12th December 2023
Prices of Diamond stud earrings vary considerably depending on several factors. Some pairs cost as little as a couple hundred pounds, while others can set you back several thousand pounds.
Here are the main factors affecting the cost.
Carat refers to Diamond’s weight; one carat weighs 0.2 grams.
In terms of size, a half-carat stud would be around 5 mm in diameter, while a one-carat would measure approximately 6.4 mm.
As stud earrings come in pairs, the carat weight listed is for both studs in most cases. So if a pair of studs is labelled as two carats, each stud would weigh one carat.
The size plays a significant role in the cost, as it’s much harder to source a larger Diamond. For example, a two-carat pair of Diamond earrings will cost around three times that much as a one-carat pair.
The clarity grade depends on how many internal inclusions, such as carbon spots or feathers, are found in the Diamond. The higher the clarity, the sparklier the Diamond will be.
Clarity grades start from IF (Internally Flawless), given to only rare perfect Diamonds. VVS1 and VVS2 grades are given to Diamonds with very, very slight inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye. Diamonds graded VS1 and VS2 have very small inclusions that can be visible to the naked eye when looked at closely. SI1, SI2 and SI3 graded stones will have slight visible inclusions. Finally, I1, I2, and I3 graded Diamonds will be visibly included and might appear cloudy.
The clarity significantly impacts Diamond’s cost—however, many inclusions affecting the clarity grade might not be visible to the naked eye.
You can expect to pay upwards of £3000 for A Pair of High Clarity Two-Carat Diamond Studs.
There are different colour-grading scales. For example, the GIA grades Diamonds from D (colourless) to Z (heavily tinted), while the EGL uses a scale from D (colourless) to M (heavy tint). While there might be some differences in the grading systems, Diamonds graded D – E will be colourless on every scale.
As a guide, a pair of colourless one-carat Diamond stud earrings will start at £800.
Another significant factor affecting the cost is whether the Diamonds are Earth-mined or Lab-grown.
While lab-grown stones are cheaper than Natural Diamonds, they lose value fast, as the supply is limitless. Natural Diamonds are rare, which makes them precious, so they hold their value much better than lab-created ones.
If you are on a budget but would still prefer an Earth-mined stone, consider a clarity-enhanced Diamond. As they grow deep underground for millions of years, Diamonds are rarely perfect. Most of them contain some type of inclusion. Some of these inclusions can be treated by being filled with a microscopic amount of material with the same optical properties as the Diamond. After the enhancement, the Diamond appears cleaner and sparklier. The treatment is non-reversible, so enhanced Diamonds are still considered Natural and hold their value.
The metal used for the setting might also affect the price, although the difference will be minimal, as the cost of the Diamond far exceeds the cost of the metal.
Platinum is generally marginally more expensive than gold. 14-carat gold will cost slightly less than 18-carat gold. Pure 24-carat gold is not recommended for earrings, as it’s a soft metal, and the earring post could bend easily.
The cost will also depend on where you buy the earrings.
Buying from a high-street jeweller will cost considerably more than purchasing from an online jewellery store, as physical stores have higher overhead costs than online ones.
You might feel apprehensive about buying your Diamond jewellery online. However, as long as you choose a reputable, established online Diamond Jewellery store which sells certified Diamonds and offers free returns, you don’t have to worry.
If you are considering purchasing Diamond stud earrings from us but would like to see them first, you can book an appointment at our office in northwest London to view our range.
