What are lab-grown gemstones?

Can you tell the difference between a mined gemstone and one that has been created synthetically? We’re here to help you discover the differences.

Introduction

Lab-grown gemstones are created in a laboratory, using a process called hydrothermal synthesis. They are made from the same elements as natural stones but have different chemical compositions and crystal structures. This means they can be made to look exactly like their natural counterparts--but with all of the advantages of being grown in a lab!

Lab-grown gems have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their sustainability, ethical sourcing, and affordability compared with mined gemstones (which are often sourced from countries where human rights abuses occur).

Production Process

The production process for lab-grown gemstones is similar to that of mined gems. The main difference is that it takes place in a controlled environment, rather than in nature. In most cases, the same materials used to make mined gems are also used in the creation of lab-grown ones--namely, diamonds and other minerals (like sapphires, quartz and agates).

When you're shopping for a diamond ring or necklace online, you'll likely see "Lab Created" or "Man Made Diamonds" listed as one of its attributes. This means it was created by humans using cutting-edge technology instead of being pulled out from under ground like most natural diamonds are today.

Cost-Effectiveness

The cost-effectiveness of lab-grown gemstones is an important factor in their popularity. The price difference between a mined gemstone and its lab-grown equivalent can be significant, but it varies depending on the type of stone you're looking at.

For example, according to the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), a round diamond weighing 1 carat (0.2 grams) costs $5,000 USD when mined and only $1,000 USD when grown in a lab environment using high pressure/high temperature (HPHT) technology. This means that consumers who are shopping for engagement rings or other diamond jewellery can save hundreds or thousands of dollars by choosing lab-grown diamonds over mined ones--and still get exactly what they want!

Ethical Benefits

• Minimal environmental impact.

• Conflict-free production.

• Fair labour practices.

Comparison to Mined Gems

When you're shopping for a gemstone, it's important to know the difference between lab-grown and mined gems. Lab-grown stones are created in a controlled environment and have many benefits over their mined counterparts:

• They're more affordable. Mined gems are often sold at a higher price because they require extensive labour and resources to extract from the earth--and even then, they may not have perfect clarity or coloration. When you buy lab-grown stones, however, there's no need for these costly processes since they can be made quickly in an artificial environment with little waste or environmental impact. * They're more sustainable than natural ones. * You won't find any conflict stones on our site! We only use ethically sourced lab-created gemstones.

Conclusion

Synthetic gemstones are an excellent choice if you're looking for something special but don't want to spend a lot of money. They can be just as beautiful as natural gems and will last longer than most synthetic materials. If you want an emerald or ruby, for example, there are plenty of options available in the synthetic world that won't break the bank like their natural counterparts would!

For more information about how synthetic gems are made, read our blog on The Creation of Synthetic Gems