Which Types of Gemstones Suit You? Natural vs Lab-Grown – Do You Know The Difference?
Jewelry is one of the most amazing forms of gift you can present to your loved ones. It can be in the form of necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and other unique forms crafted by a master craftsman using precious gemstones.
While some precious stones are created by mother nature. Others are fashioned with man-made alternatives, which in some cases can be superior in brilliance. Quality and appearance that matches or even superior to the one created by mother nature.
This article will help you to become a wise jewelry buyer.
Fun Fact: A precious gemstone that is lab-created does not mean to be low-quality. But instead are usually of higher quality than those found in nature. Not only they are usually flawless and are much cheaper. Surprised?
Keep reading to find out why!
Types of Gemstones
There are many terms used to describe gemstones, which many jewelry lovers such as you may or may not know. Let’s dive in and learn about it!
- Natural Gemstone
- Genuine Gemstone
- Enhanced or Treated Gemstone
- Lab-Grown, Created, Synthetic, Artificial, or Man-Made Gemstone
- Simulated Gemstone
- Brand Name Gemstone
What is a Natural Gemstone?
Natural gemstones are formed in nature by mother nature with no human interference. If a stone is identified as natural, this means that it has not been treated, enhanced, or altered.
These gemstones are mined, cut, faceted, and finally polished.
As Natural Gemstones are generally rare in nature. These precious gemstones are the most expensive.
What is a Genuine Gemstone?
Genuine means “Real”. A genuine gemstone is a naturally occurring gemstone that is treated in some way or other. Treatment mainly enhances its cut or appearance to allow the gemstone to shine in its brilliance.
Some other terms that is used to describe these gemstones are “enhanced” or “treated” stones.
Why do stones get treated?
As natural gemstones are created in nature in an environmental condition that varies over millions of years. Though pretty, these gemstones have one major difference from man-made gemstones.
All-natural gemstones when seen up close, you may notice them have discoloration, cracks, or inclusions.
Treatments are applied by master craftsmen to fix these “flaws” in the stone. In addition to the rarity of the gemstone, the manpower that is used to treat these precious gems leads to the high cost of the natural gemstone.
What is a Lab-Grown Gemstone?
Probably just as the name suggests, these precious gemstones are man-made and are made in a laboratory using cutting-edge technology. Some other terms that are used are “created”, “synthetic”, “artificial”, “lab-created” and “man-made” gems.
Grown in the laboratory, these precious gemstones have the exact chemical composition of the same gemstone that is created in mother nature.
From the brilliance to the hardness and chemical composition, they are identical to natural gemstones.
One big difference between these lab-grown gemstones and those found in nature is; that Lab-grown are generally flawless and those found in nature do have some discoloration, cracks, or inclusions when seen up close.
Some love the beauty of the Natural Gemstones because of the uniqueness of each gemstone, others will prefer the Lab-Grown Gems which are flawless.
What is a Simulated Gemstone?
These gemstones though the chemical composition is not the same, they look almost like the gemstone it is simulating.
Sometimes its brilliance might even outshine the gemstone it is simulating. These special gemstones are also called “alternatives” and are usually served as additional stone options that might be a better fit based on personal preferences.
One such gemstone that is usually found in the market is Simulated Diamonds. Cubic Zirconia, another precious gemstone is often used as an alternative to diamond. With the appearance and brilliance comparable to a million-dollar diamond. The cost of buying such beauty is just a fraction of a natural diamond.
Recently, there is an uptrend on couples choosing a simulated diamond engagement ring over a traditional diamond engagement ring.
Popular Brands are seen selling these breathtaking simulated diamonds in the form of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in the price range of USD$50 to over USD$1,000.
They are the best alternative to a natural diamond. A diamond alternative that doesn’t break your bank.
Fun Fact: Any type of gemstone can be a stimulant. A genuine million-dollar white sapphire can also be a diamond simulant as well if you wish so.
What is a Brand Name Gemstone?
A brand-name gemstone can be a natural gemstone, a genuine gemstone, or even a synthetic or simulated gemstone.
The brand is typically registered to provide the naming rights to the business. It is to help the consumer identify the brand which usually gives the customer the feeling of a higher quality (not always the case).
A brand-name gemstone is typically priced higher than a non-branded equivalent. Examples of Brand Name Gemstone include Swarovski® crystals and Moissanite®, both of which are lab-grown and man-made.
In short, any gemstone can be a Brand Name Gemstone.
Simulated vs. Genuine vs. Lab-Grown, Which Should You Choose?
Choosing what suits you can be really hard sometimes. And choosing to see which is better is very subjective to the person who is buying. It can depend on many variables and the types of gemstones you are seeking.
Fear not, we have designed a few questions which you can ask yourself to help you in seeking the best gemstones which will suit your needs.
If you love the idea of getting a gemstone that is unique, which is one-of-a-kind, and high in value. Genuine Gemstone can be a great choice.
If you are an environmentalist and are concerned about how mining has impacted the environment. Lab-Grown Gemstone may be a better choice.
If you are an environmentalist and love the thrill of getting an amazing gemstone at a fraction of the cost. Simulated Gemstone might be a great choice
Gemstones comes in all shape and sizes.
The perfect gift is not always expensive but is always a Gift true from your heart.
