Let’s be honest—gemstone shopping used to be simple. You’d walk in, pick a sparkly thing, and leave happy. But now? It's a maze of terms like “lab-grown,” “synthetic,” “simulated,” and “natural.” Suddenly, buying a stone feels like studying for a science exam. So let’s clear the confusion once and for all—what’s the actual difference between lab gemstones and synthetic gemstones? Are they the same thing with fancier names? Is one better than the other? And more importantly, are you getting what you think you’re paying for? Here’s the lowdown.

First Things First: Let’s Talk Definitions

Lab Gemstones – These are gemstones that are created in a laboratory—but (and this is key) they have the exact same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural gemstones. If you took a lab-created sapphire and a natural sapphire to a gem expert, they’d probably need advanced tools to tell them apart.

Synthetic Gemstones – Here’s where it gets tricky: “synthetic” is often used as a synonym for “lab-grown” in the gem world. Technically, both terms mean the same thing. A synthetic ruby = a lab-created ruby. Still a real ruby. Just not dug out of the ground. So yeah, when it comes to “lab vs synthetic,” you’re not comparing two different types of stones. You’re just dealing with two names for the same thing. Confusing? A little. Marketing? Absolutely.

Okay, So What’s the Real Comparison?

What people actually want to know is the difference between these three things: 1. Natural gemstones – Formed in the earth over millions of years. Mined. Rare. Expensive. 2. Lab-grown (aka synthetic) gemstones – Made in labs. Same as natural gems in every scientific way. Usually more affordable. 3. Simulated gemstones – The lookalikes. Think cubic zirconia or colored glass. They mimic the appearance, but that’s it. Not chemically or physically the same. So if someone tells you a stone is synthetic or lab-grown, you’re still getting the real deal—just with a modern twist.

Why People Choose Lab/Synthetic Gems

Price: You can get a gorgeous lab-grown emerald for a fraction of the cost of a natural one. Same beauty, less budget stress. Ethical sourcing: No mining, no questionable labor, no environmental drama. Perfection: Natural stones usually have inclusions (tiny imperfections). Lab stones? They can be made nearly flawless if that’s your vibe. Basically, lab gemstones are like the cool cousin of natural gems—just as classy, a little more conscious, and way more wallet-friendly.

But Are They “Real”?

This is the part that trips people up. When someone says “real,” they usually mean “from the earth.” But scientifically speaking, lab-grown gems are real gemstones. They’re not fake, not plastic, not glass. They’re the same crystals—just with a different origin story. Think of it like this: a rose that grows in your garden and a rose grown in a greenhouse? Still a rose. One just happened to come with air conditioning.

So, Which One Should You Buy?

That totally depends on what matters most to you. If you’re all about tradition, rarity, and natural origin—you might prefer the real-deal earth-mined stones. If you want something stunning, ethical, and easier on the budget—lab-grown is the way to go. If you’re shopping for a fun fashion piece that looks good without breaking the bank—simulated works fine (just don’t overpay). At the end of the day, it’s your style, your values, your sparkle. Whether it’s lab-grown or natural, your stone should make you feel amazing when you wear it. That’s the only thing that really matters.

Looking for lab-grown beauties that don’t compromise on the wow? Check out our latest collection—where the only thing fake is the price tag.