Lab-Created Gemstones

This page explains everything you need to know about lab-created gemstones - what they are, how they’re made, how they compare to natural stones, and whether they’re right for you. We also cover common questions about value, authenticity, and how lab-created gemstones are used in jewellery today.

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Why Created Gemstones are a Must Have

How Lab Created Gemstones are Made

Lab-created gemstones are real gemstones grown using advanced scientific processes that replicate the natural conditions in which stones form underground.

While they are created in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth, their chemical, physical, and visual properties closely match their natural counterparts. For many people, lab-created gemstones offer a transparent, ethical, and accessible alternative without compromising on beauty or durability.

1. What are lab-created gemstones

Lab-created gemstones are stones grown in controlled environments that mirror the natural formation process of gemstones found in the earth.

They are not glass or imitation stones, and they are different from inexpensive simulants. In most cases, lab-created gemstones share the same crystal structure, hardness, and appearance as natural gemstones, making them suitable for jewellery and everyday wear.

This process allows for greater consistency in colour and clarity, while also reducing the environmental impact associated with mining.

2. Synthetic vs lab-created gemstones: what’s the difference?

The term synthetic is often misunderstood. In gemology, it simply means a gemstone that has been created rather than mined - not that it is fake.

Lab-created gemstones fall under this definition, but they are chemically identical to natural stones.

What truly sets lab-created gemstones apart is transparency. When clearly labelled, lab-created stones allow buyers to make informed decisions based on ethics, budget, and personal values, which is why reputable sellers always disclose their origin clearly.

3. Are lab-created gemstones real and worth anything

Yes, lab-created gemstones are real gemstones, valued for their durability, appearance, and suitability for jewellery. While they may not carry the same rarity-based resale value as some natural stones, their worth lies in quality, accessibility, and ethical sourcing.

For many customers, lab-created gemstones are chosen for everyday jewellery, gifts, or statement pieces where consistent colour and clarity matter most.

4. Do lab-created gemstones have healing properties?

Beliefs around crystal healing vary from person to person. Some people feel that intention, symbolism, and personal connection are more important than whether a stone is mined or lab-created, while others prefer natural stones for spiritual practices.

Lab-created gemstones are often chosen for their beauty and symbolism rather than energetic properties, and they are best viewed as tools for intention, reflection, and personal meaning, not as replacements for medical or professional care.

Most popular Lab-Created Gemstones

The most popular lab-created gemstone is the diamond, followed closely by lab-created sapphire, ruby, and emerald. These stones are commonly used in jewellery due to their strength, clarity, and timeless appeal.

Lab-Created Diamonds Explained

What does “lab-created diamond” mean?

A lab-created diamond is a real diamond grown in a laboratory rather than formed naturally underground. It has the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and hardness as a mined diamond, the difference lies in how and where it was created.

How are lab-created diamonds made?

Lab-created diamonds are grown using advanced techniques that replicate natural diamond formation. These processes apply heat and pressure or controlled environments to allow carbon atoms to crystallise into diamond form over time.
The result is a genuine diamond, visually and structurally indistinguishable from a mined one.

When did lab-created diamonds start?

Lab-created diamonds were first successfully produced in the mid-20th century, but only in recent decades have advancements allowed for gemstone-quality diamonds suitable for fine jewellery. As technology improved, lab-created diamonds became more widely available and accepted.

What does lab-created mean for value and ethics?

Lab-created diamonds are often chosen for their ethical transparency, reduced environmental impact, and accessible pricing. They allow customers to enjoy diamond jewellery without the concerns often associated with traditional mining practices.

Other lab-created gemstones

In addition to diamonds, popular lab-created stones include: