Natural, Synthetic or Imitation Stone: What Are the Differences?
"Natural", "synthetic", "imitation", "lab-created"... These terms are everywhere, and they do not mean the same thing at all. Understanding these three categories means avoiding 90% of unpleasant surprises when buying.
The Natural Stone: Created by the Earth
A natural stone formed in the Earth's crust over millions of years. It was extracted from a mine, then simply cut and polished. Its inclusions and slight irregularities of colour are its signature — no two are identical. It is this uniqueness and rarity that underpin its value... and its price.
The Synthetic Stone: The Same... But Factory-Made
A synthetic stone (or "lab-created") has exactly the same chemical composition and crystal structure as the natural one. A synthetic sapphire IS corundum — but manufactured in a few weeks in a furnace, in unlimited quantities. The consequence: its value is very low and only keeps falling as industrial processes improve. The problem is not its existence (it is legitimate and must be disclosed); it is when it is sold at the price of a natural stone.
The Imitation: Just the Colour
An imitation shares only the appearance: coloured glass, resin, cubic zirconia, or even another, cheaper natural stone (a blue synthetic spinel sold as "sapphire", for example). This is the category of costume jewellery — no problem at all, as long as it is disclosed.
How to Navigate When Buying
- Insist on the word "natural" on the invoice — it is a legally binding statement;
- Beware of vague terms: "created", "cultured", "inspired by"...;
- For a piece of any value, ask for a laboratory certificate;
- Choose a seller who can tell you where their stone comes from.
All our gems are natural, sourced directly in the producing countries. Discover our latest stones or book an appointment in Paris to learn to examine them under the loupe with us.
