ELLE Loves: Pandora Double Brilliance Lab-Grown Diamond Drop Earrings

Buying fine jewelry can be an emotional journey. Not only is the price an investment, but finding the perfect piece to buy for yourself or, given that Mother’s Day is right around the corner, for your mom is like a deep dive into the human psyche. Is this the moment for a classic pair of studs? Perhaps it’s the time to splurge on something more sentimental, like an initial pendant she’ll wear daily—or is it a ring that will fit the bill? And while it needs to be stylish yet enduring to warrant the price tag, it also, most importantly, should be a piece she’ll cherish for decades.

My current fixation has been a pair of earrings I could wear day and night, that look equally good whether I’m in a tank and sweats or my flashier clothing. The Pandora Brilliance Lab-Grown Diamond Drops are strikingly beautiful yet elegantly minimal and, after wearing them around, I can promise they’ll make the absolutely perfect gift for any mom in your life.

Pandora is best known for their charm bracelets, delicate little reminders of major moments in your life, so it only makes sense that they’d also make everyday pieces that feel just as special and emotional. These earrings are from their Brilliance collection, a line of pieces that feature a unique infinity setting, made for the person who wants beautiful design coupled with top-notch materials—and with gold and lab-grown diamonds, this pair fits the bill. Here, the reasons I’m super into this new addition to my jewelry drawer and why your mother probably will be, too.

Lab-created diamonds are affordable and high-quality.

In recent years lab-created diamonds have grown in popularity for good reason—they’re virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. The gems used in these pieces have the same color, clarity, and cut that you’d find in a comparable fine jewelry piece. They’re colorless to the naked eye and flawless with a round brilliant cut for maximum sparkle. In fact, Pandora holds the stones they use in their jewelry to the same high standard as they would mined ones. And because lab-created diamonds tend to be less expensive, you’ll also be able to buy bigger and better pieces without having to spend a fortune. These earrings clock in at just under 0.5 carat, so sizable for their price point.

Lab-created diamonds are sustainable.

Since fine jewelry is meant to last, it’s a bonus that these pieces are created with future generations in mind. They’re made with recycled gold and silver. And they are created using 100 percent renewable energy, so these earrings are a more sustainable and ethical alternative to mined gems.

They make every outfit feel special.

I love how I can keep these lightweight earrings in my ears for my casual days straight through my evenings out. I’ve worn them while running errands and to yoga, allowing them to elevate my everyday (and activewear) looks without overthinking it. For a recent dinner with friends, they were the perfect accompaniment to my go-to avant-garde black-skirt-and-turtleneck combo, adding just a hint of elevated sparkle to an otherwise edgy outfit.

They’ll be passed down for generations to come.

These are meant to last, and the infinity design coupled with the quality materials will look just as good in 20 years as they do now. They’re not trendy and, with some general care (keep them dry and safe in a jewelry box!), your lucky gift recipient can easily pass them down to future generations. A niece or friend’s daughter will be the lucky recipient of mine some day, and let me just say to her: You’re welcome!