A Guide to Buying 1 Carat Diamond Earrings

An elegant pair of diamond stud earrings are the perfect gift, and should always be in your jewelry box. Diamond stud earrings are among the most versatile pieces of jewelry available. They can be worn with any outfit, any occasion. They're perfect for casual evenings, great for work, and stunning for formal events.
One of the most appealing sizes for earrings is 1ct diamond. If you've ever seen one, you'll know how beautiful this is. In this guide, you will learn how to properly maneuver the process of buying 1 carat total weight diamonds in pairs for stud earrings, as well as any finer details you should pay attention to.
1 ctw 3 prong Martini Diamond Earrings
1 ctw 3 prong Martini Diamond Earrings

How Big Are 1 Carat Diamond Earrings?

Carat is a measurement of the diamond's weight, not its size. Diamonds are often described by their 'size', but it is important to understand this. One carat is equivalent to 200mg, with 5 carats equal to a gram.
Diamond stud earrings are most popular in one-carat total weight, which contains a half-carat diamond (approximately 5mm in diameter for a round diamond) in each earring, not one carat in each.
Carat Weight to Diameter Chart
This is called a “total carat weight” of one carat; most jewelers will describe studs this way. If you’re looking for 1ct on each ear, take a look at our 2 Carat Diamond Earring Buying Guide for more guidance.
Depending on the diamond's cut parameters, the exact measurements of a diamond may differ.
A diamond's cut and shape will affect how large it appears; elongated diamond shapes, even when of equal carat weight, can appear larger than round brilliant diamonds.
Because of this, a well-cut diamond is essential. For example, you should avoid deeply cut diamonds as they will end up looking small as well. Something to keep in mind when shopping.
When compared to diamonds set in engagement rings, quality requirements for diamond earrings in terms of color and clarity grades can be relaxed significantly. In large part, this is due to the fact that their average viewing distance is considerably farther than that of engagement rings. In many cases, stones which aren't considered eye-clean for engagement rings can be eye-clean for diamond studs.
With our A CUT ABOVE® diamonds, all the research has been done for you and presented in an easy-to-read format. With diamonds graded by only top-tier internationally recognized laboratories like the AGS, you can have complete confidence in them. Additionally, each diamond is accompanied by an advanced light performance analysis so you can truly harness its sparkle.

Buying Your Perfect Pair

Buying diamond stud earrings online involves a few important considerations. It is crucial to determine your budget, as well as the style of earrings you like. Then you can customize your earrings or buy pre-set pairs.
1 ctw 4 Prong Basket Diamond Earrings
1 ctw 4 Prong Basket Diamond Earrings
You do this by choosing specifically certified diamonds that match and having them put in the setting of your choice. You can comfortably target the near colorless range and clarity grades down to Si1, as there will be many who won't be able to appreciate technically high color or clarity from the normal distance from which you look at ear studs.
The sparkle of diamond studs can only be achieved through excellent cutting, so it is worth investing in the highest cut quality you can afford to maximize each of your 0.50 carat diamonds.
Cut should always be prioritized - in any diamond purchase. You'll need some assistance making sure the stones match and making sure you're not paying too much for features that are not your priority.

Determine Your Budget

Establish what your budget is before you start looking. Diamond stud earrings can go for as little as $199 to as much as $35,000 or more, depending on several things. Make sure that you take into account your own financial circumstances. The amount that you would feel comfortable spending on a pair of diamond stud earrings is important to determine.
Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference. Be aware that thoughtfulness does not mean you need to spend extravagantly. No matter their weight or price, beautiful 1-carat diamond earrings will be treasured for a lifetime.

Choose a Precious Metal Type and Color

Picking the right metal and color for your 1-carat diamond earring settings will depend on your style and preferences. To begin with, you'll need to consider a few key factors when choosing your precious metal.
Metal color: The most popular metal colors for diamond stud earrings are yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum. Considering the other jewelry in his or her collection may help you decide.
Two of the most popular metals, platinum and white gold, are often compared. Their white hue complements most diamonds, even those lower down the color scale.
Metal weight: Although 18K gold contains more gold, it has less durability and is more prone to scratching than 14K gold. Choosing 14K is a good choice for savings on cost while also increasing durability. Although more expensive, platinum is the most durable material and is adored by many for its charm and exclusivity.
Metal allergies: Another consideration is if a wearer is allergic to metal. This is crucial to take into account while shopping for your earrings. Especially if they plan on wearing the earrings all day; you have to be sure that they won't have an allergic reaction and can enjoy their diamonds blissfully.
The most important thing is to choose a gold or hypoallergenic platinum setting from a reputable vendor.

Choose a Setting Style and Backing

A diamond stud setting tends to be classic, usually with prongs to hold the diamond in place. There can be some variations depending on the diamond shape and the vendor.
For instance, here at Whiteflash, we have a wide selection of 1ct diamond stud earring settings to get excited about. From our stunning 1.00ctw 14k White Gold 3 prong "Martini" Diamond Stud Earrings to the intricately detailed White Gold "Flower Cluster" - there’s something for every diamond lover.
1 ctw Flower Cluster Diamond Earrings
1 ctw Flower Cluster Diamond Earrings
The backs of your earrings play a vital role in maintaining your 1-carat diamond stud earrings and ensuring that they are secure on the ear. Several types of earring backs make it possible for you to wear your earrings with confidence.
I think the choice of style is ultimately a matter of preference and comfort, but ultimately it's all about which is best for you. Here are the most suited backs for 1-carat diamond stud earrings.
  • Friction back: The backing grips the post with friction. There is also a small groove near the bottom that acts as a safety. This is likely the backing you’re most familiar with.
  • Screw back: The back screws into the post, locking the two pieces more securely together.
  • La Pousette: Using tension on the posts from spring tabs t, it is secured in place by sliding over the post and releasing the tabs. Notches in the posts provide extra security.
The backs provided by high-quality diamond specialists will be durable enough to support the weight of the diamonds you're buying, so ensure that you purchase from a reputable retailer. Note: when shopping for earrings on the Whiteflash website you can select the backs of your choice on the detail pages of diamond earring settings.

Decide Whether to Build Your Own or Buy a Pre-Set Pair

There are many vendors who allow you to order a predesigned set of earrings or create your own. Diamonds that have already been selected are already set in a predetermined setting, which makes it impossible for you to prioritize what's important to you when it comes to diamonds.
Choosing your own loose diamond pair is a great way to compare several sets and pick a great match. Regardless of which route you choose, make sure the diamonds are of Excellent or Ideal cut to maximize their brilliance.
1 ctw XO Diamond Earrings
1 ctw XO Diamond Earrings

Make Sure Your Two Stones Match

If you’re starting the exciting journey of creating your own 1-carat diamond stud earrings, ensure your two diamonds are similar. They should be equal—or almost equal—to 1 carat.
Ideally, they should have the same color, clarity, and cut grades. This ensures that your earrings match and complement each other, with no discerning differences from each adorned earlobe.
Here at Whiteflash, we have a spectacular tool to help you find the perfect pair of diamonds for your stud earrings. We compare carat weight, shape, color, clarity, and cut to ensure your chosen twosome is harmonious everywhere that matters and can sparkle uninterrupted.

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Find the perfect Designer Ring for your special diamond by clicking the links below, and let us build the ultimate ring for the love of your life!
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