What is a synthetic gemstone? synthetic gem is created in the laboratory under controlled conditions. gem is grown from a natural gemstone "seed". Controlled environment in which to grow gem, impurities and inclusions can be avoided which occur in natural gemstones. created stones have perfect color and clarity that is so highly desired. Most natural gemstones have deficiencies due to uncontrolled growing conditions in nature. Synthetic stones will have the same chemical, physical and optical properties of their natural counterparts without the imperfections.
a good analogy 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 grown in our own backyard. They both rose, but the backyard rose will most likely be flawed or imperfect due to disease, insects and other environmental impacts. Not so hot for Rose House controlled conditions.
Do not confuse simulant gemstones with synthetic gemstones. Simulators can be composed of any substance, like glass. They are designed to simulate a particular gemstone, but they do not have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties of natural gemstones such as synthetic gemstone. Some examples of simulators, 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. I'm sure you've seen jewelry with synthetic stones, also known as "created" gemstones in your local retail jewelry store. They are easier to obtain and less costly than natural gemstones. Synthetics made it more affordable for people to own nice jewelry and many prefer to create flawless stones in relation to natural stone. Usually you can spot "created" stone because it's just too perfect in color and clarity. Natural stone, especially in rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, which is perfect color and clarity, is scarce and the price is beyond most people mean.
If you buy a synthetic gemstone or jewelry with stones created by natural gemstone choices? I would recommend to go with your personal preferences. If you want a piece of jewelry with a flawless, perfect gem, then go with a synthetic gemstone. Likewise, if the price is the deciding factor. As a collector / investor my preference would be for the natural gemstone. This is the value and appreciation factor will be much higher, the flaw or not.
It is interesting that some gemstones man is unable to synthesize in the laboratory. One example is the garnet family of gems. They are not able to unlock the secrets of garnet to create it in the lab.
How do I know whether the gemstone is natural, synthetic (created), or a stimulant? If you can not say for your exam ... Ask! reputable dealer or jeweler will be honest about the origin of the stone. If they do not know or will not say, then do not buy!
Another interesting fact about gemstones that is not common knowledge that the public is that most of the gems on the market have been treated to create or improve their color and clarity. There are many different treatments used today. Heat treatment is the most common and widely used. I wrote another article about the particular gemstone treatments. You can go to Gemstone Treatments read more about the subject.
As a gemstone collector / investor, as stated before, my preference is for natural gemstones, but as a decoration in jewelry a synthetic gemstone makes for a great ring, earrings or pendant at an affordable price.
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