So you get high-quality lab-created stones, and their prices are significantly lower than their natural gemstone counterparts. Because lab-created stones rely on a steady, controlled process of applying minerals, heat and pressure, they usually have fewer inclusions. The main distinction is natural gems typically have inclusions from the crystallization process - gases and other minerals mixing during the molten stage of stone creation. It takes a trained eye, high magnification and other instruments. The average person would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a natural and lab-created stone.

The mineral composition of lab-created stones is created through a process similar to what nature does beneath the earth over millions of years, but in a lab at a fraction of the time, and for a fraction of the cost of mining. An imitation gemstone, while also artificially made, does not follow nature’s recipe, so it’s completely different physically, chemically and optically from the natural gem it copies. They are grown in a laboratory but are identical chemically, physically and optically to natural gems. They're not gem imitations lab-created gemstones are the real deal. The more expensive and hard-to-find natural gems in jewelry, such as diamond (white and fancy color), sapphire (blue and other colors), emerald, ruby and opal, are favorite lab-created stones. That's why lab-created gemstones are available as alternatives. Yet some of these gemstones are rarer, harder to get, and quite expensive. To others, they're meaningful as birthstones, symbolic for their legendary power, or simply beloved as a favorite signature color. To some, they're badges of wealth and success - think Hollywood stars at award shows dripping with rubies or emeralds. They mean something different to each wearer. Gemstones in jewelry are colorful, romantic and personal. Stones created in a lab are chemically, physically and optically identical to those mined underground - but they have fewer flaws, a lighter carbon footprint and cost less, too.

Lab grown white sapphire