What are lab-created gemstones - Oscar Winsor

 

Discover the Beauty of Lab-Grown Gemstones

These days, lab grown gemstones can be indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.  Although a 5 Ct pigeon blood color natural ruby might not be possible for most people, a lab grown gem will look equally stunning and much much more affordable. 

Are Lab-Created Gemstones Real?

Yes, lab-created gemstones are real gemstones. They are chemically, phsically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts.  A lab-created blue sapphire exactly look like natural with the naked eye, and has the same properties as natural. Some of the best quality lab-grown gems are so similar to natural gems, it even makes the best gemological laboratory doubt about its origin. 

How Are Lab Created Gemstones Made?

Different kinds of lab created gemstones were made using various different methods, but they are all trying to mimic the natural formation environment in a laboratory setting. For example, sapphire formation requires intense heat and pressure. Scientist had found laboratory settings which can provide similar kind of intense heat and pressure environment to grow sapphires. Nowadays, we can choose from all possible colors of sapphire from various lab creating process such as flame fusion. An interesting fact, sapphire is one of the first gemstones to be created in the lab setting. Another well known example would be for emerald. Natural emerald are usually formed by hydrothermo process. Although it is much more difficault and slow compare to the process which make sapphire, scientist found a way to recreate that exact condition and help us make beautiful lab grown emerald with vivid and saturate bluish green color that everyone is chasing for. 

What’s the Difference Between Lab Created vs Natural Gemstones?

The only difference is that lab-created gemstones are created in a laboratory instead of being mined from the earth.

The highly controlled lab environment make each and every batch of lab gems very consistent. Most of the time, they will have less defects compare to natural gemstones. This makes them more consistent. Also because they are made in a lab, there is not need to mine them in earth. Most of our natural stones were mined in less developed regions where ethical problems are fairly common. In most cases, in order to find natural gemstones, it takes tremendous amount of effort and time. Compare it to gemstones grown in a lab, lab-created stones are generally much more affordable. 

 

Are Imitation or Simulated Gemstones the Same as Lab-Created Gemstones?

No, imitation or simulated gemstones are not the same as lab-created gemstones. They are not real gemstones but rather materials designed to look like them, often at a much lower cost. When choosing a gemstones, it is important to be able to tell the difference between real and its imitation or simulates. The imitation stones and simulated gemstone will not have the same optical properties as the real stones.

Are lab-created gemstones worth buying?

Yes, lab-created gemstongs are absolutely worth buying! 

Ethical and Sustainable: 

Lab-grown gems are created in a controlled environment, replicating the earth's natural processes to form crystals with the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as mined gems. This process avoids the environmental and social issues associated with traditional mining, such as habitat destruction, water pollution, and worker exploitation.

Affordability:

Lab-grown gems are often significantly less expensive than their natural counterparts, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers. 

Consistent Quality:

Lab-grown gems can be created with precise control over their color, clarity, and cut, resulting in consistently high-quality stones. They often have fewer inclusions and more consistent color and clarity than natural stones.

Unique Colors and Sizes:

Lab-grown technology allows for the creation of gemstones in a wider range of colors, sizes, and shapes than what is naturally available. This includes rare colors like fancy yellows, blues, and pinks, as well as larger sizes that are difficult to find in nature.

Lab-created gemstone or natural gemstone?

When choosing a gemstone, consider the following:

• Budget: Lab-grown gems offer a more affordable option for those on a budget.
• Ethical Concerns: If you value ethical and sustainable practices, lab-grown gems are an excellent choice.
• Personal Preference: Some people prefer the natural imperfections of mined gemstones, while others appreciate the consistent quality of lab-grown gems.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a lab-created gemstone is a personal choice. However, lab-grown gems offer a beautiful, affordable, and ethical alternative to natural gemstones.