Understanding Gemstone Choices: Natural, Lab-Grown, and Ethical Considerations

Jewellery is one of humanity’s oldest art forms, dating back over 100,000 years. Throughout history, gemstones and precious metals have symbolised love, protection, status, and tradition. Today, the jewellery industry offers more choices than ever, with natural and lab-grown gemstones both widely available. But what does that mean for consumers looking for a responsible and informed choice?

What Are Synthetic Gemstones?

Lab-grown gemstones have been around since the late 1800s, beginning with synthetic rubies. Over time, advances in technology led to the creation of lab-grown diamonds, initially for industrial purposes before becoming popular in fine jewellery. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) states that lab-grown diamonds share essentially the same chemical, optical, and physical properties as natural diamonds—the primary difference lies in the growth patterns. Natural diamonds developed over millions of years deep within the Earth, while lab-grown diamonds are created in HPHT or CVD machines over a few weeks.

What Are Natural Gemstones?

Natural gemstones are formed through geological processes involving extreme heat and pressure, where minerals crystallise together over millions of years due to geological processes like cooling magma, plate tectonics, and the movement of mineral-rich fluids through rock fractures.

Diamonds are composed of pure carbon, sometimes influenced by trace elements that give them colour. Sapphires, made from the mineral corundum, derive their hues from elements like iron and titanium. Unlike their lab-grown counterparts, natural gemstones are shaped by the Earth's natural forces over millions of years, creating unique characteristics and inclusions that tell a geological story.

The Reality of Sustainability

Terms like “sustainable” and “eco-friendly” are frequently used in marketing but must be carefully considered when discussing gemstones. Both natural and lab-grown stones have environmental implications, and fine jewellery relies on metals such as gold and platinum, which are always mined.

• Natural diamonds are sourced through various mining techniques, including open-cut, underground, and alluvial mining.
• Lab-grown diamonds are predominantly created from a natural diamond seed as the template, and either through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods. Both methods require significant energy consumption to mimic in weeks what the Earth produced over millions of years. 
• Artisanal and small-scale mined gemstones offer the most ethical option for consumers, and often the lowest environmental footprint. Gems are typically sourced with little to no heavy machinery and directly support locals, not corporations.

The only gemstone without environmental impact is a stone that has been sourced through specking (collected off the ground). It’s important to recognise that neither mined or lab-grown is without environmental impact. The key lies in transparency, responsible sourcing, and choosing options that align with you. 

Ethical Considerations

Both natural and lab-grown gemstones can be ethical choices when sourced responsibly with fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible land management and rehabilitation processes. The GIA states that 99% of natural diamonds in circulation today are conflict-free, with processes such as the Kimberley Process helping to eliminate conflict diamonds.

For those seeking the most transparent and ethical options, sourcing gemstones from known locations with strict environmental and labor standards is essential. Australian and Canadian diamonds are 2 examples, which adhere to rigorous ethical mining practices. Similarly, hand-mined sapphires from Central Queensland, sourced through fossicking or specking, offer a low-impact alternative that directly supports small-scale artisanal miners and local communities.

Making an Informed Choice

Rather than viewing lab-grown and natural gemstones as opposing options, it’s more useful to consider them as different choices within a diverse and evolving industry. Lab-grown diamonds offer accessibility and a controlled origin, while natural diamonds and gemstones carry historical, geological, and cultural significance. The jewellery industry is moving toward greater transparency, ensuring consumers have the information needed to make a decision that aligns with their values, preferences, and budgets.

Ultimately, whether choosing a natural gemstone, a lab-grown alternative, or an heirloom piece, the most important factor is awareness.

Where do we source our gemstones from?

With the above context, Xronos Fine Jewellery offers both natural and lab-grown gemstones. 

When you work with us to design and craft your fine jewellery, we offer a range of responsibly sourced gemstone options, including:

• Lab-grown diamonds
• Natural mined diamonds, including options from Australia and Canada upon request. (Note: 99% of natural diamonds in the global supply chain are conflict-free).
• Artisanal mined gemstones from known, ethical sources—including direct relationships with small-scale miners in Central Queensland.

No matter your inspiration or preference, we are committed to sourcing the perfect gemstone for you—one that will hold deep meaning, love, and memories, destined to become a cherished heirloom.