For those of you who desire a pop of colour in your life, a lab grown coloured gemstone engagement ring could be the perfect option. Today I have Lily Arkwright joining me to help provide you with a simple and comprehensive guide to lab grown coloured gemstones and how to navigate your journey to choosing a lab grown engagement ring!
Did you know that almost any gemstone can be grown within a lab? Chatham gemstones are the architects of the gem growing industry who are known for their superior quality gems by replicating the conditions found deep within the earth’s crust. Chatham are the world leaders of high quality coloured gemstones and have over 75 years experience in producing
lab grown coloured gemstones and they have strict standards for proportions, faceting and polishing that ensure that all gemstones have maximum brilliance, high clarity, and vivid colour. Lab grown coloured gemstones are physically, optically and chemically the same as their mined gemstone counterparts. The only difference between natural gemstones and lab grown gems is that the lab gem growing process occurs above ground, rather than below.
What are the benefits of lab grown gemstones?
An attractive aspect of lab grown coloured gemstones means that the ring can be available in a variety of shapes that are almost impossible to find in naturally mined gemstones. Chatham’s and Lily Arkwright’s production process ensures all gemstones are ethically produced and all gemstones are rich in colour and cut, providing that very special vibrance and sparkle. In gemology diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires are all regarded as precious gemstones. This means that unlike semi-precious gems, precious gems are generally much more desirable due to the intricacies and remote origins of these gems.
The beauty of coloured gemstones are their individuality, colourfulness and romantic meanings. We are regularly seeing celebrities and royals dripping in emeralds, rubies and sapphires on the red carpet but unfortunately these natural gems can be very expensive and rare to come by. When growing gemstones in a lab it cuts out the expensive resources involved in mining, making coloured gemstones an affordable alternative.
The sustainability aspect of lab grown gems is another desirable feature, as no mining is involved thus eliminating impacts on the natural environment, making lab grown coloured gemstones are an amazing sustainable and ethical alternative to naturally mined gems. Let’s break down the top lab grown gemstone types and the meanings behind these vibrant stones.
Lab-Grown Blue Sapphires
The blue sapphire is the gemstone of truth, faithfulness and the soul. The lab-grown blue sapphire is one of the most difficult gemstones to create and features the brilliant clarity seen in only the very best of mined gems. The blue sapphire is a gorgeous engagement ring choice, favoured by many celebrities and famously worn by Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton.
Lab Grown Rubies
Throughout history, rubies have been recognised as one of the world’s most valuable gems, Chatham lab-grown rubies have a deep and vivid blood colour and a clarity seen in only the very best mined gems. The ruby is loved by many for engagement rings as it represents love, wealth and passion, making it a perfect option for a July proposal as it’s July’s birthstone.
Lab Grown Emeralds
Emeralds are truly the gemstone of goddesses, loved by Cleopatra, Venus, Angelia Jolie and Elizabeth Taylor. This vibrant green stone represents eternal love and devotion and is the birthstone for the month of May. Emeralds are a great option for an engagement ring and are very durable, measuring around 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness (a measurement that measures the scratch resistance of minerals) making them an excellent choice for everyday wear.
Lab Grown Alexandrite
If you’re looking for a truly unique gemstone, the incredible colour-shifting Alexandrite is the rarest variation of the mineral chrysoberyl, and changes colour from blue with a lustrous green hue in daylight to purple with a red hue in fluorescent light. It’s the birthstone for the month of June, the alexandrite gemstone is really a gem like no other!
Lab Grown Yellow Sapphires
Did you know that sapphires don’t just occur in the blue variation? The sunny yellow sapphire is a symbol of wisdom and prosperity and is believed to stimulate happiness. Opting for a yellow sapphire engagement ring is a fabulous option and will surely get heads turning due to the stunning clarity and colour, only seen in naturally occurring gemstones.
Lab Grown Pink Sapphires
The pink sapphire is the ultimate representation of romance and femininity! The pink sapphire has been used as a symbol of love throughout history and is the birthstone of September. This gorgeous vibrant sapphire is perfect for those with September proposals and birthdays as well as those who want to add a pop of colour and touch of femininity to everything they wear.
Lab Grown Champagne True Sapphires
As pretty as a peach, the Champagne sapphire has a beautiful blush that compliments all complexions. The lab grown Champagne sapphire, has a beautiful rich peachy colour that reflects the very best of nature, being both unique enough for today and classic enough to
be elegant in years to come. Opting for a champagne sapphire engagement ring makes for a beautiful modern take on engagement rings!
Lab Grown Padparadscha
Derived from the Sinhalese word for lotus blossom, the fiery padparadscha is part of the sapphire family and is a symbol of peace and enlightenment. This rare lab grown sapphire is a gorgeous orange-pink colour and has a pure clarity seen in only the most expensive mined gems. The padparadscha is a fabulous choice for an engagement ring and has been favoured by royals such as Princess Eugine who sports this unique pinky-orange gemstone!
Lab Grown Aqua Spinel Sapphire
The beautiful sea-sky blue Aqua Spinel is as shimmery as the sun reflecting off the sea! This incredible stone perfectly compliments both warm and cool tones, is fantastically durable and found in many crown jewels! The Aqua is the birthstone of March and it is the perfect way to celebrate a March birthday, engagement or anniversary!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a unique yet sustainably sourced engagement ring, a lab grown coloured gemstone ring might be a great option for you. They are increasingly becoming popular and all for the right reasons! If the above has piqued your interest then feel free to get in touch with the expert jewellery consultants at Lily Arkwright for more information about coloured gemstones and lab grown jewellery. Drop their expert team an email hello@lilyarkwright.com as they are always there to help guide you through the process!