Lab Created Gemstones: Myths vs. Facts

 

Gemstones have been prized for their beauty and rarity for centuries. Traditionally, natural gemstones have been the go-to for those looking to adorn themselves with luxury and elegance. However, with advancements in technology, Lab Created Stones has become a popular and accessible alternative. Despite their growing popularity, many myths and misconceptions surround these lab-created wonders. This article aims to dispel those myths and present the facts about lab-created gemstones.

 

Myth 1: Lab Created Gemstones are Fake

 

Fact: Lab-created stones are not fake; they are real gemstones. The key difference lies in their origin. Natural gemstones are formed over millions of years under the earth's surface, while lab-created gemstones are grown in controlled environments using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural conditions. Chemically, physically, and optically, lab-created gemstones are identical to their natural counterparts.

 

Myth 2: Lab Created Gemstones are of Inferior Quality

 

Fact: Lab-created gemstones can be of equal or even superior quality compared to natural gemstones. In a controlled lab environment, conditions can be optimized to produce flawless stones without the inclusions and imperfections often found in natural stones. This means lab-created gemstones can exhibit better color, clarity, and overall visual appeal.

 

Myth 3: Lab Created Gemstones Have No Value

 

Fact: While it's true that lab-created stones are typically less expensive than natural ones, this does not mean they lack value. The value of a gemstone is often determined by factors such as beauty, rarity, and demand. Lab-created gemstones offer an affordable option without compromising on beauty and quality, making them valuable in their own right. Additionally, as awareness and acceptance of lab-created gemstones grow, their value continues to increase.

 

Myth 4: Lab Created Gemstones are Not Durable

 

Fact: Lab-created gemstones are just as durable as their natural counterparts. Since they share the same chemical composition and structure, they also share the same hardness and durability. For example, lab-created sapphires and rubies are just as hard as natural ones, making them suitable for everyday wear and perfect for jewelry that needs to withstand the test of time.

 

Popular Lab Created Gemstones

 

Now that we've debunked some common myths, let's explore some popular lab-created gemstones that are making waves in the jewelry market today.

1. Lab-Created Sapphires

 

Sapphires, especially the deep blue variety, have long been a symbol of royalty and sophistication. Lab created sapphire is chemically identical to natural sapphires and offers the same rich hues and exceptional durability. They are available in a range of colors, including pink, yellow, and green, allowing for a wide variety of design possibilities. The affordability and ethical production of lab-created sapphires make them an attractive option for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.

 

2. Lab-Created Rubies

 

Lab-created rubies are another popular choice. Known for their vivid red color, natural rubies can be extremely expensive, particularly those with high clarity and deep, rich color. Lab created rubies offer the same stunning red hues at a more accessible price point. They are created using methods like Flame Fusion and the Verneuil process, ensuring high-quality stones that are virtually indistinguishable from natural rubies to the naked eye.

 

3. Lab-Created Emeralds

 

Emeralds, with their lush green color, are a favorite among gemstone enthusiasts. However, natural emeralds often contain inclusions and fractures, making them more fragile. Lab created emeralds, grown using methods like hydrothermal synthesis, can be produced with fewer inclusions and better clarity. These results in a more robust stone that still boasts the captivating green color those emerald lovers seek.

 

4. Lab-Created Alexandrite

 

Alexandrite is renowned for its unique color-changing properties, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. Natural alexandrite is extremely rare and expensive. Lab created alexandrite offers an affordable alternative, allowing more people to enjoy this fascinating gemstone. The synthetic versions exhibit the same remarkable color changes, making them a popular choice for unique and personalized jewelry pieces.

 

Environmental and Ethical Benefits

 

One of the significant advantages of lab-created gemstones is their lower environmental impact. Traditional gemstone mining can result in significant environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Lab-created gemstones, on the other hand, are produced in controlled environments that require less energy and resources.

 

Furthermore, the ethical concerns associated with natural gemstone mining, such as exploitative labor practices and funding of conflicts (often referred to as "blood diamonds"), are mitigated with lab-created gemstones. Consumers can purchase these stones with the confidence that they are supporting sustainable and ethical practices.

 

Conclusion

 

Lab-created gemstones offer a compelling alternative to natural gemstones, combining beauty, quality, and affordability. The myths surrounding these stones often stem from a lack of understanding and outdated perceptions. As technology continues to advance, the quality and variety of lab-created gemstones will only improve, making them an increasingly popular choice for jewelry lovers and conscientious consumers alike.