Pros And Cons Of Synthetics - Synthetic Gems: Outdoing Nature?
Topics: antique engagement rings, engagement rings, rings, wedding rings, diamond rings, engagement ring, we
When most people think about synthetic gems, the first thing that comes to mind is a misconception that these are “cheap imitations” compared to the real, natural gems that they are patterned after. However, what most people do not know is that there are many types of man-made or modified natural gems whose quality and appearance can easily rival those of “natural” gemstones while costing much less than their original counterparts.
Defining Natural and Synthetic Stones
A lot of different terms are used in the gemstone industry today, and you have to know what the terms mean to keep yourself from getting ripped off. A natural gemstone is, by definition, exactly that - a natural stone mined from a quarry, and the only human intervention regarding it’s appearance is to cut and polish it, nothing more. Natural gemstones of high quality and beauty are the rarest and most expensive types of gemstones. Treated gemstones, on the other hand, are natural gems which, despite cutting and polishing, would have normally fallen below the standards of high quality natural gems.
These gems are treated with chemicals and several procedures to enhance their appearance to match higher quality gemstones. Lastly, there are synthetic gemstones. These are man made gems created completely inside a factory or laboratory. Synthetic stones are, in chemical composition, exactly like their natural gemstone counterparts. As a matter of act, they are TOO perfect in appearance, because their physical parameters and composition are made expressly for jewelry purposes.
Different Types of Synthetic Stones
There are two main types of synthetic stones based on how they were created. The first is factory-produced synthetic stones. Basically, these are stones created using the same elements as a natural stone, and fused together under artificial conditions (like superheating and pressure) to make a gemstone in much less time than it would take for one to develop naturally. These can be churned out at a rapid rate and in very large volumes. The second type is lab-grown gemstones. These are a half-way compromise between mass-produced synthetic stones and natural ones.
The same elements as natural gemstones are again used to create a synthetic one, BUT instead of speed-fusing them, the elements are placed in a lab whose conditions approach that of the natural processes which create natural gemstones. While the process itself is sped up to make a gem in much less time than nature would, it takes more time to “grow” a gem in a lab than it would under a factory processor. However, lab grown gems are able to approach the qualities of a natural gem more than a factory-made synthetic one.
The Qualities of Synthetic Stones versus Natural
Physically, there are several differences between a synthetic stone and a natural one. Again, the most ironic difference is that synthetic stones are TOO perfect. Created expressly for jewelry purposes, their basic shapes are made to fit the type of jewelry they are meant to be set in. Even their crystal structure is mathematically precise with no deviations whereas a natural gemstone will often have a flaw or two in it’s matrice (and if it does not, a perfectly unflawed natural gem’s price will be HUGE). The chemical composition of the gem is likewise pure for synthetic gemstones, whereas natural gemstones may often have trace elements mixed into it. These small imperfections are how most jewelers tell the difference between a natural and synthetic stone. Price wise, synthetic gems can offer a person much more beauty and value for their money; natural gemstones of high quality are very rare and thus expensive, whereas the mass produced synthetics are physically the same but
cheaper by anything from half to a quarter of the price.
For long term investment, however, natural gemstones of high quality are a better deal because of their rarity; their value appreciates over time, whereas the price for a synthetic remains constant. The price may even drop over time, especially for factory-made synthetic gemstones; natural stones and lab grown stones have no physical degradation over time, but factory-made stones, being made in a hurry, are not quite as durable as the real thing. For this reason, lab-grown synthetic gemstones are becoming more and more popular over quick factory machine-made synthetics.
Allen Jesson writes for several sites that specialize in vintage engagement rings, and antique engagement rings.
www.antique-engagement-rings.info www.vintage-engagement-rings.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Lithium Batteries - Advantages And Limitations Of This Power Source (1)
There is no memory and no scheduled cycling is required to prolong the battery's life. In addition, the self-discharge is less than half compared to nickel-cadmium, making Li-Ions well suited for modern fuel gauge applications.
Tips For Promoting Your Small Business (2)
You can add a coupon on the back, so that if they bring in the card they will get a discount. You can also advertise an opening party or any other event to draw people in.
Personal Loans Can Lead To 'More Manageable' Financial Situation (3)
Abbi Rouse is Editor in Chief for All About Loans. Our visitors have access to cheap online loans of all types: From home improvement loans to bad credit debt consolidation loans.
The Steps To Making Sewing A Breeze (4)
Sharps are medium length needles with a short oval eye. Crewels have a long oval eye and are easily threaded, while milliners' are longer in length. The most suitable sizes for general sewing are 7's and 8's.
Worry-Free Classic Car Shipping (5)
It is even more traumatic when you are shipping a classic sports car or other valuable vehicle. In addition to the cost, such automobiles often have sentimental value that makes them irreplaceable.
Dog Training - Sit Command (6)
So when is the best time to teach your dog this command? The timing is crucial for training your dog, once your dog is fairly comfortable with the command, it's not a bad idea to practice often without care to other circumstances but to begin with timing and your dog's frame of mind are very important.
Are You Finding Difficulty In Choosing The Right Subject? (7)
Do you know what kind of photos you will take? Are you going to a family meeting or gathering? Do you want to see some wildlife going out for a hike?
Taking A Trip To Yala National Park (8)
It has been described as one of the best parks in the world for spotting leopards so is great for all animal lovers. The park is spread out over 100,000 hectares consisting of jungle, lagoons and rock monoliths.
Bringing The Beauty Out Of Wood (9)
With a little practice you will be able to manage this type of woodturning. Finally You Too Can Master The Wood Turning And The Wood Carving Tool! Click here for FREE online Ebook www.woodcarvingtool.net
Don't Rest On Your Business Success Laurels, Set Greater Goals (10)
Robert Paul Williams is the Editor of Work At Home Business Website. Get Free and Low Cost Website Advertising Ideas by Visiting: work-at-home-business-website.com Monetize Your Site Today with Audio Ad Clips work-at-home-business-website.com
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Work From Home Business Success - How Do You Achieve It? (1)
You should listen to someone who has achieved it but you have to be careful about whom that someone is. Now you are going to find out what it took for all the successful people to make it to the top with their work from home business.
Blogging Essential: Three Mistakes That Can Spell The End Of Your Blog (2)
Blogging is not only commonplace but it can also be a key component in online business success. Why has it become such a phenomenon? No doubt convenience plays a major role.
Learning To Pitch With Pizazz (3)
This is the throwing grip for just about every type of pitch. Many pitchers have made the major leagues without that "good fast ball" and without measuring up to the desired physical standards.
What Is Court Reporting? (4)
Internet technologies are doing the same as streaming Internet text allows people to sit in on meetings across the globe even if their computer systems lack the capacity for live video feed.
Internet Resources When Looking To Buy A Home (5)
In addition, on the Internet today, you can find relevant listing information about the properties that are for sale in the communities in which you desire to purchase your home.
Let Your Prospects Know Why They Can't Live Without You (6)
At first glance you may not realize what separates you from the rest, but your product is unique is some special way. Just keep digging until you find it.
English Tutors - Vocabulary, Spelling And Sentence Structure (7)
Try to have the tutor make up his own lesson plans, don't let your child do their homework with the tutor all the time. Yes, the point is for the child to know what they are doing but if the tutor helps with the homework all the time, then the child will rely on the tutor to do the homework for them.
Helpful Bowling Hints To Improve Your Game (8)
Actually, the left hand becomes mere hindrance to backswing once the back-swing has started. But the left hand and arm serve to provide proper balance as you continue your delivery.
How To Develop Your USP (9)
Why should anyone want to buy what you have to offer? What is your Unique Selling Proposition? Knowing the answers to these questions will enable you to increase the traffic flow to your website.
Home Based Business? Have You Got The Ambition It Takes? (10)
Once the obstacles are overcome or removed, you will have a clear sight of where you want to be and hopefully you will be taking on the next challenge with confidence.
Permalink to Pros And Cons Of Synthetics - Synthetic Gems: Outdoing Nature?