When it comes to gemstones, the debate of natural and lab-grown is a hot topic. It can be challenging to decide which option is superior because each has certain benefits.
In this blog post, discuss the differences between natural and lab-grown gemstones.
You should be well informed on the differences between natural and lab-grown gemstones and better understand which one is right for you.
What are natural gemstones?
Natural gemstone are stones that have grown over a long, long period deep under the surface of our planet. Different elements subjected to extremely high temperatures and pressures react with each other to form gems.
Most gemstones form in the Earth's crust, while a few form in a deeper layer called the mantle because they require even higher temperatures to crystallize.
What Are Lab-Created Gemstones?
Lab-created stones are made in a lab using a process similar to the one that occurs beneath the Earth for natural stones. The only difference is that these stones cost much less and take less time. The terms "artificial," "man-made," "synthetic," or "Lab Grown gemstone" can also be used to describe lab-created gemstones. Yet, their qualities are exactly the same as those of mined gemstones.
● High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT): A gemstone seed is placed in carbon and then exposed to extreme HPHT Diamond Gems that imitate what's found below the Earth's surface. There is a stone that has crystallized after the carbon melts and cools.
● Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): A methane-filled chamber is used to heat a gemstone seed slice to extremely high temperatures. Then, tiny layers of crystal slowly "grow" onto the seed, eventually forming a complete stone CVD Diamond Gems.
What Are the Differences Between Natural and Lab-Created Gems?
The main difference between lab-created and natural gemstones is how they are made. Advanced technology is used in a controlled environment to manufacture lab-created gemstones. Compared to what is found in nature, this makes quality and color more uniform.
Natural gemstones are created by nature over millions of years and are subject to imperfections caused by the Earth's formation processes.
Differentiating natural and lab-created gemstones can be tricky, but some key characteristics can help you tell them apart. Here is a closer look at the differences between natural and lab-created gemstones:
● Appearance: Lab-created gemstones are often made from inexpensive materials and have a uniform appearance. On the other hand, natural gemstones are formed by nature over time and have unique variations in color, clarity, and cut. However, keep in mind that both types of stones are graded using the four C’s.
● Cost: Because natural gemstones are rarer and must be mined from the Earth, they are more expensive. In contrast, Lab Created Gems typically cost less than natural gemstones because they are mass-produced.
● Durability: Lab-created gemstones are often made of stronger materials and are more resistant to wear and tear. Natural gemstones, depending on the gem, can be more fragile and may be susceptible to damage.
● Value: Natural gemstones' creation process and rarity make them more valuable. Because of this, their value also increases over time. Alternatively, lab-created gemstones typically hold a lower value. While this makes them more affordable to purchase initially, you will receive a lower return on your investment if you ever decide to sell the gemstone.
Fortunately, without looking at a stone with special equipment at very high magnification, it is difficult to see any physical difference between a lab-created stone and a natural stone. The biggest differences are seen in the creation process and the value of the two stones. Many may opt for a lab-created gem as a more affordable option since its appearance resembles a natural one.
Choice gemstone that is perfect for you
There is the perfect place to start if you buy natural gemstones for jewelry making. There are various gemstones in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you're looking for a specific stone or something that suits your tastes, here is the perfect gemstone.
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