Introduction
The biggest gems are created in the lab and include just about any color you can think of, making them an eco-friendly necklace maker favorite among jewelry lovers everywhere who appreciate a gorgeous piece with great prices as well. They are identical in all physical, chemical and optical properties with natural sapphires but grown by scientists using a controlled laboratory method. With this, fewer environmental impacts are on the horizon and you need not worry about how they mine as well. A great alternative choice for any consumer that is eco-conscious.
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Understanding Lab Created Sapphires
Synthetic gemstones, also known as synthetic sapphires are referred to by some as lab created sapphire simply because they are grown in a laboratory setting using advanced technical processes that reproduce the conditions under which natural sapphires form. These processes are what make sapphires hard, sparkly and give them color when they come out of labs. The only thing is that their creation takes place in a lab and not extracted from earth. This means that you get a much better value gemstone for the same quality.
The Process of Making Lab Created Sapphires
There are two main methods by which lab created sapphires can be grown.
- Flame Fusion: Most normally used. Aluminum oxide which is also known as sapphire (you can see the trend here) is melted down using an oxy-hydrogen flame, and then it will drop onto a spinning spindle to build up the raw crystal. This results in the molten material turning into a sapphire.
- Czochralski (Pulling) Method: This is the more advanced method where a seed crystal is introduced into the molten aluminum oxide solution. The seed crystal is then slowly pulled out and the sapphire layers on one by one.
Characteristics of Lab Created Sapphires
There are a number of qualities that set lab made sapphires apart from natural ones:
- Colors: Lab grown sapphires offer a larger rainbow of color options than only the blues. This also means that the color is controlled via their growth process and results in a uniformed vibrant tint.
- Clarity: Inclusions, which are common in natural sapphires, do not apply to these stones. They are completely clear and highly bright.
- Strength: Lab Created sapphire meets the same standards as real, mined sapphire and has a Mohs hardness rating of 9.
Lab Created Sapphire vs Natural Sapphires
Appearance
The unaided eye is unable to tell lab created sapphire from natural sapphires. They have the same luster, and they are equally brilliant stones, only their saturation will differ. However, lab Sapphires is often a little cleaner without the inclusions and imperfections of natural stone.
Price
Price is the biggest difference between lab created and natural sapphires. Natural sapphires can fetch a premium price on the market, especially for unique colors or high clarity. However, if you would like an option that will not break the bank but still resembles a natural sapphire in terms of quality.
Sustainability
Lab grown sapphires are made with the same mineral compounds as natural sapphire and contain no wayward chemicals added to achieve that color! This means you can know your ring was ethically sourced without destructive mining practices. Most natural gemstones are mined, which is harmful to the environment and often unethical. So whether you choose lab created sapphires, we just wanted to make sure your gemstone is a nice guy wherever they come from.
Selecting the Ideal Lab Created Sapphire
Here is a manual for selecting the best lab created sapphire!
Color
Blue is the most recognized color of sapphires but lab created versions are available in white, yellow, pink and green. The color chosen is generally a matter of personal preference. You want a sapphire with rich and uniform color for both your eye aesthetics as well mine.
Cut
The cut is what decides how a sapphire behaves in light so it holds prime importance. Some of the popular sapphire cuts are round, oval and cushion. When a sapphire is cut to the right proportion, light entering through one side refracts back and forth off each facet, then turns around on itself and returns out to your eye in a beam of concentrated color.
Clarity
While it is not usually found in lab created sapphires, you should always examine your stone for any blemishes that would detract from its appearance. Ensure the maximum brightness by choosing a sapphire with better clarity.
Conclusion
Lab created sapphire is the perfect middle ground of beauty and mother nature conservation! So, if you are in the market for a unique gemstone engagement ring or any other fine jewelry pieces, lab created sapphires provide an inexpensive yet ethically sourced alternative that is almost identical to natural blue stones. If you opt for a lab sapphire, then in the environmental sense you are buying responsibly but not sacrificing quality of beauty.
