Are lab grown sapphires cheaper?

Natural VS Lab Grown Sapphires: What Are The Differences?

Contact us to discuss your requirements of lab grown saphires. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Sapphires have reclaimed the spotlight as one of the most sought-after gemstones in jewelry, celebrated for their grandeur and value. Natural sapphires, known for their unique properties, are an ideal diamond alternative. Recently, lab-grown sapphires, with their similar characteristics, have risen in popularity. This article aims to help you make an informed choice between lab-grown and natural sapphires.

What Exactly Are Lab Grown Sapphires?

Lab-grown sapphires are true sapphires created in a lab setting, emulating the natural sapphire formation process. Both types consist of the mineral corundum. The primary difference lies in their origin, with lab-grown sapphires being more environmentally sustainable due to their controlled creation conditions, as opposed to the mining required for natural sapphires.

Defining Characteristics of Lab Grown Sapphires:

Hardness and Durability: Lab-grown sapphires are identical in hardness to natural sapphires, scoring 9/10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Their durability is often superior because they contain fewer inclusions, which are common imperfections in natural sapphires that can weaken the stone.

Clarity: Unlike natural sapphires, which commonly have inclusions, lab-grown sapphires are usually more transparent and flawless. Specific heat and pressure applications result in fewer noticeable inclusions, giving lab-grown sapphires brilliant sparkle comparable to their natural counterparts, with a refractive index of 1.76-1.77.

Colour: While blue is the most popular sapphire color, both natural and lab-grown sapphires come in various hues, including pink, yellow, and orange. Lab-grown sapphires typically have more consistent and vibrant colors, avoiding the secondary hues often found in natural stones without requiring additional treatments.

Cut and Shape: Lab-grown sapphires offer more versatility in cuts and shapes since they are not constrained by natural imperfections. Both lab-grown and natural sapphires are available in classic and fancy cuts.

Comparing the Price and Value of Natural and Lab Grown Sapphire:

The price of a sapphire depends on its color, clarity, and carat size. Lab-grown sapphires are generally more affordable than natural ones. Rarity drives up the price of natural sapphires, especially untreated varieties, making them a higher market value.

Choosing lab-grown sapphires allows for larger carat sizes at a lower price, potentially leading to more intricate and elaborate jewelry designs. Natural sapphires, as precious gemstones, tend to retain their value over time, particularly untreated ones of superior quality. Sapphires with fewer inclusions and medium to medium-dark color saturations are especially prized.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can One Differentiate Between a Natural and a Lab Grown Sapphire?

It's challenging for untrained eyes to distinguish between natural and lab-grown sapphires. Natural sapphires often have unique blemishes and inclusions, whereas lab-grown versions are more flawless. A gemologist with specialized tools can identify the subtle differences in clarity and color.

How Do I Ensure the Authenticity of My Sapphire?

Always seek a certified gemstone to verify its authenticity. Trusted jewelers can provide evaluations of carat, clarity, color, cut, and any treatments the gemstone has undergone.

Should I Choose a Natural or Lab Grown Sapphire?

The appeal of sapphires, whether natural or lab-grown, is undeniable. Here are some pointers:

Choose Natural Sapphire if:

• You desire a rare, one-of-a-kind gemstone with unique inclusions.
• You value a highly sought-after and timeless precious gemstone.

Choose Lab Grown Sapphire if:

• You're looking for a more affordable option.
• You prefer a stone with fewer inclusions and more color variety.
• Environmental sustainability and conflict-free origins are important to you.

Deciding on a sapphire or seeking sapphire jewelry? We are happy to assist! At LeCaine Gems, we offer a range of conflict-free natural and lab-grown sapphires in exquisite fine jewelry settings. All our gemstones are verified by authenticity certificates. For inquiries or to view our collections, visit our boutique at 9 Raffles Boulevard Millenia Walk #01-32 Singapore 039596. Follow us on Instagram (@lecainegems) for a glimpse of our brilliant gemstones!

Looking to create a custom-designed jewelry piece? Experience our bespoke jewelry service, where you can choose your favorite gemstone and metal to bring your vision to life. Explore our Bespoke Gallery for inspiration and contact us to start crafting your unique piece today.

Lab vs. Natural Sapphire

Sapphires are a popular diamond alternative for engagement rings, available in a range of colors from traditional blue to modern pink, orange, green, purple, and yellow. If you've encountered lab-grown sapphires during your search, you might wonder how they stack up against natural ones. Both types are genuine sapphires, chemically identical, but lab-grown versions form much faster in controlled environments.

Experts can typically distinguish between the two by examining their standardized appearance. For example, lab sapphires often achieve the industry’s top colors, like the three shades of lab-created blue sapphire we offer, compared to the diverse blue hues of natural sapphires. Essentially, you must choose between the perfection of lab-created or the distinctiveness of natural stones.

Comparing Lab and Natural Sapphires

Origin and Durability

Both natural and lab sapphires form through the combination of specific minerals under the right conditions. However, natural sapphires originate from the earth’s layers, requiring specific rocks and millions of years to form. Lab-grown sapphires are created in laboratories using melt or solution processes, like hydrothermal synthesis, simulating natural conditions.

Despite different formation times, both types are equally durable, rated 9/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them excellent for daily wear.

Appearance

Although chemically identical, natural sapphires offer a broader color range compared to the standardized hues of lab-grown ones. With natural stones, you get a variety of shades and inclusions, adding unique characteristics. Lab sapphires, however, provide consistent, high-quality color without imperfections.

Cost

Lab-grown sapphires are cheaper due to their expedited, controlled formation. Natural sapphires vary in price based on color and size, with some colors fetching higher prices due to their rarity.

For instance, a 1-carat mined blue sapphire can cost between $1,900 and $3,100, whereas a 1-carat lab sapphire in any color generally costs $500-$600. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize standardized color and lower costs or unique natural characteristics.

Lab or Natural: Which Sapphire Will You Choose?

Both lab and natural sapphires are genuine and durable. Your choice depends on your preference for cost, color consistency, and the stone's backstory. Our team at CustomMade can help guide you to the perfect sapphire for your needs.

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