I’ve spent more than a decade writing about fashion, design, and the quiet little luxuries that make everyday life feel a bit more special. Trends come and go faster than a southerly change, but every so often something sticks. Something genuinely shifts the way people think about style, value, or what’s worth owning.
Lab created diamond studs have become one of those rare shifts. And to be completely honest with you, I didn’t see it coming at first.
If you’d told me, even five years ago, that some of the most discerning buyers I know would proudly choose lab diamonds over mined ones, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. Not because I doubted the tech, but because jewellery has always been tangled with tradition. People love a story, especially one forged deep underground over millions of years.
But stories evolve. And well, you might not know this, but the story behind lab created stones is actually pretty compelling — and surprisingly romantic, in a very modern way.
Let me walk you through what I’ve learned, what’s changed, and why a simple pair of lab created diamond studs is becoming a staple in Australian jewellery boxes.
The quiet rise of a new “classic”
If you work in lifestyle media long enough, you start noticing patterns. The first signal for me was an increasing number of stylists requesting lab grown pieces for editorial shoots. At first I thought it was simply because of cost (editorial budgets aren’t exactly overflowing). But the more I asked around, the more I realised there was something deeper.
Stylists kept saying things like:
“It’s the same sparkle, but I can size up without feeling guilty.”
“Clients actually ask for lab diamonds now.”
“Honestly, they’re gorgeous. Why not?”
When editors start voluntarily choosing something for close-up beauty shots, you pay attention.
Diamond studs, in particular, were popping up everywhere — on morning show presenters, at industry events, even at small, intimate weddings. And the kicker? Many of them were lab created.
I eventually decided to try a pair myself, just to see whether my eye could detect any difference. Spoiler: it couldn’t. Not when they were in my hand, not when they were in my ears, not under any lighting.
But the price difference? Oh, that I noticed.
What lab created diamonds actually are (without the tech jargon)
Let’s get one thing straight: lab created diamonds are diamonds. The same crystal structure, the same hardness, the same brilliance that everyone waxes lyrical about. The only real difference is origin: one forms in a lab, one forms underground.
I sometimes compare it to ice. You can make ice in your freezer or it can form naturally on a mountainside. Either way, it’s still ice.
The thing that surprises most people — especially those who aren’t deep into jewellery — is that lab diamonds aren’t knock-offs or synthetics. They’re real stones grown using advanced tech that replicates natural conditions. Think extreme heat and pressure, just controlled instead of chaotic.
If anything, lab stones tend to be cleaner. Fewer inclusions, more consistent colour, and honestly, often better value for the size you get.
That’s part of the appeal: you can go a little bigger, a little bolder, without the sinking feeling of blowing an entire month’s salary.
And for something like diamond studs, size really does matter. They’re tiny by nature, and a bit of extra millimetre magic can completely change how they catch the light.
Why Australians, specifically, seem to be embracing lab created diamond studs
Whenever I talk to buyers, jewellers, or readers from Europe or the US, they always say the same thing: “Australia seems to be ahead on lab grown adoption.” And they’re right.
I’ve asked around, and I reckon it comes down to three very Australian things.
First: we love a practical luxury
We’re the kind of country where you’ll spot a woman in a linen dress, a designer bag, and thongs… all on the same person, at the same time. We like quality, but we also love ease. And lab created diamond studs are the perfect mix of low-maintenance and high-impact.
Second: sustainability actually means something to people here
There’s a growing shift toward mindful buying — not performative minimalism, just thoughtful consumption. The idea that you can wear gorgeous diamonds without the heavy environmental footprint resonates with a lot of Australians. Even people who don’t consider themselves “eco warriors” appreciate the option.
Third: value speaks louder than status these days
For many shoppers, it’s not about “What does this say about me?” but “Does this make sense for me?” I hear this especially from younger buyers, who are smart, research-savvy, and not easily swayed by old-school marketing.
When you put those three things together, lab created diamond studs feel like a natural fit.
Where the quality differences show up (and where they don’t)
One thing I was genuinely curious about when I started exploring lab stones was how they compared across different cuts and settings. Stud earrings make this particularly interesting because they’re judged at such close range.
After talking to jewellers, photographing pieces for articles, and wearing them myself, here’s what consistently comes up:
Clarity
Lab diamonds tend to be clearer. When you’re talking about studs that sit only centimetres from your face, clarity does make a noticeable difference in brightness.
Colour
Most labs come out near-colourless by default. If you’re a stickler for icy white stones, this is a quiet win.
Cut
This is where craftsmanship matters more than origin. A beautifully cut lab diamond will outperform a poorly cut mined diamond any day.
Durability
They score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale — same as mined. You can sleep in them, shower in them, toss them in your bag, and they’ll be fine. (Yes, I’ve done all of these.)
Price
This is the game-changer. You’ll often see prices 40 to 70 percent lower for comparable specs. It’s not a “discount” in the sloppy retail sense, just a more efficient supply chain.
When you put all of that together, it’s no wonder a simple pair of studs is where people often take their first step into lab diamonds.
A quick personal recommendation
While researching the latest ranges for this piece, I came across some beautifully made options for lab created diamond studs here. They had a few styles I hadn’t seen elsewhere, particularly in the halo and martini settings. It’s the sort of link I’d pass on to a friend who’s comparing brands, so I’m sharing it here in the same spirit.
Styling tips from someone who spends too much time staring at earrings
If you’re thinking of getting a pair of lab created studs, here’s what I’ve learned from both stylists and my own trial and error.
Match your metal to your undertone only if you actually care
There’s this old idea that warm skin needs yellow gold and cool skin needs white metals. Personally, I think people overthink it. Wear what makes you happy. Diamonds look good on everyone.
Size depends on lifestyle
If you work in corporate, 0.50 to 1 carat per ear is that sweet spot of subtle but impressive.
If you’re more creative, go big. Truly. Studs have this magic ability to make even a plain tee look elevated.
Don’t forget the setting style
A martini setting hugs the diamond close to the ear.
A basket setting pushes it slightly forward for more flash.
Both are gorgeous — just depends on the effect you like.
And if you’re a maximalist like me, stacking studs up a second piercing can look ridiculously chic.
The ethical conversation, without the guilt trip
I’m not here to shame anyone for owning mined diamonds. Many of us do. Some are family pieces, some have stories too precious to replace.
But it’s also true that lab diamonds offer a clearer, more transparent path for people who want beautiful jewellery without navigating the complexities of global mining supply chains. There’s comfort in knowing exactly where and how your stone was made.
I once interviewed a jeweller who said something that stuck with me:
“Mined diamonds carry the weight of history. Lab diamonds carry the promise of the future.”
I love that. Both can coexist. Both can be meaningful. The choice is simply wider now, and that’s a win for everyone.
A resource you might find handy
If you want a broad, easy-to-digest look at how lab diamonds sit in the modern jewellery landscape, this article explains it really well. It’s not overly technical, which I always appreciate.
So… should you buy lab created diamond studs?
If you’re expecting me to give you a hard sell, you’ll be disappointed. Jewellery is personal. It should feel like an extension of you, not a trend-driven obligation.
But if you want my honest take?
Lab created diamond studs are one of the smartest jewellery purchases you can make right now. They’re beautiful. They’re accessible. They’re ethically straightforward. And they’re timeless in a way that doesn’t feel forced.
I’ve loaned out my pair more times than I can count — to friends, to family, even to my sister when she needed something simple and elegant for a last-minute ceremony. Every single borrower has said the same thing:
“These are really lovely. I might get a pair.”
That’s the thing about good basics. They win you over quietly.
A final little reflection
Jewellery is one of the few things we buy that’s meant to last. Trends come and go, but the pieces we actually reach for day after day usually have something in common: they’re effortless. They’re reliable. They make us feel like the most polished version of ourselves without trying too hard.
Lab created diamond studs fit that brief incredibly well.
Whether you’re buying your first pair of “grown-up” earrings or you’re adding to a collection you’ve curated over years, they give you that satisfying mix of beauty, logic, and emotional warmth that makes a piece truly worth owning.
And really, that’s what jewellery should be about. Not status. Not pressure. Just a bit of sparkle that feels like yours.
