Complete Guide to Upgrading Your Diamond Stud Earrings
Discover the best ways to upgrade your diamond stud earrings, from choosing larger stones to modern settings, in this expert guide.
Few things in life symbolize luxury and timeless beauty quite like diamonds. Whether commemorating a milestone, celebrating an achievement, or simply indulging in a personal upgrade, diamond stud earrings are a refined choice that never goes out of style. However, there comes a time when you may wish to enhance your look with larger stones, a different cut, or even rare colored diamonds. At Sotheby’s, we specialize in sourcing the most exquisite diamond jewelry, from modern masterpieces to vintage treasures, ensuring your upgrade is nothing short of extraordinary.
If you’re considering an upgrade for your diamond studs, there are several factors to take into account. Should you increase the carat size? Would a new diamond shape better complement your style? Are colored diamonds the right choice for you? Read on for our complete guide to upgrading your next dazzling pair of diamond studs.
Upgrade Diamond Size
When upgrading your diamond stud earrings, size is often the first factor to consider. A larger carat weight not only enhances visual appeal but also adds to the luxurious feel of your jewelry. However, how much bigger should you go to notice a true difference?
We generally recommend increasing the total carat weight by at least two carats to achieve a noticeable upgrade. As the size increases, quality becomes even more important. For an ideal balance of brilliance and value, we suggest a minimum of G color and VS clarity.
For those seeking the most significant visual impact for their upgrade, round brilliant cut diamonds are the preferred choice. They maximize brilliance and reflect light beautifully, ensuring an eye-catching upgrade. At Sotheby’s, we offer diamond studs starting at approximately 3 carats in total weight, with prices beginning at around $20,000. Our selection ranges from $22,000 to over $100,000, with rare, exceptional pieces exceeding that price range.
Upgrade Diamond Shape
Another exciting way to elevate your diamond studs is by changing the diamond shape. While round brilliant diamonds are the most classic and commonly chosen shape, there are many other exquisite cuts that can add a unique twist to your jewelry collection.
Oval-cut diamonds are a sophisticated choice that maintain the brilliance of a round cut while offering a more elongated and elegant silhouette. Emerald-cut diamonds, with their long, linear facets, provide a refined, understated glamour while appearing larger than their actual carat weight. For a balance of sparkle and modern appeal, princess-cut diamonds offer a contemporary square shape with sharp angles. Cushion-cut diamonds, known for their soft edges and vintage charm, radiate warmth and sophistication. Finally, for those who want a bold, statement-making piece, heart-shaped diamond studs symbolize romance and individuality. By changing both the size and shape of your diamonds, you can create a truly custom and standout look.
Upgrade to Colored Diamonds
For those looking to add an extra element of rarity and personality to their diamond studs, colored diamonds offer an exceptional choice. Fancy-colored diamonds come in a range of hues, from vibrant yellows to rare pinks and blues, each offering a distinctive allure.
Yellow diamond studs are the most accessible of the fancy-colored diamonds, with a 3-carat total weight pair typically starting around $20,000. Pink diamonds, highly coveted and rare, command significantly higher prices; for example, a Cartier Fancy Deep Pink Diamond Ear Stud pair with a total weight of 1.6 carats sold for approximately $451,400 in April 2021. Blue diamonds, among the rarest and most valuable colored diamonds, exude an air of sophistication and exclusivity, making them a striking choice for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury.
Upgrade Your Diamond Stud Earrings at Sotheby's
Upgrading your diamond stud earrings is more than just a purchase—it’s a commitment to elegance, individuality, and enduring style. Whether you opt for a larger carat weight, a unique diamond shape, or rare colored diamonds, your choice reflects your evolving taste and appreciation for fine jewelry.
Advantages to Buying Diamonds on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby’s provides exclusive access to a curated selection of diamond jewelry from the world’s most prestigious Maison's, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Tiffany & Co and more. Clients can find top quality diamonds from one carat to more than twenty carats from top brands and bespoke creations. Our jewelry specialists work closely with collectors worldwide to source coveted diamond jewelry to provide exclusive access to the rarest and most desirable diamond jewelry.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby’s offers unique access to a wide selection of signed and unsigned diamond jewelry available at auction around the world. We also offer diamond jewelry for immediate purchase and allow easy side-by-side comparison of top brands and unsigned diamonds. We also offer a bespoke concierge service to help source unique one-of-a-kind diamond jewelry.
3. Value
The secondary market is an attractive alternative for purchasing diamond jewelry since you can realize more value compared to traditional retailers. Top brands and jewelry retailers add a material premium to cover manufacturing and other fixed costs that are not reflected in the prices at Sotheby’s. It’s possible to purchase classic diamond jewelry from top brands including Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Harry Winston at less than half of the original retail price. These pieces also often include the original packaging and certificates. Sotheby’s Jewelry specialists also inspect every item before accepting it for sale.
4. Discovery
One of the greatest advantages of shopping in a global luxury marketplace is the opportunity to discover rare and unique diamond jewelry pieces that are no longer available through traditional retail channels. Our curated selection of diamond jewelry is continuously refreshed, ensuring that you’ll always find something new and exclusive to build your collection.
Buy and Sell Diamond Jewelry At Sotheby's
Sotheby's often has impressive diamond jewelry available at auction. Sotheby's also has a curated selection of diamond jewelry available for immediate purchase on marketplace. If you would like to view diamond jewelry, a salon specialist would be happy to assist. Sotheby's is also able to source an exceptional diamond jewelry creation from its global supplier network.
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Contact a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Speak to a Jewelry Specialist about selling diamond jewelry.
Trust our worldwide network of leading jewelry specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
