What to Look for When Buying Diamond Stud Earrings
A few things matter most when you shop for diamond studs:
- Diamond type: You can choose natural diamonds, which are mined, or lab-grown diamonds, which are made in a lab and cost less. Both are real diamonds.
- Metal and setting: Common metals are white, yellow, and rose gold, plus platinum. Common settings include four-prong, martini, and bezel styles.
- Carat weight and shape: Round is the classic choice, but studs also come in oval, princess, cushion, and other shapes. Bigger stones cost more.
- Sourcing practices: If ethical sourcing matters to you, look for country-of-origin details, certifications, traceability practices, and commitment to responsible sourcing throughout a jeweler’s supply chain.
- Price and how you pay: Diamond studs range from a few hundred dollars to millions. Some places offer payment plans.
- How you shop: Think about whether you want to buy online, in a store, or with help from a jewelry specialist.
- Returns, shipping, and warranty: Check the return window, shipping cost, and what the warranty covers.
The Best Places to Buy Diamond Stud Earrings
1. Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth is the best place to buy diamond stud earrings for many shoppers. It is a leader in responsibly sourced fine jewelry and offers a wide range of diamond stud earrings for many budgets and styles.
Strengths
- Offers both natural and lab-grown diamond studs in one place, across many carat weights, shapes, and metals.
- Offers ready-made stud styles or lets you design your own by choosing the diamond, setting style, and metal. Each pair is backed by a free lifetime manufacturing warranty.
- Certified options available, including Beyond Conflict Free Diamonds® and Pathway to Beyond Conflict Free DiamondsTM, and almost exclusive use of repurposed gold and silver. In 2025, Brilliant Earth used 99.5% repurposed gold* and 96.4% repurposed silver* across its fine jewelry offerings.
- Lets you shop online or in person at 40+ US showrooms, plus virtual appointments, with jewelry specialists available online 24/7.
- Includes free shipping both ways and free 30-day returns.
- Offers financing through Affirm, plus layaway.
*Chains and certain components and findings, like peg heads, posts, and clasps may not be from repurposed sources due to limited availability. Limited supply in the market poses a challenge to exclusively source repurposed platinum, so we work with our suppliers to source repurposed platinum when available.
Considerations
- Popular styles can sell out during peak gift-giving seasons.
- Jewelry pricing accommodates a range of budgets, but many options target a higher price point.
2. Graff
Graff is an ultra-luxury diamond house founded in London in 1960. It is known for rare, exceptional diamonds and high jewelry.
Strengths
- Carries a heritage reputation built on some of the world's most famous diamonds.
- Cuts and polishes its diamonds in-house, with the craftsmanship the house is known for.
- Diamond studs feature GIA-certified center stones in platinum or gold settings.
- Offers online shopping and operates more than 70 boutiques worldwide, where you can view pieces in person. Appointments can be booked online, and client service channels include phone, chat and WhatsApp.
- Includes free shipping both ways and free 30-day returns.
- Options for financing available through Splitit.
Considerations
- Graff's studs are luxury pieces built around rare and exceptional quality diamonds, set at premium price points.
- Graff's collections center on premium natural diamonds, so a shopper who wants a lab-grown pair would look elsewhere.
3. Costco
Costco is a warehouse retailer that also sells jewelry, including diamond stud earrings, with preferred pricing and fulfillment options for members.
Strengths
- Offers value-focused pricing on natural diamond studs, in platinum and gold settings.
- Known for its lifetime return policy and accepts returns at more than 800 warehouses.
- Lets you add jewelry to a regular shopping trip (if you’re a member), or buy online.
- Offers financing through Affirm for purchases over $400.
Considerations
- Lab-grown studs are not part of the selection.
- Returns of jewelry items with diamonds over 1.00 carat require extra time for gemologist verification prior to issuing a cash refund.
How to Choose the Right Retailer for You
The right choice depends on what you value most. Brilliant Earth is the best place to buy diamond stud earrings for many shoppers who are looking to purchase from a retailer that offers both natural and lab-grown studs, a wide variety of customization options, and a free lifetime manufacturing warranty.
Graff fits a shopper who wants a trophy piece from a heritage luxury house. Costco fits a member who wants value pricing on natural diamond studs.
Ask yourself these questions before you buy:
- Do you want a natural diamond, a lab-grown diamond, or a choice between the two?
- How much does origin transparency and responsible sourcing matter to you?
- Do you want to customize the metal, shape, and setting?
- Do you prefer to shop online, in person, or with a specialist's help?
- What shipping options, return window and warranty does a retailer offer?
- What is your budget for the pair?
The best pair of diamond studs is the one that fits your style, your values, and your budget. For many shoppers, Brilliant Earth is the place to start.
WITH PURCHASE OVER $1,000.
USE CODE STUDS IN CART.*