Lab Grown Diamond Earrings: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide


If you’re looking for stunning sparkle without the negative environmental impact—or the sky-high price tag—lab-grown diamond earrings might be your perfect match. These diamonds (just ask the Federal Trade Commission) are real, beautiful, and increasingly popular with ethically minded and budget-conscious shoppers.

lab grown diamond earrings

But how do you know you’re getting quality and value? This guide walks you through everything you need to know before buying lab-grown diamond earrings—from understanding the basics to choosing the perfect pair.

What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Let’s clear something up: lab-grown diamonds are not fake diamonds. They’re chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The difference? They’re grown in a lab using advanced technology (either HPHT or CVD methods) instead of being extracted from the earth.

lab grown diamonds

Lab diamonds are not:

  • Cubic zirconia
  • Moissanite
  • Simulated diamonds
  • Rhinestones
  • Coated gemstones

Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds

  1. They are eco-friendly
  2. They are more sustainable than mined diamonds
  3. They are ethically sourced (no conflict diamonds
  4. Lab diamonds are more affordable than diamonds mined from the earth (typically 70-90% less)
  5. They are visually indistinguishable from natural diamonds

How to Choose Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings

Now that you know what lab-grown diamonds are, it’s time to pick out some earrings!

Step 1: Understand the 4Cs

Before buying any diamond jewelry—lab or mined it’s important to learn the 4Cs—Cut, Carat, Clarity, and Color. These characteristics affect both the appearance and price of diamonds, and can mean the difference between a pair of glittery sparklers on your ear, and stones that look like rock salt!

4cs of Diamonds

1. Cut

Probably the most important “C”, cut refers to the stone cutter’s expertise in actually carving out the diamond from the rough rock, not the diamond shape. A well-cut stone will shine! Look for Excellent or Very Good grades when choosing a pair of lab-grown diamond earrings.

2. Carat

Carat = the diamond’s weight. For earrings, carat size is per pair of stones (e.g., 1.00 CTW means 0.50 carat each). But remember, carat is weight, not millimeter size, and some diamonds are cut with more material on the bottom, so they may appear smaller.

what is a carat

3. Clarity

Clarity refers to the inclusions, or natural internal flaws, inside the diamond crystal that can be seen with the naked eye. Inclusions can be specks of black (kind of like pepper), feathery white wisps, or even large, jagged marks inside the stone. And just like diamonds mined from the earth, lab diamonds have inclusions, too.

The more inclusions a diamond has, the more likely it will affect its sparkle. For earrings, VS1 (very slightly included) to SI1 (slightly included) offers great value – any flaws in the gemstone are hard to see once worn.

4. Color

Color is graded on a D to Z scale, with D-F being no shades of yellow in the stone (colorless) and K-Z having various degrees of yellow color. For earrings, color grades from D to H, are a great choice, especially in white gold or platinum settings.

If the diamonds are being set in yellow gold, then you can sometimes use lab-grown diamonds in the I-K color range.

diamond color scale

Step 2: Choose the Right Style

Diamond earrings come in many different shapes and styles. From classic round diamond studs to pear-shaped diamond drops and dangles. Choose one that matches your taste and lifestyle.

Popular Styles:

  • Studs: Timeless and versatile, studs put the diamond onto the earlobe.
  • Halo: A central stone surrounded by a circle of small diamonds.
  • Drop/Dangle: Elegant movement, perfect for dressier occasions.
  • Bezel or Martini Settings: Sleek, secure, and modern.

It’s also important to consider the metal and metal color. White gold or platinum earrings are great for studs or halo designs, because the white metal lets the diamond be in the spotlight! But yellow or rose gold metals are trending currently, and the color can warm up slightly, with yellow-tinted diamonds.

Step 3: Set a Budget

Thanks to the affordability of lab-grown diamonds, you can now get larger or higher-quality stones for your money. Still, consider prioritizing the diamond cut over carat size. A well-cut (excellent or very good) lab diamond will definitely give you the maximum sparkle.

lab grown diamond custom jewelry

Step 4: Buy from a Trusted Retailer

Not all lab-grown diamonds are created equal. Diamond crystals grown with lax quality control practices will not be as white or brilliant as those that take the craft seriously when they manufacture their lab diamonds. Some labs use unclean water or have unreliable power grids, and the diamond crystal that results tends to look gray.

diamond factory

Stick with lab-grown diamond retailers who source their gemstones from quality cutters and who offer grading certificates from independent labs like IGI or GIA.

Jewelry stores that sell lab-grown diamonds should also have clear info about the 4Cs, and should spend time curating the best lab diamonds available.

Step 5: Care and Maintenance

Lab-grown diamonds are just as durable as mined ones (they have the same Mohs hardness of 10), but like all jewelry, proper care keeps them sparkling!

Clean your lab-grown diamond earrings regularly with a soft brush, mild soap, and water or professional jewelry cleaners. Store your earrings in separate compartments to avoid scratches, and have them professionally cleaned and inspected every six months, just like your teeth!

how to clean diamond earrings

Final Buying Checklist

Before buying your lab-grown diamond earrings, make sure you check all the boxes:

  • Be sure it’s a certified lab-grown diamond (not a simulant like Moissanite).
  • You’ve checked the 4Cs.
  • The setting and metal match your style.
  • You’ve compared prices and looked at the company’s reviews.

With these tips, you’ll be sure to enjoy your beautiful, lab-grown diamond earrings for years to come, and can even pass these classic beauties down to your grandchildren someday.

Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings: Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab-grown diamond earrings worth it?

Yes, lab-grown diamond earrings are worth it for those seeking high-quality sparkle at a lower price. They offer the same brilliance as natural diamonds but cost significantly less.

Are lab-grown diamonds worth buying?

Lab-grown diamonds are worth buying if you value affordability, ethical sourcing, and sustainability. They’re real diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties as mined ones.

How much should lab-grown diamond earrings cost?

Lab-grown diamond earrings typically cost between $300 and $3,000, depending on total carat weight, quality, and setting. They’re about 30–70% less than natural diamond earrings.

Can a jeweler tell a lab-grown diamond?

Most jewelers cannot tell a lab-grown diamond apart from a natural one without specialized equipment. Both look identical to the naked eye and under a loupe.

Shop Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings with Scott’s Custom Jewelers

Want to learn more about the difference between lab-grown and mined diamond earrings, or need help picking earrings based on your budget or style preferences? Contact Scott’s today and let’s make something beautiful, together!

Posted in: Earrings

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