A beautiful beginning
Your cart is empty
Begin with one of our most-loved collections and find a piece made for you.
Shop best sellers- Made to order in Surat
- Insured international delivery
- Secure Shopify checkout
Diamond Stud Earrings Size Guide: Carat, Millimetres and Prices
In this guide
For most people, 0.5 to 1 carat per earring is the sweet spot for everyday diamond studs: 0.5 ct each (about 5.2 mm round) looks refined and goes with everything, and 1 ct each (about 6.5 mm) is clearly noticed without looking oversized. Above 1.5 ct each, studs become a statement. The chart below shows how big each size actually looks, in millimetres, for every shape we make.
Stud earring size chart
All sizes are the face-up measurements of one stone, so a "1 ct each" pair has two stones of this size.
| Carat each | Round | Oval | Emerald / radiant | Marquise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 ct | 5.2 mm | 6.3 × 4.5 mm | 5.4 × 3.8 mm | 8.2 × 4.1 mm |
| 1 ct | 6.5 mm | 8 × 5.7 mm | 7 × 5 mm | 10 × 5 mm |
| 1.5 ct | 7.5 mm | 9.7 × 6.4 mm | 8 × 5.5 mm | 12 × 6 mm |
| 2 ct | 8.2 mm | 10.5 × 7 mm | 9 × 6 mm | 13 × 6.5 mm |
| 2.5 ct | 8.8 mm | - | - | - |
For scale, an average earlobe is roughly 15 to 20 mm tall. A 6.5 mm round stud covers about a third of it; an 8 mm stud covers close to half.
"Carat each" or "total carat weight": what is the difference?
This is the single most common source of confusion when buying studs. Total carat weight (ctw) is the weight of both stones added together. Carat each is the weight of one stone. A pair sold as "1 ctw" is two half-carat diamonds; a pair sold as "1 ct each" is two one-carat diamonds and weighs 2 ctw in total.
Because the visible size of a stud is the size of one stone, comparing listings by "carat each" is the only fair way to compare them. Every stud on our site is sold by carat each, so the option you choose is exactly what sits in each ear.
How big do different sizes look when worn?
- 0.25 to 0.5 ct each (4 to 5.2 mm): quiet and polished. Ideal for second piercings, for children's first diamonds, and for anyone who wears earrings every day without thinking about them.
- 0.75 to 1 ct each (5.8 to 6.5 mm): the classic diamond stud. Visible across a table, still appropriate for an office.
- 1.5 ct each (7.5 mm): unmistakably a diamond stud. A popular milestone gift.
- 2 ct each and up (8.2 mm and up): red-carpet scale. Best on a fuller earlobe, where the stone has room around it.
Elongated shapes look larger than rounds of the same weight because more of the stone faces up. A 1 ct oval stud is 8 mm long, the length of a 2 ct round. Our diamond carat size chart shows the same effect for rings.
Which setting suits a stud?
| Setting | Look | Price difference |
|---|---|---|
| Four-prong | Most diamond, slightly square outline | Base price |
| Six-prong | Rounder outline, extra security | About $50 more |
| Bezel | Smooth metal rim, sleek and modern | About $35 more |
Bezel studs look a touch larger, because the metal rim adds to the outline, and they never catch on hair or scarves.
How much do lab-grown diamond studs cost?
These are current prices for our solitaire studs in 14K yellow gold, per pair.
| Carat each | Pair total | Price range, 14K |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 ct | 1 ctw | $552 to $660 |
| 1 ct | 2 ctw | $996 to $1,104 |
| 1.5 ct | 3 ctw | $1,490 to $1,598 |
| 2 ct | 4 ctw | $2,034 to $2,142 |
| 2.5 ct (round) | 5 ctw | $2,682 to $2,730 |
The range within each size comes from the shape and setting: radiant and oval four-prong studs sit at the lower end, emerald cut bezel studs at the top. Every pair uses E to F colour, VS clarity lab-grown diamonds and comes with a Signora Jewelry Certificate.
Quick answers
What size diamond studs should I buy as a gift?
If you do not know her taste, 0.5 to 0.75 ct each in a round four-prong setting is the safest choice. It suits every face shape, every outfit and every age.
Do bigger studs droop?
A single stone up to about 2 ct each sits comfortably on a standard post and push back. Above that, or on softer earlobes, a screw back or a larger back keeps the stud facing forward. Ask us and we can fit screw backs to any pair.
Which shape looks biggest for the money?
Marquise and oval. Their long outlines cover more of the earlobe per carat than rounds, emerald cuts or radiants.
Which metal makes the diamond look whitest?
White gold or platinum. Yellow and rose gold settings warm the stone slightly, which many people prefer. See our metal comparison.
The bottom line
Shop by carat each, not total carat weight. Choose 0.5 ct each for an everyday pair, 1 ct each for the classic diamond stud and 1.5 ct each or more for a statement, then pick a long shape if you want the most visible size for the price. Compare every shape and size in our stud earrings collection.
