Can You Tell the Difference Between Lab-Created and Natural Gemstones?
Both lab-created and natural gemstones have their own unique advantages. Keep reading to see if you can discern between the two.
In the United States alone, nearly $22 billion worth of gemstones have been sold, with over 85% being synthetic or lab-created. The increasing demand for gemstones has fueled the jewelry industry’s growth.
Gemstones, from engagement rings to fine jewelry, are seen as investments. Therefore, it’s essential to choose high-quality pieces with superior brilliance and minimal flaws.
So which offers better quality: lab-grown or natural gemstones? Can a typical person tell apart a natural gemstone from a synthetic one?
Here’s what you should know before making your next gemstone purchase.
What Are Natural Gemstones?
Natural gemstones are those that form in nature with little to no human intervention.
Though these gemstones might still be mined, cut, and polished, they retain their “natural” classification.
Natural gemstones can still be faceted and labeled as “natural.” Nonetheless, there’s a rising trend for the unique appeal of uncut stones. No enhancements or alterations are applied to boost color, durability, or value.
Treatments and enhancements are used to correct imperfections like inclusions, cracks, and discoloration. These treatments can make the gemstone more visually appealing, but they are no longer deemed “natural.”
Natural, untreated gemstones can be rarer and more valuable than treated ones, particularly in the case of diamonds-vs-white-sapphires Battle of the Sparkling Stones: Lab Diamonds vs. White Sapphires sapphires.
Often referred to as “real,” natural gemstones have an unquestionable origin and mineral composition. They can vary in size, shape, and color.
These three factors heavily influence the gemstone’s quality and price.
What Are Lab-Created Gemstones?
Lab-created gemstones are those synthesized by scientists in laboratories, rather than being mined after forming over millions of years in the earth.
Lab-grown gemstones take about 6-10 weeks to create, contrasting the natural gemstones’ millions of years of formation.
These gemstones are often referred to as synthetic, lab-grown, human-made, or artificial. Terms like artificial and synthetic can sometimes be misleading.
Lab-grown gemstones can have the same chemical composition as natural ones, making them equally legitimate as gemstones.
If the mineral composition matches that of a natural gemstone, lab-created ones also fall under the “real” category.
Lab-created gemstones are often favored for their lesser environmental impact and fewer resources required, as they don’t necessitate mining.
Natural Versus Lab: Quality
Although the mineral composition of lab-created gemstones is nearly identical to that of natural ones, quality can still vary within each type.
Natural gemstones typically have more imperfections compared to lab-grown counterparts. While nearly flawless natural gemstones exist, they are far rarer than lab-created gems.
Lab-made gemstones have fewer imperfections like inclusions and color variations due to the controlled lab environment.
Lab-grown gemstones possess similar durability to natural ones because of their identical mineral makeup.
Natural Versus Lab: Price
Generally, lab-grown gemstones are more affordable than natural ones, though this varies by gemstone type. For example, creating rubies and gems in a lab is easier and cheaper, and this cost-effectiveness is reflected in their prices.
Substantial price differences exist between lab-grown and natural rubies and sapphires, although this isn’t always the case, particularly with diamonds.
The myriad factors influencing a diamond’s price can lead to minimal differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds. Sometimes, lab-grown diamonds could be up to 30% cheaper.
Many factors influence the pricing, making it complex to determine.
Natural Versus Lab: Appearance
Even though both lab-grown and natural gemstones have the same mineral composition, their appearance can significantly differ. Lab settings allow precise monitoring and control, resulting in more perfect gems.
Lab-grown gemstones generally possess fewer inclusions, enhancing their clarity and color. In the lab, scientists can ensure brilliant sparkle and vibrant colors, producing the exact gemstone desired.
Natural gemstones often boast more imperfections like inclusions, impacting their appearance. Nearly flawless natural gems can be found but are rare and expensive.
Natural gemstones can achieve a similar appearance, often requiring treatments to do so, thereby enhancing color and sparkle.
Can You See the Difference?
For the average person without specialized experience or training, distinguishing between natural and lab-grown gemstones by eye alone can be difficult.
Natural and lab-grown gemstones share the same mineral composition, offering similar durability and overall appearance.
Differences typically lie in imperfections like inclusions and the intensity of color, which require a trained eye and special tools to detect.
Thus, both lab-grown and natural gemstones and jewelry can be confidently purchased.
Sparkle No Matter the Gemstone
Gemstone jewelry pieces are lasting additions to any collection. From ruby rings to diamond necklaces, they stay timeless and stylish for years. Hence, it’s important to select high-quality gemstones.
Whether you choose synthetic or natural gemstones, the key to a stunning jewelry piece lies in quality and appearance. Brilliance guarantees you’ll shine among others.
Eager to find your next luxury piece? Check out our range of crystal earrings, bracelets, and pendant necklaces.
