I think they're worth it. I used to have a very small pair that I wore regularly. They were my go-to earrings to fill the holes or to add a bit of everyday sparkle that went with anything I was wearing that day. I still miss them...I lost one to a chicken that pecked it right out of my ear.

Thank you all you wonderful enablers! Kidding...I know you weren't doing that, but telling me your real experiences.

I'm going to do my research. If I still want them after I'm done, this may be the time!

For what it's worth, Peri, I can tell the difference.

But let's assume, for argument's sake, that nobody could tell the difference. I still think they are worth it, for the same reason that beautiful and expensive undergarments are worth it to the woman who enjoys wearing them. Nobody sees the undies, except her mate, but knowing she has them on under her everyday clothes makes her feel fab. If owning real diamond studs makes you feel fab, they are worth it. It's almost like having a pleasurable secret.

I never even really wanted diamond stud earrings...and then my husband gave me a pair for Christmas years ago. At first I wore them from time to time, but grew to really love that they completed every outfit, no matter how dressy or casual. I don't know what size mine are, but I think they're just right -- not so small as to seem insignificant, not so large as to seem ostentatious.

So I do think they're worth it. I have an old pair of CZ earrings that are smaller stones, set in a silver setting, and they were good enough for me for a long time, but once I had the diamond ones, the CZ's hardly ever got worn.

I think that if you're asking the question, you should get the diamonds.

I don`t wear studs but I wear earrings. I am not a stud type woman. I inherited my mother`s diamond studs and my first husband bought me pearl studs so I do have them. But if I did wear them I would definitely get the real thing. No question about that.

It has been worth it for me for a few reasons, including
I can wear mine 24/7 and not worry about them falling off due to the better quality, and I often do this!
One of the diamonds has sentimental value as it came from my Mother's ring.

Beth, LOL!

I wanted some for years and finally bought them about 14 years ago, when I worked at Nordstrom and bought them at Anniversary Sale with my 33% discount, which made them about half off retail. They're very nice quality, set in platinum and I wear them about every other day. Worth every penny.

I am completely laughing but also feeling pity at Beth losing a diamond earring to a chicken!

I always prefer "real thing" jewelry to anything else. Comes from being raised in a gold-loving middle eastern culture. I never thought I liked diamond earrings till DH got me a pair of rose gold and diamond hoops that I wear about every other day for the last two years.

I have a pair of moissanite studs that cost about 10% of what real diamonds would cost, and I love the way they look. One of the things I love about them is that I am very concerned about "blood diamonds" and my conscience is clear wearing my moissanites. You can, of course, get non-conflict diamonds and you can also avoid the issue by buying antique diamonds.

I do think CZ's look cheap, especially over time.

I'm ok with CZs & don't mind that they aren't diamonds. Oddly enough, I don't feel that way about other stones.

A thought on size...

Mine are 0.25 each and I have big "lobey" ears, and I'm a big tall gal, but the quality of the stones is very good and they have their own special oomph in a subtle way. Very appropriate for my work environment (rather conservative finance). I guess I'm saying, go for quality over size. Also I have an amazing husband who gave them to me several years ago!

ps they have a screw backing so are more secure.

Just to be a spanner -- diamond marketing has a deceptive history of false scarcity and price fixing: The Incredible Story Of How De Beers Created And Lost The Most Powerful Monopoly Ever

It gets worse: Conflict Diamonds aka Blood Diamonds (Amnesty International) ...The retail sector in particular fails to provide sufficient assurance to consumers that the diamonds they sell are conflict-free.

As MsMary mentioned moissanite is an excellent alternative. Myself, I am happy with CZ studs.