Men's earrings aren't going anywhere. From A$AP Rocky to your colleague who just got promoted, guys are discovering that the right pair of studs can level up their entire look. And moissanite? It's basically the cheat code for getting diamond-level shine without the diamond-level price tag.
Why Moissanite Makes Sense for Men
The Maths is Simple Diamond studs that look good: cost a fortune. Moissanite studs that look identical: affordable.
The Reality Check Moissanite is harder than emerald, sapphire, or ruby (9.25 on hardness scale). It actually sparkles more than diamonds. And..... it passes diamond testers. Unless someone's a jeweller with a loupe, they'll never really know the difference. If you're already a moissanite lover, you might be able to spot the extra brilliance they offer.
The Smart Move You're not settling for moissanite. You're being strategic about money whilst still looking sharp. Moissanite is also originally from a meteor... it's its own stone, with its own history.
Size Guide: What Actually Works for Guys
Based on your face size and where you'll wear them:
4-5mm (0.5-0.75ct total) - The Professional
- Best for: Office jobs, conservative workplaces, first-time earring wearers
- Vibe: Subtle but noticeable
- Face fit: Works on everyone, especially smaller/angular faces
5-6mm (0.75-1ct total) - The Sweet Spot
- Best for: Most guys, most situations
- Vibe: Present but not overwhelming
- Face fit: Perfect for average to larger faces
- This is where most guys should start
6-7mm (1-1.5ct total) - The Statement
- Best for: Creative jobs, nights out, guys who like attention
- Vibe: Bold but still classy
- Face fit: Better on larger faces and broader builds
7mm+ (1.5ct+ total) - The Show-Stopper
- Best for: Entertainment, special occasions, guys with serious confidence
- Vibe: Everyone will notice
- Face fit: Needs the face and personality to carry it
Cut Choices That Don't Look Feminine
Round Brilliant - The Safe Bet Classic, versatile, maximum sparkle. Works everywhere from boardrooms to bars.
Princess Cut - The Modern Choice Square shape adds edge. Less traditional, more contemporary.
Emerald Cut - The Sophisticated Option Rectangular with clean lines. Looks expensive and understated.
Cushion Cut - The Best of Both Square but with rounded corners. Unique without being weird.
Setting and Metal Choices
Metal Options
- Sterling Silver: Budget-friendly starter option, requires regular cleaning to prevent tarnish
- Silver/Gold Plated: Cheapest option but plating wears off over time, fine for testing the waters
- 9K Gold: Good middle ground between price and durability, slightly less pure but still quality
- 14K Gold (White/Yellow): Sweet spot for most guys - durable, valuable, perfect balance of price and quality
- 18K Gold: Premium option, softer and more expensive but maximum luxury feel
- White Gold: Most versatile, matches everything
- Yellow Gold: Makes a statement, coordinates with gold watches/chains
Setting Styles
- 4-Prong: Maximum sparkle, classic look
- 6-Prong: More secure for larger stones
- Bezel: Most secure, modern look (stone surrounded by metal rim)
Backing Types
- Screw-Back: Most secure, takes longer to put on/remove
- Push-Back: Convenient but can come loose
- For expensive studs, always go screw-back
Home Maintenance: Keep Them Sparkling
Weekly (2 minutes)
- Warm water + drop of washing-up liquid
- Soft toothbrush for gentle scrubbing
- Rinse and dry with soft cloth
What NOT to Use
- Toothpaste (too abrasive)
- Ultrasonic cleaners (can loosen settings in settings that are not well crafted)
- Harsh chemicals
You can check out a full maintenance guide here
Common Mistakes Guys Make
Going Too Big Too Fast Most guys think they want 7-8mm studs until they actually put them on. Start with 5-6mm and wear them for a few weeks. You can always go bigger, but you can't unsee yourself looking overdone in photos.
Choosing Sparkle Over Security Prong settings look amazing but they're not indestructible. If you're active, work with your hands, or just don't want to worry about losing a stone, bezel settings are worth the slight reduction in sparkle. A lost stone costs way more than a secure setting.
Metal Coordination Fails If you wear a silver watch daily, don't get yellow gold earrings. If you've got gold chains, don't get white gold studs. It's not a hard rule, but matching metals creates a cleaner, more intentional look.
Impulse Online Shopping That "limited time offer" on 1ct studs for $150? It's probably CZ being sold as moissanite. Quality moissanite has a price floor - if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Red Flags When Shopping
Price Warning Signs Real moissanite has costs. If 1ct total weight is under $200, or if they're using terms like "moissanite simulant" or "diamond alternative," you're probably looking at cubic zirconia.
Quality Issues Blurry product photos, no return policy, or high-pressure sales tactics are all bad signs. Good sellers show clear images of actual products and stand behind their quality with solid policies.
Setting Problems Thin prongs that look like they'd bend in a strong breeze, rough finishes, or obvious tool marks all signal poor craftsmanship. Your earrings should look and feel substantial.
The Bottom Line
Moissanite studs are the smart play for guys who want to look good without overspending. They're durable enough for daily wear, brilliant enough to get noticed, and affordable enough that you won't stress about losing one.
Start with 5-6mm round studs in white gold with screw-backs. Wear them everywhere for a month. If you love the look and lifestyle, then consider expanding your collection.
The goal isn't to impress jewellers - it's to enhance your style and confidence. Moissanite delivers on both without breaking the bank.
Thanks for reading!
Jared & Brie
