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Lab-grown diamonds have many advantages over mined, including being more sustainable, environmentally friendly, ethical, and costing much less than a mined diamond. Read on for the best places to buy lab-grown diamond earrings in 2026.
Updated: November 1, 2025
In this revised guide, our gemologist-backed team at LabGrownCarats.com reviews the top retailers for lab-grown diamond earrings. We’ve analyzed pricing, diamond quality, craftsmanship, and return policies so you can shop with confidence whether you’re looking for classic studs, elegant drops, or modern hoops.
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds Are the Ethical and Sustainable Choice
Let’s start with why you should go with lab-grown diamond earrings instead of mined ones. Lab-grown diamonds are a more environmentally friendly choice that does not involve the harmful processes and ethical practices that often follow the mining of diamonds. In fact, lab-grown diamonds are the only way to be sure you’re purchasing an ethical stone that doesn’t compromise the earth and its people.
The Dark Side of Mined Diamonds
The harsh truth about mined diamonds is that the process isn’t nearly as glamorous as the diamond industry heavyweights want customers to believe. As research and media have long documented, ‘there is almost no way to know for sure that you’re buying a diamond without blood on it.’ TIME
Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Conflict-Free and Affordable Alternative
With lab-grown diamonds and lab-grown diamond earrings, you can rest assured that no wildlife has been harmed, the earth destroyed, and that mined diamonds haven’t been used to fund corruption, war, or conflicts.
On top of that, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds and come with a price tag that is usually up to 80% less than their mined counterparts. This means that you can either keep money in your pocket or go for bigger or higher-quality diamonds for your lab-grown diamond earrings.
Celebrities Embracing Lab-Grown Diamonds
Suffice it to say, lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular with more conscious consumers, including celebrities such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Penelope Cruz, Emma Watson, and Meghan Markle, who have all been spotted wearing eco-friendly lab-grown diamond jewelry.
Learn why lab-grown diamonds are the more sustainable and eco-friendly choice.
How Much Do Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings Cost in 2026?
Prices vary depending on cut, color, clarity, and total carat weight. As a general guide expect to pay:
Average Prices for Preset Lab-Grown Diamond Stud Earrings (2026)
| Total Carat Weight (TCW) | Average Price Range (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 tcw (0.12 ct each) | $200 – $300 | Entry-level size — ideal for minimalist studs |
| 0.50 tcw (0.25 ct each) | $350 – $500 | Classic petite diamond earrings |
| 1.00 tcw (0.50 ct each) | $625 – $800 | Most popular size for diamond studs |
| 1.50 tcw (0.75 ct each) | $900 – $1,100 | Eye-catching but can still be worn daily |
| 2.00 tcw (1.00 ct each) | $1,100 – $1,800+ | Statement luxury earrings |
Average Prices for Build-Your-Own Lab-Grown Diamond Stud Earrings (2026)
| Total Carat Weight (TCW) | Average Price Range (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 tcw (0.12 ct each) | $300 – $550 | Entry-level size — ideal for minimalist studs or gifts |
| 0.50 tcw (0.25 ct each) | $600 – $700 | Classic petite diamond earrings |
| 1.00 tcw (0.50 ct each) | $700 – $1,200 | Most popular size for diamond studs |
| 1.50 tcw (0.75 ct each) | $1,300 – $1,900 | Eye-catching but can still be worn daily |
| 2.00 tcw (1.00 ct each) | $2,000 – $2,700+ | Statement luxury earrings |
Based on 2025–2026 pricing data from leading U.S. retailers including Ritani, James Allen, and Brilliant Earth.
While building your own lab-grown diamond earrings can sometimes save money, most shoppers who customize their earrings opt for higher-quality stones and premium settings. As a result, average prices tend to run higher than for preset earrings, but so does the brilliance, symmetry, and overall craftsmanship.
3 best places to buy lab-grown diamond earrings in 2026
Expert Buying Tips
- Always choose “Excellent” or “Ideal” cut diamonds for earrings — brilliance matters more than clarity for pieces seen from a distance.
- To get the best value, consider building your own diamond earrings. This allows you to handpick the diamonds from a jewelry store’s loose diamond inventory, ensuring you get the exact quality and size you want, rather than settling for pre-set earrings.
SALES ALERT! See the best diamond deals (terms apply):
How to Choose a Reputable Online Seller for Lab-Grown Diamonds
Buying diamond jewelry online, especially for the first time, can feel overwhelming. To make the process easier and ensure a quality purchase, follow these key criteria when selecting a trustworthy online retailer for your lab-grown diamond earrings.
- Wide Selection of Diamonds:
If you’re customizing your own lab-grown diamond earrings (which we highly recommend), make sure the retailer offers a wide selection of loose stones. The top online diamond retailers have extensive inventories, allowing you to compare hundreds of lab-grown diamonds. This way, you can find the perfect diamond cut, color, clarity, and carat for your earrings. Always prioritize choosing the highest cut grade for maximum brilliance! - High-Quality Imaging and Videos:
It’s essential that the online seller provides HD images and high-quality videos of each diamond. These visuals help you inspect the diamond closely, giving you confidence in your choice before purchasing. The best retailers include all the necessary details for you to evaluate both loose diamonds and preset diamond earrings. - Excellent Customer Service: Expert customer service is crucial when buying diamond jewelry online. Look for retailers with certified gemologists on staff who can answer your questions and guide you through the buying process. This ensures that you make an informed decision and find the perfect lab-grown diamond earrings.
- Certification from Top Laboratories:
Always make sure that the diamonds you purchase come with proper certification. Unfortunately, preset diamond earrings often lack certification. So, if you’re customizing your own earrings, verify that they are graded and certified. For example, all diamonds purchased through trusted retailers like James Allen, Brilliant Earth, and Ritani are graded and certified by leading laboratories such as GIA, IGI, and AGS. - Transparent Return Policies:
Double-check return policies and terms before finalizing your purchase. A good online diamond seller should offer clear and transparent return terms, giving you peace of mind in case you need to return or exchange your purchase.
The Best Places to Buy Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings in 2026
At LabGrownCarats.com, we’ve rigorously tested and reviewed numerous online retailers and lab-grown diamond earrings. Over the years, a select few retailers have consistently stood out for their exceptional customer service, expert gemologist support, and of course the very best high-quality lab-grown diamond inventories.
Read on for the best places to buy lab-grown diamond earrings so you can find the best lab-created diamond earrings at the best price in 2026.
James Allen
James Allen is one of the leading online jewelers and one of our all-time favorite places to buy diamonds. Founded in 2006, it has become a go-to for bridal jewelry, particularly known for its stunning diamond engagement rings. However, James Allen also offers an extensive selection of fine jewelry, including a vast inventory of loose lab-grown and mined diamond pairs, allowing you to fully customize your diamond earrings.
Why Choose James Allen for Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings?
James Allen offers unrivaled diamond inspection features, including HD images and video, access to diamond certificates, and specifications. In addition, James Allen has a fantastic, knowledgeable, and responsive customer service team with on-call expert gemologists who can all guide you through the process of choosing your own diamonds for your earrings.
With these advantages, James Allen is a reliable choice for customizing lab-grown diamond earrings that meet your personal style and budget.
Read our in-depth review of James Allen here.
Pros:
- Risk-free purchase
- Non-commissioned gemologists
- Fantastic customer service
- Low prices and high quality
- Huge selection of settings and stones
- Sophisticated diamond inspection features
- Free shipping and returns
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- A few sellers have slightly lower prices
- A limited selection of pre-set lab-grown diamond earrings
- Limited info about sustainability
Ritani
Ritani is another of our favorite diamond retailers, with a strong reputation for craftsmanship and quality. Founded in 1999 by a family of jewelers, Ritani is headquartered in New York, where all their jewelry is handmade. While they offer both mined and lab-grown diamonds, Ritani stands out for its impressive selection of lab-created diamonds—boasting over 520,000 loose lab-grown diamonds at the time of writing.
SALES ALERT!
Why Choose Ritani for Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings?
Ritani is an excellent choice for those looking to customize their diamond earrings. With a vast inventory of loose lab-grown diamonds, you’ll have plenty of options to find the perfect stones. What sets Ritani apart from competitors is its innovative “click-and-brick” preview program, which allows you to preview your customized earrings in person at a local jeweler or WeWork location before making your final purchase. There’s no obligation to buy, so if you’re not completely satisfied with the diamonds or the product, then you can simply walk away—pressure-free.
This combination of a massive selection and the flexibility of in-person previews makes Ritani a top choice for lab-grown diamond earrings.
Read our in-depth Ritani review here.
Pros:
- Over 520,000 loose lab diamonds
- Free diamond preview
- Live support by certified gemologists
- Very competitive diamond prices
- Transparent pricing and market data
- Superior service and great buying experience
- Free FedEx shipping and 30 days of free returns
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- It is not as detailed and feature-rich online experience as James Allen
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth, founded in 2005, is renowned for its commitment to environmental responsibility. It has quickly grown into one of the most prominent online diamond jewelers, offering both mined and lab-grown diamonds. As a leader in ethical and eco-conscious jewelry, Brilliant Earth provides competitive prices and a vast selection of lab-grown diamonds—almost 320,000 in their inventory, ensuring you’ll find the perfect stones for your diamond earrings.
Why Buy Lab-Grown Diamond Earrings at Brilliant Earth?
Brilliant Earth goes above and beyond in its efforts to be environmentally friendly. They use 100% recycled precious metals in their jewelry, sustainable packaging, and offset carbon emissions, making it a top destination for conscious consumers. Additionally, unlike many other online diamond retailers, Brilliant Earth offers a personal touch with 15 showrooms across the U.S., making it a good choice for those who prefer an in-store experience.
For an eco-friendly, ethical, and personalized shopping experience, Brilliant Earth is an excellent choice for your lab-grown diamond earrings.
Read our in-depth Brilliant Earth review here.
Pros:
- Exceptional dedication to social and environmental impact
- Carbon offsets and sustainably graded diamonds
- Great buying experience and service
- Large selection of lab-grown diamonds
- Competitive prices
- Free FedEx shipping and 30 days of free returns
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Not all diamonds have images and 360-degree inspection
- Pre-set jewelry is a little expensive (pick your own diamonds)
- A limited selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry
FAQ: Understanding Lab-Grown Diamonds
Are lab-grown diamond earrings real diamonds?
They are 100% identical to mined diamonds, possessing the exact same chemical and physical properties. This means they match in appearance, quality, and durability, making them an excellent alternative to traditionally mined diamonds.
What is the difference between lab and mined diamonds?
Mined diamonds are dug up from the earth with enormous human and environmental costs. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds are created in a clean and transparent way in laboratories.
How much should I spend on lab-grown diamond earrings?
Expect to spend between $700–$1,200 for a one-carat total weight pair with a diamond cut grade of ideal (if graded by IGI) or excellent (if graded by GIA). You can get ready-to-ship lab diamond earrings for around $700, but the quality won’t be as good as when you pick your own diamonds.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold value?
Lab-grown diamonds generally don’t hold their value as well as mined diamonds. This is primarily because the cost of producing lab-grown diamonds continues to decrease as technology improves, meaning future prices will likely drop.
Which shape is best for earrings?
Round brilliants remain the most popular, but you can save money by choosing fancy shapes like ovals or emeralds compared to round cuts.
Learn More: How to Pick the Perfect Lab-Grown Diamonds
If you’re new to buying diamonds, it’s essential to understand the 4Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Check out our tips for picking the perfect lab-grown diamonds to ensure you make a confident and informed purchase.
