Man vs. Nature – Lab Grown Gemstones

Lab grown gemstones, often referred to as gemstones with the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural gemstones, are created by artificial methods in a laboratory setting, rather than being formed by geological processes deep within the earth over hundreds of millions of years. This method can be used to produce various types of gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds.

Lab-grown gemstones have become more and more popular in recent years, and have also been recognized by jewelry industry organizations, as well as favored by big names in the fashion industry in Europe and the United States, and the number of people who buy them has been increasing year by year. I believe there is a lot of confusion, such as what is the difference between these man-made lab-grown gemstones and natural gemstones? Let’s help you analyze it from the following aspects:

What is the difference in growth between the two?

The more commonly used methods for creating rubies and sapphires in the laboratory are the flame fusion, flux, lift and hydrothermal methods. Of these, flaming is the cheapest method of creating any gemstone, while hydrothermal is the most expensive and is the cultivation technique that most closely mimics the formation of natural gemstones. Hydrothermal, in which minerals are subjected to high temperatures and pressures in a “pressure cooker”, mimics the environment in which rubies and sapphires are naturally formed.

What is the difference between natural and lab-grown?

Use cultivated sapphire and natural sapphire as examples:

1. Chemical composition: Al2O3 is the main component of both.

2. Mineral type: both belong to the same mineral – corundum

3. Crystal structure: both belong to the tripartite crystal system

Chemically and physically, the same materials make up both natural and laboratory-grown gemstones, which have the same atomic structure and crystal habit. Gemological laboratories identify both laboratory-grown and natural gemstones as forms of corundum. Laboratory-grown gemstones are true gemstones. 

Do lab-grown gemstones grow faster?

The process of cultivating gemstones in a laboratory environment is much faster than their formation in nature. By employing advanced technological processes, scientists are able to mimic the conditions under which gemstones are naturally formed deep within the earth and accelerate their growth process under tightly controlled conditions. For example, the growth phase of a one-carat gemstone from raw material to finished product may take only about three months. These lab-grown stones are then subjected to the same evaluation process as naturally mined stones, which is based on the “Four Cs” criteria – Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight. The quality of the cut is particularly important, as it directly determines the sparkle of the stone.

Are lab-grown gemstones less expensive?

Natural gemstones are buried deep in the earth’s crust, and some of them are so rare and difficult to obtain from arduous mining that they are quite expensive to mine. Lab-grown gemstones, on the other hand, not only take less time to grow, but also cost a fraction of the cost of mining to cultivate. For the price of one 1 carat natural gemstone, you can buy several or even a dozen lab-grown gems of the same high quality.

Can both be authenticated and certified?

Yes, nowadays international authoritative appraisal organizations, like the well-known GIA, IGI, GRC third-party certification organizations can certify. There is a difference between the two certificates. If it is laboratory-grown, the certificate will be clearly labeled with the words “Laboratory Grown”.

Is there any way to tell the two apart?

It is very difficult to tell a natural gemstone from a lab-produced gemstone with the naked eye, however there is testing equipment available in the market that can easily distinguish between them. If your cultivated gemstone is guaranteed to have certification from a reputable third-party certifying body such as GIA, IGI or GRC, you will see the gemstone laser-engraved with a logo indicating that it is a lab gemstone.

Broad classification of lab gemstones:

1. Lab rubies: rubies grown under laboratory conditions by simulating the process of natural ruby formation

2. Lab sapphires: sapphires grown in laboratory conditions by simulating the natural sapphire formation process

3. Lab Paraiba: Gemstones with a color similar to that of natural Paraiba tourmaline, produced in a laboratory environment.

4. Lab Alexandrite: Cultured Alexandrite (also known as Cultured Variegated) produced in a laboratory environment.

5. Lab Cobalt Blue Spinel: a blue colored spinel produced artificially by the addition of an appropriate amount of cobalt (Co).

6. Lab Paphlacha: a precious gemstone variety of pinkish-orange or peach color synthesized by artificial methods under laboratory conditions

7. Lab emeralds: varieties of emerald gemstones artificially cultivated under laboratory conditions.

Market status and availability:

Consumer Trends: Younger generation of consumers are more inclined to buy products that are reasonably priced and have a social conscience.

Investment Interest: Investors see the potential of cultivated gemstones as a new investment sector.

Market Education: Industry players are making efforts to educate consumers about cultivated gemstones to increase market awareness.

Capacity Expansion: Some companies are expanding their production capacity, especially in major producing countries like China.

Large Carat Cultured Gemstones: The ability to produce large carat cultured gemstones is increasing with technological advancements, which meets the needs of the high-end market.

Regional Preferences: Preferences for gemstones may vary from region to region, which also affects the market acceptance of cultivated gemstones.

International trade: Changes in trade policies and tariffs in the international market may also affect the import and export of cultivated gemstones.

New market opportunities: The cultivated gemstone industry is an area of interest for investors seeking new investment opportunities.

Brand competition: Traditional jewelry brands as well as emerging brands are joining the cultivated gemstone market, increasing competition.

Price wars: Price competition is likely to intensify as the number of market participants increases.

Distribution channels: online sales platforms have become one of the important sales channels, increasing product accessibility.

In summary, the choice between cultivated or natural gemstones depends largely on one’s values, budget, and level of concern for sustainability and ethical issues. Although cultivated and natural gemstones are almost identical in terms of physical and chemical properties, there are differences in how they are formed, their market value, environmental impact and cultural significance. If you value environmental and social responsibility, sustainability and transparency, cultivated gemstones are a good choice. And if you value tradition, rarity and possible investment value more, then natural gemstones may be more attractive.