When looking to buy a sapphire, it is important to know if it is a natural or lab created sapphire. Lab created sapphires are made in a laboratory and are a great alternative to natural stones due to their affordability and the fact that they are ethically sourced. In this blog post, we will explore the different ways you can tell if a sapphire is lab created.
The Difference Between Natural And Lab-Created Sapphires
Sapphires are some of the most popular and beautiful gemstones, but not all sapphires are created equal. Natural sapphires are formed in the Earth’s mantle over millions of years and are mined from around the world. On the other hand, lab-created sapphires are made in a laboratory environment, often in a fraction of the time. Lab-created sapphires can be used to imitate natural sapphires, and can even be used to create rarer shades like pink or orange. Additionally, lab-created sapphires can sometimes be confused with blue topaz stones.
How To Identify A Lab-Created Sapphire
Lab-created sapphires look very similar to natural ones, but there are a few key differences that can help you identify them. For starters, lab-created sapphires often have a more intense and vivid color than natural sapphires. Natural sapphires may be slightly more muted in hue. Lab-created sapphires also tend to have a higher clarity rating, meaning they lack any inclusions or flaws that might appear in a natural stone.
Another way to tell if your sapphire is lab-created is to compare it to other gemstones such as blue topaz. Lab-created sapphires are often cut in the same shape and size as natural stones, so comparing it to a blue topaz stone of the same size and shape can be helpful. A lab-created sapphire will have a much richer and deeper color compared to the blue topaz stone.
Finally, if you are still unsure about whether or not your sapphire is lab-created, you can bring it to a professional jeweler who will be able to confirm its authenticity with the proper tools and equipment.
The Benefits Of Owning A Lab-Created Sapphire
Lab-created sapphires offer several advantages to natural sapphires. The most important benefit is that they are much more affordable than natural sapphires, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget. Furthermore, lab-created sapphires tend to be more consistent in color and clarity than natural sapphires, so you can be sure that you will get the exact hue and quality of stone that you expect. Lab-created sapphires are also easier to care for than natural sapphires, requiring only a gentle soap and water cleaning.
Additionally, lab-created sapphires offer a wider range of colors than natural sapphires. You can find lab-created sapphires in colors such as pink, purple, orange, yellow, green, and even blue topaz stone. With the ability to create a wider variety of colors and shades, lab-created sapphires can help you achieve the look you desire with your jewelry design.
The Drawbacks Of Lab-Created Sapphires
Lab-created sapphires are a great alternative to natural sapphires, but they do come with some drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is that lab-created sapphires are not as hard as their natural counterparts. Natural sapphires typically have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, while lab-created sapphires usually range from 6-7. This means that lab-created sapphires are more prone to scratches and chips than natural stones. Additionally, lab-created sapphires can sometimes be mistaken for blue topaz stones, which can lead to confusion or disappointment if the wrong stone is purchased. Lab-created sapphires also tend to be smaller than natural stones, so if you’re looking for a larger gemstone, then you may want to stick with a natural sapphire. Finally, lab-created sapphires are typically more affordable than natural stones, so if budget is an issue, then a lab-created sapphire may be your best option.