Lab grown diamond earrings give buyers the appearance and physical properties of diamond while offering a different origin from mined stones. They are available in classic studs, halo designs, drops and other styles, making them suitable for everyday wear as well as special occasions.
Choosing a pair can be more than just deciding how large the diamonds should be. Cut quality, colour, clarity, matching and metal choice, and the earring setting can all have an effect on how the finished jewellery looks.
For UK buyers comparing different options, knowing these differences is the best way to be able to judge what actually provides value rather than relying on carat weight.
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Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Lab-created diamonds are real diamonds formed in a controlled environment, as opposed to being mined from the ground.
They possess the crystalline structure of carbon found in diamonds, and like natural diamonds they share a number of the same physical, chemical and optical properties. They should not be confused with diamond simulants such as cubic Zirconia or moissanite which are completely different materials to a diamond.
The one primary difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond is its origin.
Two primary processes are used to create diamonds.
CVD
Chemical Vapour Deposition, abbreviated commonly to CVD, sees the growth of a diamond in a controlled chamber through the deposition of carbon containing gasses onto a surface.
HPHT
High Pressure High Temperature, abbreviated commonly to HPHT, utilises pressures and temperatures at which an existing diamond cell can be caused to grow into a larger diamond crystal.
Using either method does not guarantee that a diamond with superior visual characteristics will be formed, with the individual qualities of each diamond still being of primary importance.
What Matters Most in Lab Grown Diamond Earrings?
Earrings are normally viewed from a greater distance than an engagement ring, so buyers may prioritise diamond characteristics differently.
The familiar 4Cs remain useful:
- Cut: Influences how effectively a faceted diamond handles and returns light.
- Colour: Describes how much body colour is present according to the grading system used.
- Clarity: Refers to internal inclusions and external blemishes.
- Carat weight: Measures diamond weight rather than visible dimensions.
Cut can be especially important in lab grown diamonds studs because light performance has a strong influence on their appearance.
Very high clarity grades are not always necessary for earrings. A diamond can contain small inclusions that are difficult to notice without magnification. Paying for a much higher clarity grade may therefore provide little visible benefit in some pairs.
Carat Weight Does Not Tell the Whole Size Story
Carat weight and visual size are not necessarily a fixed measurement.
Two diamonds with the same weight could appear different due to depth in shape and the shape of the stone itself. A diamond can have more weight inside the gemstone and will appear smaller from a visual perspective than a typical round shaped diamond would.
When it comes to earrings make sure to double check whether its the carat weight of one of the diamonds or the total amount for both.
As an example, a pair of earrings usually refers to how much one of the diamonds weighs. So if you see a price tag that says 1cts, it means that there is a total of 2cts for the whole pair. Make sure to compare prices accordingly and not get ripped off by any jewelers who might advertise their earring pricing incorrectly.
Matching the Two Diamonds Matters
A good pair of diamond earrings should appear balanced when worn.
The stones do not necessarily need identical laboratory grades, but noticeable differences in size, colour or overall appearance can make a pair look uneven.
Useful characteristics to compare include:
- dimensions
- shape
- carat weight
- colour
- clarity
- cut quality where applicable
- overall light performance
Matching becomes particularly noticeable with simple stud earrings because there are few additional design elements to distract from the centre stones.
UK shoppers researching lab grown diamond earrings can compare these characteristics rather than judging a pair solely by its combined carat weight.
Choosing an Earring Setting
The setting has an impact on both the look and the amount of a diamond that is uncovered. The three main types are called prong, bezel, and halo.
Prong Settings
Prongs use small arms of metal to secure the gemstone in place while allowing for maximum exposure. This causes the center diamond to appear larger as it is unveiled.
The metal on prong settings can wear down and need refinished so the security of the stone should be checked on a regular basis.
Bezel Settings
Bezel settings use a thick rim of metal around the perimeter of the center gemstone, creating a smooth outline while still showing off the stone. It does not expose as much of the diamonds surface as the open prong style does.
Halo Designs
Halo earrings use smaller gemstones around an opening that holds the main attraction in place. While they create the illusion that a larger amount of precious metals has been used it may require additional cleaning because smaller stones are more likely to trap lint in their natural crevices.
Each style has its own advantages depending on how often the earrings will be worn and how much cleaning and inspection is desired.
Which Metal Works Well With Diamond Earrings?
Among the most popular options in the UK are platinum and various shades of gold.
White gold offers good neutral background for a colourless centre diamond, while yellow gold provides more warm-looking surroundings and rose gold creates a pinky setting.
Another excellent choice is platinum, though comparing the whole sets is essential as jewellery may differ in more than just the metals, so not every customer can consider a platinum ring as their best option.
Pay close attention to posts, backs and the setting itself, not only diamonds.
Should Earrings Have a Diamond Grading Report?
A grading report contains independent information regarding the characteristics of a diamond. As laboratories such as IGI and GIA grade laboratory-grown diamonds, the report and its terminology can vary.
Depending on the stone and report, information such as carat weight, measurements, colour, clarity, polish, symmetry, fluorescence and laboratory-grown origin can be included.
Some diamonds may also include a microscopic laser inscription with the grading report number.
A grading report does not constitute a jewellery appraisal or guarantee of future resale value. It provides information of the characteristics of the diamond according to the laboratories’ system.
In the case of larger or higher value stones, individual reports can assist with the ease of comparison and verification. The buyer can enquire as to how the diamonds have been documented and whether report numbers can be verified with the issuing laboratory.
Compare More Than the Headline Price
Lab-grown diamond prices can vary depending on carat weight, quality, shape, setting, metal, grading documentation, cost to retailers, and the wider market.
A cheaper pair may not represent good value if the diamonds are poorly matched or the specification of the jewellery is unclear. Equally, a higher price does not always mean that the quality of the diamond is better.
Before purchasing from a jeweller such as novitadiamonds.co.uk or other UK retailers, be sure to compare the detail and policies related to pairs.
You should check the return terms, metal specification, any disclosure concerning the origin of the diamond and whether you are being quoted for individual, or total, carat weight. It is wise to fully understand repair, servicing, and warranty terms before ordering, rather than waiting for a problem to occur.
Caring for Diamond Earrings
Diamond earrings can accumulate a variety of substances on them, including oil, cosmetics, and other residues, reducing the brilliance of the jewelry, even if the diamonds are intact.
However, regular cleaning of earrings can be beneficial, but it should be done with special attention to the choice of methods in terms of the properties of both diamonds and the metal of the jewelry.
In addition, it is a good idea to check diamond earrings for damage to the posts, prongs, and other settings; if this type of jewelry has a bent or broken prong, it should not be worn until the problem has been resolved by a professional jeweler.
Finally, it is vital to store grading papers and receipts in a safe place, apart from the earrings themselves. This will allow quick access to information about the characteristics of jewelry in case of the need for restoration or repair.
