The Rise of Lab Created Gemstones
Whilst natural gemstones have long been the desired choice for those special jewellery purchases, lab created gemstones are increasing in popularity. Not to be confused with synthetic substitute, lab created stones means that you can have equally beautiful alternatives to the rarest and most beautiful gems.
What are the Different Types of Gemstones?
Natural Gemstones
Natural gemstones are formed of rock, crystals, minerals and other organic materials. These precious stones are formed using a specific combination of temperature, pressure, time and space, deep inside the earth. Before they are cut, gems look like ordinary rocks. It is only once they have been cut ad polished that the gems take on their high value. Many of these gems such as emerald, ruby and opal are difficult to find therefore making the natural variants highly priced.
Lab Created Gemstones
Lab created gemstones follow the same mineral composition of natural gems and mimic the natural formation process under controlled lab conditions. Whilst natural gems typically have inclusions formed from gases and other minerals, lab created stones usually have fewer inclusions. To the average person, it would be very difficult to tell the difference between natural and lab created gems. Only a trained eye with the correct equipment may be able to distinguish in between the two.
Simulated Gemstones
Simulated gemstones are commonly synthetic stones used to imitate natural gemstones. Often using glass pieces and assembled stones. These can be presented as another gem, however gemmological analysis would reveal its true composition as an imitation.
What are the Benefits of Lab Created Gemstones?
- Cost effective – lab created gemstones require less resources and money than natural mined gemstones.
- More environmentally friendly – the method of lab creation is far more environmentally friendly due to the lack of destruction it causes.
- Identical to mined gemstones – these gemstones are chemically, physically and optically identical to those mined underground making them the real deal.
Lab Created Gemstone Jewellery at Ruby & Oscar
Shop the stylish range of gemstone jewellery and read our blog on how to wear gemstone jewellery for the best style tips.
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