Natural, laboratory-created and simulated describe different things. A natural gemstone formed in nature. A laboratory-created gemstone is made by people and has essentially the same defining properties as its natural counterpart. A simulant resembles another gem but is a different material.
Compare the terms
| Term | What it tells you | What still needs checking |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | The gem formed in nature. | Its identity, any treatments and any claimed geographic origin. |
| Laboratory-created or synthetic | The material was grown in a laboratory as a counterpart to a natural gem. | The named material and any treatment or report details. |
| Simulated or imitation | A material is used to resemble a different gem. | What the substitute actually is. |
Is a lab-grown diamond the same as cubic zirconia?
No. A laboratory-grown diamond is diamond. Cubic zirconia, often abbreviated CZ, is a different material used as a diamond simulant. A similar appearance does not make the materials interchangeable. Compare lab-grown diamond rings and CZ rings using their full descriptions.
Does “natural” mean untreated?
No. How a stone formed and whether it was treated are separate questions. Treatments can affect the care a gem requires. If treatment information is missing and matters to your purchase, ask for it before ordering rather than interpreting silence as “untreated.”
Read a birthstone description carefully
A birth month, color or style name does not settle the material question. Before choosing birthstone jewelry, look for the named stone and any laboratory-created or simulated qualifier. Compare the exact selected option when a piece offers several stones.
A useful comparison checklist
- Identity: What material is named, and how was it formed?
- Dimensions: Are measurements provided? Do not substitute a photograph for scale.
- Treatment: Is any treatment stated, and does it require special care?
- Documentation: If a report is advertised, what organization issued it and what stone does it cover?
- Setting: What metal, fastening and overall dimensions are specified?
Use our jade collection's existing guidance for jade-specific questions. For other gemstone rings, check each listing on its own merits. A material description alone does not prove a particular grade, mine, treatment status or certification.
References
- GIA: An Introduction to Synthetic Gem Materials
- GIA: An Introduction to Simulants or Imitation Gem Materials
- GIA: Natural and Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
- GIA: Care for Treated Gems
More jewelry buying and care guides
By BillyTheTree Jewelry.