backs are typically the least expensive since they are simpler to manufacture and are generally used in jewelry that is intended for everyday wear. Below are princess square halo diamond stud earrings with a butterfly back:
Screw backs cost more than push backs because of the threaded post and precise construction required to ensure they fit securely. Below is an example of screw back earrings:
Lever back and Omega back are moderately to higher in cost. They are stylish and functional, often used in dangles. Below is an example of earrings with a lever back and omega back:
Brand and Customization
High-end brands like Cartier or Tiffany & Co. often incorporate premium materials and unique designs into their backings which can increase the overall cost. Custom or designer backing can also add to the price.
Security Features
Advanced or patented locking systems, like La Pousette or special friction backs are priced higher due to added functionality and reliability. They are generally used for higher-value earrings. The La Poussette locking back has an intricate spring mechanism which requires detailed craftsmanship. Below is a white gold round brilliant cut diamond stud earrings with a La Poussette back:
Certification and Grading
Diamonds certified by reputable organizations like GIA and AGS can cost more due to the assurance of quality. Non-certified diamonds may be cheaper, but risk inconsistencies in grading and potential inflated prices.
Certifications provide an unbiased assessment and a transparent basis for diamond pricing ensuring you are getting the quality you’re paying for. Some diamonds will even have a laser inscription of their certification number. If so, confirm that each diamond matches its respective certificate.
Certifications confirm the diamond’s authenticity and can discriminate between lab-created diamonds vs. natural diamonds or treated diamonds. Displayed below is a GIA-Certified Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Stud Earrings and a GIA-Certified Princess Diamond Square Halo Stud Earrings:
Best Place to Buy Diamond Earrings
The best place to buy diamond earrings depends on your preferences, budget, and the type of shopping experience you’re looking for. The place you choose to shop can significantly impact the quality, price, and overall experience.
Local Jewelry Stores
Jewelers often provide one-on-one assistance and guidance when you are buying fine jewelry (like diamond earrings) in-store. You can see, touch and compare the diamonds directly. Many jewelry stores offer custom designs and settings. Choosing a long-established local jewelry store with a strong reputation in the community is essential.
Online Retailers
While online retailers can have access to a wide variety of diamond shapes, sizes, and settings, you will not be able to physically examine your piece of jewelry until after purchase. Delivery may take days or weeks, and returning items can be cumbersome depending on the retailer’s policy.
Luxury Brands
Luxury brands offer good warranties and trade in programs but they will have premium pricing due to branding and exclusivity. You are paying for the brand name as well as the fine jewelry.
Custom Jewelers or Designers
With custom designers, they can create a unique piece that suits your preferences. Skilled jewelers ensure attention to detail, making custom jewelers a popular choice for wedding jewelry that complements your personal style. The custom piece may take weeks or months to complete and can come with a higher price.
Conclusion
Buying diamond earrings is a personal and meaningful investment that combines beauty, style, and value. Whether you’re purchasing your piece of jewelry for yourself or as a gift, understanding the key factors–such as the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), precious metals, earring styles and earring backings are essential to making an informed decision.
Your decision where to buy impacts the quality, price and overall experience that you desire. Balancing quality, budget, and personal preferences will help you select the perfect pair of earrings that you desire.
We have a wide range of diamond jewelry at E.D. Marshall Jewelers. Whether you are looking for a necklace, diamond ring, loose diamonds, or diamond earrings, our fine jewelry is sure to meet your budget and personal style with the quality you desire. We have luxury brand names, new and pre-owned jewelry, along with customization options. We would love to help you find those perfect pieces of jewelry to add to your jewelry collection.