Natural Gemstones Vs. Lab Grown Gemstones

Imagine a sci-fi movie where the hero can’t tell if the person standing before them is human or a robot. Now, what if I say we have a similar dilemma in the jewelry world—natural gemstones vs. lab-grown gemstones!

Both sparkle, both dazzle, but do they tell the same story? Gemstones born deep within the earth are the real deal. They are unique, timeless and a little dramatic. 

On the contrary, lab grown gems are the tech-savvy newcomers—eco-friendly and accessible. Choosing between the two isn’t just about looks; it’s about values, budgets and that wow factor.

Are you a purist who loves nature’s quirks or a trendsetter embracing innovation? Don’t worry; I’m here to break it down for you. Let’s dive into this sparkling face-off to find your perfect match!

The Charisma of Natural Gemstones

Natural gemstones are the originals, straight from the earth’s treasure chest. They take over millions of years to form, making each one a little piece of history.

Think of them like vintage wine—older, rarer and always accumulating value. Hollywood beauty Rihanna often wears natural ruby, showing that these gems have the ultimate red-carpet appeal.

A natural gemstone isn’t just a pretty stone; it’s the result of an ancient process, with its own unique flaws. These stones come from mother nature, making them as rare and unique as a unicorn.

If you’re after a gem with a story, natural stones are your ticket. They’re the true showstoppers and no lab-made replica can top that.

The Sparkle of Lab Grown Gemstones

Lab grown gemstones, also known as synthetic gemstones, are the tech-savvy counterparts of natural gemstones. Created in controlled laboratories, they have all the sparkle without the centuries of wait.

These gems are chemically identical to natural ones, just their origins are different. The best part is that you get all the beauty of a natural gem at a fraction of the price.

Also, synthetic gemstones have a lower environmental impact. Hence, they’re perfect for those who want to save the planet while looking fabulous. We’ve all seen Harry Potter star Emma Watson sporting eco-friendly jewelry.

If you’re all about modern elegance and sustainability, these gems are your go-to. They’re the future and the future is shiny!  

Differences Between Natural & Lab Grown Gemstones

Natural and lab grown gemstones may look identical, but they are worlds apart. While natural gems are unique, with their own imperfections and characteristics, lab-grown gemstones offer a level of precision. And both types of stones have their appeal plus they come with different price tags and environmental impacts. 

Also, it’s important to note that lab grown gems are still technically artificial, meaning man-made. However, the term artificial gemstone has taken a bit of distortion due to its usage as a substitute for fake.

Fakes or imitation stones or stimulants are the ones which are passed off as the original due to their resemblance.

What once referred to “fake” stones now represents scientifically engineered gems that are virtually identical to natural ones. It’s like calling a finely crafted, high-tech replica “artificial”.

Rarity and Availability

Gemstones, such as natural sapphire, natural emerald & natural ruby, are unique, rare and their scarcity is part of their allure. Each natural stone is extraordinary due to its geological formation, making it a one-of-a-kind treasure.

In contrast, lab created gemstones can be produced in large quantities at a time, making them widely available to everyone. 

While you won’t have to go on a wild expedition for a natural gemstone but you pay the price for someone doing it for you. On the contrary, the easy availability of lab grown gemstones makes their prices generally more accessible.

The ease of access and affordability makes them a great option for anyone who enjoys variety without breaking the bank.

Inclusions and Flaws

Inclusions in natural gemstones tell a story—they reveal the conditions under which the gem is formed.

These imperfections can make each gem truly one-of-a-kind, adding to its beauty, charm and rarity. For gemstone lovers, it’s like owning a piece of nature, with all its flaws and wonders.

Now , if we talk about lab made gemstones, experts create them to meet exact standards of clarity and lawlessness.

They come out pristine, without any of the quirks found in their natural counterparts. All in all, natural gems might have a bit of character whereas lab-grown ones are perfectionists. 

Cultural Significance

Natural gems have been symbols of power, love and status for centuries. Cleopatra’s emeralds or the British Crown Jewels owe their allure to their natural origins.

Synthetic gemstones, such as lab grown ruby and lab grown sapphire, though dazzling, are yet to create a cultural footprint. They’re modern, perfect for those who want style without history.

While they don’t yet have the same status, lab grown gems are quickly gaining ground with their sustainable and ethical appeal.

As more people embrace modern values, these stones are beginning to be seen as symbols of progress and conscious luxury. They’re the future of gemstones just without the centuries-old backstory.

Sustainability and Ethics

The extraction of natural gemstones can sometimes involve exploitative practices, particularly in areas where regulations are lax.

As a result, buyers may be unknowingly supporting harmful industries, making it difficult to feel good about their purchase.

In contrast, lab created or artificial gemstones provide peace of mind, as they have a much smaller carbon footprint. 

They are produced in facilities that are transparent about their sourcing and practices. By choosing lab-grown, consumers are aligning their love for beautiful stones with their values of sustainability and fairness.

This growing trend toward responsible consumption is changing the way we view luxury, shifting the focus from extraction to creation.

Investment Value

When it comes to price, natural gemstones are the high rollers. Because of their rarity, age and the effort it takes to mine them, they come with a hefty price tag.

A natural emerald or ruby can cost you an arm and a leg—sometimes even more if it’s especially rare. But that’s not the case with synthetic gemstones, instead they are budget-friendly. 

To be more precise, lab grown gemstones offer the same visual appeal but at a fraction of the cost. You can get a dazzling lab grown sapphire for much less than a natural one.

If you’re all about that luxe look without emptying your bank account, lab-grown gems are like finding a hidden treasure. 

The Final Sparkle

Choosing between natural and lab-grown gemstones comes down to what matters most to you—whether it’s rarity, history, ethics or price. While natural gems bring centuries of charm and uniqueness, lab-grown gems offer affordability. Both have their own appeal and are  the perfect choice for different reasons.

At GemsNY, we offer only the finest natural gemstones, giving you a piece of earth’s best. For those concerned about the environment, we offer a stunning array of lab-grown stones and  diamonds that too in different hues. Check out glowing GemsNY reviews to see why our customers keep coming back for more!