| What is a synthetic gemstone? A synthetic gem | | | | spot a "created" stone because it's just too |
| is created in a laboratory under controlled | | | | perfect in color and clarity. A natural stone, |
| conditions. The gem is grown from a natural | | | | especially in rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which |
| gemstone "seed". By controlling the environment | | | | is perfect in color and clarity, is scarce and the |
| in which the gem is grown, impurities and | | | | cost is beyond most people's means. |
| inclusions can be avoided which occur in natural | | | | Should you buy a synthetic gemstone or jewelry |
| gemstones. The created stones have perfect | | | | with created stones over the natural gemstone |
| color and clarity which is so highly desired. Most | | | | choices? I would recommend going with your own |
| natural gemstones have imperfections due to | | | | personal preference. If you want a piece of |
| uncontrolled growing conditions in nature. Synthetic | | | | jewelry with a flawless, perfect gem, then go |
| stones will have the same chemical, physical, and | | | | with the synthetic gemstone. Also, if cost is a |
| optical properties of their natural counterparts | | | | deciding factor. As a collector/investor my |
| without the imperfections. | | | | preference would be for the natural gemstone. |
| A good analogy for synthetic gemstone creation | | | | It's value and appreciation factor will be much |
| is growing roses. Roses grown in a hot house | | | | greater, flawed or not. |
| where their growing environment is controlled will | | | | It's interesting that there are some gemstones |
| be closer to perfection than roses that are grown | | | | man has not been able to synthesize in a |
| in your backyard. They're both roses, but the | | | | laboratory. One example is the garnet family of |
| backyard rose will most likely be flawed or | | | | gems. They have not been able to unlock garnet's |
| imperfect due to disease, insects, and other | | | | secrets to create it in a lab. |
| environmental impacts. Not so with the hot house | | | | How do I know if the gemstone is natural, |
| rose because of the controlled conditions. | | | | synthetic (created), or a stimulant? If you can't |
| Don't confuse simulant gemstones with synthetic | | | | tell by your own examination...ask! A reputable |
| gemstones. Simulants can be made up of any | | | | dealer or jeweler will be honest about the origins |
| substance, like glass. They are made to simulate a | | | | of the stone. If they don't know or won't say, |
| particular gemstone, but they do not have the | | | | then don't buy! |
| same chemical, physical, and optical properties of | | | | Another interesting fact about gemstones that is |
| the natural gemstone like the synthetic gemstone. | | | | not common knowledge to the public is that the |
| Some examples of simulants are cubic zirconia, | | | | majority of gems on the market have been |
| moissanite, and yttrium aluminum garnet which | | | | treated to create or enhance their color and |
| are diamond simulants. | | | | clarity. There are many different treatments used |
| The most popular gemstones that synthetics | | | | today. Heat treatment is the most common and |
| have been created for are emeralds, sapphires, | | | | widely used. I have written another article |
| rubies and alexandrites. I'm sure you have seen | | | | specifically regarding gemstone treatments. You |
| jewelry with synthetic stones, also known as | | | | can go to Gemstone Treatments to read more |
| "created" gemstones in your local retail jewelry | | | | on the subject. |
| store. They are easier to obtain and less costly | | | | As a gemstone collector/investor, as stated |
| than natural gemstones. Synthetics have made it | | | | before, my preference is for natural gemstones, |
| more affordable for people to own nice jewelry | | | | but as an adornment in jewelry a synthetic |
| and many prefer the flawless created stones | | | | gemstone makes for a gorgeous ring, earrings or |
| compared to the natural stones. You can usually | | | | pendant at an affordable price. |