What could be more delicate, meaningful, and unique than fine jewelry. This art form dates back to the Paleolithic period (about 2.58 million years ago), and to this day, jewelry remains one of the most important and rewarding investments. We wear it close to our hearts, brains, and pulse points, using it to symbolize and mark important milestones in life, from birthdays to graduations to weddings. There are countless ways to classify jewelry, and one of the latest innovations – lab-grown gemstones – is offering a more sustainable and affordable alternative to natural diamonds and is quickly becoming an industry trend. If you’re wondering what we’re talking about, or which one you should choose the next time you buy a new gemstone, you’ve come to the right place: Next, see our guide to lab-grown gemstones.
What Are Lab-Grown Gemstones?
Simply put, lab-grown gemstones are made in a laboratory, while natural gemstones are formed over billions of years in the earth. Lab-grown (or synthetic) diamonds are grown from tiny diamond “seeds” that are subjected to ultra-high heat and intense pressure. “Lab-grown gemstones are precious and semi-precious stones, and they are cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions using a process that mimics the formation of the same environmental pressures and temperatures as natural gemstones beneath the earth’s surface,” explains director Akshi Javiri, founder and creative of Grown Brilliance.
To the naked eye, lab-grown gemstones and natural gemstones look almost identical – they differ mainly in their aura and origin. Lab-grown diamonds have the same sparkle, quality and overall appearance as natural diamonds:”The only difference between lab-grown and mined diamonds is the origin,” says Jean Dousset, founder of jewelry. ” “…… The beauty and brilliance remain the same, and Kathryn Edison Money, senior vice president of sales and retail expansion at Brilliant Earth, added that lab-grown gemstones “have the same consistency as natural gemstones in terms of color, quality, and hardness.” Because they are grown in a controlled environment, lab-grown gemstones, if not defective, are rarely. ”
The history of laboratory-made jewelry
Over the past few years, lab-grown gemstones have saturated television broadcasts and the market. While they may seem like they appear out of nowhere, they have actually been brewing and crystallizing for decades.
Jarveli tells us that lab-grown gemstones “embody an incredible combination between science and art, as well as the evolution of conscious consumers in the luxury sector”. “The birth of lab-grown diamonds can be traced back to the 50s of the 20th century, when GE scientists first succeeded in creating industrial-grade diamonds under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. It wasn’t until the late 80s of the 20th century that the process was perfected enough to produce gem-quality diamonds.”
When lab-grown gemstones became possible,”it marked a huge shift in the world of gemstones – we were no longer just talking about diamonds, but also about colored gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds,” Jhaveri adds. “As the turn of the century and consumer awareness grew, lab-grown jewelry began to receive more attention.”
Now, more prominently and respectedly than ever before, lab-grown gemstones are prominent and respected in the jewelry industry. “In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially recognized lab-grown diamonds as diamonds and gave lab-grown jewelry [seal of approval],” Jhaveri told us. “There is no longer a need for ‘synthetic’ or ‘artificial’ labels.”
Advantages and Disadvantages:
When it comes to choosing a natural or lab-grown gemstone, it all comes down to personal preference and what you consider to be a priority. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are outlined below:
Lab-Grown Gemstones
Advantages
- Affordable price point: Lab-grown gemstones are more affordable in almost all cases.
- Recourse to ethical issues: Jhaveri notes that “lab-grown diamonds do appeal to a new generation of conscious consumers” because they are more accessible and reputable jewelers practice ethical practices. “Lab-grown diamonds can be a responsible choice because they are grown using precision technology and there is no mining involved,” Mani added.
- Good quality and appearance:“You can’t tell the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds without specialized equipment, they look the same,” says Money. “Lab-grown diamonds may exhibit trace elements that are different from other diamonds. A natural diamond that does not affect the appearance of the diamond.”
All in all,”lab diamonds are a revolution in the industry,” Dusset said. They provide people with access to and prices for the most loved and admired gemstones without the financial burden of restricting many people from getting what they want, whether it’s size, quality, or both. Until now, only a few people have been able to truly own all of this – they remain largely a luxury and luxury, and retain the same meaning and sentimental value.”
Disadvantages
- Lower resale value: Lab-grown gemstones, like technical equipment, are exciting, and more are being born every day, so they can lose most of their value quickly. If you want to sell, evaluate, or trade lab-grown gemstones in the future, you may find that it is worth only a fraction of what you originally purchased.
- Cultural Perception: Lab-grown gemstones do not have the same aura, history and rarity as natural gemstones. Natural stone comes from the earth and is seen as an ancient and magical treasure, while lab-grown stone has not gained such a reputation because any laboratory with the right ability can make them.
- Ethics aren’t always clear-cut: there can be “greenwashing” in the stone spaces where labs are built – not all labs are environmentally friendly, and as with all factories, labor practices are not ethically practiced by default. If you’re buying lab-made stone, be sure to learn about the company’s practices and certifications.
Natural Gemstones
Advantages
- Sentimental value: There is an unbeatable feeling to own and wear a magical stone that has been formed on Earth over billions of years. They are hard to come by, have significant historical significance, and are earthly works of art. If you’re looking for a very special piece to commemorate an occasion, this makes them a great choice.
- Long-lasting monetary value: Natural diamonds have always been rare and valuable, and they will become more valuable over time.
- Improving Practices: Mining can and should be ethical. With the growing popularity of lab-grown gemstones and growing consumer awareness across all markets, gem dealers and jewelry companies are becoming more transparent, with some jewelers focusing on ethical sourcing for decades.
Disadvantages
- Ethical inconsistency: Historically, unethical practices have existed in mines, and mining can be dangerous and destructive. If you’re buying jewelry that contains natural diamonds or gemstones, be sure to only buy from designers and jewelers who source materials from ethical, transparent, eco-friendly sources. A trusted jeweler will be able to provide you with the information behind the gemstone, usually a certificate.
- Higher price: Since diamonds and other gemstones are very rare, they can be quite expensive. If you’re looking for more casual pieces or items that you anticipate won’t be enough to wear to justify the price, they’re less readily available.
Natural and Lab-Grown Gemstones
Both are real diamonds, made entirely of carbon – the difference is again in origin and age. Natural diamonds are self-formed, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory. Natural diamonds take billions of years to form, a process that occurs when the enormous natural pressure on carbon is exerted miles below the Earth’s surface. Lab-grown diamonds take only three to six weeks from seed to completion.
The 4 C’s (color, cut, clarity, and carat) for grading natural diamonds are also used in lab-grown diamonds, as it is easier to find flawless lab-grown diamonds because they are man-made diamonds. natural stone. Perfectly perfect natural diamonds are rarer, which adds monetary and symbolic value.
When it comes to the environmental impact and carbon footprint of natural stone and lab-grown stone, there is no black and white answer. Factors such as mining conditions, chemicals, and transportation all need to be considered, and the situation varies widely from source to source. If protecting and supporting the environment is a top priority, the most sustainable action you can take when choosing a gemstone is to choose vintage or repurposed gemstones from ethical sources.
