Dearest Sweetheart Diamond Stud Earrings 1/4 Carat Total Weight

Natural vs. Lab-Created Diamonds

We carry both natural and lab-created diamonds, so you can pick whichever fits your priorities. Natural diamonds formed underground over billions of years. Every stone is one of a kind, with its own character and story. Lab-created diamonds are grown in a controlled setting using the same conditions that create natural diamonds. Chemically and visually, they're identical to mined stones.

Both types get graded on the same 4Cs scale (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat), and both sparkle the same way. The decision usually comes down to what matters most to you: the history and rarity of a natural diamond, or the value and traceability of a lab-grown one. Either way, you're getting a real diamond.

• Natural Diamonds: Formed over billions of years, rare, each stone is unique
• Lab-Created Diamonds: Same physical properties, traceable origin, better price point
• Grading: Both graded identically using Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat
• Bottom Line: Pick based on what matters to you, not what anyone else thinks

Clarity Grades That Work for Studs

VS2 to SI1 clarity hits the sweet spot for diamond studs. Here's why: earrings sit about a foot or two from anyone looking at them. At that distance, tiny inclusions that might bother you in a ring simply disappear. You can put more of your budget toward size and cut instead of paying for clarity nobody will notice.

• VS2 gives you eye-clean stones without the premium price
• SI1 works great for diamonds under 1 carat each
• Cut matters more than clarity for earring sparkle
• Always check total carat weight (TCW) for the pair

Metal Options for Diamond Studs

Most people go with 14K white gold because it's tough, looks great with diamonds, and won't break the bank. If your ears are sensitive to certain metals, platinum or 18K gold tend to cause fewer reactions. Yellow gold gives you that classic warm look and actually makes slightly tinted diamonds look whiter by comparison.

• 14K White Gold: Best all-around choice, holds up well
• 18K White Gold: Purer gold, gentler on sensitive skin
• Platinum: Toughest option, hypoallergenic, costs more
• 14K Yellow Gold: Timeless look, works well with warmer color grades

Picking the Right Stud Size

Size really depends on when you'll wear them. For everyday studs you can throw on without thinking, 0.50 to 1.00 carat total weight works for most people. Going out or want something with more presence? 1.50 to 2.00 CTW turns heads without looking over the top.

• 0.25-0.50 CTW: Understated, perfect for work or casual wear
• 0.50-1.00 CTW: The go-to size, works anywhere
• 1.00-1.50 CTW: Noticeably sparkly, great for evenings
• 2.00+ CTW: Statement size, definitely gets attention

Earring Back Options

Push backs are fine for smaller studs, but if you're investing in larger diamonds, screw backs are worth it. They take an extra second to put on but they're not going anywhere. Especially important if you're active or have a habit of losing earrings.

• Push Back: Simple, works for smaller stones
• Screw Back: Most secure, highly recommended for 0.50ct and up
• La Pousette: Locks in place but easier to remove than screw backs
• Locking Back: Good middle ground between push and screw

Keeping Your Studs Looking New

Diamonds attract oils and buildup, so give them a quick clean now and then with warm water and a drop of dish soap. A soft toothbrush gets into the setting. Take them to a jeweler once a year to make sure the prongs are still tight. It's a lot cheaper than replacing a lost diamond.

• Clean every few weeks with soapy water and a soft brush
• Skip the ultrasonic cleaner at home, leave that to pros
• Keep them in a pouch or separate compartment, not loose in a drawer
• Get prongs checked yearly, loose settings happen
• Take them off before the pool or hairspray