What is a synthetic gemstone

A synthetic gem is created in a laboratory under controlled conditions. The gem is grown from a natural gemstone seed. By controlling the environment in which the gem is grown, impurities and inclusions can be avoided which occur in natural gemstones. The created stones have perfect colour and clarity which is so highly desired. Most natural gemstones have imperfections due to uncontrolled growing conditions in nature. Manufactured stones will have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of their natural counter parts without the impurities.

A good parallel for synthetic gemstone creation is growing roses. Roses grown in a hot house where their growing environment is controlled will be closer to perfection than roses that are grown in your backyard. They're both roses, but the backyard rose will most likely be flawed or imperfect due to disease, insects, and other environmental impacts. Less so with the hot house rose because of the controlled conditions.

Don't confuse simulant gemstones with synthetic gemstones. Simulants can be made up of any substance, like glass. They are made to simulate a particular gemstone, but they do not have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of the natural gemstone like the synthetic gemstone. Some examples of simulants are cubic zirconia, moissanite, and yttrium aluminum garnet which are diamond simulants.

The most popular gemstones that synthetics have been created for are emeralds, sapphires, rubies and alexandrites. We have all seen jewellery with synthetic stones, also known as created gemstones in our local jewellery stores. They are easier to obtain and less costly than natural gemstones. Synthetics have made it more affordable for people to own nice jewellery and many prefer the flawless created stones compared to the natural stones. You can usually spot a created stone because it's just too perfect in colour and clarity. A natural stone, especially in rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which is perfect in colour and clarity and would cost the earth to buy. For some, myself included, the perfection of the created stone, detracts from the (flawed if you are a manufactured purist) beauty of the natural stone.

Should you buy a synthetic gemstone or jewellery with created stones over the natural gemstone choices? I would recommend going with your own personal preference. If you want a piece of jewellery with a flawless, perfect gem, then go with the synthetic gemstone.

Cost will play a great part in your decision as well. My preference is for the natural gemstone. It's value and appreciation factor will be much greater, flawed or not, but the purchase price will also be greater.

It's interesting that there are some gemstones man has not been able to synthesize in a laboratory. One example is the garnet family of gems. They have not been able to unlock garnet's secrets to create it in a lab and I must say, as this is by far my most favourite stone, that I am glad that nature is holding some of her secrets close.

How do you tell if the gemstone is natural, synthetic or a simulant? If you can't tell by your own examination...ask! A reputable dealer or jeweller will be honest about the origins of the stone. If they don't know or won't say, then steer clear…..don’t buy from someone who does not value you as a customer enough to be either honest or informed

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