Princess Cut Diamond Earrings 1 Carat: The Ultimate 2025 Buying Guide

If you’re looking for elegance, timeless sparkle, and everyday luxury, nothing beats a pair of 1 carat princess cut diamond earrings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why this style is so popular, how to choose the perfect pair, and compare the best places to buy them — specifically, James Allen and Blue Nile, two giants in the online diamond world.
Whether you’re buying a gift or upgrading your personal collection, here’s everything you need to know before investing in princess cut diamond earrings (1 carat total weight).
📌 Why Choose Princess Cut Diamond Earrings?

The princess cut is the second most popular diamond shape after round. Known for its modern geometric lines and brilliant sparkle, it’s especially stunning in earrings due to its sharp angles and clean symmetry.
Key Benefits:
- Exceptional brilliance (second only to round brilliant)
- Contemporary style with timeless appeal
- Affordable per carat compared to round cut
- Perfect for everyday wear or formal events
When it comes to 1 carat princess cut diamond earrings, the total carat weight typically means 0.50 carats per earring—a sweet spot in size and price for many shoppers.
💡 What to Look for in 1 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Earrings
Before diving into retailers, let’s break down the essential features to consider when buying:

1. Diamond Quality (The 4 Cs)
- Carat: 1 total carat (0.50ct per earring) is noticeable but still subtle enough for daily wear.
- Cut: Prioritize Ideal or Excellent cut for maximum sparkle.
- Color: Look for G–H color for a near-colorless look that offers great value.
- Clarity: VS2 to SI1 clarity offers eye-clean stones without breaking the bank.
💎 Pro Tip: For earrings, you can go slightly lower in clarity than you would for a ring — they’re not examined as closely.
2. Certification
Always ensure your diamonds come with GIA or AGS certification. Both James Allen and Blue Nile offer certified stones with detailed grading reports.
3. Metal Type
Choose a metal that matches your skin tone and existing jewelry:
- White gold: Modern, clean look (most popular)
- Yellow gold: Warm and classic
- Platinum: Hypoallergenic, durable
- Rose gold: Romantic and trendy
4. Backings
For secure, everyday wear, screw-back or friction-back settings are ideal.
🛍️ Where to Buy: James Allen vs Blue Nile
Let’s compare how James Allen and Blue Nile stack up when it comes to 1 carat princess cut diamond stud earrings.

🔴 James Allen: Interactive Shopping + Customization
James Allen is known for its 360° HD diamond viewer, letting you examine every stone with extreme detail before buying. This is especially helpful for evaluating clarity and cut in princess cut diamonds.
Pros:
- HD 360° video for every diamond
- Fully customizable earring settings
- Often better value for lab-grown options
- 24/7 customer service
- Lifetime warranty
Best Picks:
- 1 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Stud Earrings in 14k White Gold
- Lab-Created Princess Cut Diamond Earrings (budget-friendly)
🔵 Blue Nile: Luxury Selection + Trusted Legacy
Blue Nile offers an elegant, curated experience and has been a leader in online diamonds for over 20 years. While it doesn’t have HD 360° for every stone, they offer a strong reputation and solid customer support.

Pros:
- GIA-certified natural diamonds
- Designer earring collections
- Free resizing and returns
- Premium packaging (perfect for gifting)
- Price-matching policy
Best Picks:
- Princess-Cut Diamond Earrings (1 ctw) in Platinum
- Build Your Own Earrings feature
🔍 James Allen vs Blue Nile: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | James Allen | Blue Nile |
---|---|---|
HD Diamond Viewer | ✅ Yes (360°) | ❌ Limited |
Customization Options | ✅ Extensive | ✅ Moderate |
Pricing | 💰 Slightly lower | 💰 Mid to high |
Lab-Grown Available | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Certification | GIA/IGI | GIA |
Return Policy | 30 days | 30 days |
Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Packaging | Elegant box | Luxury packaging |
🏆 Verdict:
Choose James Allen if you want to examine the stone closely and customize your settings.
Choose Blue Nile if you prefer a premium, trusted experience with gift-ready packaging.
Read our James Allen Vs Blue Nile Comparison blog post here.
💬 Real Customer Reviews
James Allen:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The HD viewer helped me choose the perfect pair. The sparkle is unreal, and I paid less than I expected!” – Samantha M.
Blue Nile:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“These princess cut earrings were a birthday gift, and they came in stunning packaging. My wife was blown away.” – David T.
💎 Lab-Grown vs Natural Diamonds (For Earrings)
Both James Allen and Blue Nile offer lab-grown diamonds, which look identical to natural ones but cost 30–40% less.

If you’re on a budget or want larger, better-quality stones for the same price, lab-grown 1 carat princess cut diamond earrings are a smart choice.
Lab-Grown Perks:
- Eco-friendly
- Bigger stones for less
- Available in same elegant settings
✨ Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Pair of Princess Cut Diamond Earrings (1 Carat)
When it comes to combining brilliance, balance, and modern sophistication, princess cut diamond earrings 1 carat are a flawless choice. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, the 1 carat total weight offers a striking yet wearable size that suits nearly every occasion — from casual chic to black-tie elegance.

Both James Allen and Blue Nile offer outstanding quality, certified diamonds, and trusted customer experiences.
- Choose James Allen if you value full customization and want to inspect your diamond up-close with their 360° HD viewer.
- Choose Blue Nile if you prefer premium packaging, a curated shopping experience, and long-standing industry reputation.
No matter which you choose, you’ll be investing in a timeless pair of earrings that delivers both sparkle and substance.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your jewelry collection, there’s no better time to shop for your dream pair of 1 carat princess cut diamond earrings.
👉 Explore Princess Cut Diamond Earrings at James Allen
👉 Shop Princess Cut Diamond Studs at Blue Nile
Luxury. Value. Confidence — all just a click away.