They are grown in a laboratory but are identical chemically, physically and optically to natural gems. They're not gem imitations lab-created gemstones are the real deal.

The more expensive and hard-to-find natural gems in jewelry, such as diamond (white and fancy color), sapphire (blue and other colors), emerald, ruby and opal, are favorite lab-created stones. That's why lab-created gemstones are available as alternatives. Yet some of these gemstones are rarer, harder to get, and quite expensive.

To others, they're meaningful as birthstones, symbolic for their legendary power, or simply beloved as a favorite signature color. To some, they're badges of wealth and success - think Hollywood stars at award shows dripping with rubies or emeralds. They mean something different to each wearer. Gemstones in jewelry are colorful, romantic and personal. Stones created in a lab are chemically, physically and optically identical to those mined underground - but they have fewer flaws, a lighter carbon footprint and cost less, too.

Lab created blue sapphire