Colors & Clarity of Lab Grown Emerald
Lab-grown emeralds exhibit the same captivating, rich green hues as their natural counterparts, with the most prized colors being a vivid, pure green. Thanks to their controlled growth environment, lab-created emeralds often boast exceptional clarity, frequently appearing "eye-clean" with significantly fewer internal inclusions (known as "jardin" in natural emeralds). This superior clarity enhances their brilliance and allows light to travel through the stone unimpeded. The ability to produce consistent color saturation and high transparency makes lab-grown emeralds a stunning and accessible choice.
How to Care for your Lab Grown Emerald
To maintain the breathtaking beauty of your lab-grown emerald jewelry, always handle it with care. Clean your emeralds gently using warm, mild soapy water and a very soft brush, rinsing thoroughly. It's crucial to avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and sudden temperature changes, as these can potentially damage the stone. Store your lab-grown emerald pieces separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from harder gems. While durable for everyday wear, it's best to remove emerald jewelry during strenuous activities to protect it from impact.
Understanding the Growth Methods of Lab Grown Emerald
Lab-grown emeralds are cultivated using sophisticated methods that precisely replicate the geological conditions under which natural emeralds form. The two primary techniques are the hydrothermal process and the flux-grown method. Hydrothermal growth involves creating an aqueous solution under high pressure and temperature, mimicking the Earth's natural environment. Flux-grown emeralds crystallize slowly from a molten solution of various chemicals. Both methods yield emeralds that are chemically, physically, and optically identical to their earth-mined counterparts, offering stunning clarity and vibrant color due to controlled growth.
Understanding the Pricing of Lab Emerald
Understanding the pricing of lab-grown emeralds reveals a significant advantage in value compared to natural emeralds. Their cost is primarily determined by the intensity and saturation of their green color, along with their clarity and carat weight. Unlike earth-mined emeralds, lab-grown varieties typically have far fewer inclusions and often boast superior transparency, enhancing their brilliance. The absence of a rarity premium tied to geological discovery means lab emeralds offer consistent high quality and stunning beauty at a considerably more accessible price point, making them an excellent choice for a vibrant gemstone.
