Are They Real?
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Ever come across the words “lab-created” or “lab-grown” when shopping for jewelry? You probably have as they are more common on the market than ever before. While the terms seem self-explanatory, they also create some big misconceptions. Let’s take a closer look at these gemstones and answer the big question: Are those real?
What are Lab-Created Gemstones?
The main misconception about lab-created gems is that they are “fake” stones. They are not. These diamonds and gemstones are grown in the laboratory and are 100% chemically, physically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts. The only detectable difference is that lab-created stones have few if any inclusions; these can only be seen by a trained eye with a strong magnification instrument. To the naked eye, there should be no difference between a natural and lab-grown diamond or gemstone.
The Benefits of Lab-Created Gemstones
So what are the benefits of a lab-created stone? For starters, they are more affordable than their natural equivalent. That doesn’t mean they are cheap, however. It is easy to find lab-created jewelry that goes well into the thousands of dollars. But take any lab-created stone and its carat equivalent in a natural stone would be significantly higher. This means if you want to go with bigger bling, lab-created stones allow you to do so for less money.
Another benefit these rocks have is that they have fewer defects. You actually are getting a better quality gem in terms of clarity and flawlessness in the lab-grown option. Also, since no mining is involved which contributes to the depletion of resources, lab-created gems are the choice for the eco-conscious buyer. Color selection is another plus. Since these stones are grown under controlled conditions, colors that rarely occur in nature can be produced at will. This means truly rare stones, which you never would find in a local jewelry shop, can be produced for more people to enjoy.
Lab-Created Gems vs Natural Gems
So why are natural diamonds and gemstones valued at a higher price if lab-created stones are more flawless? Because society simply values them more. Marketing campaigns, diamond myths, and the human inclination to see something natural as more precious than something engineered in a lab, have led to mined stones being the more valued choice.
Lab-created gemstones increase the selection of stones we have in the market and make it more affordable to acquire what are otherwise very rare gems. They also provide us with a eco-friendly alternative to the ever destructive process of mining our finite resources.
