Natural v. Lab-Created Emeralds: Which is Better?
In a previous post I touched on clarity enhancement treatments for emeralds which led to the ongoing question of whether you should purchase a lab-created emerald over a natural one. As with most of the simpler questions in life, the answer is complicated. It all depends on what end result you’re after.
If you have your heart set on natural emerald jewelry, then nothing else will do. Know that the natural emerald you purchase will probably be clarity enhanced, will probably be fairly small in size (large size gem-quality emeralds are difficult to find because of their inclusions – smaller emeralds are less included emeralds and fewer inclusions make for a stronger, jewelry-suitable gemstone), and you will definitely get a smaller size stone for your money than if you purchase a lab-created/synthetic emerald.
Recently I ran a quick price comparison between lab-created emeralds and natural ones. I found a 7×7 mm lab-created loose heart-shaped emerald, (.99-1.21 carat weight) offered by Jewelry Impressions for about $356. A similarly sized, exceptional quality natural, untreated heart-shaped emerald, at 1.17 carats, is being offered by OdysseyGEM for $2,352.
Lab-created emeralds and synthetic emeralds are synonyms in the gem and jewelry world and the use of the terms lab-created and synthetic is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. Essentially, lab-created and synthetic gemstones must possess the same physical and chemical characteristics as their natural counterparts. You can read more about the FTC’s guidelines governing jewelry and gemstones by visiting the FTC’s Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals and Pewter Industries and In the Loupe: Advertising Diamonds, Gemstones and Pearls.
One of the issues I should point out: You’ll notice on our website, www.Heart-Rings.net, that we’re pretty light on both heart shaped emerald rings and heart shaped opal rings, and of the ones we have listed, a great majority of them consist of lab-created gemstones. Both of these stones (emerald and opal) are brittle and prone to cracking and breakage with too much manipulation and the heart shaped fancy cut generally doesn’t lend itself well to these two stones. There’s a reason behind the emerald cut in the gemstone world; it’s a fancy cut that was specifically developed because of its suitability to the emerald gemstone’s properties.
The purpose of this post isn’t to promote lab-created emeralds over natural emeralds or vice-versa. It’s all about the education and knowledge and helping you, the consumer, make the most suitable choice for your situation, your lifestyle and your budget.
