Diamond Stud Earring Guide

Our Earring Diamonds are not GIA certified: While Lumera recommends GIA certification for all loose or center diamond purchases (which is why we offer only certified loose and center diamonds), our diamond stud earrings are sold without certification. The quality of earring diamonds is generally lower than those used in rings. They are less prominently displayed when worn, are often smaller, and usually receive less light (set close to the body, often under hair, etc.). For these reasons, GIA certification on earring diamonds is atypical. The vast majority of earring diamonds are not certified. Even when they are, the certification is usually not from a reputable and independent lab, but something created by the retailer. Lumera does not create certifications, as it can be misleading. Instead we describe the quality accurately and clearly, while provided a written appraisal as documentation.

Round Diamond Studs

If you prefer GIA certified diamonds for your earrings, simply use the online diamond search to find one, single diamond that matches your desired criteria for size, quality, and price. Then, share that diamond's item number with us via phone, chat, or email, and we will respond with a matching partner to create a perfect pair. We recommend that all diamonds be matched in this way (rather than relying on the information presented on the certificate) to ensure a proper match.

The displayed weight is an estimate: Each set of earrings is matched for color, diameter, and cut, but may not be an exact weight match. All of our fractionally displayed weights are accurate to within at least .05 carats (e.g. earrings advertised as "4 ctw." will weigh between 3.95 and 4.05 carats), a standard which exceeds most other sellers. The only exception is smaller pairs, which have an even higher standard; 1/3 ctw. earring pairs are a minimum of .30 carats, and 1/2 carat earring pairs are a minimum of .46 carats.

Visit the FTC page on diamond advertising guidelines to learn more about how diamond weights are labeled.

All Lumera Earring Diamonds are eye clean: As described above, earring quality tends to be lower than ring quality. This is especially true in regards to clarity. Most earrings sold have some degree of visible flaws. However, Lumera offers only eye clean earring diamonds ("eye clean" means that flaws are not visible to the naked eye).

While there is a demand for visibly flawed diamonds (the price tends to be lower, and earrings are not as closely scrutinized as ring diamonds), Lumera chooses not to offer them due to the difficulty of proper evaluation by the customer purchasing online. That said, Lumera's prices tend to be at or lower than diamonds of lower quality offered elsewhere.

Lumera sets all Earrings in 14k white gold: We recommend against platinum because the primary benefit (durability) is not an issue with earrings, as it is with rings. While platinum is often encouraged at retail, this is primarily due to the higher selling price and mark up. Lumera recommends against yellow gold as well. In an earring (or ring), the prongs should be white, so as not to detract from the diamond. However, a ring also contains a band, which might be yellow in order to coordinate with other jewelry, or to suit a personal preference. For stud earrings, this is not an issue, and the less visible the metal surrounding the diamond, the better; which is why white is superior to yellow (even when white gold earrings are worn with other yellow gold jewelry).

If you prefer yellow gold, we are happy to accommodate your request. When placing your order, you will find a comment field prominently displayed at the end of checkout. Simply add your request for yellow gold. Soon after your order is placed, you will receive an email confirming your change. If you prefer, you can call us as well.

Lumera Diamond Earrings are set with friction back posts: We use friction back (a modified push back, held to the post by tension and groove) instead of screw back (the backs are screwed onto a threaded post) because many wearers feel a slight discomfort passing the threaded post through their ears, and others simply find the screw backs harder to work with.

Friction Back Setting

The slightly larger friction backs we use offer greater comfort and stability than traditional push backs (which, while common, are often very small and less secure).

If you desire screw back settings, simply state your preference in the comment field prominently displayed at the end of checkout. Soon after your order is placed, you will receive an email confirming your change. If you prefer, you can call us as well.