Maya has been saving up to buy a sapphire ring. Not just any sapphire, a rich, ocean-deep blue sapphire, the kind you see in old royal portraits. She saved up, searched online for weeks, and finally walked into a jewellery store to try one on.
It sparkled. It looked perfect. But the price? Let’s just say her dream would have to wait… or so she thought.
A week later, while scrolling through Instagram, Maya stumbled upon something interesting. It was a ring identical to the one she loved but it was labeled as “lab grown sapphire.” She was intrigued. Was it real? Was it fake? Was this just some clever marketing?
Fast forward to today, Maya wears that lab grown sapphire ring every single day. It’s just as dazzling. Just as durable. But way more affordable and ethically made. She never looked back.
If you’re like Maya, curious, a bit skeptical, and wondering what the deal is with lab grown gemstones-you’re in the right place. Let’s take you through the world of lab grown gemstones.
First Things First: What Is a Lab Grown Gemstone?
Let’s clear this up early, lab grown gemstones are real gemstones. Not dupes. Not “costume” jewellery. Not plastic masquerading as precious.
A lab grown gemstone is chemically, physically, and optically identical to a gemstone formed underground. The only difference? Instead of taking millions of years under the Earth’s surface, it’s grown in a lab in a matter of weeks or months, under carefully controlled conditions that mimic nature’s exact recipe.
So whether it’s a diamond, ruby, emerald, or sapphire-lab grown means real, just born above ground.
So… How Are They Made?
Okay, let’s geek out for a second but in a fun way.
Popular Gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are typically created in a lab by mimicking their natural formation process inside the earth. What are the two main techniques?
1. Hydrothermal Growth
It’s a process where the nutrients dissolve in a high-pressure, high-temperature water solution, and crystals slowly grow as the solution cools. It’s how many lab grown emeralds and sapphires are made.
2. Flux Growth
In this method, a flux that is a chemical that helps materials melt at lower temperatures, is used to grow crystals in a molten solution. This method takes longer, but results in extremely high-quality stones, often used to make rubies and spinels.
The result? A gemstone that looks and behaves just like the one mined from the Earth. Only without all the digging, ethical murkiness & exorbitant prices.
Why Are People Choosing Lab Grown Gemstones?
If you have often found yourself asking why would I choose a lab grown gem when the Earth-made ones are out there? Well, here’s why:
1. They’re Ethical
No mining. No unsafe labor conditions. No links to conflict zones. Lab grown gemstones offer peace of mind. You will never have to wear it with the guilt that someone might have suffered to bring them to you.
2. They’re Eco-Friendly & Kinder to the Earth
Natural gemstones come from mining and it is an incredibly resource-heavy process. It involves clearing forests, displacing soil, and the usage of vast amounts of water and fuel. Whereas the Lab grown gems? They have way less negative impact on the environment.
3. They’re Affordable
Let’s be real, why would you pay 30-50% more for mined stones of the same quality as the lab grown gemstones. You literally get bigger, better, bolder gemstones without blowing your budget and honestly, we are here for it.
4. They’re Look Just as Beautiful
If you saw a lab grown ruby stone and a mined ruby stone placed next to each other, you couldn’t tell the difference. Even gemologists often need specialized tools to spot the difference.
But Are They Durable?
Short answer? Yes.
Lab grown gems are not “weaker” or “fake.” They’re made of the same materials as their natural counterparts, which means they have the same hardness and toughness.
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Lab grown diamonds? Still a 10 on the Mohs scale.
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Lab grown sapphires? Still a solid 9.
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Lab grown emeralds? As stunning and fragile (yes, emeralds are naturally soft!) as mined ones.
So whether you’re wearing your ring every day or saving it for special nights out, your lab grown gemstone is built to last.
Real Talk: What’s the Catch?
If lab grown gemstones are so great, why doesn’t everyone wear them?
Here’s the thing: old habits die hard. For generations, “real” gems were those pulled from the earth. But that definition is changing. Fast.
Some people still equate value with rarity and there’s something romantic about the idea of a gem being millions of years old. And hey, that’s fair.
But more and more people (especially younger buyers) are realizing that ethical, affordable, and beautiful is a better combo than “expensive, risky, and ancient.”
Who Are Lab Grown Gemstones For?
Honestly? Everyone.
But especially you if:
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You want conflict-free, sustainable jewellery
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You love real sparkle but not real price tags
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You care about the planet and people
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You want to build your jewellery wardrobe without guilt
Whether it’s your first ring, a birthday gift, or a just-because piece, lab grown gemstones are making fine jewellery accessible again.
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Grown (Not Mined)
Lab grown gemstones aren’t just a trend. They’re a shift—a movement toward smarter, cleaner, more conscious choices in how we adorn ourselves.
At Ivana Jewels, we’re proud to embrace this change. Our lab grown gemstone collection isn’t just about beauty, it’s about intention. Each piece is designed for modern lives: stylish, sustainable, and made to shine without compromise.
So if you’re ready to rethink what “real” means… maybe it’s time to be like Maya. Say hello to your new favorite gemstone-grown just for you.
Ready to shop smarter and sparkle brighter?
Explore lab grown gemstone jewellery at IvanaJewels.com—where modern luxury meets conscious living.
