| Many gemstones can now be purchased in a | | | | stones, it is important to do a bit of research on |
| synthetic variety. The obvious benefit is a lower | | | | the type of stone you're purchasing. Some |
| cost and greater clarity, although many buyers | | | | stones, such as garnet, currently cannot be |
| prefer the natural stones. | | | | recreated in a lab, and a dealer attempting to sell |
| A synthetic gemstone, often called a "created | | | | a "synthetic" version of a stone that cannot be |
| stone", is typically perfectly uniform, clear and has | | | | lab grown should not be trusted. |
| absolutely no imperfections. These stones are | | | | Even many mined stones that are purchased in |
| "grown" in a laboratory, from the "seed" of a | | | | stores are not completely natural, though. These |
| natural stone. The resulting stone is chemically | | | | have often gone through one or many various |
| identical to a naturally mined stone. Jewelry | | | | treatments, such as heat or irradiation, to |
| experts often compare synthetic gemstones to | | | | increase the hue or vibrancy of the color. These |
| hybrid plants, as both are grown in completely | | | | treatments do not impact the integrity of the |
| controlled environments for optimal results. | | | | stone, and are permanent changes, but should be |
| Sapphires, ruby and emeralds are commonly sold | | | | a consideration when looking for a truly natural |
| in synthetic varieties. Because the controlled | | | | gem. |
| process produces flawless gems, larger created | | | | A dealer worth doing business with will always be |
| stones can be sold at a much lower price than | | | | upfront and honest when asked whether the |
| their natural counterparts. | | | | stone is completely natural, has been treated or is |
| The easiest way to tell is a stone is synthetic is | | | | synthetic. Dealers who refuse to disclose this |
| to ask the jeweler. Most reputable dealers will label | | | | information may be attempting to pass the |
| their synthetic stones as "created" or will have | | | | "simulated" gems as the real thing, and prey on |
| information on the origin of the stone. If this | | | | consumers who are not able to tell the difference. |
| information isn't available, examine the stone | | | | The decision to purchase a synthetic or natural |
| carefully under a bright light. If it is too perfect, | | | | stone depends completely upon your tastes, |
| clear or vibrant, and has a price tag much lower | | | | preferences and reasons for buying. If you're |
| than similar sized stones, it's more than likely a | | | | looking for a beautiful necklace with a large stone, |
| synthetic stone. | | | | a synthetic version may be your best option. The |
| Actively avoid stones that use the words | | | | price will be lower and the stone will have a more |
| "simulated" or "simulant". These are not synthetic, | | | | stunning appearance than any reasonably |
| but a recreation of a gemstone using glass or | | | | affordable natural alternative. |
| extremely inexpensive crystal. They mirror the | | | | If you are a collector or price isn't a consideration |
| physical characteristics of a gem, but are of very | | | | in your purchase, you may prefer the natural |
| low quality and are prone to shattering. Cubic | | | | versions for their authenticity. Many buyers also |
| zirconia is a prime example of a "simulated" | | | | prefer the naturally occurring flaws of mined |
| diamond. | | | | stones, such as cloudiness or asymmetry, for the |
| With the wide availability of these "simulated" | | | | character and unique appearance they provide. |