Princess-cut sparkle in gold

Questions and answers

Is $249 a good price for 1/2 ct. lab-grown diamond studs in 14K gold?

It is in line with what 14K gold lab-grown studs of this size sell for. Lab-grown stones are cheap; most of the cost is the gold and the setting. At $249 at Zales Outlet as of November 4, 2026, you are paying a fair retail price, not a bargain.

How big will these look in the ear?

The pair totals 1/2 carat, so each diamond is about 1/4 carat. Princess-cut stones of that weight measure roughly 3.5 to 4 mm across, which reads as a small, neat stud rather than a statement piece.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. They are diamonds grown in a lab with the same optical and physical properties as mined stones. They are not moissanite or cubic zirconia, but they resell for much less than mined diamonds.

What does the F color grade mean?

F is in the near-colorless range on the GIA scale, just below the top grades. In a small stud, most shoppers will not see any tint against the skin.

Do the screwbacks make them hard to put on?

Screwbacks take a few extra seconds to thread on and off, but they stay put far better than push backs. That makes them a good choice for everyday wear or for anyone who has lost earrings before.

What comes in the box?

You get the pair of earrings in 14K gold settings with screwback posts. Zales Outlet typically ships in a jewelry box with the diamond certification paperwork.