Lab Created GemsLab Created Gems

I get asked more and more often for Lab Created Gems. With the cost of natural rough gems going up every year, these lab grown crystals do make sense if you are looking for a beautiful stone, in a nice size and at a nice price. To replace these lab created gems with comparable natural stones would typically cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. This makes the lab created gems a reasonable choice for practical people.

All the gemstones are made from crystals that are grown using technologies that reproduce the process of natural formation. The physical properties of the produced crystals, including chemical composition, correspond to those of natural gems.

Lab Created Gem Processes

Learn about some of the methods used to grow gem crystals in the laboritory.

  • Verneuil Process (Flame Fusion)

    Named after the scientist-engineer who first published a descripiton of the technological process. This method is most commonly used for growing crystals of corundium, spinel and some other componds. Powder of the required chemical compositions together with powders of dye substances are placed into the flame of a hydogen burner, metled and dripped onto a seed of the desired crystal. As a result a single crystal boule grows of several centermites or more in diameter.

  • Czochralski Process

    The method of crystal production invented by the Polish chemist Jan Czochralski at the beginning of the 20th century by pulling a crystal out of crucible filled melt is one of the mos common crystal production methods. These are high purity optical crystals for use in laser industry as well as gemstones.

    It is almsot impossible to distinguish the crystals obtained from the method from natual ones. Crystals grown by this method belong to a group of high quality expensive synthetic stones.

  • Hydrothermal Method

    The initial material is placed in an autoclave, seeds of the desired material are placed in the crystallization zone. Water with various salts serves as the solvent of the charge. With high temperatuere, the transfer of atoms from the charge to the seed begins. The process speed ranges from 0.1 to 0.5 mm per day depending on the type of crystal grown. This method produces very accuratley repoduced top colors of natural emerald from Colombia as well as blue sapphire and other materials.

    It is almsot impossible to distinguish the crystals obtained from the method from natual ones. Crystals grown by this method belong to a group of high quality expensive synthetic stones.

Commissioning a Lab Created Gemstone

Since the results are much more predictable for me than natural stones, I have decided to take on commissioned work on lab created material I have in stock. I will also be adding more materials and colors this year as the demand dictates.

The price of the stones will depend on the material, as certain crystals are more expensive than others, and even within a gem type, certain colors are more expensive as they are more difficult to grow. However, all stones will start at $190 to $220 depending on the material, as the cutting time even for a small stone is still there.

Cutting matched pairs will cost a bit more, as there is more time required and also additional lost material. There is also a price adder of $75 for Asscher and Tear Drop cuts and $30 for the Brilliant Pear cut due to the extra time involoved and material loss.

To add concave facets to the pavilion increases the price by $135 due to the much longer process of cutting an polishing concave facets compared to flat facets.

Below are the lab materials and an example of a cut stone for the materials I have in stock. Choose one of the designs shown below, or if you are looking for something different we can discuss other designs.

Use the calculator below to first calculate the approximate weight of the stone, and the approximate price. The selection you make with this tool is not sent to me, so once you decide on what you want, you will need to contact me by email, text or phone and let me know what material, design and size you are interested in.

DELIVERY TIMES

Typical time for me to have the stone ready to ship after your deposit is received is about 1 week.

The Designs

Hover over or tap on a design to see more information about that design. The P dimension is the depth of the Pavilion measured from the girdle to the culet. Other designs can be available, email or text me to discuss.

For Emerald Cuts, Ovals, and Rectangular, the Width is the short side, and the Length is the long side. The "P" dimension is the depth measured from the girdle to culet. For Emerald cuts, the length can vary, the calculator uses a ratio of 1.25:1

Standard Square Cushion

Any material except Emerald

P = W x 0.519

Emerald Cut

Any material
Classic emerald design most often used for emerald.

P = W x 0.549

Oval

Any material
1.33:1 Ratio

P = W x 0.561

Asscher

Any material, but best in lighter tones.
This is a deep cut. Best in sizes over 7.5 mm.

P = W x 0.530

Signature Rectangular Cushion

Any material
1.195:1 Ratio

P = W x 0.583

Signature Round

Any material except emerald. A very bright lively round design.

P = W x 0.444

Standard Round Brilliant (SRB)

Any material.
Good for emerald, and smaller round stones.

P = W x 0.435

Penta 80

Can be any material except emerald. This is a 10 sided design.

P = W x 0.466

Brilliant Pear

Any material except emerald. A pear with a length to width ratio of 1.197.

P = W x 0.428

Glitter Cushion

Can be any material except emerald.

P = W x 0.508

Chunky Cushion

Can be any material.

P = W x 0.514

Tear Drop Pear

Can be any material except emerald. Min size 7.5 mm

P = W x 0.595

Weight and Price Calculator

Adders

Gem Dimensions: [GemLength] L x [GemWidth] W x [PDim] P

Estimated Weight: [Weight] cts

$135 cost adder for Concave

$75 cost adder for Asscher Cut

$75 cost adder for Tear Drop Pear Cut

$15 cost adder for Calibrated size

$30 cost adder for Pear Cut

Total Cost: $[CostFinal]

There is a $75 non refundable deposit.

The payment of the balance is due at the completion of the work.

Returns on commissions gems - The return policy is the same as described here for any other gem with the exception of the deposit is not refundable unless there were significant departures from the agreed upon specifications for the gem. Should the gem end up significantly outside the agreed upon expectations, then the customer is entitled to a full refund less any shipping costs.

The final price of the stone will be based on the actual weight. If however the stone comes out weighing more than the estimate, I'll split the difference between the estimated weight and actual weight. Should it come out lighter than the estimate, the price will be based on the actual weight.

Once you have decided to go ahead with a stone, you need to email, text or call me to discuss the details, and then ONLY after we agree on the size and shape, make a deposit to hold the rough and your place in any cutting queue that may exist.

DO NOT make a deposit until I confirm I have the material that will cut the gemstone you are wanting.

You can use the button below to make the deposit with PayPal, or you could text me an Apple Pay Cash deposit @ 717-982-7124

If you don't use Apple Pay Cash or Paypal, no problem, just head over to the Currently Available page and pick the Gift Card / Deposit category, then use any charge card you want or Apple Pay.


Ruby

Ruby

Premium ruby in a slightly darker Burma tone than the medium tone below.

Pulled Czochralski Process

Can be cut in sizes up to 12 mm.

$125 per ct.

Ruby Medium Tone

Premium medium Burma tone ruby. Cuts a very pretty stone, and not overly dark as some ruby material can get. Has a hint of pink. Especially nice in larger stones.

Pulled Czochralski Process

These can be cut in sizes up to 16 mm.

$125 per ct.

Ruby

Natural rubies are one of the most expensive stones, so here is a chance to get a nice sized stone, with perfect color and clarity at a cost you can afford. The tone on this material is just a touch darker than the Medium tone material above.

Flame Fusion process

Can be cut in sizes up to 12 mm.

$80 per ct.

Padparadscha Sapphire

I have 3 different Padparadscha rough materials. I thought it would help to see the difference to cut the same design from all the materials, and show them in one photo.

The materials from left to right in the photo are: Light tone Czochralski, Flame Fusion, Darker tone Czochralski. The video taken outdoors is the opposite.

With the flame fusion material I can control slightly how much orange is in the stone. This one is cut with less orange.

Padparadscha Sapphire Light Tone

This is some new material I got in that is Premium sapphire material. This sapphire is a lighter tone than the flame fusion, and a little less pink.

Pulled Czochralski Process

These can be cut in sizes up to 16 mm.

$125 per ct.

Padparadscha Sapphire Darker Tone

This is some new material I got in that is Premium sapphire material. This sapphire is a darker tone than the other Czochralski material with a little more orange.

Pulled Czochralski Process

These can be cut in sizes up to 16 mm.

$125 per ct.

Padparadscha Sapphire

This has been a very popular stone, as finding a natural one is quite expensive. The color varies a bit depending on how close the crown comes to the outside of the rough. There is a little more orange at the outside of the rough, so I can cut these a bit more orange, or a bit more pink.

Flame Fusion process

These can be cut in sizes up to 10 mm.

$80 per ct.

Blue Sapphires

Blue Sapphire - Light Blue

A light tone blue sapphire with a touch of violet. This is the highest quality lab grown sapphire material.

Czochralski process

Can be cut in sizes 8 mm up to 16 mm.

$125 per ct

Blue Sapphire - Medium Blue 1

A medium tone blue sapphire with a touch of violet. This is the highest quality lab grown sapphire material.

Czochralski process

Can be cut in sizes 7.5 mm up to 16 mm.

$125 per ct

Blue Sapphire - Medium Blue 2

A medium tone blue sapphire with a touch of violet. This is the highest quality lab grown sapphire material. The tone is this material is slightly darker than the Medium blue 1 making it my prefered choice for smaller stones. This material produces the classic blue sapphire look.

Czochralski process

Can be cut in sizes 7 mm up to 16 mm.

$125 per ct

Blue Sapphire - Dark Royal Blue

A dark tone blue sapphire with a touch of violet. This is the highest quality lab grown sapphire material. This darker royal blue is best suited for small stones, as too large an it will become overly dark.

Czochralski process

Can be cut in sizes 6 mm up to 8 mm.

$125 per ct

Fancy Color Sapphires

Pink Sapphire

A bright intense pink color.

Flame Fusion process

Can be cut in sizes up to 16 mm

$80 per ct

Hot Pink Sapphire

A really vibrant hot pink color.

Flame Fusion process

Can be cut in sizes up to 10 or 12 mm.

$80 per ct

Mint GreenSapphire

A very pretty mint green color, nicer than the photo.

Flame Fusion process

Can be cut in sizes up to 9 or 10 mm.

$80 per ct

Yellow Sapphire

A medium light yellow stone.

Flame Fusion process

Can be cut in sizes up to 10 mm.

$80 per ct

Purple Sapphire

A very pretty bright purple color.

Flame Fusion process

Can be cut in sizes up to 10 mm.

$80 per ct

Color Change Sapphire

This new material is a color change sapphire that is a lilac pink in incandescent light and changes to a lavender color in daylight.

Flame Fusion process

$80 per ct.

Teal Sapphire

This is some new material that has the look of a Paraiba Tourmaline, but with the hardness of sapphire. It's very natural looking material with even some very slight color zoning on some pieces.

Flame Fusion Processs

$80 per ct.

Emerald

Emerald

Columbian Emerald color. Much nicer in person than the photos. The material is very clean, but may have some small natural inclusions. I also have some materail that will have slight;y more inclusions like a typical natural emerald. The camera doesn't capture the color well, these are a perfect Columbian Emerald color.

Hydrothermal Process

Can be cut in sizes up to 9 mm widths

$145 per ct

Spinel

Electric Cobalt Blue Spinel

This is the best cobalt blue spinel you will ever see. The color is an electric cobalt blue, just fantastic. Almost impossible to distinguish from natural crystals.

Produced by the Czochralski process

Can be cut in sizes up to 18 mm.

$125 per ct.

Blue Spinel Medium tone

A very pretty primary blue, with a medium tone.

Flame Fusion Process

Can be cut in sizes just over 8 mm.

$80 per ct.

Blue Spinel

A strong cobalt blue color with just a touch of violet

Flame Fusion process

Can be cut in sizes up to 14 mm.

$80 per ct.

Teal Spinel

A nice teal blue color, that in some lights shifts more green blue with a glow to it.

Produced by the Flame Fusion process

Can be cut in sizes up to 14+ mm.

$80 per ct

Pinkish Red Spinel

A hot red/pink color, looks like the finest Mahenge Spinel. The best red lab spinel available.

Produced by the Czochralski process

Can be cut in sizes up to 12 mm.

$125 per ct

Mint Green Spinel

A bright mint green color.

Flame Fusion process.

Can be cut in sizes up to 14 mm

$80 per ct

Alexandrite

Alexandrite

Color changes from a teal blue to purple red depending on the light source. In daylight they are a strong teal blue, incandescent becomes the red/purple color. Every one is a bit different. These make very attractive stones, but do need good lighting to fully appreciate.

Can be cut in sizes up to 9 mm. Too large and they will become dark.

Produced by the Czochralski process

$140 per ct

YAG

YAG - Paraiba Color

Yttrium Aluminium Garnet has the cubic crystal structure of natural garnet. Often called synthetic garnet. These stones are very hard with a hardness of 8.5. This material has been very popular. Stones in person have more 'punch' than the camera can capture. This color simulates a fine blue/green Paraiba tourmaline.

Can be cut in sizes up to 9 mm.

$83 per ct.

YAG - Tsavorite Color

Yttrium Aluminium Garnet has the cubic crystal structure of natural garnet. Often called synthetic garnet. These stones are very hard with a hardness of 8.5. This material has been very popular. Stones in person have more 'punch' than the camera can capture. This color simulates a fine tsavorite garnet.

Can be cut in sizes up to 9 mm.

$83 per ct.

YAG - Neon Yellow Color

Yttrium Aluminium Garnet has the cubic crystal structure of natural garnet. Often called synthetic garnet. These stones are very hard with a hardness of 8.5. This material has been very popular. Stones in person have more 'punch' than the camera can capture. This color is a very VERY intense neion yellow.

Can be cut in sizes up to 9 mm.

$83 per ct.

YAG - Blue-Purple Color Change

Yttrium Aluminium Garnet has the cubic crystal structure of natural garnet. Often called synthetic garnet. These stones are very hard with a hardness of 8.5. This material has been very popular. This material has a color change from blue in daylight to a purple in incandescent light.

Can be cut in sizes up to 10 mm. The Hex shape shown is a 10 mm stone, the round is a 7.5 mm.

$85 per ct.

YAG - Apricot Pink

This new material is pretty Apricot pink color very similar to a pad sapphire or a Lotus Mahenge Garnet.

$85 per ct.


Cut Geometry

People often ask about the height of a stone, or some call it the depth. It's kind of a confusing term, and means different things to different people.

Almost all cuts are made up of 3 parts. The Pavilion, the Crown and the Girdle. In the diagram here, the Pavilion is shown as P, the Crown as C. A jeweler is mainly concerned with the P dimension as they build the setting. They are not that concerned with the crown height generally. Most people when they measure a stone are measuring from the table to the culet or C + P + girdle thickness. This is not a real useful dimension for your jeweler, as it doesn't tell them how much room is needed to seat the stone. Some stones can have a really high crown, at times the crown dimension or C can exceed the P dimension.

For each design shown above, if you hoover over the design additional information about that design is shown including a formula so that you can calculate the depth P dimension based on the width W dimension.

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