Lab Grown Diamond Earrings
Lab grown diamond earrings are real diamond earrings. The stones are pure crystallized carbon with the same hardness and the same optical properties as mined diamonds, graded by the same independent laboratories against the same scales. Shop QSE earrings run from $169 to $3,330, every stone IGI certified at E-F color and VS1-VS2 clarity in solid 14K or 18K gold.
This guide covers the three styles we make, how to choose a carat weight, and which fastening to pick — the decision most people get wrong.
The three styles
| Style | Reads as | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Studs | A single point of light at the lobe | Daily wear, sleeping, work. The largest part of our range. |
| Hoops | A continuous line of stones that moves | Evening wear, and anyone who wants visible diamonds without a large single stone. |
| Drops | Movement below the lobe | Occasion wear. Catches light as the head turns. |
Choosing a carat weight
Carat weight on a pair of earrings is quoted as the total across both, so a 1ct pair carries roughly 0.50ct in each ear. Our studs run from 0.25ct to 10ct total.
- 0.25ct to 0.50ct total. Visible close up, invisible across a room. The everyday pair that never has to come off.
- 1ct to 2ct total. Reads clearly as diamonds at conversational distance. The most common choice.
- 3ct and above. A statement. At these weights the stone size starts to affect how the lobe carries the weight, and a screw back stops being optional.
Screw backs or push backs
A screw back has a threaded post and the back turns onto it, so it cannot work loose on its own. A push back presses on by friction, which is faster to fasten and easier to lose.
For anything above about 1ct total, or any pair you intend to sleep in or travel with, choose screw backs. Our full comparison of screw backs and push backs covers the trade-off in detail, including what to do for children's first earrings.
What to check before buying
- Certification on the stones. Ask whether the diamonds are independently graded and by whom. Every Shop QSE diamond is IGI certified.
- Grades as letters, not adjectives. E-F color and VS1-VS2 clarity is a specification you can compare between sellers.
- Solid metal with the karat stated. Earring posts sit against skin all day; plated posts wear through.
- Whether the price is per pair. It is worth confirming. Ours are.
Looking after them
Diamonds are 10 on the Mohs scale and will not scratch in normal wear, but the metal and the fastening will loosen over time. Check the backs monthly by turning them gently. Clean with warm water, a drop of washing-up liquid and a soft brush behind the setting, where the film that dulls a stone collects.
Delivery and returns
Shipping is free and fully insured across the United States from Austin, Texas. Ready-to-ship designs are dispatched within 24 hours; custom and made-to-order pieces take 15 to 18 business days. Eligible pieces can be returned within 30 days under our return and exchange policy, and every piece carries a lifetime manufacturing warranty.
Common questions
Are lab grown diamond earrings real diamonds?
Yes. They are pure crystallized carbon with the same atomic structure, hardness and optical properties as mined diamonds, and they are graded by the same laboratories against the same color and clarity scales.
How much do lab grown diamond earrings cost?
Shop QSE earrings run from $169 to $3,330 a pair. Price is driven by total carat weight and setting complexity; every stone is IGI certified at E-F color and VS1-VS2 clarity.
Is carat weight per earring or per pair?
Per pair. A 1ct pair carries roughly 0.50ct in each ear. Our studs run from 0.25ct to 10ct total weight.
What carat size is best for everyday diamond studs?
Between 0.25ct and 1ct total. That range is clearly visible close up, sits comfortably for a full day and does not need a heavier fastening.
Should I choose screw back or push back earrings?
Screw backs for anything above about 1ct total, and for any pair you sleep in or travel with, because they cannot work loose on their own. Push backs are quicker to fasten for light everyday studs.
Can lab grown diamond earrings be worn every day?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds are 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, the same as mined diamonds. Check the fastenings monthly, since backs loosen with wear long before stones do.
Do lab grown diamond earrings lose their sparkle?
The diamond does not change. What dulls an earring is a film of skin oil and soap behind the stone, which washes off with warm water, a drop of detergent and a soft brush.