Are you looking for the perfect set of diamond studs and diamond earrings to buy online, but don’t know where is the best place to buy diamond earrings online? Buying premium jewelry online isn’t easy if you don’t know what shops to trust.
Our team spent over 40 hours reviewing more than a dozen online stores and has collectively placed 23 orders to write this article so that you can find the best place to get diamond earrings.
Not following our advice and buying from a bad store can result in a number of potential problems – from getting lower quality diamonds than advertised to getting what you thought was the perfect pair of diamond earrings only to find out they are blemished or damaged. So make sure you buy from our tried and trusted recommended stores to get an amazing piece of jewelry whether it’s for yourself or a loved one.
Top 3 Best Places Where to Buy Diamond Earrings Online
While diamond rings are often in the spotlight because of their eye-catching appeal, they are one of the most versatile pieces of jewelry a woman can own. This review will look at the best places to buy diamond studs and earrings and outline the key information you need before buying them.
When you’re on a mission to buy diamond earrings, you’ll find yourself wondering where to find reputable sellers. It’s no secret that buying online is challenging if you don’t know exactly what to look for and where to look.
Well, luckily for you, we’re here to save the day. Keep on reading if you’re wondering where to buy diamond stud earrings. Also, you’ll find an inclusive guide at the bottom of the page to help you find the perfect pair of diamond earrings for you so that you can better understand what to look for.
Let’s dive in.
Best Place to Buy Diamond Studs & Earrings Reviews
Buying diamond earrings online isn’t as scary as you think it is. Here are the best places to buy diamond studs and why you need to consider each of them.
1. James Allen [Best Overall]
Overview
Since its launch in 2006, James Allen, our #1 choice by far for all diamond jewelry, has revolutionized the way people shop for jewelry online. The James Allen company has over 60 years of combined expertise in manufacturing diamonds for some of the world’s most prestigious shops, including Tiffany & Co. They have the best place for diamond earrings, hands down.
James Allen swiftly became the world’s largest privately held online diamond and jewelry merchant because of their Diamond Display Technology and over 200,000 conflict-free diamonds available on its website. This is one of the many reasons why James Allen is our favorite and best place to buy a diamond premium jewelry or even just a high-quality diamond.
View Their SelectionPreset and Custom-Made Diamond Earrings
Pre-set diamond earrings are available from James Allen and also custom-made designs. They feature an extensive selection of pre-set earrings in various styles sorted by metal type or price.
Their build-your-own diamond stud earrings come in a wide range of shapes and settings, and the step-by-step process makes it easy to make your own. For you creatives out there, this is a great option to design something beautiful for whoever these are for. Here is what their design-your own looks like:
Buying Experience
James Allen’s website is truly exceptional when it comes to showcasing their diamonds. With 360-degree visuals offering up to 40x magnification, customers can witness the brilliance of each jewel in all its glory.
What sets them apart is the ability to compare diamonds side by side using concurrently synced 360-degree videos—a unique feature that provides an incredible online viewing experience, making them the best online diamond store.
Alongside their impressive selection, James Allen boasts the #1 ordering process. Customers have attested to the authenticity and quality of their jewelry, expressing their satisfaction with their purchases of bracelets, necklaces, and engagement rings. Making it the best place to buy diamond stud earrings.
From Australia to around the world, customers continue to rave about the fantastic service, competitive pricing, and exceptional quality, making James Allen a top choice for anyone seeking a memorable jewelry buying experience.
Diamonds with True Hearts Signature
The exquisite heart and arrow designs are a trademark of the best round-cut diamond. Only about one percent of the world’s diamonds meet the strict criteria for True Heart Status, making them extremely rare. The James Allen, True Hearts line features diamonds with the highest gem grade for cut and polish, resulting in incredible sparkle. All of their diamonds are certified, which is one of the main reasons it is the best place to buy diamond earrings online.
Variety
James Allen has an amazing variety for you to pick from. From natural to lab-grown diamonds, and every single setting known to man you’ll have a wide selection of products and options to choose from.
Product Returns and Warranties
Diamond’s customer service team is available around the clock to address questions you may have. You can call, email, or start a live chat.
James Allen stands behind the quality of their diamonds and jewelry, ensuring that they will be free of manufacturing flaws for the product’s life. A lifetime warranty covers any manufacturing defects, and if you have any issues with your item, they are more than pleased to assist you in solving them.
You can return your order for a 100% refund. If you’re not happy with it within 30 days you can get an exchange or refund with no questions asked. Only the United States and Canada are eligible for free return shipping for those in the US, limited to three items per customer.
With a great return policy, James Allen is a safe place to buy diamond earrings or any jewelry.
Pros
- Customer support is available around the clock
- Diamond comparisons on a side-by-side basis
- 360-degree video with a magnification of up to 40x for loose stones
- GIA-certified diamonds
- Great customization platform
Cons
2. Blue Nile
Overview of Blue Nile
In our Blue Nile review, we showed how the company changed the diamond market in 1999 with its out-of-the-box online business model that makes it simple to find exceptional gems at a reasonable price. Blue Nile company now sources diamonds directly from manufacturers and distributors, allowing them to provide them at unbeatable prices.
Preset and Custom-Made Diamond Earrings
The Blue Nile has preset and custom diamond earrings. They take pride in their creativity, range, and great prices. In fact, Blue Niles is one of the best places to buy diamond earrings for those with a lower price range.
Their pre-set earring catalog features a wide range of styles and designs. There is a wide variety of four-diamond earring types and designs to choose from.
The Blue Nile Pre-Set Diamond Earrings
It is possible to choose the Blue Nile build-your-own option. The user interface is quite intuitive. You can change the stone’s cut, clarity, and carat weight to find a combination that fits your budget.
Unique shapes include round, princess, Asscher cuts, and more. Their tool is pretty good, but not as good as James Allens’. Take a look at their 3 step process
Quality Diamonds With Quality Guidance
Blue Nile only buys diamonds from reputable suppliers who follow the Kimberley Process.
GIA certification guarantees the diamond’s quality and provides proof of ownership in the event of a repair or insurance claim. I would say it’s the best place to buy real diamond earrings.
They can also be a valuable asset if you decide to resell these stones in the future. Their website has guides and articles to help buyers learn about diamond quality, metal varieties, grading systems, and more. That’s why it’s considered the best place online to buy diamond earrings.
Buying Experience
Each step is designed to make buying diamond earrings online a breeze. Blue Nile offers high-quality 360-degree videos that showcase each piece from every angle, with over 60% of their products featuring a video. Their shipping and delivery procedures are thorough, allowing you to plan your delivery schedule accordingly.
You can even select the gems based on the delivery date. What sets Blue Nile apart is their innovative filtering technology, which allows you to customize your filters and manage the quality and appearance of your stones.
Additionally, the option to add colored stones to your diamond earrings is a fantastic perk of shopping at Blue Nile. Customer reviews rave about the exceptional execution of the order process, shipment, and receiving of the ring, as well as the impressive ring quality and effort put into ensuring safe delivery.
Customers also praise the easy order process, fast and well-packaged delivery, and the secure locking mechanism of the earrings. Smooth returns and exchanges are another highlight, with fast shipping and accommodating customer support.
Blue Nile even goes the extra mile by offering quarter sizing and providing clear communication about the specific ring size. For all these reasons, Blue Nile stands out as the ultimate destination for purchasing cheap diamond earrings.
Blue Nile Exclusive Astor Ideal Cut Diamonds
Astor by the Blue Nile is a super-ideal cut that guarantees maximum sparkle, fire, and brilliance. This unique cut is only available at the Blue Nile, so if you’re searching for a pair of stud earrings that will turn heads, this is a cut to keep in mind. There are currently 848 Astor Ideal Cut Diamonds available.
Product Returns and Warranty
The Blue Nile offers free returns and exchanges for 30 days. So long as the item remains in the condition bought. Blue Nile is so confident in their products that they guarantee them free of manufacturing flaws for the product’s life. They also offer complimentary cleaning and maintenance every six months.
Pros
- Various earring designs
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Risk-free returns
- GIA certifies all diamonds
Cons
- They limit custom shape options
3. Jared
Company Overview
Jared Jewelers caters to wealthy clients, hence the high price. Most Jared Jewelers stores are standalone and off-mall, and each location features an on-site repair station. They have an extensive selection of other jewelry as well such as diamond necklaces and watches. Most of their diamond jewelry comes with GIA or AGS reports, the two most reputable gem labs.
History
Jared Jewelers started in 2000 as a sister business to Signet Jewelers, Kay Jewelers, and Zale Corp. They are largely a brick-and-mortar retailer, but they have put a lot of effort into their e-commerce service for their clients in recent years.
Custom Jewelry Design
Designer names including Le Vian, Kirk Kara, Neil Lane, and Scott Diamond are available at Jared Jewelers. While these are all high-quality brands, Jared’s options are limited. Also, there is no special section for them. You must browse their catalog section to find them.
Design-your-own is a smooth and handy feature of Jared Jewelers’ website.
Using the design-your-own method, you choose the following:
- Cut
- Color
- Carat
Pricing
First, Jared Jewelers do not sell loose diamonds. Other Jared Jewelry products, such as diamond studs, come with a premium price tag. You can expect quality when you buy diamond earrings at a premium, but most of the extra cost is the brand name. However, I will say Jared Store is the cheapest place to buy diamond earrings.
Quality
Jared Jewelers values the quality of its diamonds and strives to be as efficient and eco-friendly as possible. Most of their stones have GIA or AGS reports, ensuring high-quality diamonds. They provide a Lifetime Gemstone and Diamond Guarantee, but it requires you to visit one of their stores every six months, which isn’t stated on their website.
Imagery
They provide 360 imagery, identical to James Allen’s. It allows you to see the diamond stud earrings from all angles.
Shopper’s Experience
The shopping experience at this particular store could be improved by better organizing their products, especially when it comes to purchasing diamond earrings. However, once you’ve made your selection, the checkout process is quick and easy.
Out of all the stores we visited in search of the perfect engagement ring, Jared stood out for one important reason: their exceptional customer service. The staff at Jared truly care about finding the ideal ring for each customer, going above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable. I must say it is the best place to buy diamond stud earrings online.
They are courteous, respectful, professional, and just a pleasure to be around. Their dedication to their job is evident, and they always strive to exceed expectations.
We are grateful for the outstanding customer service provided by Jared, as well as their commitment to warranting their jewelry and involving consumers in the warranty program.
In fact, we had a great experience with a repair for my wife’s ring. The staff did an excellent job, providing friendly and polite service. Not to mention, their jewelry is stunning. We will definitely return to Jared for our future jewelry purchases.
Refund Policy
If they do not satisfy you with the product, Jared offers a 30-day return or exchange policy at any of their physical stores. They accept returns online but not exchanges, so keep that in mind. With their Trade-In Policy, you can exchange your diamond stud earrings or diamond jewelry for something worth at least double the trade-in value.
Pros
- 30-day return policy
- GIA certifies all diamonds
- Various earring designs
- 360-degree imagery
Cons
- No exchanges
4. Zales
Overview
Morris Zale, William Zale, and Ben Lipshy started the first Zales Jewelry store in Wichita Falls in 1924. Zales’ goal is to supply customers with high-quality products at reasonable pricing. With over 90 years of experience, Zales today operates over 700 locations globally, delivering fashionable diamond, gemstone, and fashion jewelry.
Sets of Earrings
Zales does not provide the option of customizing your diamond earrings. However, they have a broad selection of pre-set diamond earrings available in various shapes and sizes, the best place to buy stud earrings.
Experience with Shopping
Zales keeps things simple with design and layout, making the website’s navigation easy, and allowing customers to effortlessly browse their wide range of products.
With a much lower price point, Zales caters to budget-conscious shoppers looking for diverse styles and shapes, including affordable diamond studs and diamond hoops.
However, it’s important to note that Zales does not offer GIA or AGS-certified diamonds, which might be a concern for some customers seeking certified quality.
Nevertheless, Zales provides helpful articles and guides on diamond jewelry to enhance your knowledge. Numerous satisfied customers have praised Zales for their exceptional customer service, expressing gratitude for the respectful and dignified treatment they received.
From beautiful rings with excellent quality and shine to going the extra mile to resolve any issues, Zales has proven to be a reliable choice.
One customer even highlighted the outstanding packaging, making them feel truly special. If you’re searching for a reputable jeweler, Zales is a solid option over smaller, lesser-known alternatives.
Product Returns and Warranties
It is possible to return items within 30 days of purchase if you return them in their original package and condition. Also, you can replace items within 60 days of purchase if they are still in their original packaging and in the same condition as when Zales sold them.
Take advantage of the free shipping option and deliver your order to your nearest Zales shop. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay shipping expenses for deliveries made directly to your front door.
Lifetime Diamond Commitment covers any damage during normal use for diamonds over $200. It comes with a lifetime of free cleaning and inspections.
Pros
- Affordable prices
- A 60-day return policy
- Plenty of options are available
- Easy-to-navigate website
Cons
- Earrings with pre-set diamonds only
5. Kay Jewelers
An Overview
In 1916, in Reading, Pennsylvania, brothers Edmund and Sol Kaufmann started Kay Jewelers. The initial store sold a wide range of products in its early days, from eyeglasses and musical jewelry to electric razors and boxes. The brand takes pride in producing high-quality, trendy jewelry.
Kay’s is currently a branch of Sterling Jewelers Inc. Together with its parent company, Signet Jewelers, it is the world’s largest jewelry store, with brands including Zales, H. Samuel, Ernest Jones, and Peoples.
The Collections
Kay Jewelers do not fail in terms of variety, and there are hundreds to pick from in an extensive range of unique designs. They also have a collection of designer jewelry brands for men, such as Vera Wang, Angel Sanchez, and Tolkowsky.
Custom Designs
Kay’s has a Design-your-own option that allows you to select a diamond and a setting online and view how your finished stud will look before deciding whether to proceed. Its vast collection of loose diamonds makes it easy to locate the perfect diamond stud for any occasion.
Certification
Kay Jewelers works with different certifying labs, such as IGI, and it’s critical to keep this in mind when evaluating the diamond’s quality and pricing.
Pricing
Kay Jewelers isn’t the cheapest jewelry store on the market. You should expect to pay anything from 30 to 100 percent more than other online-only stores, but their quality makes them one of the best store to buy diamond earrings.
It is partly because the store began as a brick-and-mortar location and maintains a sizable offline retail presence. It means that they cannot constantly match their competitors’ prices because it would be unsustainable in their physical stores. However, branding premiums also have an impact.
Guarantees and Servicing
All Kay Jewelers’ stud earrings and engagement rings, rubies, sapphires, or emeralds come with a Lifetime Diamond & Gemstone Guarantee. Kay Jewelers offers a Lifetime Extended Service Plan, which covers both the labor and the parts required to keep your own earrings in perfect condition.
If you need to change the size of your diamond or other gemstones in the future, rest assured that the plan will have you covered. However, it is important to note that all services and maintenance must be conducted at Kay Jewelers locations in order for your claim to be processed.
This ensures that you receive the best possible care for your precious jewelry. Whether it’s resizing or any other attention your jewelry requires, Kay Jewelers is committed to providing timely and reliable service, as evidenced by the positive experiences shared by satisfied customers.
From attentive and knowledgeable employees to a warm and friendly atmosphere, Kay Jewelers strives to make every interaction feel like you’re chatting with a trusted friend rather than just a salesperson.
So, whether you’re searching for the perfect surprise, a meaningful gift, or simply taking your time to explore their offerings, you can count on the patience and assistance of their wonderful team.
Returns
You can return your order if you’re not happy with it to any Kay Jewelers shop within 60 days of purchase for a full refund or within 90 days for an exchange. However, you can do refunds online, but only in-store swaps are possible.
Custom-designed pieces and personalized engraved items are not returnable or exchangeable, so ensure you’re sure before you buy.
Pros
- Many pre-set diamond earrings to choose from
- There are a wide variety of shapes available
- Stones in a variety of colors are available
- Exchange policy of 60 days
Cons
- Paying more for a diamond of comparable quality from a different merchant
Where Not To Buy Diamond Earrings From
Mall Shops
Don’t buy diamond earrings from mall shops. While we acknowledge that some of the previously mentioned companies have mall stores, you’ll get a much better price and more selection from their online stores. You can also usually find some deals or coupon codes for these stores online.
General Online Retailers
If you’re looking to buy a really nice piece of jewelry don’t skimp on price. That means avoiding sites like Amazon and Overstock for nice jewelry. These stores are fine if you’re looking for affordable, everyday jewelry, but not for jewelry more than $100.
Auction Sites
Avoid any user auction sites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other similar stores. There is a high chance of being scammed. If a deal is too good to be true then it is – especially when you’re dealing with other people and not companies. Don’t trust them if they say they have certifications either.
Why Should I Buy Diamond Earrings Online?
There are a few reasons you might want to buy diamond earrings online. The first is that it’s easy. You can browse through a variety of different styles and designs from the comfort of your own home. You can also compare prices easily, which can help you find the best price for diamond earrings.
Another reason to buy diamond earrings online is the great selection. You can find a wider variety of styles and designs online than you would if you were to go from store to store if you’re visiting physical stores. It can be a great way to find the perfect pair of diamond earrings for your personality and style.
Finally, buying diamond earrings online is often more affordable than buying them in a physical store. You can typically find better deals online so that you can save money on your purchase, especially if you choose our recommended vendors.
What Qualities Make Good Diamond Studs and Earrings?
The most important factor is the quality of the diamonds. When buying diamonds, you’ll be faced with two options, getting either lab-grown diamond earrings or with a natural diamond. While we always recommend natural, ethically sourced diamonds for their value and how long it took for them to form, lab diamonds aren’t ‘fake’ diamonds and you can find some stunning ones out there for a great price.
However, the diamond quality is mostly controlled by the 4Cs of diamonds: Color, Carat Weight, Clarity, and Cut. So, let’s talk about each one of the 4Cs in detail, shall we?
Cut & Shapes
The cut or shape is the essential 4Cs in any diamond jewelry. Keep in mind not all of the cuts are the same and the cut of the diamonds dictates how much shine and brilliance they have. Here are the diamond shapes that sparkle the most.
The diamond cut determines how sparkly your earrings will be. Ideal cut diamonds will reflect most light that falls on the diamond, which will contribute to creating a great pair of sparkly and eye-catching earrings, so that’s what you should be aiming for.
Excellent cuts are also stunning, and they reflect a lot of light.
However, you can opt for Very Good cuts if you’re on a budget. Try to avoid Good, Fair, or Poor cuts because they’ll make your diamond studs look dull.
On top of that, the diamond shapes will also affect the prong settings, so keep that in mind.
Color
Be relatively close to observing the color of a diamond because of the way it reflects light. For diamond studs, the H-J grades usually provide the best value. Take a look at the color chart here:
Clarity
Another factor that you need to consider when buying diamond earrings is the diamond’s clarity grade. According to GIA, the grades range from Flawless (FL) down to Included (I1, I2, and I3).
For earrings, going for a clarity grade of VS2 to SI1 should result in stunning earrings without too many visible blemishes because they count as “eye clean,” which should be good enough. Of course, you don’t need the highest clarity-graded diamonds for your earrings, but if you want to splurge on your studs, by all means, go ahead.
Diamond earrings in the VS2-SI2 range are the most popular. As long as the stone is of good quality, I1 clarity can function. Take a look at the clarity chart to learn more:
Carat
The carat weight is the unit used to measure the weight of the diamonds. It goes without saying that the larger the diamond, the more it’ll cost. Also, some people prefer smaller stud earrings while others love when their earrings catch all the attention. So, the carat weight of your next stud diamond depends solely on what you prefer and how much money you’re willing to spend on a pair of diamond earrings.
There is no right or wrong number of carats. The most important thing here is to ensure that the two diamonds are almost similar in weight, with a differential of only 0.05 carats.
The Metal
There’s no ultimate winner when it comes to choosing the right metal type for your diamond stud earrings.
Instead, you can choose based on colors, like yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or sterling silver.
Think of other jewelry pieces you have and their colors, and go for the metal that’ll best fit your collection.
It is a question of preference, but it’s recommended to go with 14k or 18k gold over platinum. If you plan to use stud earrings, check that the stud isn’t too heavy.
The Setting
Most diamond stud earrings have the following settings:
- Bezel setting
- Halo setting
- Double halo setting
- Four-prong setting
- Settings with three prongs
Both halo and bezel settings perform well with lower-quality diamonds because they cover the diamonds’ inclusions. Prong settings are ideal for the highest quality diamonds because they allow you to see the stone more clearly since prong setting really exposes the diamond.
Earring Size
Bigger is not always better and this is true for both the diamond and the settings. Ordering earrings that are too big may look gaudy and tasteless while getting diamonds that are too small might not present the way you would want them to while at a dinner party or wedding.
This is particularly true of studs where it’s really just the diamond that is visible.
Diamond Certifications
Reputable sellers will provide certifications from third parties. Technically, any company can provide a certification, but the two most respected grading labs are GIA and AGS (American Gem Society). The certifications provide assurance about the authenticity and quality of the diamonds.
Diamond Sourcing
Diamonds are sourced in a number of ways. Some sources can have significant negative environmental and social impacts. For example, diamonds that are found in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict are known as blood diamonds. Look to acquire diamonds that ensure safe and legitimate sources. There are various certifications diamonds can have to ensure they are conflict-free and ethically sourced diamonds such as:
- Kimberley Process Certification (KCPS), established in 2003
- Fair Trade and Fairmined Diamonds, which focuses on diamonds that are mined according to strict environmental standards
Pre-Set Earrings vs. Building Your Own
If you’re going for a typical pair of princess-cut diamond studs, you’re likely to find many options on the market. In that case, you can opt for pre-set diamond earrings; just make sure you take a look at all 4Cs of diamonds to ensure that your chosen pieces are up to your standards.
On the other hand, many online vendors will allow you to build your own studs and James Allen has a great customizer. You’ll only need to follow through with their steps and choose the cut, color, clarity, and carat weight you want. However, if you’re buying loose diamonds and planning to turn them into earrings later, you need to make sure that the two diamonds match! You don’t want to end up with non-matching earrings, do you?
What Is a Good Size for Diamond Studs & Earrings?
When buying diamond earrings online, it’s best to stick to a 0.25 carat to 1-carat weight range. If you’re looking for diamond studs to wear occasionally, you can always go bigger and choose diamonds weighing over 1 carat.
Tips for Buying Diamond Earrings and Studs Online
- Learn about the 4Cs of diamonds
- Go with a reputable brand (such as our top recommendations)
- Carefully – VERY carefully read product descriptions and specifications
- Compare prices of different shops for products with the same specifications
- Look closely at high-resolution images and videos where you can see the products close up. Also look for multiple angles of the product
- Look at return and refund policies in case you aren’t happy with your purchase. James Allen, our #1 recommendation provides full money-back guarantees within 30 days
- Look for diamonds that are certified
The Bottom Line
When looking for diamond stud earrings, it’s important to remember that the total beauty depends on its cut. It is all about finding the right combination of carat size, color, and clarity grades and then picking one of the best online dealers above. Make sure your diamonds sparkle in 360 degrees by selecting the best settings.
FAQs – Best Place to Buy Diamond Earrings
How much do real diamond earrings cost?
Diamond earrings can be as low as $400 and can go as high as $10,000 or more depending on the diamond. The biggest factor of the cost that goes into diamond earrings is the actual diamond and where you buy them. For example, James Allen has some of the best prices for diamonds online, whereas other brands can cost up to 60% more.
What diamonds are best for earrings?
The best diamonds for earrings are round-cut diamonds between .25 and .75 carats. This allows them to be easily seen while not being too big and gaudy.
How do I know if my diamond earrings are real?
The easiest way to tell if your diamond earrings are real is to see if they come with any certification from a reputable company such as GIA. If they did not, the next best option is to get it taken to a quality jeweler. Taking it to an untrustworthy jeweler can result in our diamonds being replaced by inferior ones.
How many carats should an earring be?
Most people will want about .25-.75 carats for their diamond earrings. For special occasions anywhere from .75 carats to 1.25 carats is acceptable.
Final Thoughts on Best Online Diamond Stud Earrings
All in all, buying diamond studs and earrings online can be a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following our recommendations and shopping at trusted stores like James Allen, Blue Nile, and Whiteflash, you can be confident in the quality and authenticity of your purchase. Whether you’re buying for yourself or a loved one, investing in a pair of diamond earrings is a timeless and valuable addition to any jewelry collection. So don’t hesitate to shop online and enjoy the convenience and savings that come with it.
