"Diamond studs are a jewellery staple that are a foundation piece in any jewellery wardrobe. Make sure they are of a size and quality that will stand the test of time for you. You don't want to put the time and money into buying a pair of diamond studs only to find you have outgrown them in a year or two. Allocate more of your budget towards great diamond studs even if this means holding off on other pieces or that new handbag you have been eyeing. If budget is a concern, you can also buy a smaller weighted carat, knowing you'll use those diamonds to repurpose later on when you can afford to upgrade to a larger diamond stud. For example, you could plan to use smaller studs on a diamond-by-the-yard necklace or a bracelet down the line, or include them in a ring or tennis bracelet. If you're looking for a bigger size, it can make sense to trade a bit on colour and clarity to get a larger size. Unlike an engagement ring on your finger that people can, and do, get a good close look at, studs are on your ear. It isn't normal, usual, or even socially acceptable for people to lean in to inspect a diamond on your ear. That said, you need to have a minimum clarity for a diamond to sparkle. If a stone is too included, it will lose all life and won't provide the eye-catching brilliance that make diamond studs so special. Cluster earrings are a great way to make the stud appear larger; a surrounding halo or cluster of diamonds around the main diamond will add size and interesting detail."