Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings: A Guide to Size, Shape and Setting

A pair of diamond studs is the piece you reach for every day. They're the finishing touch on a wedding morning, the gift that marks a milestone, the quiet sparkle you wear to work and forget you have on.

Lab grown diamond studs make that classic far more attainable, so it pays to choose them well. This guide walks you through size, shape, setting, backings and metal, so you can find a pair that feels right for years to come.

Are Lab Grown Diamond Studs Real Diamonds?

Yes. A lab grown diamond is pure carbon with the same crystal structure, hardness and sparkle as a diamond from the earth. It simply grows in a controlled environment instead of deep underground. You'll also see the terms lab created, man made, synthetic, manufactured and engineered diamonds. They all describe the same thing.

What a lab grown diamond is not is a simulant. Cubic zirconia and other "simulated diamonds" only look similar, and they wear and cloud over time. Every PURE® lab diamond we set is a real diamond, graded E/F colour and VS1 to VVS clarity with an ideal cut.

What Carat Size Should You Choose?

Stud earrings are usually described two ways: the carat weight of each earring, and the total weight (ct.tw) of the pair. A pair listed as 2.00 ct.tw has a 1 carat stone in each ear.

Here's how round studs compare in real life:

For everyday wear, many people love 0.50 to 1 carat per ear. If your studs will be worn mostly for evenings and special occasions, it's worth going larger. Because lab grown diamonds cost far less than mined stones, sizes that once felt out of reach are now a realistic choice.

Choosing a Shape

Round brilliant studs give the most sparkle and suit every face shape and style. They're the classic for good reason. Our Leia studs are a timeless round in a four-prong setting.

Princess cut studs are square with crisp corners, giving a modern, architectural look. See the Farrah princess studs.

Cushion cut studs have softly rounded corners and a romantic, vintage feel, like the Tess cushion studs.

Oval studs look slightly larger than a round of the same weight and gently elongate the face. Take a look at the Holly oval studs.

Four-Prong, Martini or Halo Setting?

A four-prong basket holds the diamond securely while letting plenty of light in. It's the most traditional stud setting and suits every shape.

A three-prong martini setting uses a cone-shaped basket that sits closer to the earlobe, so larger stones feel balanced and the diamond appears to float. Our Julia martini studs are a favourite for 1 carat and up.

A halo setting frames the centre stone with smaller diamonds, adding extra sparkle and making the stud look larger. The Elsie studs pair a round centre with a cushion-shaped halo.

Friction Backs or Screw Backs?

Friction backs, also called push backs, are quick and comfortable, and they're the most common choice for everyday studs.

Screw backs thread onto the post for extra security. They take a moment longer to put on, but they're ideal for larger stones, active days, or anyone who's ever lost an earring. The Elle screw-back studs offer that added peace of mind.

Choosing Your Metal

14k gold is the most popular choice, balancing rich colour with durability. White gold and 950 platinum give a bright, crisp setting that lets the diamond look whiter. Yellow gold adds warmth and a classic feel, while rose gold brings a soft, romantic glow.

All of our studs are handcrafted in Canada in solid gold or platinum, never plated, so they'll keep their colour and strength for a lifetime.

Lab Diamond or Moissanite Studs?

Every pair in our stud and drop earring collection can be set with your choice of stone:

• PURE® lab diamond: a real, certified diamond graded E/F colour and VS1 to VVS clarity.
• ATERNA® Gen 4: our finest diamond-grade moissanite, D/E colour and VVS1 clarity, with even more fire than a diamond.
• LUXE® Gen 3: brilliant diamond-grade moissanite at our most accessible price.

If a real diamond matters to you, choose PURE®. If you want maximum sparkle and the largest look for your budget, ATERNA® is a beautiful alternative.

Caring for Your Studs

Lotions, hair products and everyday oils collect behind a stud and dull its sparkle. Soak your earrings in warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, brush gently behind the stone with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and pat dry. Check the backs every so often, and replace friction backs if they start to feel loose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lab grown diamond stud earrings real diamonds?

Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same chemistry, hardness and brilliance as mined diamonds. Terms like lab created, man made and synthetic diamond all describe the same real diamond.

What size diamond studs look best?

For everyday wear, 0.50 to 1 carat per ear is the most popular range. A 1 carat round stud measures about 6.5 mm across, which is noticeable and elegant on most ears.

What does ct.tw mean on stud earrings?

Ct.tw means carat total weight, the combined weight of both earrings. A pair listed as 2.00 ct.tw has a 1 carat diamond in each ear.

Are screw backs better than push backs?

Screw backs are more secure, which makes them a good choice for larger stones or active days. Push backs are quicker and very comfortable for everyday wear.

Can I choose moissanite instead of lab diamonds?

Yes. Every Quorri stud can be set with a PURE® lab diamond, ATERNA® Gen 4 or LUXE® Gen 3 diamond-grade moissanite. Simply choose your stone on the product page.

Find Your Perfect Pair

The right studs are the ones you'll never want to take off. Explore our lab grown diamond stud earrings, each handcrafted in Canada and made to be worn every day, for years to come.