What many people do not realize when it comes time to purchase a gemstones is that there is a choice of natural or synthetic. The term “natural” refers to a stone that was naturally formed in the Earth and mined, whereas “synthetic” refers to a stone that was created in a lab. The two have essentially the same chemical composition the main difference is the way that each was made.
Due to the way that natural stones are formed deep in the Earth, they tend to contain many inclusions and imperfections making each one unique. A general rule of thumb is the less included the more valuable the stone. Because synthetic stones are created under precise conditions in a lab, they commonly contain minimal or no inclusions. Generally speaking, synthetic stones are significantly less expensive than their natural counterparts. So if you are considering a new piece of gemstone jewelry, you may want to consider a synthetic stone. At Amoskeag Jewelers we have extensive experience with both natural and synthetic gemstones. Let us help you make your next well informed jewelry purchase.