Here Is the Ultimate Guide to Buying Diamond Earrings

Reviewer Highlight: "I received a smaller pair of diamond studs years ago, but I wanted to buy a new pair—these did the trick! I opted to go with the 1/2 carat total weight pair, and I'm glad I did, as they're the perfect size for my small ears. I probably could have been just as happy with the 3/4 pair, but I didn't want to spend more if I didn't have to. They have the perfect amount of sparkle at a reasonable price and are something that I can easily wear every day."

Reviewer Highlight: "I was searching for the perfect gift to give my bridesmaids and found these. All the girls love them and wear them all the time! Thanks to Stone and Strand for all the help while ordering and making sure I received them diamond studs on time."

Editor Highlight: If you're on a tighter budget, it's worth considering purchasing lab-grown diamonds, as they offer the same quality without the higher prices. With brands like Pandora adhering to the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) standards for manufactured gems, you can rest assured these are still a solid long-term investment. 

Editor Highlight: It's no secret that the diamond industry has been historically dirty, but White/Space is changing that one piece at a time. The Los Angeles based fine jewelry label not only operates on a made-to-order model, but the brand also uses recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds that have undergone the Kimberley Process certification, making these earrings a sound purchase. 

Editor Highlight: We've seen lab-grown diamonds surge in popularity—for a good reason! While these human-created diamonds aren't for everyone, buying them has numerous benefits. For example, they have a higher rate of clarity since they're not exposed to dirt, create less damage to ecosystems, and are far easier to track from a labor perspective. 

Reviewer Highlight: "I adore dainty jewelry that has exceptional details and quality, and these David Yurman stud earrings are it! They are the perfect size for everyday wear, with tons of sparkle and a high-quality 18k gold material. I love the setting; it's so detailed and pretty while still being delicate and elegant. I've been searching for a long time for the perfect pair of stud earrings, and these are the winners."

Editor Highlight: Although founded in 1879, Birks remains a beloved fine jeweler to this day because of its craftsmanship and nature-inspired pieces. One of its most popular offerings is the Snowflake collection, which has been spotted on the likes of Meghan Markle and is known for its usage of diamond clusters meant to mimic snow (see above). 

Editor Highlight: Not all diamond earrings live up to their price tags, but then again, not all options can be from De Beers Forevermark. The jeweler is arguably one of the best places to shop for diamond earrings in the world, as each stone is sustainably sourced and goes through a rigorous certification process that marks it as a Forevermark diamond—the highest-quality gemstones. 

Reviewer Highlight: "First, let me first start by saying that this ear crawler is the chicest little jewelry piece I have ever owned—the moment I put it on, I instantly felt 'cool.' But the craftsmanship is out of this world! I don't even have the vocabulary to describe how gorgeous this little diamond earring is, but the amount of sparkle these diamonds have and the way the gold shines is everything. If you're contemplating purchasing this don't even think about it, just do it."

Reviewer Highlight: "These are gorgeous diamond earrings! They are the perfect size, have a nice design with diamonds, and have a decent thickness to them. Well worth the money, very nicely priced as seen similar to these elsewhere were much more expensive."

Editor Highlight: If you're ready to take the plunge on investing in a pair of diamond earrings, there's arguably no better place to do just that than at Tiffany Co. The historic jeweler offers just about anything you could want. We recommend these pavé-set hoop earrings, as they're a timeless purchase. 

Reviewer Highlight: "I love these earrings! They are classy, sparkly, and beautiful! They are on the smaller side and are very dainty. I prefer the latch clasp because I feel like it stays in my ear better than other styles, so this is exactly what I was looking for. Hoping these beauties last a long, long time."

Editor Highlight: Since its launch in 2015, the Singapore-based brand State Property has been beloved in the international community for its signature sculptural pieces. Frankly, we get it. With this pair of earrings featuring a squiggly chandelier shape made from 18k yellow gold and filled with 1.28ct white diamonds and emeralds, it's hard not to love this brand. 

Editor Highlight: Featuring an oval-shaped ruby with a halo of diamonds, these earrings are what we'd imagine royalty wearing. 

Editor Highlight: Fine jewelry can sometimes feel "stuffy," but the Black-owned label Mateo is changing that. Founded in 2009, the brand has become the go-to brand among celebs, style insiders, and jewelry lovers because of its contemporary approach to pearls. Pieces often have sculptural elements, diamonds, and colorful gemstones. 

Reviewer Highlight: "The diamonds are large, and the style is modern and fun. Love them!!"

Editor Highlight: No need to choose one diamond cut, as this Swarovski ear cuff features round-, oval-, cushion-, and marquise-shaped lab-grown gems. 

Reviewer Highlight: "I wore these during my wedding and have worn them practically every day since. The earrings are absolutely stunning in person and the perfect size. They've been very sturdy in my ear since I've worn them every day (including at night), which makes the price feel worth it."

Editor Highlight: For those with multiple piercings, this chain-link Anita Ko earring will up your earscape game. 

Reviewer Highlight: "Loving my new double-bar diamond studs. I went with half black diamonds and love how you can make that change, my earrings feel unique. They're super sparkly diamonds, sizable on my ear while still looking dainty. Think they would look great in a second hole as well. Would love to mention how adorable the packaging was, made gifting myself even more fun!"

Editor Highlight: Handmade in Los Angeles, KatKim's jewelry always features sculptural silhouettes made from responsibly sourced metals and conflict-free diamonds. 

Editor Highlight: Monica Vinader's approach to fine jewelry has won the brand the prestigious Butterfly Mark certification—an award for luxury brands that meet the highest standards for sustainability. 

Editor Highlight: Emeralds, aquamarines, and diamonds wrapped up into one pair of earrings? Here for it. 

Editor Highlight: The Black-owned jewelry brand Harwell Godfrey has become renowned in the fashion world. What sets this brand apart (besides the fact it sources ethical gemstones) is how it incorporates geometric shapes and patterns into each piece to create visually intriguing jewelry. 

Reviewer Highlight: "These stud earrings are just what I was looking for! They're the perfect set to wear at work or for formal occasions."

Editor Highlight: All of Tabayer's jewelry uses conflict-free Kimberley Process certified diamonds so that you can be rest assured they don't negatively impact mining communities. 

Editor Highlight: Looking for a pair of earrings that are a bit more fun? Turn to the AAPI-founded jewelry brand Mimi So. With a fine jewelry offering that centers on surrealist silhouttes and colorful gemstones, it's the place you can find a cheerful pair for your collection. 

Editor Highlight: Investing in a pair of diamond hoop earrings will ensure you get maximum wear out of them. 

Editor Highlight: Another brand that offers eco-friendly diamond earrings? Kinn. The Los Angeles based brand sources all of its diamonds ethically and uses recycled metals. 

Editor Highlight: Now, here's a pair of diamond earrings you'll want to get your hands on.

Editor Highlight: No one pairs diamonds and colorful gemstones as beautifully as the female-founded jewelry brand Eriness Jewelry. 

Editor Highlight: The white diamond pavé scales on these snake-shaped earrings are sending me. 

Reviewer Highlight: "These diamond solitaire studs are beautiful. I loved the fact they are screw-backs, as they stay in place. They look just like they were described, and they really sparkle!"

Editor Highlight: Why opt for the traditionally set diamond earrings when you can have these chain-drop ones? 

Editor Highlight: With a prong setting around the base of these hoops, the round-cut diamonds are sure to shine brighter than any other pair of hoops on the market.