Diamond Stud Size Guide: 1ct, 2ct, 3ct Lab-Grown Stud Earrings Explained
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3) BLOG POST – “Stud Size Guide: How 1ct, 2ct and 3ct Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings Look in Real Life”
How Big Will My Diamond Studs Look?
Choosing the right size for lab grown diamond stud earrings can feel tricky online. You see carat numbers and beautiful photos, but what you really want to know is:
“How will these studs actually look on my ears?”
This guide breaks down how 1ct, 2ct, and 3ct lab grown diamond studs look in real life and helps you choose the perfect size for your style.
Note: In this guide, “total carat weight” (ctw) means the pair. So 1.00 ctw = two 0.50 ct diamonds, one in each ear.
1.00 ctw Studs (0.50 ct Each) – Everyday Classic
Look & feel:
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Timeless, subtle, and polished
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Noticeable sparkle without feeling “too much”
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Ideal for everyday wear and office environments
Approximate size for round diamonds:
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Around 5.0–5.2 mm per stone
Perfect for you if:
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You want a first pair of diamond studs
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You prefer a minimalist, elegant look
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You want studs you can wear from morning to evening with everything
Lab grown 1ct total diamond studs are a beautiful “starter luxury” – refined, versatile, and easy to dress up or down.
2.00 ctw Studs (1.00 ct Each) – Bold, Balanced Statement
Look & feel:
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Clearly luxurious, noticeable across a room
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A strong yet balanced statement on the ear
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Works beautifully for both day and evening
Approximate size for round diamonds:
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Around 6.3–6.5 mm per stone
Perfect for you if:
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You want studs that feel decisively high-end
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You like your jewelry to be seen, not hidden
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You want one pair that works for both everyday and special occasions
2ct total lab grown diamond studs are one of the most popular “sweet spots” – they look substantial, but still wearable and elegant.
3.00 ctw Studs (1.50 ct Each) – High-Impact Glamour
Look & feel:
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Bold, glamorous, and instantly eye-catching
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Very visible on the ear, even with longer hair
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A true “luxury” look with serious presence
Approximate size for round diamonds:
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Around 7.3–7.5 mm per stone
Perfect for you if:
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You love a strong statement and high sparkle
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You want studs that can anchor an evening or black-tie look
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You see your studs as a key signature piece
With lab grown diamonds, a 3ct total pair becomes much more accessible than mined – you can achieve that red-carpet effect at a modern, realistic price point.
Four-Prong vs Three-Prong Settings: Which Looks Bigger?
At Beau Diamond, we offer both four-prong and three-prong (martini) settings:
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Four-prong studs
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Classic, balanced, and slightly more “framed.”
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A great choice if you prefer a traditional look and extra security.
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Three-prong martini studs
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Show more of the diamond and less metal.
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Often make the stone appear slightly larger and more “floating” on the ear.
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If you love a clean, modern, diamond-forward look, three-prong martini settings are a beautiful option for lab grown studs.
White Gold, Yellow Gold, or Rose Gold?
Your metal choice has a subtle but real effect:
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14K white gold – enhances a bright, icy, modern sparkle; pairs well with higher color grades.
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14K yellow gold – adds warmth and contrast; beautiful with slightly lower color grades and richer skin tones.
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14K rose gold – soft, romantic, and flattering on many complexions.
All three metals pair beautifully with lab grown diamonds. Choose the one that best matches your other jewelry and your skin tone.
How to Choose Your Perfect Stud Size
Ask yourself:
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Do you want subtle or statement?
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Subtle, everyday: 1.00 ctw
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Balanced, noticeable: 2.00 ctw
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Bold, high impact: 3.00 ctw
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Where will you wear them most?
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Office, errands, daily life: 1.00–2.00 ctw
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Evenings, events, photo-heavy occasions: 2.00–3.00 ctw
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What’s your personality and style?
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Minimalist, understated: 1.00 ctw
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Confident, modern: 2.00 ctw
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Glamorous, loves attention: 3.00 ctw
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Discover Lab Grown Diamond Studs at Beau Diamond
Every pair of Beau Diamond lab grown stud earrings is crafted with carefully selected stones and fine 14K gold settings, designed to sit beautifully on the ear and shine from every angle.
Explore our stud collection to find your perfect size – or contact us if you’d like help choosing between 1ct, 2ct, and 3ct options for your lifestyle.