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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Either way, repurposing fun, vintage jewelry is a fantastic way to breathe new life into old pieces while keeping their history intact. But what can you do with these treasure chests of old jewelry? Here are some creative ideas to bring your vintage designer jewelry back to life.

What’s the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Jewelry?

Before you begin repurposing, you should sort the jewelry and determine it’s worth. So, what’s the difference between vintage and antique?

Vintage describes jewelry that was made between 50 and 100 years ago. So, roughly vintage jewelry today would have been manufactured between 1925 and 1975.

Antique jewelry is generally considered to be at least 100 years old – so any inherited jewelry you receive that was made before 1925 would be antique.

As for jewelry’s value—the gemstones and metal all have a calculated worth based on the market prices for gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, and other gems today. Other factors determine antique value.

Sotheby’s, one of the world’s premier auction houses for art and luxury goods, takes many factors into account when evaluating antique bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches, rings, or other jewelry. General condition, the designer (such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, or Harry Winston), provenance, and comparable auction prices all play a role in determining jewelry value.

5 Ways to Repurpose Your Vintage Designer Jewelry

Once you’ve determined that grandma’s diamond-encrusted cocktail ring isn’t designer jewelry from Tiffany & Co, you have all kinds of ways to repurpose it and make it into your own exquisite piece.

1. Turn pins into pendants.

With more people choosing remote work, blazers and suits just aren’t a thing like they were in the 80s when pins were popular. So turn those vintage brooches into necklaces or pendants!

Sometimes, all it takes is to remove the pin backing and then attach it to a chain or cord for a one-of-a-kind pendant. And a bold, funky pendant will add some fun flare to your sweatshirt at your next Teams meeting!

What if the pin has some valuable gemstones in it? Then, take a trip to a custom jewelry store and let them help you design a pendant that shows off the diamond, ruby, sapphire, or emerald gemstone in a more modern and wearable style.

2. Rework old rings into a new design.

Over time, gold and silver metals will wear away, and vintage jewelry just can’t be worn safely any longer. But those diamonds and gemstones in them can still be enjoyed! A qualified jeweler will be able to recycle the metal and reuse the gems in a new design to complement your pre-owned designer jewelry.

Consider combining multiple vintage rings—especially ones with family stories attached to them—and make a new pendant, ring, or even earrings out of them.

Even better, design matching necklaces with diamonds from mom’s wedding ring for each sister or granddaughter. Having a new piece of jewelry filled with family lore is a great way to connect the generations.

3. Make a charm bracelet.

Repurpose vintage pendants, broken bracelet pieces, or lost earrings into a new custom charm bracelet. Simply add a small ring to the item and have it attached to a link-style bracelet.

Not only will it be a wonderful conversation starter, but a charm bracelet filled with jewelry collected from travel adventures and life’s milestones is another chapter in a family’s jewelry history. Charm bracelets are exquisite pieces that elevate any outfit!

4. Repurpose vintage cufflinks into rings or earrings.

Only have one cufflink from your Great Uncle Joe? Turn it into a gorgeous signet ring. A jeweler can attach it to a ring base, and that beauty has another life to live!

Vintage cufflinks often have beautiful details and, most times can be easily transformed into a pair of fun earrings. Simply remove the cufflink back and attach them to earring wires, available at most hobby centers.

5. Upcycle old jewelry into home decor.

With a little glue and some imagination, old jewelry can often be used to decorate picture frames or mirrors. Adding costume jewelry accents like ornate pins, flower pendants, or colorful ringtops to ready-made picture frames is a great way to upcycle and add a personal flair to your home decor.

Another fun idea is to get a small shadow box from a hobby center and trace a simple tree or holiday outline on the pad with chalk. Then, use small pins to attach the jewelry pieces to the design.

You can even create a Christmas tree by draping chains like garland, filling in the tree with lone earrings, bold costume jewelry necklaces, and crazy brooches. Add a star pendant to the top, and you’ve got a unique piece of home decor!

Vintage Designer Jewelry: Frequently Asked Questions

How to repurpose old jewelry into new jewelry?

To repurpose old jewelry, take it to a custom jeweler who can redesign it into a new piece. Options include resetting gemstones into new settings, melting old gold to create a fresh design, or incorporating elements into a custom bracelet, ring, or necklace

What is repurposed designer jewelry?

Repurposed designer jewelry refers to high-end jewelry pieces that have been redesigned or modified while retaining elements of the original design. This can include resetting stones, altering settings, or combining vintage designer pieces into a new, unique creation.

What to do with deceased parents’ jewelry?

You can keep, repurpose, donate, or sell inherited jewelry. Many choose to redesign sentimental pieces into new wearable jewelry, such as turning a ring into a pendant or combining stones into a custom design. Selling or donating are also options if the pieces don’t fit your style.

Can you resell designer jewelry?

Yes, you can resell designer jewelry, especially brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., or Van Cleef & Arpels, which retain high value. Sell through jewelry consignment shops, auction houses, or online luxury resale platforms to get the best price.

Give Your Vintage Designer Jewelry a Fresh New Look with Scott’s Custom Jewelers

Have a vintage designer piece that no longer fits your style? Don’t let it sit unworn—repurpose it into a stunning new design that you’ll love wearing every day! Let’s reimagine your vintage jewelry—start your custom redesign!

Scott and I are getting ready for a weekend away. We’ll (hopefully) see the sun, eat great food, and peruse booths filled with beautiful, custom JEWELRY!

I know, rough life.

But, as many of you already know, business trips aren’t as glamorous as they sound. Sure, the location is wonderful. Heck, just seeing grass instead of snow and ice is a plus in January! But when Scott and I go to jewelry trade shows, We Work.

Which brings up the age-old dilemma: What kinds of jewelry should you pack (and how to pack it), for a business trip? Scott’s Custom Jewelers has you covered.

The right accessories can help you create more outfits with fewer clothes. And let’s face it, woman live in mix-and-match black. So your jewelry choices can help you personalize your look and take up next to no space in your luggage.

Here’s some of my fail-safe tips on jewelry choices for business travel.

• Skip the fussy pieces. Stiff collars-style necklaces can get damaged in your suitcases. Same with ornate bib necklaces. They tend to tangle. Instead, go for a few statement pendants that can morph from a casual vibe when worn with a leather cord, to OH WOW! when worn on a fancier chain.

• Next, grab some studs. And I mean the jewelry kind! Stud earrings are a great way to make an outfit look finished but not fussy, which is exactly what you wear to meetings. I love to bring pearl studs in the summer, because they look amazing against tan skin. But of course, diamonds go with everything!

• Don’t forget your dangle earrings! I usually pack a few fun, funky pieces in sterling silver. If the business trip includes cocktail hours, a sparkly pair of hoops is also a must.

• A sure fire way to change up an outfit is an armful of bracelets. Pile them on, and your little black dress is complete. Wear just a single bracelet for meetings so the clacking isn’t distracting. And here’s the great thing about jewelry fashion:  You can mix your costume jewelry with your “real” bracelets. The more the merrier!

• What about rings? In addition to my amazing custom wedding ring  (thank you hubby), I always pack a few others. For sure, I take my sterling silver hammered ring. It’s looks great for casual affairs. And colored gemstone rings can be just the pop of color that brings your outfits together.

• Now – how to pack it all up. I don’t use a fancy shmancy travel jewelry case. Yes, that’s a Crown Royal bag. No judgment. Instead, I use small baggies (I’ll give you some – ask me next time you’re in the store) and pack them up individually. The bags protect the jewelry from scratches. For extra protection, I stick the Crown Royal bag in my shoe.

I always say, the right jewelry can make your outfit. And they always fit!

I mean, not many people can pull off wearing studded dog collars to work. Although at Scott’s Custom Jewelers, we can be a little more daring!

But at last week’s Grammy Awards, there were plenty of jewelry hits that just about everyone can wear.

The Choker Is Back

Jennifer Hudson looked stunning in a diamond choker.

Take the choker, for example. It’s back, and this delicate jewelry style looks amazing, especially with asymmetrical necklines.

Remember those thin seed pearl necklaces from the 80s? The ones sitting at the bottom of your jewelry box?

Restringing them into a simple choker is a great way to recycle your jewelry and stay in style this spring.

Try Vintage-Style Jewelry

Speaking of recycling, the Grammy Awards featured a lot of fabulous vintage-style jewelry.

Try wearing Grandma’s rings, sized to fit your index or middle finger. It’s a simple way to make a meaningful piece feel fresh, stylish, and wearable again.

Pair Big Rings With Thin Bracelets

A large citrine and diamond ring looks balanced with a thin sparkle bracelet.

Big rings and thin bracelets look especially good together. This combination can be both casual and dressy.

Scott’s Custom Jewelers’ thin sparkle bracelets are a perfect complement to any style ring.

Stack Multiple Rings

Ariana Grande wore her grandmother’s jewelry to the show.

Another trend spotted at the Grammy Awards was multiple rings on each hand, as well as stacking rings.

This year, it’s all about the fingers — not the bass.

Scott’s Custom Jewelers’ blue and pink sapphire square-shaped stacking rings, along with a diamond band, look amazing together or alone.

Go Bold With Black and White Jewelry

Colored gemstones are always popular, but black and white combinations stole the show.

Whether it was black diamonds or onyx, the bold look was very polished.

Translating that look for everyday wear is easy.

Kat Graham rocked her black and white diamond earrings, showing how stylish and wearable this trend can be.

Make Award Show Jewelry Work for Everyday Style

Sterling silver and a black-and-white crystal pendant can look dressy for dinner.

Or, change out the chain for a black cord, and you’re rocking your yoga pants at the grocery store.

No judgment.

A cubic zirconium pendant also adds a lot of bang for the buck.

Revamp Your Jewelry Box in Columbus, Ohio

This year, dressing like the stars is more of a fashion hit than ever before!

Stop into our Columbus, Ohio location and let us revamp your jewelry box.

Yes. Simple, elegant, go-with-everything hoops.