Diamond Stud Earrings: The Ultimate Must-Have

Trends

Written by Julie de Los Rios - Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Just like wardrobe essentials, diamond stud earrings are pieces every woman should own. Timeless, chic, and versatile, with a central natural diamond that shines, stud earrings match any style. Let's dive in.

"You’re never overdressed or underdressed in a little black dress," Karl Lagerfeld once said.

As the true heir of Gabrielle Chanel, the designer knew what he was talking about. After all, it was Chanel herself who, in 1926, made black the ultimate symbol of chic. Turning the colour of mourning into one of elegance, she revolutionised fashion.

The Little Black Dress: Scandalous at First, Essential Forever

Once considered scandalous, the little black dress has now become a staple in every fashion-conscious woman's wardrobe. Who among today’s fashion lovers doesn’t have a row of them hanging in their closet?

It even inspired a text by Françoise Sagan and was worn by iconic stars like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Edith Piaf, and contemporary style icons such as Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner, Sienna Miller, and Natalie Portman.

Over time, this wardrobe essential has been constantly reinvented by designers: from Dior in the 1950s to Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, Azzedine Alaïa, Yohji Yamamoto, and Maison Martin Margiela.

During the Paris Spring-Summer 2025 Fashion Week, the little black dress took on different forms: minimalist at Coperni, ethnic at Isabel Marant, neo-bohemian at Chloé, and sporty chic at Dior.

Chanel’s version alternated between modest cuts and daring transparencies, while Olivier Rousteing's Balmain design made it bold and graphic. Valentino, with Alessandro Michele’s debut, gave it a retro touch.

Diamond Stud Earrings: Icons of the Jewellery Box

So, what is the jewellery equivalent of the little black dress? Diamond stud earrings, of course! Like the little black dress, they elevate and complete any look.

According to the Natural Diamond Council, the ideal natural diamond stud earring combines tradition with modernity, comfort with elegance, quality with accessibility.

Thanks to their simplicity, diamond studs are chic by day and stylish by night. Easy to wear, they've become a staple for the modern woman.

Diamond Studs: Popularised by Queen Victoria

Their story goes way back—even further than the little black dress.

In fact, diamond studs existed before they became earrings.

In 1620, the first Duke of Buckingham, a personal friend of the king, attended a ball in a suit covered in diamond buttons. Two centuries later, these diamonds found a new purpose as earrings. But it was Queen Victoria, a pioneer in her time, who made diamond studs a must-have that everyone soon coveted.

In the 1870s, the royal icon sparked a true trend for diamond studs, inspiring society women to adopt these dazzling gems.

Diamond Studs: A Classic for Every Style

By the 1940s and 1950s, diamond studs became symbols of high society, elegance, and wealth. They later became more accessible, available in various styles and price ranges.

What makes them so appealing? Versatile and adaptable, they fit any style: classic, rock, punk, street, or boho.

The defining element of a stud earring is its central brilliant-cut diamond, known for its round shape that maximises sparkle even with a smaller carat size. However, they can come in other unconventional shapes as well.

The princess cut, with its square outline, is unique. Rose, emerald, pear, or marquise cuts are also options. We particularly love the marquise cut for its ultra-chic appeal.

Diamond studs are also reinvented with various gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies. Our favourite? Natural coloured diamonds! Their rarity makes them exclusive and unique to you.

The setting can be in platinum or any shade of gold – white, yellow, or rose. Clasps come in many styles, from the classic butterfly back to more creative designs, depending on the jeweller.

Diamond Studs: Loved by Designers and High-End Brands

Convinced? The good news is that diamond stud earrings are no longer reserved for royalty or an elite few. Jewellery brands offer their versions in different styles and budgets.

Another bonus? Studs, whether worn as pairs or mismatched, are timeless pieces that can be passed down through generations, as noted by the Natural Diamond Council.

Favourites among our go-to designers include Akillis, Seijna, Karine Chedid, Olijo, and Amélie Viaene.

Among models that add flair to jeans or sophistication to a glitter dress, there’s the neo-punk Fatal Attraction earring from Akillis, crafted in white gold and adorned with 34 brilliant-cut diamonds or a full set of black diamonds.

More classic but just as cool, Seijna’s rose gold and diamond Stud will never go out of style, and the mini Lucky Love made of white gold and diamonds adds a touch of floral elegance to your ears.

In her Parisian studio, Karine Chedid masters the art of transformability with her Invalides model. Featuring a 4.5 mm “Salt & Pepper” natural diamond surrounded by a diamond pavé, this earring can be adjusted to offer two styles in one piece.

Transformability is also key for Olijo’s Arty Vague earrings, created by Priscilla de Gastines. Made from ethical gold and natural diamonds, they’re designed to be paired with sapphire pendants for an event or an evening out.

For a rock-inspired vibe, Amélie Viaene’s Stardust earrings in the shape of a star feature a central diamond, crafted in white, yellow, or rose gold. Each piece is hand-sculpted in wax, allowing the star to shine uniquely on your ears.

More classic designs include the Trilogy Romance studs by Bucherer Fine Jewellery, set in white gold with three brilliant-cut diamonds each, or the more affordable Darling model.

A Recurring Favourite at Chanel, Dior, Chopard, Graff, And Boucheron

Prefer more mainstream brands? Chanel’s iconic collections always feature a version of diamond studs. Our top picks? The Camellia Button earrings or the Comète Géode model that invites you to look to the stars.

At Dior, the Étoile des Vents earrings reinterpret the Rose des Vents, a nod to Monsieur Christian Dior’s lucky charm. The Dioramour best-seller features a diamond placed on the “i” in “oui.”

Piaget’s rose-themed designs offer ultra-feminine variations, especially in white diamonds, while Chaumet’s Bee My Love collection, with its honeycomb and bee motifs, graces the ear with elegance. We’re smitten with Graff’s Tilda’s Bow ribbon earrings and the mix of Akoya pearls and diamonds in Tasaki’s Chant earrings.

At Boucheron, the effortless chic Serpent Bohème studs are perfect for Parisian style, while the Vendôme Liseré earrings add a touch of elegance for evening wear.

Finally, the iconic Clou de H by Hermès, and the versatile designs from Bvlgari, Chopard’s My Happy Hearts collection, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra and De Beer' Aura make diamond studs accessible to everyone, from students to accomplished businesswomen.

Now you’re in on the secrets of fashion’s best students: to perfect a well-curated look, diamond stud earrings are a must-have, adding sophistication to a jeans-and-tee combo and toning down a bold dress. The only question left is—which style is made for you? Tell us everything!

In collaboration with the Natural Diamond Council