
Diamond Studs
I got a sneak peek at Brilliant Earth‘s Holiday Jewelry Lookbook and was inspired to break down some of the most classic diamond jewelry gift options available. Purchasing diamond jewelry shouldn’t be impulsive and careless because that could result in an expensive mistake. However, if you keep the following tips in mind, you can’t go wrong investing in these key diamond staples. Think of them as the little black dresses of the jewelry industry.

Our list of diamond jewelry staples include:
- A quality pair of diamond studs
- A simple diamond necklace in your style
- An elegant pair of diamond dangle earrings
- A refined diamond right-hand ring
- A timeless diamond engagement ring
Above: Diamond stud earrings are among the first diamond jewelry staples you should purchase, whether for yourself or as a gift. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but I also don’t think they will ever go out of style. They also don’t get a lot of wear meaning they will last for generations so long as your store them properly and don’t lose them.
Buying Tips: If the earrings are meant for your first hole, opt for a pair that has at least 1-carat total weight (.50ct each earring), so they don’t get lost on your ear. You can save a lot of money by choosing a lower quality stone. Since they are worn on your ear and inclusions are hard to see, I1 diamonds are often used. I recommend a four prong setting, but there are many different setting styles you can choose from.
Diamond Necklace

Diamond necklaces have become an important staple in the fine jewelry world. One thing I’ve realized about diamond necklaces is that they are usually sentimental, primarily because they are so commonly given as gifts. If you’re gifting a diamond necklace, make it meaningful and don’t go for anything too lavish. Make it a necklace they can and will want to wear every day.
Buying Tips: Diamond necklaces can get expensive quick.
If you’re looking to save money, opt for a necklace that has a bunch of small diamonds clustered together. Make sure the chain is durable and upgrade if you have to. Oftentimes the chain that comes included with a diamond necklace is too weak for everyday wear and break very easily.
Diamond Dangle Earrings

Considering there are so many styles of earrings, you can get really creative with this gift. This is where you will want to analyze the gift receiver’s style and cater the earring choice to that. These are earrings likely won’t be worn every day like the diamond studs, but will be worn on special occasions.
Buying Tips: The first pair of diamond earrings I recommend after you have a pair of diamond studs are hoop earrings.
This is because they are a bit more versatile than other styles. Be sure whatever earring you buy, they have secure backs. The last thing you want is to lose a diamond earring!
Diamond Right Hand Ring

The classic right-hand ring! This is a great gift if you’re already married, but if you’re not, you’ll want to be careful. See: 10 Terrible Jewelry Gift Mistakes Most Men Make
Buying Tips: First, you’ll want to get the ring size in advance. I think for a diamond staple ring, the more simple, the better. You want something that you’re going to love for many years, as well as something that will go with other more elaborate rings.
Diamond Engagement Ring

Oh, the engagement ring, the diamond staple nearly every woman has wanted for the past 100 years! If you’re heading down this path, there is a lot of research you’ll want to do in advance because this will likely be your most expensive diamond staple purchase.
Start here: Everything You Need to Know About Diamonds.
Now that you have your list of must-have diamond gifts keep scrolling to shop our top pick in each one of these categories.