Lab-Grown Gemstones: Are Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Real?

The short answer: yes, lab-grown rubies, sapphires and emeralds are 100% real gemstones. They have the exact same chemical composition, hardness and appearance as mined stones — the only difference is that they are created in a controlled lab instead of dug from the earth, which makes them more affordable and more ethical.

Are lab-grown gemstones real?

Real. A lab-grown ruby is still a ruby (corundum with chromium), a lab-grown sapphire is still a sapphire, and a lab-grown emerald is still an emerald (beryl). Gemologists confirm they share identical physical and optical properties with mined stones. They are not imitations like glass or cubic zirconia — those are different materials entirely.

Lab-grown vs. mined: how they compare

• Quality: Identical hardness, brilliance and color. Lab-grown stones often have fewer inclusions.
• Price: Typically a fraction of the cost of a comparable mined gem, so you get more size and sparkle for your budget.
• Ethics & environment: No mining, more transparent sourcing, and a smaller footprint.
• Appearance: Indistinguishable to the naked eye — even jewelers need lab equipment to tell them apart.

Which gemstone should you choose?

It often comes down to color and birth month:

• Ruby — rich red, July birthstone, symbol of love and passion.
• Sapphire — deep blue, September birthstone, classic and versatile.
• Emerald — vivid green, May birthstone, elegant and eye-catching.
• Diamond — timeless sparkle, April birthstone, goes with everything.

At Pearl Luna, we pair these lab-grown gems with hand-picked freshwater pearls in 925 sterling silver and 18k gold — real materials, honest prices.

Frequently asked questions

Are lab-grown gemstones worth it?

If you want a real gemstone with the same look and durability for less money, yes — lab-grown stones offer excellent value.

Do lab-grown gems last as long as mined ones?

Yes. They have the same hardness and durability, so they wear exactly the same over time.

Can anyone tell they are lab-grown?

Not by looking. They are visually identical to mined stones; only specialized lab testing can distinguish them.

Explore our pearl and lab-grown gemstone jewelry or shop by stone: ruby, sapphire, emerald and diamond. Free shipping in the US and Japan.