Learn About Lab Grown Gemstones
Want to learn more about lab grown gemstones? Our guide provides in-depth information on how man-made gems are manufactured and why they are an ethical option.
Valentina Rings is committed to revolutionizing the jewelry industry. Our focus lies in crafting luxurious, high-quality lab created stones that are ethical and conflict-free. By seamlessly blending style and value, we aim to surpass your expectations. Our dedication to these timeless gemstones drives us to shape a future where jewelry becomes a catalyst for positive change.
What Are Lab Grown Gemstones?
When purchasing gemstone jewelry like engagement rings, necklaces, and earrings, many people wonder if lab created gemstones are real? Lab grown gemstones, also known synthetic gemstones or cultured gemstones, are identical to natural stones. However, they offer an ethical and affordable alternative to natural stones, as they eliminate the environmental and social impacts associated with traditional mining practices.
Lab grown stones are created by replicating the natural formation of gemstones in a controlled environment. They are made using advanced techniques that simulate the conditions deep below the Earth’s surface, where natural gemstones are formed over millions of years.
Lab grown gems are initially in irregular or rough shapes and then cut and polished to optimize their brilliance and color. Lab grown gemstones can be created in various colors and gemstone types, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires. A gem’s color depends on its trace elements and ability to refract light, which differentiates them in rarity and demand.
These lab-created gems have gained popularity in the jewelry industry due to their affordability, consistent quality and social responsibility. They are often indistinguishable from natural gems to the naked eye and require specialized gemological equipment to differentiate them.
How Are Lab Grown Gemstones Made?
Creating lab grown gemstones involves a process called gemstone synthesis. The process begins with carefully selecting raw materials suitable for the desired gemstone. These materials can vary depending on the type of gemstone being created.
Seed crystals may be used as templates for growth, and a controlled growth environment is created within a growth chamber or reactor. These elements mimic the conditions necessary for gemstone formation, allowing the crystals to grow over time. Gem-quality crystals are produced through careful manipulation of temperature, pressure, and chemical composition.
Why Choose Lab Grown?
Lab grown gemstones are considered to be more ethical because they have do not rely on the harmful mining practices which can damage the environment and interfere with ecosystems in the areas that they are mined. Additionally, lab created gems are conflict-free. Creating them in a lab not only eliminates the involvement of warlords, drug cartels, and dictators in high conflict areas, but also provides meaningful, living wages to workers, following all local labor laws.
Another benefit of lab grown gemstones is that they offer consistent quality and clarity because they are produced under controlled conditions. These gemstones can be easily traced back to their origin and production process, providing transparency and reassurance to consumers.
Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamond
Ethically Sourced
Lab grown gemstones are created in controlled laboratory environments, which can have positive environmental and social impacts.
High-Quality
Lab grown gemstones are carefully manufactured under controlled conditions, allowing for precise control over their color, clarity, and overall quality.
Affordable
With lab grown gems, you can often get larger or higher-quality stones at a fraction of the price of their natural counterparts.
Lab Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite
Lab Grown Diamond
Lab diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale, making them the hardest gemstone and the most durable choice for everyday wear.
Moissanite
Moissanites are at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, slightly softer than diamonds but still highly durable for daily wear.
Lab Grown Diamond
Lab diamonds have a refractive index of 2.417 to 2.419. They offer a classic sparkle with balanced brilliance, fire, and scintillation, similar to mined diamonds.
Moissanite
Moissanites are slightly more brilliant than diamonds and display more fire. Larger stones (over 1 carat) can appear extra fiery due to their refractive index of 2.64 to 2.69.
Lab Grown Diamond
Lab diamonds can be grown in colorless grades or in fancy colors. They are more affordable in rare colors compared to natural diamonds.
Moissanite
Moissanites are usually colorless or near colorless, but they can also be created in shades like teal, grey, green, yellow, and black.
Lab Grown Diamond
Lab diamonds cost less than mined diamonds but are more expensive than moissanite. Their pricing is based on the 4 C’s and shape.
Moissanite
Moissanite is the most affordable option. Prices depend on size, shape, and color grade, but they are significantly lower than both mined and lab diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamond
Lab diamonds are grown in advanced laboratories using methods like HPHT or CVD, then cut and polished just like natural diamonds.
Moissanite
Moissanite is also lab-created but grown specifically as an alternative gemstone. Once formed, they are cut and polished into jewelry-ready stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lab-grown diamond certificate?tion
A lab-grown diamond certificate is a document that provides important information about a lab-grown diamond. It serves as an official record that verifies the authenticity, quality, and characteristics of the diamond created in a laboratory environment rather than being mined naturally from the Earth.
Do lab-grown diamonds hold value?
Lab-grown diamonds are relatively new on the market, so there’s not a lot of historical data about their value. Unlike natural diamonds, they don’t have a track record of maintaining or increasing in value. That said, they’re a great option if you want to get a larger diamond for your budget.
Do lab-grown diamonds dull or yellow over time?
No, just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds do not dull or yellow over time. That said, you’ll want to get regular cleanings to keep that sparkle.
How long do lab-grown diamonds last?
Lab-grown diamonds last forever, and can be passed down from generation to generation just like natural diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds real?
Yes! Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical makeup as natural diamonds, only they’re made over weeks using advanced science and technology.
Do lab-grown diamonds look cheap?
To the naked eye lab-grown diamonds look no different than natural diamonds. In fact, you can usually get a larger lab-grown diamond for your budget. So lab-grown diamonds might actually look more expensive, when really they’re not.
Are lab-grown diamonds tacky?
This is a subjective question, but obviously we think the answer is no. Diamonds are a classic, versatile, gorgeous gemstone that can be passed down for generations, even if they’re lab-grown.
Are lab-grown diamonds worth anything?
Prices and resale values may go down as manufacturing efficiencies continue but sentimental and personal value will never fade.