Colored gemstones: sustainable, cost-effective and so in right now

Photo credit, Engin Akyurt

We cherish emerald’s shimmering bluish green, a vibrant reflection of lush forest or perfect swim hole. Its presence in jewelry dates back long before Cleopatra’s obsession, marking humanity’s fascination with striking colors in jewelry.

Today, fashion experts excitedly mark the emergence of colors everywhere – “color” is the trend to watch this year. And why not? After a few bleak years, we’re all ready to emerge draped in color. And emerald is the official gem of spring, after all.

Traditionally, gemstones have been mined from the earth itself. Forming over thousands of years, extreme pressure and unique chemical combinations, mined gemstones often feature inclusions or imperfections as a result of the environment. Each is a truly unique representation of place and composition.

Since the 1800s, the jewelry industry has experimented with synthetic gemstones, with mixed results. Prior to the 1980s, many were developed primarily for industrial uses. However, recent advances in man-made gemstones have been remarkably successful at producing extremely high-quality, low-impact pieces.

These beautiful gems are an increasingly popular option for sustainability and cost. Like lab-grown diamonds, lab-grown gemstones are not mined from the earth but have very similar or identical characteristics as mined gemstones. The ability to develop identical gemstones to precise requirements – from size to color, hardness, composition, luster, clarity and saturation – has tremendously simplified the use, and lowered the price, of these intricate, beautiful pieces.

Photo credit: Anthony Calandrelli

For many in the industry, the excitement over lab-grown gemstones is less around price than around sustainability: these stones are developed in an environmentally sustainable way, do not require mining and transport, and reduce the amount of cast-off (unused) elements. Like lab-grown diamonds, there is a growing hunger for lab-grown gemstones’ innate ethical and sustainable characteristics.

Color remains an important jewelry trend for 2022, and colored gemstones offer a great way to add that extra pop of color into your collection - especially for spring and summer. Be bold, bright, and beautiful! Whether for color, cost, or sustainability, gemstones are in this year. Are you ready?