Prior to about 10 years ago, if someone said, “diamond,” they referred to a gem mined out of the ground. If they said the word with air quotes around it, they referred to a less expensive stone masquerading as its more expensive cousin–such as a peridot being used in place of an emerald. Today, in addition to natural gems, we have lab-grown gems. Let’s explore the differences!
Hey, Christie!
I think my boyfriend is trying to figure out how to propose to me.
Last night, he “casually” dropped into our conversation that natural gemstones (like diamonds. rubies, sapphires, and emeralds) have exactly the same chemical composition as lab-grown or cultured gemstones grown in a lab.
Since I am a Gold Star Girl Scout, I am very environmentally concerned.
He played to that by stating that a science-grown gem was not as harmful to the Earth as a gem mined from it. I think he’s thinking of getting a lab-grown engagement ring.
What are the differences between a natural gem and a science-grown gemstone?
Thank you for your answer!
–Parker, Perplexed in Prescott
Hey, Parker!
That’s a great question. I am happy to help you understand the differences!
(By the way, after he proposes, take a tour of Ainsworth House & Gardens, a sustainable wedding venue for any size wedding you decide to have.
We have different venues for weddings of up to 10 people, weddings for up to 75 guests, and other venues which accommodate up to for up to 125.
We’d love to meet you and show you our seven venues!)
First, let’s divide all gemstones—diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and others—into two categories: Natural and lab-grown gemstones. Lab-grown gemstones are also called cultured gemstones or science-grown gemstones.
Natural Gemstones and Sustainable Gemstones
What is a Natural Gemstone?
A natural gemstone is mined from the Earth. It is cut, polished, and then set into a ring, pendant, or other piece of jewelry.
During the mining process, there might be environmental damage to the Earth and/or put people at risk.
What is a Sustainable Gemstone?
A sustainable gemstone does not damage to the Earth. There are two categories:
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Natural gems in estate jewelry: A reputable jeweler may offer estate jewelry for sale with rings dating back over 100 years.
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Lab-grown, science-grown, and cultured are all interchangeable terms for gems grown in a laboratory. These gems have exactly the same chemical composition as natural gems.
How does a natural gem differ from a science-grown gem?
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Affordability:
The rarer something is, the more it costs. Since there are many more lab-grown gems than natural gems, cultured gems are much more affordable.
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Appearance:
To the untrained eye, the gems difficult to distinguish. That’s why you need to buy your gems from a reputable jeweler who is willing to provide you with documentation to determine whether the gem is natural or lab-grown. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provides vastly different looking documentation for natural and “man-made” gems. Ask to see it.
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Availability: Since this is a lab-grown gem, it can be customized for the color and size you want (and can afford). You can “order” exactly the gem you want and get it in a few weeks. If you want an exquisite emerald mined deep in the jungles of Colombia but can’t afford it, you might consider the lab-grown counterpart.
5. Eco-Conscious:
While America has OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to protect worker safety and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to protect the environment, many other nations don’t have those agencies. As a result, workers are exposed to hazardous situations and the environment might be polluted by industrial practices. Mining for natural gems may expose the employees and the region to risks such as habitat loss, soil loss, and water contamination.
Gems created in a lab don’t have these environmental risks. Cultured gems require less energy to be created. Since clean energy is often used to create these gems, they have a lower carbon footprint than traditional gems. Science-grown gems avoid the human rights violations which often accompany conflict or blood gems.
6. Time:
According to gemologists, there are about 100 gems in the world which form in billions of years. It’s not an exact science.
With cultured gemstones, it is an exact science. Depending on the gem and the size, they can be grown in a few weeks up to 12 months.
If you have any additional questions, please let me know.
Your friend in the wedding business,
Christie Shyne
Images above are courtesy of Pixabay.com.
Images below are from the Ainsworth House & Gardens wedding gallery.
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