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Lab-grown gemstones (also referred to as cultured, man-made, engineered, or lab-created gemstones) are identical to naturally occurring stones in every sense: chemically, physically, and optically. Just like lab-grown diamonds can be an affordable alternative to their natural counterpart, lab-grown gemstones can provide remarkable beauty at an exceptional value.
Learn more about how lab-grown gemstone jewelry and explore KAY's stunning selection, so you can find the perfect gift for that special someone—or a new addition to your collection.
How are Lab-Grown Gemstones Made?
The mineral composition of a lab-grown gemstone is made with a process similar to what nature does beneath the earth over millions of years. However, it is done in a lab in a fraction of the time and for a fraction of the cost of mining. The process for each type of gemstone starts with a slice of crystal that is cultivated for up to a year in conditions that mimic the earth's natural process. The result is a gemstone that grows much faster than it would naturally but turns out exactly the same.
WHY CHOOSE LAB-GROWN GEMSTONE JEWELRY?
The average person would be extremely hard-pressed to tell the difference between a natural and lab-grown gemstone. It takes a trained eye combined with high magnification and other instruments, and often, there is still not discernable difference. A lab-grown gemstone appears to be high quality at a price that’s significantly lower than its natural counterpart.
| KAY Gemstone Comparison | Natural Gemstones | Lab-Created Gemstones |
|---|---|---|
| Is it a gemstone? | Yes | Yes |
| Source | The Earth | A Laboratory |
| Time to Create | Billions of years | A few weeks to a few months |
| Supply | Finite and rare | Unknown |
| Independently Certified | Yes* | Yes* |
| 100% Conflict-Free | Yes | Yes |
| KAY Responsible Sourcing Commitment | Yes | Yes |
| Price Comparison | $$$ | $$ |
| *Select styles & carat weight | ||
Types of Lab-Grown Gemstones
Diamonds aren't the only gemstone that can be grown and turned into stunning jewelry. A wide range of colored gemstones can be cultivated in a lab and offer an affordable and sustainable alternative to natural gemstones.
From birthdays to anniversaries to "just because", gemstones make the perfect gift for every occasion. Explore some of the most popular lab-grown gemstones to find the right style for you.
Amethyst
Color: Medium to deep shades of purple
Durability: Durable enough for daily wear but may require regular polishing to keep its shine
Birthstone: February
Anniversary: 6 years
Associated with intuition and spiritual awareness, amethyst is known for its healing and cleansing powers. It promotes internal balance and stability making it a source of comfort for those who believe in the power of gemstones.
SHOP LAB-GROWN AMETHYST JEWELRY
Aquamarine
Color: From deep-blue to light, greenish-blue
Durability: Suitable for everyday wear
Birthstone: March
Anniversary: 19 years
Symbolizing purity of spirit and soul, aquamarine brings healing and strength to the wearer. It is also associated with hope and happiness, making it a thoughtful gift for something special.
SHOP LAB-GROWN AQUAMARINE JEWELRY
Cultured Pearl
Color: White, cream, gray or colored options like black, pink, champagne, and more.
Durability: Soft and prone to scratches, dents, and chips.
Birthstone: June
Anniversary: 30 years
Cultured pearls are a lab-grown gemstone in a sense. They come from mollusks that are bred and tended to by farmers for the purpose of creating pearls for harvest. Natural pearls created with no assistance from humans are very rare.
SHOP CULTURED PEARL JEWELRY
Emerald
Color: Dark to medium green with hints of blue
Durability: Fair to poor toughness; prone to scratches and chips
Birthstone: May
Anniversary: 20 years
Classic, elegant emerald has been adored by members of high society for thousands of years. Emerald is the gem of spring and symbolizes unchanging love, rebirth, and faithfulness.
SHOP LAB-GROWN EMERALDS
Morganite
Color: Ranges from pale pink to orange-pink.
Durability: Won't scratch or chip easily but should still be handled with care.
Birthstone: None
Anniversary: None
Part of the beryl mineral family, morganite has grown in popularity thanks to its durability. A symbol of compassion, healing, and promise, the soft pink coloring make it a romantic, feminine choice.
SHOP LAB-GROWN MORGANITE JEWELRY
Opal
Color: Typically white with colorful flecks, known as play-of-color
Durability: Fair to poor toughness; treat with extra care
Birthstone: October
Anniversary: 14 years
Popular for its remarkable play-of-color, opal brilliantly displays a multitude of hues. This unique gemstone symbolizes hope, purity, and confidence, and is thought to spark creativity.
SHOP LAB-GROWN OPALS
Ruby
Color: Ranges from soft pink to blood-red
Durability: Excellent toughness; great for everyday wear
Birthstone: July
Anniversary: 40 years
Known for their fiery red color, rubies are often associated with pure love and passion. Rubies are thought to bring health, wisdom courage, and success to wearers.
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Sapphire
Color: Ranges from pale baby blue to rich royal blue
Durability: very good to excellent toughness; great for everyday wear
Birthstone: September
Anniversary: 45 years
Members of royalty have long worn sapphire to signify their purity and wisdom. This alluring blue gemstone also symbolizes truth, faithfulness, and honesty.
SHOP LAB-GROWN SAPPHIRES
Gemstone Education from the Experts
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Learn how lab-grown diamonds compare to natural and how to choose lab-grown diamond jewelry.
How to Clean Gemstone Jewelry
Find out how to safely clean and care for your gemstone jewelry to keep it looking good as new.
Diamond Alternatives
Learn more about lab-grown jewelry and explore KAY's stunning selection to find the perfect gift!