Thanks to a culture of conscious consumerism that is now widely promoted, consumers are becoming more intentional about the processes involved in manufacturing their favorite products and how they can be improved to better the state of our Earth’s natural process.
Such is the case with lab-grown gems and diamonds, which are becoming increasingly popular in the jewelry industry and are recognized as ethically manufactured, eco-friendly, and sustainable.
What are Lab-Grown Gemstones?
Lab-grown gemstones are created in a laboratory setting. They, however, possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as their more natural gemstone counterparts.
While some argue that natural gemstones have a certain mystique and value that stunning lab-created stones cannot match, there are numerous ethical advantages to choosing lab-created gems over naturally mined gemstones.
Ethical Advantages of Lab-Grown Gemstones
They are Sustainable
The production of lab-created gemstones utilizes less energy as it involves less heat and fewer energy combustion points. Similarly, it releases less carbon and other harmful emissions into the atmosphere. It is also not resource-intensive and can be manufactured within a shorter time frame than its natural counterparts.
Over the years, scientists have even improved their lab gemstone and crystal production procedures, and more research is still ongoing to ensure the process becomes even less energy and resource-intensive. Currently, renewable energy sources are being considered for lab-grown production. A controlled process will minimize dangerous emissions and irrational energy consumption.
They are Conflict-Free
Mined gemstones present unique challenges regarding land claims and national wars. In times past, conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, have been mined in war zones and sold to finance governmental conflicts. Gemstones that are sourced from mined gems this way are not ethical and are not legally recognized.
Governmental and gemstone regulatory authorities have since sprung to action to reduce and ultimately eliminate the sale of conflict-free gemstones. Lab-created gemstones, however, present users with guilt and fear-free opportunities to purchase and wear their favorite gems without fear of being reprimanded.
For example, all lab-grown gemstones are conflict-free since they are manufactured in recognized laboratories and do not pose the typical conflict challenges associated with real gems made with mining.
They Promote Worker Welfare and a Healthy Work Environment
One of the most significant ethical advantages of lab-grown gemstones is that they do not pose significant threats such as human rights abuse, child labor, unsafe working conditions, environmental degradation, etc.
These have been eliminated since lab-grown gems are grown in controlled, safe, controlled environment and ethical environments. They promote the culture of healthy consumerism and do not cause negative impacts on people, their lands, and their lifestyles.
They Do Not Destroy Wildlife and Their Natural Habitat
Mining procedures begin with clearing extensive land sites and searching for the perfect spot to start mining. With lab-grown diamond and gemstone production, however, no trees are felled, no animals are displaced or endangered, and no land is destroyed. No chemical spills, water and vegetation contamination, or prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals exist.
Lab diamonds have quickly become a favorite among governments and policymakers as the world moves towards more eco-friendly policies and processes. It’s safer for the environment and ecosystem.
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They are Affordable
Lab-grown gemstones present top quality yet highly affordable alternative options for wearing luxury in a way that will not negatively impact the lifestyle of their lovers. Gemstones have always been associated with luxury and riches, and only the wealthy can afford to spend a few carats of certain rare gemstones at a go.
The stones created in the laboratory have allowed most to afford even the most highly-priced natural gemstones. Their affordability also allows users to go for larger carat sizes and purchase more value for less cost. This would not be possible with the natural gemstones.
Quality Control
Lab-grown gems are created under controlled conditions, allowing for quality and clarity consistency. Consumers can always remain confident that their gems and crystals are high quality and free from flaws and impurities.
As a matter of comparison, lab-grown synthetic gemstones also have higher chances of being flawless and top quality at production than natural gemstones at the mining point. Users are, therefore, less likely to deal with inclusions occurring in their gemstones or need to treat gemstones consistently due to chippings triggered by flaws.
The presence of inclusions and the clarity of natural gemstones have been known to limit how they can be cut, their shape, and what size they end up with. Lab-created gemstones, however, present wider options in terms of customization since they are more likely not to contain flaws and inclusions in nature.
Lab-created gemstones do an excellent job presenting gem lovers with luxury, affordable, environmentally sustainable, and ethical gemstone jewelry options. If conscious and healthy consumerism has come to stay, then lab-grown diamonds have come to stay!
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FAQs
Are lab-grown gemstones real?
Lab-made stones are not imitation gems; they have chemical and optical properties similar to the physical characteristics of natural gems and can be grown in laboratories.
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