It doesn't matter whether you are looking for a gift or buying something for yourself, you'll need to consider when the earrings are going to be worn as well as the type of clothes that will be worn and the hairstyle. Diamond studs are still very popular but for something a little less conservative, you may want to choose a variant of the diamond hoops or diamond danglers.
The diamond stud is an elegantly simple earring with a single diamond apparently attached to the earlobe without any support. In reality, there is a post passing through the earlobe and the stud is held in place with a screw or push-lock. Diamond stud earrings are the most uncomplicated of earrings and look stunning with just about any outfit. The diamond is usually round oval or princess cut and set in white gold, yellow gold or platinum.
Earrings with a circular or oval shape are known as hoop earrings. Full hoop earrings have diamonds set around the full circumference whereas partial hoops only have stones along the front edge. Huggy earrings fit closely to the earlobes whilst loose or wide hoop earrings can swing down as far as the shoulders. Diamond hoop earrings are usually held in place with a hinge or snap lock.
Dangling diamond earrings have a string of stones or pav set designs hanging down as far as the shoulders. The most popular styles are chandeliers and drop earrings. Chandeliers have a glamorous appearance as they branch out with multiple strands; while drop earrings look more sophisticated with a single stone or line of hanging diamonds.