Why Diamond Studs Never Go Out of Style A Jeweller’s Honest Take
You’d be surprised how many people wander into my studio, eyes wide and hopeful, asking the same thing: “Are diamond studs still in style?” And every single time, I can’t help but smile. Because if there’s one piece of jewellery that’s managed to outlast trends, seasons, and celebrity fads, it’s this one — the humble pair of diamond studs.
Now, I’ve been a jeweller in Melbourne for almost two decades, and in that time I’ve seen countless styles come and go — oversized hoops, geometric ear climbers, resin everything. But diamond studs? They’ve been the quiet constant through it all. And the truth is, they’re so much more than just tiny stones in metal settings. They tell stories, mark milestones, and somehow seem to suit everyone — from the young professional getting her first “grown-up” pair to the retiree upgrading to something a little more dazzling.
The Quiet Power of Simplicity
You might not realise this, but diamond studs are one of the hardest pieces to get right. On paper, they sound simple — two small diamonds, matched as closely as possible, mounted in white, yellow, or rose gold. But the magic isn’t in the sparkle alone. It’s in the balance.
The way the light bounces through a perfectly cut stone, the way it sits just flush with the earlobe — that’s the subtle artistry that makes people stop mid-sentence and think, “Wow, you look amazing today,” without quite knowing why.
What I love about diamond studs is how unpretentious they are. They don’t scream for attention, they don’t rely on trends, and they pair effortlessly with everything from jeans to evening gowns. You could wear them to brunch, to a board meeting, or even while doing the grocery run (I do — life’s too short not to sparkle a bit).
Lab Diamonds Are Changing the Game
Now, here’s where things get interesting. When I first started working with lab diamonds, I’ll admit, I was sceptical. Like many traditional jewellers, I had my doubts. Could a stone grown in a lab ever rival one formed deep beneath the Earth over millions of years?
Turns out — yes, it absolutely can.
Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. The sparkle? Identical. The structure? Indistinguishable, even under a jeweller’s loupe. The only real difference lies in their origin — and, of course, the price tag.
What I’ve seen lately is a real shift in how Australians view diamonds. There’s a growing awareness that sustainability matters. Younger buyers, especially, are asking the right questions — where do these stones come from? Who mined them? What’s the environmental impact?
And honestly, I respect that.
Lab diamonds offer a clean, ethical alternative without compromising on quality or brilliance. They’re also significantly more affordable, which means you can get a larger, more impressive pair of diamond studs for the same budget. It’s a win-win.
If you’re curious about how these stones stack up, this piece about lab diamonds does a great job of unpacking their rise in popularity — from Spanish ateliers to Manchester boutiques, and right here in Aussie jewellery stores.
Choosing the Perfect Pair
Buying diamond studs isn’t as simple as picking the first pair you see glinting under the display lights. There’s a bit of thought that goes into it — and trust me, it’s worth taking your time.
Here’s what I usually tell my clients:
- Start with the cut.
If you want maximum sparkle, go for round brilliant cuts. They’re timeless and flatter every face shape. Princess cuts, on the other hand, offer a more modern, geometric edge. - Clarity and colour matter — but not as much as you think.
Tiny inclusions (those little imperfections inside the stone) are invisible to the naked eye, especially in earrings. You can save a fair bit by opting for slightly lower clarity without losing any visible beauty. - Setting style changes everything.
Martini settings (three prongs forming a V shape) are minimalist and sit close to the ear. Four-prong settings, on the other hand, give a more traditional feel. Both are beautiful — it just depends on the look you’re going for. - Think about metal tone.
Yellow gold brings warmth, white gold adds brightness, and rose gold — well, it’s just romantic. Choose one that matches your skin undertone or complements your other jewellery.
And don’t underestimate the emotional part of the process. I’ve seen people tear up when they finally find “the” pair. It’s not about size or price — it’s that moment when the earrings reflect a part of their story.
The New Meaning Behind Diamond Studs
In the old days, diamond studs were often a gift for anniversaries, engagements, or milestone birthdays. But lately, I’ve noticed more people buying them for themselves — and honestly, I love that shift.
I had a client recently, a woman in her forties who’d just started her own business after leaving a corporate job she hated. She came in and said, “I’m not waiting for anyone to buy me diamonds anymore.” She chose a stunning 1-carat pair of lab-grown diamond studs and wore them out of the store, grinning like a kid.
That’s the energy I love to see — people celebrating themselves.
Diamond studs have become little emblems of independence and quiet success. They say, “I’ve worked hard, I’ve come this far, and I deserve this.”
And really, that’s what jewellery should be about — not showing off, but honouring a moment, a memory, or a personal milestone.
The Sustainable Sparkle
I think one of the most exciting things happening in the jewellery world right now is the growing appreciation for sustainability. Not long ago, conversations around ethics and sourcing were considered niche — now, they’re front and centre.
With lab diamonds, the carbon footprint is dramatically smaller. There’s no mining, no environmental scarring, and no human rights concerns lurking in the background. It’s jewellery you can feel good about wearing.
I often recommend this to my clients when they’re considering diamond studs — and if you’re after a pair that truly captures the best of both worlds (beauty and ethics), you can take a look at these diamond studs that showcase just how far craftsmanship and technology have come.
It’s heartening to see the industry evolving — and to see more people making thoughtful, informed choices rather than just chasing trends or labels.
A Style for Every Story
What I’ve learned after years behind the workbench is this: no two pairs of diamond studs are ever quite the same. Even if they look identical on paper, once someone puts them on, they tell a different story.
For some, they’re a symbol of love. For others, they’re a reward for resilience. And for a few, they’re simply a daily reminder to shine a little brighter — even on the dull days.
There’s a reason celebrities, CEOs, artists, and everyday Australians all gravitate towards them. They’re subtle, enduring, and quietly confident.
And unlike most fashion statements, diamond studs don’t age out. They age with you. They pick up memories, they witness milestones, and they somehow always look right — whether you’re twenty-five or seventy-five.
The Final Spark
So, are diamond studs still in style? Absolutely. But more than that — they’re beyond style. They’ve crossed that invisible line between fashion and identity.
In a world that’s always rushing toward the next big thing, diamond studs remind us of something simple but powerful: elegance doesn’t need to shout. It just needs to shine.
And whether you choose mined or lab-grown, big or small, gold or platinum, the right pair will always carry a bit of your story within them.
So next time you’re dressing for a big meeting, a night out, or even just an ordinary day, pop those studs on. You might be surprised at how something so small can make you feel so quietly, confidently yourself.
