The First Lady Michelle Obama has proven to have well-balanced and simply elegant fashion sense. A quick review of some of her fashion choices shows how successfully she employs diamond stud or drop earrings at many events; both formal and casual.

Other fashionistas throughout the ages have come to rely on diamond stud earrings to provide both elegance and simplicity to their ensembles as well. In fact, the Glamour Magazine “Women of the Year Awards” for 2008 saw almost no other earring style among the many guests and recipients than small diamond studs and drop earrings.

Why are diamond stud earrings such a continual choice? There are many reasons that women choose them, including their universal appeal, durability, flexibility, value and simplicity.

Their universal appeal comes from their ability to be worn by anyone who wishes to create a bit of brightness and light around their face. Because diamond stud earrings are not required to be a single stone in a simple setting, but can be constructed from a variety of styles and shapes including various forms such as flowers, bars, and small drops, they provide visual interest without being too distracting.

Their durability is delivered by their simple style, where the setting is connected to the post without any additional stress from other dangling or weighty components. This also allows average costs to be a bit lower, since construction and materials are minimal. The minimal setting ensures that the beautiful diamonds will be the focal point of the earrings.

Diamond stud earrings can be made from a variety of metals, including gold, white gold, silver and platinum, with standard four prong, six prong, coronet, bezel or other settings. This means they can provide a classic appearance or a remarkably contemporary appeal.

This flexibility may be the most valued feature of diamond studs, with a simple single stone working well in almost any kind of occasion or special event. Additionally, their flexibility can also be seen in the number of choices and prices available. There are very few women who cannot afford a nice, simple pair of diamond stud earrings. Selecting lesser expensive metals, lower carat stones, or those cut in very simple designs allows the buyer to greatly reduce the cost of the jewelry.

Their value is constant, especially for those who purchase higher quality stones. For example, a pair of one to two carat diamond stud earrings can range in price depending entirely on the quality of the diamonds and the settings selected. Most jewelry experts recommend the purchase of the biggest and best diamond stud earrings possible, in order to have ongoing value and beauty. Additionally, larger stones can easily be re-set in a different style should the owner choose to do this at a later time. Most jewelers will have a limit, however, as to the size of the stones they can work with.

Additionally, the value of a good pair of diamond stud earrings is seen in their quality as heirlooms. Just like an engagement ring, a pair of diamond stud earrings can be passed down through generations of a family as a treasured and elegant possession. This means that an investment in high quality stones is an investment in the future.

Finally, the simplicity of diamond stud earrings is not actually all that simple. They are wearable for almost any occasion, they do not disrupt or clash with other styles of jewelry and they make the ideal gift. This really means that they are far from simple, and more that they are remarkably deceptive in their “simplicity”.

When choosing diamond stud earrings it is a good idea to shop around before making the investment. Current economic conditions have made some of the simpler and more elegant jewelry items significantly more affordable than ever before. Additionally, the approaching holidays will also cause a dramatic decrease in the price of many popular jewelry gift items, and of course many women ask for diamond stud earrings as a holiday gift.

This means that a savvy shopper may be able to locate earrings with high quality stones with costlier settings at a price significantly reduced from the “average” cost. It is important to work with a jeweler or website that provides comprehensive information about the earrings however. A shopper should know the following:

• Size and quality of the stones
• Metals used
• Return policy
• Delivery procedures

Most diamond shoppers know all about the famous “Four Cs” used to assess a stone, and this system must be employed when purchasing diamond stud earrings. The cost of a pair will greatly increase based on the stated size and quality of the stone, so it is critical to understand this.

Additionally, be sure the metals used in the making of the earrings are exactly as stated. Avoid buying anything that is plated or not hypo-allergenic as this can reduce value as well as potentially cause irritation of sensitive skin.

Make sure the website or retailer will accept returns without any additional restocking fees or requirements, and be certain that any online purchases will be delivered long before the holiday. This will ensure that there is enough time to address quality concern issues, or find an alternate gift.