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24.03.23
What’s the Best Size for Diamond Studs? A Visual Guide With Photos
They’re more ‘first lady’ than ‘city girl’, but diamond studs are a staple piece of diamond jewelry that every collection should include.
But before you invest your hard-earned change, you’ll want confidence in knowing that you’re buying the best size diamond studs for your lifestyle. You don’t want to buy blinding diamond studs only to see them stretching out your ears, or end up with garishly big diamonds that end up looking uncanny and possibly fake.
Here’s the diamond stud earrings breakdown. From here, you can find your perfect size.
Is There a “Best Size” for Diamond Stud Earrings?
Yes and no. Remember that when buying diamond stud earrings, the total carat weight you see is for the pair of earrings, not the individual pieces. It’s often referred to as TCW (total carat weight) or CTW (carat total weight).
Of course, the bigger the diamond, the heftier the price tag. But bigger isn’t always better, and the answer depends on a mix of factors such as lifestyle, budget, and personal preference.
The Everyday Staple (0.50 – 1.00 TCW)
Diamond earrings do a great job at bringing light to the face, but go too small, and you may as well not have earrings in at all.
1/2 carat per ear (or 1 TCW) is a good starter if you have small features. It’s also an apt size if you have other ear piercings, as going too big can make your ears look too busy. It’s a just-right amount of shine, with no fussiness.
Alternatively, 1 carat per ear (that’s 2 TCW) is the best option if you’re looking for something you can wear every day.
They’re just large enough to make a statement, but not too large that you’re constantly uncomfortable or fiddling with your ear.
Our Favorite Everyday 1 Ct Diamond Stud Earrings
The Perfect Upgrade (1.50-2.5 TCW)
Let’s say you’re looking for something with a little more oomph. Look no further than diamond studs in the 1.5 carat, 2 carat or 2.5 TCW range.
Slightly larger than their 1 TCW counterparts, these earrings offer the perfect blend of size and affordability.
They’re also endlessly versatile. Need a pair that’ll take you from the office to a gala? This is the size diamond studs to get.
Our Favorite 2 Carat Diamond Stud Earrings
The Statement Look (2.5 TCW & up)
That big diamond stud look with brilliant stones starts at 2.5 to 3 TCW for a 5 to 6 TCW. This is your red carpet moment. These studs are unapologetically glamorous and shockingly brilliant.
You don’t just wear these to the gala; these studs are the gala. This is pure, unadulterated luxury. So, when you’re truly ready to go big, this is your move.
Do keep in mind, though, that particularly large studs will weigh down your earlobes over time if you wear them every day, so be sure to remove them when you sleep, shower, swim, or hang out around the house.
Our Favorite 3 Carat + Diamond Stud Designs
Diamond Stud Earring Carat Weights In Depth
So you know which size of diamond stud earring fits your vibe, but you’re still confused over the difference in TCW and carat weight. Or maybe, you want to know exactly how that translates to appearance. Well, you’re in luck.
What “1 Carat” Diamond Studs Really Means
Let’s clear up the single biggest point of confusion when buying diamond studs: Total Carat Weight (TCW) vs. Individual Carat Weight. It bears repeating because we’re always fielding this question. TCW stands for “total carat weight.” This means it is the combined weight of all diamonds in the piece.
For stud earrings, this weight is split between both ears. Therefore, if you see a pair of studs advertised as 1 TCW (which targets the “1 carat total weight” query), you are not getting a 1 carat diamond in each ear. Instead, you are getting two 0.50-carat diamonds that add up to 1 carat.
Consequently, if your goal is to have a full 1 carat diamond in each ear, you must specifically shop for “1 carat each diamond studs.” This pair would actually be advertised as 2 TCW. Understanding this difference is the key to managing your budget and ensuring the studs you unbox are the exact size you were picturing.
What 1 Carat Diamond Studs Look Like
As we mentioned above, 1 carat diamond studs come out to be 0.5 carats per stud.
A round brilliant cut diamond stud that’s 0.5 carats has a diameter of about 5.0-5.1mm. That’s roughly the size of a pencil eraser.
Alternatively:
- Oval Studs : 6 x 4mm
- Emerald Studs: 5.3 x 3.9mm
- Asscher Studs: 4.3 x 4.5mm
- Princess Studs: 4.3 x 4.5mm
- Cushion Studs: 4.5 x 4.9mm
- Pear Studs: 7.2 x 4.3mm
- Radiant Studs: 6 x 4mm
- Marquise Studs: 8 x 4mm
What 2 Carat Diamond Studs Look Like
2 TCW diamond studs mean you get a full 1.0-carat diamond in each ear.
A round brilliant cut diamond stud that’s 1.0 carats has a diameter of about 6.5mm. That’s roughly the size of a standard green pea.
Alternatively:
- Oval Studs: 8 x 6mm
- Emerald Studs: 7 x 5mm
- Asscher Studs: 5.4 x 5.5mm
- Princess Studs: 5.5 x 5.5mm
- Cushion Studs: 5.6 x 5.9mm
- Pear Studs: 8.2 x 5.3mm
- Radiant Studs: 6.8 x 5.1mm
- Marquise Studs: 10 x 5mm
What 3 Carat Diamond Studs Look Like
Following the same rule, 3 TCW diamond studs mean you get a truly substantial 1.5 carat diamond in each ear.
A round brilliant cut diamond stud that’s 1.5 carats has a diameter of about 7.4mm. That’s roughly the full width of a chocolate chip.
Alternatively:
- Oval Studs: 9 x 7mm
- Emerald Studs: 7.5 x 5.5mm
- Asscher Studs: 6.5 x 6.5mm
- Princess Studs: 6.5 x 6.5mm
- Cushion Studs: 6.5 x 6.5mm
- Pear Studs: 10 x 6.5mm
- Radiant Studs: 7.5 x 6mm
- Marquise Studs: 11 x 6mm
Our Tricks for Affording More Diamond for Less
If you prefer the look of 3 carat diamond studs but have a 1 carat budget, you’re in luck. We’re sharing our top shopping tips and tricks so you can afford more for less.
Shape Dictates Size
Take a look at the mm comparison above and one thing becomes abundantly clear. No diamond shape is the same “size”, as diamond shapes carry their weight differently.
Diamond shapes that favor deeper cuts can hold weight below their girdle. Alternatively, spreadier shapes spread their carat weight across their table, resulting in a larger look.
So, if you want a larger looking diamond, opt for longer, leaner stones. Think oval, marquise, pear, and elongated cushion cuts.
Create Visual Depth With Your Stud Setting
Why should your diamonds get all the fun? Create visual interest and texture with a unique diamond stud setting that adds to the luxury feel of diamond earrings.
You can opt for a bezel, which is a thin layer of gold surrounding the perimeter of the diamond. It gives your earring a bold, graphic look, and it also acts like a fortress for the stone.
It’s an easy hack to up your vibe without upping your cost.
Our Favorite Unique Earring Settings
Opt for Moissanite and Save Big
If you can’t let go of that super-large look and are finding there’s no wiggle room in your budget, consider Moissanite.
Like diamonds, Moissanite is extremely tough (it has a Mohs rank of 9.2-9.5) and is actually sparklier than diamonds thanks to its high refractive index.
On average, Moissanite stud earrings are 68% more affordable than lab grown diamonds.
That’s a 3 carat Moissanite for the price of a 1 carat diamond!
Protecting Your Studs Saves You Money
Have you ever lost a diamond earring? Same. Whether you’re clumsy or not, even the slightest movement like fixing your hair or trying on clothes can knock an earring clean out of your ears.
Traditional butterfly push-backs will be on the majority of your existing earrings, and these loosen over time, becoming gradually less secure, so they aren’t suitable for super valuable earrings. Screw backs are the most secure kind of earring back. Screwing on your earring back takes a bit more time, but it keeps your diamond stud firmly on your ear.
Protector backs have the same “push the sides together” mechanism you find on Benadryl bottles. These are a good option, but they can be a bit fidgety, so don’t try and put your earrings on over a sink, because plumbers don’t appreciate getting called out on the weekend to fish jewelry out from the water pipes.
FAQs: The Best Size Diamond Studs
What is a good size for diamond earrings?
The right size is simply the one that fits your personal style, your lifestyle, and your budget. However, we can break it down.
Are you hunting for a subtle sparkle? If so, anything from 0.5 to 1.00 TCW is a perfect start. Alternatively, are you looking for a classic, everyday pair with a noticeable presence? This is where the 1.5 TCW to 2.0 TCW range truly shines.
Ultimately, if you’re aiming for that wow factor, 2.5 TCW and up is your move. The “good size” is just the one that makes you feel fantastic.
What size diamond earrings are good for everyday wear?
For the perfect “wear-everywhere” stud, the 1 TCW to 2 TCW range is the undisputed sweet spot. This is because this size masters the art of versatility. A 1 TCW pair (meaning 0.50 carat per ear) is your timeless classic. It’s perfectly polished for the office, yet sparkly enough for date night. However, if you want a bit more “oomph,” a 2 TCW pair (a full 1.0 carat per ear) delivers a truly luxurious statement that still feels sophisticated enough for the daily grind.
Ultimately, this range offers the most flexibility, taking you from a coffee run to a black tie event without skipping a beat. It’s the perfect blend of presence and practicality.
What is the most popular size of diamond stud earrings?
Hands down, the 2 TCW (total carat weight) pair is the most popular and classic choice for diamond stud earrings. This translates to a 1 carat diamond in each ear, which hits the perfect Goldilocks sweet spot. Why? Because this size is substantial enough to be truly noticeable and feel luxurious. Yet, it’s not so large that it feels over-the-top for daily wear, making it incredibly versatile.
Consequently, it’s the go-to size for milestone gifts like anniversaries, graduations, or birthdays. It simply hits the perfect intersection of visible presence, timeless style, and smart value.
Treat Yourself to The Perfect Pair of Diamond Stud Earrings
Now that you’re ready to buy the perfect pair of diamond studs for yourself, you can check out our diamond search where you can view 360-degree images of more than 10,000 diamonds to get some inspo, then email our team with what you’re looking for at hello@frankdarling.com and we can curate some super special pairs just for you. Or book a virtual or offline appointment at any of our nationwide salons to view certified lab grown and natural diamonds or Moissanite in person.
Stephanie Dore
Stephanie is a jewelry lover, gemologist, and seasoned copywriter with a decade of experience in e-commerce and tech. A RISD graduate, Stephanie also studied at GIA and has worked in the jewelry industry for 20 years. When not writing about diamonds and jewelry, Stephanie is also a photographer and backyard flower farmer. She lives in Tacoma, WA with her two black cats.