7 Things to Consider Before Buying Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings
There are many things to consider before buying lab-grown diamond earrings. At Jeweler’s Touch, we have a large selection of affordable natural and lab-grown diamond jewelry, including stylish earrings for special occasions and everyday wear. Newer technologies, such as chemical vapor deposition, make it faster and less costly to produce newborn-created diamonds and unique jewelry.
Lab-created diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years. We’ll explain the difference between mined and lab-grown diamonds and what to consider before adding lab-created diamond earrings to your jewelry collection.
1. Lab-Grown Diamonds Are The Real Deal
If the idea of lab-grown diamond earrings is new to you, you may have some misconceptions. But you can have a beautiful set of diamond earrings that are the real deal. Lab diamonds are 100% authentic. The conditions in the lab mimic what happens underground, which forms the same carbon crystalline structure. A lab-grown diamond is physically, chemically, and optically identical to a natural diamond.
Only specialized equipment can tell the difference between the two. To the naked eye, a lab or a natural diamond looks the same. Also, each diamond comes with a certificate, which reveals where it came from.
2. Longevity
Lab-grown diamonds can last forever, just like a natural stone. Both rank as a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Therefore, a diamond, whether it formed underground or in a lab, is resistant to abrasion and scratching. No matter how you look at it, a diamond is a diamond; it’s the hardest naturally occurring substance.
3. Cost
Lab-grown diamonds cost 10%, 30%, or even 40% less than Earth-mined stones. You can purchase earrings with higher-quality diamonds at a price similar to lesser-quality natural gems. The cost is determined by the diamond’s qualities, just as with a natural one, except it does not increase exponentially with carat size. Therefore, larger diamonds may be more affordable.
4. The Four Cs
Created under similar conditions as their natural counterparts, lab-grown diamonds aren’t perfect. They’re graded based on the same characteristics. When buying lab-grown diamond earrings, you’ll want to consider:
- Color: There are truly colorless lab-grown diamonds, but the same color scale is used. They can range from faint yellow or brown to fancy-colored diamonds that may be blue, pink, yellow, green, or black.
- Cut: The best diamond cut depends on the earrings. For stud earrings, the most popular cuts include round brilliant, princess, and cushion cuts. Bezel set diamonds feature a metal ring around them, while a halo setting surrounds a large center stone with many smaller accent stones.
- Carat: A lab can grow a diamond as large as it wants. The cutting process involves removing excess material, which decreases the stone’s carat size. If the diamond cutter is intent on preserving size, the diamond’s cut rating may be reduced (especially for stones in the 1- to 1.5-carat weight range).
- Clarity: Inclusions can affect the clarity grade of lab-grown diamonds. These tiny flaws occur during the growing process (graphite inclusions often form within lab diamonds). Lab-grown stones can also develop small cracks like natural ones, as they’re grown under intense conditions.
5. Prong Setting
Three-prong settings are common and give a diamond a triangular look. However, four-prong settings are generally considered more classic for studs. Depending on the type of lab diamond earrings worn, the setting can affect comfort, so consider their size and work with your jeweler to determine the best options for you.
6. Metal Type/Color
At Jeweler’s Touch, we offer diamond earrings in 10K, 14K, 18K, and 24K gold, depending on the level of purity you prefer. The less pure the gold, the lower the number, and the more durable the material. We also have yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold earrings in stock, while some pieces combine different metals. Yellow gold and white gold are considered classic, so they remain the most popular.
7. Style
The style, design, and size of your lab-grown diamond earrings largely depend on your preferences. Also, consider the impact you want them to have. Here are some tips on earring styles we think you’ll find useful:
- Studs and smaller hoops tend to be more classy, while larger hoops and other shapes can help make a statement.
- Smaller earrings go well with a high neckline, while longer earrings suit lower necklines.
- For shorter hairstyles, choose hoops, tassels, or other bold earrings. You can tie your hair back and let your earrings shine, or choose earrings that match your hair length.
- To pair your earrings with other accessories, choose similar colors and materials, or, use them as a statement piece (with a dainty necklace) or to complement a bolder necklace (with small drop earrings).
- Wear big diamond earrings to accentuate a baggy outfit and statement earrings or a subtler pair with tighter clothes.
Shop for Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings at Jeweler’s Touch
Our lab-grown diamonds are made in a state-of-the-art laboratory using the latest chemical vapor deposition technology. Each comes with a grading report from an independent lab and is laser inscribed for identification. We use the purest diamonds available, ensuring you get high-quality diamond earrings. Our professionally trained diamond experts will help you find the perfect pair.
Continue browsing to learn more about the benefits of lab-grown diamonds. View our online catalog to find the perfect set of diamond earrings, or contact us for information on lab-grown diamonds for sale. For personalized assistance, call 714-579-1616 or visit us at 2535 E. Imperial Highway in Brea, CA.