Sapphires, the most exclusive gemstone often synonymous with royalty, opulence and enduring beauty. However, as technology has evolved so have lab-created sapphires. So you might be thinking, are lab created sapphires good ? Without any further ado, let us waltz into the lives of these beautiful gems. Do they actually compare to their natural counterparts?
What Exactly are Lab Created Sapphires?
After all, lab created sapphires are made in a laboratory and not mined from under the bowels of the earth. These lab created stones are grown in a laboratory that creates the same internal properties as therapeutic sapphires from beneath the earth. One interesting fact about lab sapphires is that they are chemically, physically and optically identical to natural ones hence just as beautiful and durable.
How are Lab Created Sapphires Made?
The process of creating lab-grown sapphires uses methods such as Verneuil flame fusion or Czochralski pulling, adding heat and pressure to build the crystal structure. These approaches simulate the high pressure temperatures of the crust but not on an equivalent timescale. According to live science, natural sapphires can take millions of years to grow fully developed.
Lab Created vs. Natural Sapphire
Lab created sapphires look identical to the untrained eye, and even professionals need scientific equipment for an accurate determination. But they are of the same brilliance, color and clarity. Naturally sapphires usually have inclusions or imperfections while lab produced ones are nearly flawless since they can be created in such a controlled environment. Therefore, if perfection is what you are aiming for then maybe lab sapphires would be the choice.
Are Lab Created Sapphires Good for Jewelry?
They are strong, aesthetically pleasing and come in a range of exotic colors. No matter if you choose a sapphire engagement ring, necklace or Earrings with Sapphires in it, online lab Sapphire jewelry looks as beautiful and glared to the naked eye just like natural ones. Not only are they more reasonable, but as a result you can buy bigger or a little bit more complex ones without burning the hole in your wallet.
Environmentally Impact
Excellent sapphires made in a science lab have a way smaller environmentally friendly footprint than must be from our planet. Extracting natural gemstones can be a resource heavy practice and often harms local ecosystems. In contrast, lab-grown gems are fabricated in controlled conditions that use fewer inputs. If sustainability is on your mind, lab sapphires are an eco-friendlier choice.
Price Comparison: Lab Created vs Natural Sapphire
Price is one of the main reasons so many people buy lab-created sapphires, as you can find similar carats and cuts for at least half the price. The best lab created sapphires cost 20 – 90 % less than genuine ones on average. The price disparity is due to less costs of lab production then mining and rarity for natural sapphires. For those interested in budget, lab sapphires cost a fraction of their natural counterparts without giving up any quality or aesthetic.
Ethical Considerations
Rings made with lab-created sapphires raise fewer ethical concerns than rings featuring natural gemstones. Yes, of course gemstone mining is linked with environmental degradation and human rights abuses in the third world. That said, a saturated blue sapphire is often the most sought after and hardest to come by (naturally) on the market today so at least with lab grown you avoid all of that worry as well knowing your purchase is an ethical one. For those trying to source ethically-friendly sapphires, lab-created options are popular.
The Future of Lab Created Gemstones
As lab created gemstone technology advances and consumer demand for more ethical, sustainable alternatives also grows we can expect to see the continued rise of these stones. These are great fits for the jewelry sector as sustainability is gaining importance, especially when it comes to gemstones. This means that there is plenty of supply for lab-grown stones and largely, consumers are okay with it.
Should you Choose Lab Created Sapphires
Now, let’s get to the question, are lab created sapphires good? In many ways, yes. They have all the beauty, hardness and color of natural sapphires for a fraction of their price. They are ethically made and environmentally-wise. Whether you want a beautiful engagement ring, seeking a birthday gift or simply treating yourself to lab-created sapphires are an excellent choice
Conclusions: Are Lab Created Sapphires Good?
In all, lab grown sapphires are a great replacement for natural sapphire stones. They provide the same look and quality for a more reasonable price, while also being ethically conscious about their product. Ultimately, the choice of lab-created sapphires is a personal one and may provide an attractive middle ground for many.
