If you’d told me five years ago that some of the most stylish people I know would be proudly wearing lab grown diamond studs, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. Back then, anything “lab grown” still carried this odd, slightly clinical feel — like something designed for a science museum rather than a jewellery box.
But wow… how quickly things change.
These days, whether I’m at a brunch in Sydney, interviewing a designer in Melbourne, or chatting with a jeweller in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, I keep hearing the same thing: lab grown diamonds aren’t the future anymore — they’re the present. And honestly, once you see them up close (and actually understand the science behind them), the appeal becomes obvious.
So I wanted to dive a little deeper into why lab grown diamond studs have become one of the understated heroes of modern jewellery. And not just from a trend perspective — but from the viewpoints of style, science, ethics, cost, and that slightly emotional side of choosing jewellery that really reflects who you are.
Why Stud Earrings Still Matter (More Than You Think)
There’s something uniquely grounding about a simple pair of stud earrings. They don’t demand attention the way chandelier earrings do. They don’t swing annoyingly when you’re running for the train. They don’t need to match a certain neckline.
Studs just… work.
I always think of them as the white T-shirt of the jewellery world: timeless, dependable, and stylish without needing to try. I’ve met so many people — stylists, jewellers, CEOs, artists — who wear diamond studs pretty much every day, regardless of what they’re doing.
And that’s partly why the move toward lab grown diamond studs makes so much sense. If you’re going to wear something daily, why not choose a version that’s affordable enough to be practical but stunning enough to elevate everything else you own?
What Actually Are Lab Grown Diamonds? (The Real Explanation)
Every time I write about jewellery, someone inevitably asks, “But are lab grown diamonds… real?”
And the short answer is yes — absolutely.
A diamond’s identity isn’t defined by where it forms but what it is: a crystal structure made of carbon atoms arranged under intense heat and pressure. That’s it.
Underground, this process takes millions of years.
In a laboratory, it takes a few weeks — but the result is chemically, physically, and optically identical.
If you placed a mined diamond and a lab grown diamond side by side, even an expert would need specialised equipment to tell the difference. I actually tried this during an interview with a gemmologist in Perth. To my surprise, she grinned at me and said, “I still get it wrong sometimes.”
And that’s the thing: they’re real diamonds, just made differently.
If you want a proper visual comparison, many jewellers now showcase designs like these lab grown diamond studs, and once you start looking, you realise the sparkle is every bit as mesmerising as their earth-mined counterparts.
A Quick Word on Man Made Diamonds
While we’re talking about terminology, there’s another phrase you might’ve seen floating around: man made diamonds. It’s just another way of describing the exact same thing — diamonds grown using advanced technology rather than extracted from the earth.
Some people prefer it. Some don’t. But it does capture the craftsmanship and intention behind them, and I kind of like that.
If you’re curious about how they’re created or how the industry has evolved, this guide on man made diamonds gives a surprisingly easy-to-understand breakdown.
Why Lab Grown Diamond Studs Have Become a Style Essential
1. They fit seamlessly into modern wardrobes
I’ve noticed something interesting when speaking with fashion stylists: stud earrings have become the go-to jewellery item for people who want to look effortlessly polished.
A crisp linen shirt? Studs.
A Saturday market dress? Studs.
Gym leggings and a messy bun? Believe it or not — studs.
Lab grown diamond studs offer the kind of understated luxury that doesn’t feel out of place with any outfit. They’re like the final brushstroke on a painting. You don’t always realise they’re there, but if they disappeared, you’d feel like something was missing.
2. You get more size (and sparkle) for your money
Well, this might be the part that convinces most people.
With lab grown diamonds, the same budget that might’ve bought a modest pair of mined diamond studs can suddenly stretch much further. You can choose a larger carat weight, a higher colour grade, or a better cut without doubling the price tag.
It’s a bit like flying business class for the price of economy — once you’ve experienced it, it’s hard to go back.
3. They’re ethically appealing
I’ll be honest: the ethics conversation around diamonds used to make my head spin. There are so many certifications, so many competing claims, so many shades of nuance. And while the natural diamond industry has made significant improvements, some shoppers still feel uneasy.
Lab grown diamonds provide a simple, straightforward alternative that doesn’t involve mining at all. For people who want to minimise their environmental impact or avoid the complexities of global mining, lab grown studs offer a kind of quiet confidence.
4. They’re scientifically fascinating
One of my favourite parts of covering this topic is speaking with the scientists involved in diamond growth.
The technology used — whether it’s CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) — feels a bit like watching nature’s processes speed-run in a high-tech chamber. It’s honestly astonishing.
It also adds this interesting dynamic to jewellery: the idea that your earrings were born from a fusion of artistry and engineering. It’s romantic in its own futuristic way.
Choosing the Right Lab Grown Diamond Studs
If you’re shopping for a pair, here are some of the things I’ve learned, both through interviews and through my own slightly obsessive research habits.
Cut matters more than you might think
Everyone gets dazzled by carat size, but the cut is what controls the sparkle — the fire, brilliance, and the way light bounces playfully across the facets.
A beautifully cut 0.5ct diamond can outshine a poorly cut 1ct stone any day.
Colour is personal
Some people love icy, almost blue-white diamonds.
Others prefer stones with a faint warmth.
With lab grown diamonds, you’ll often find higher colour grades at accessible prices, but don’t feel pressured to chase “perfect” if your eyes prefer something softer.
Metal choice changes the vibe
White gold feels modern and crisp.
Yellow gold feels warm and timeless.
Rose gold gives this subtle romantic glow that looks especially good on warmer skin tones.
Check the settings
Martini settings look elegant and sit close to the ear.
Four-prong settings offer a classic, balanced look.
Bezel settings are secure and minimalistic.
Little details like this can dramatically change the overall style.
Real-Life Moments Where Studs Shine
I sometimes think of jewellery not as an object, but as a companion in life’s little moments. Lab grown diamond studs tend to slip into these moments so naturally:
Job interviews: When you want to look polished but not flashy.
Weddings: Perfect for bridesmaids who need something elegant and uniform.
Daily office wear: Adds just enough sparkle without feeling “too much.”
Travel: Lightweight, versatile, impossible to clash with anything.
Gifts: Honestly, I’ve never met anyone disappointed with a pair.
One jeweller told me that studs have become one of the most popular “first diamond” purchases for young adults — especially because lab grown options make them more achievable.
A Small Story: The Moment That Shifted My Perspective
Last year, I interviewed a couple in Adelaide who run a boutique jewellery studio. During our chat, the wife mentioned something that stuck with me.
She said, “When people buy studs, they’re not showing off. They’re choosing something for themselves.”
That one sentence changed how I see diamond studs entirely.
We often think of diamonds as these grand, showy symbols. But a simple pair of studs feels more personal. More subtle. Almost like a small daily ritual that quietly boosts your confidence. And lab grown versions make that feeling accessible without sacrificing beauty.
The Investment Conversation (Without the Hype)
People sometimes ask whether lab grown diamonds hold value. The truth? They don’t hold resale value the way natural diamonds traditionally have — although that’s a shifting landscape, and even mined diamonds aren’t what they were twenty years ago.
But here’s the thing I’ve noticed: most people aren’t buying diamond studs as investments. They’re buying them to wear. To enjoy. To feel good in.
The emotional value outweighs the resale value by a mile.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Right for Everyone?
No jewellery choice is universal. Some people value the geological story of mined diamonds — and that’s completely valid. Some love the idea that a diamond formed deep in the earth long before humans existed.
But for others — especially younger Australians — the appeal of lab grown diamonds is twofold:
- They align with modern ethics and sustainability values.
- They offer exceptional beauty at a more accessible price.
And honestly? That combination is pretty hard to beat.
Why Lab Grown Diamond Studs Are Here to Stay
You might not know this, but the demand for lab grown diamonds in Australia has been climbing steadily over the past few years. The stigma is fading fast. The quality keeps improving. Brands are becoming more transparent and design-focused.
What once felt like an “alternative option” has quietly become the new classic.
Every trend forecaster I’ve spoken with agrees on one thing: lab grown diamonds aren’t a fad. They’re part of a broader shift in how we think about luxury — one that values innovation, ethics, and individuality just as much as tradition.
A Final Thought
There’s something beautifully human about the way jewellery reflects our values. As our world changes — and as we learn to be more intentional with our choices — it makes sense that we seek out pieces that align with who we are today.
Lab grown diamond studs feel like exactly that: a blend of beauty and modern sensibility. They’re understated but meaningful. Familiar but forward-thinking. Luxurious but attainable.
And maybe that’s why they’ve captured so many hearts lately.
If you’re considering a pair, trust your instincts. Find a style that sparks something in you. Jewellery should never feel like an obligation — it should feel like joy.