Regina oval halo ring with royal blue lab sapphire and moissanite

Lab-Created Gemstones Explained: Lab Sapphire, Moissanite and Paraiba-Color Stones

More and more people choose lab-created gemstones for engagement-style rings, anniversary gifts and everyday sparkle. But what exactly is a lab-created stone – and is it "real"? Here is a clear, simple guide.

What is a lab-created gemstone?

A lab-created (or lab-grown) gemstone is made in a controlled environment that recreates the heat and pressure in which gems form in nature. The result is a stone with a beautiful, even color and very few inclusions – at a much friendlier price than a comparable mined stone.

Lab sapphire

A lab-created sapphire has the same chemistry and hardness as a natural sapphire – it is corundum, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, so it is very durable for rings. It comes in rich colors, from deep royal blue to soft pastels.

Moissanite

Moissanite (silicon carbide) is a stone of its own, not an imitation of diamond. It is very hard (9.25 on the Mohs scale) and shows even more fire – colorful flashes of light – than a diamond. That is why it is so popular for solitaire rings, studs and tennis bracelets. Read the full comparison: Moissanite vs. Diamond.

Paraiba-color stones

Natural Paraiba tourmaline, famous for its electric blue-green glow, is one of the rarest gems in the world. Our "Oceana" collection uses lab-created stones in the Paraiba color, so you can enjoy that tropical lagoon shade in a piece you can actually wear every day.

Why choose lab-created stones?

  • Beauty: clean, even color and strong sparkle.
  • Value: a bigger, brighter stone for your budget.
  • Durability: sapphire and moissanite are hard enough for daily wear.
  • Consistency: matching stones – perfect for tennis bracelets and halo designs.

How to care for them

Clean your pieces with warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then dry them with a soft cloth. Store each piece separately so harder stones don't scratch other jewelry. For silver settings, see our anti-tarnish tips.

Many of our lab-created pieces are custom made for you in 925 sterling silver. Questions about a stone or a size? Message us on WhatsApp.

Back to blog