What Makes Synthetic Gemstones a Trusted Choice Today?

Once dismissed as knockoffs, synthetic gemstones are quickly becoming the crown jewels of a changing industry. Whether it’s lab-grown diamonds or alternative stones like moissanite, today’s consumers are of a different mindset than those of 20 or 40 years ago.

Today, the market for synthetic gemstones is valued at $24.49 billion and is expected to reach over  $29.18 billion in 2029. In all fairness, natural gemstones are still in the lead, with a diamond market valued at $97.57 billion in 2024. 

But, as more consumers focus on affordability, transparency, and growing concerns over the environmental and ethical costs of traditional mining, things are expected to shift even more. This is why even major retailers are now promoting lab-grown stones as an ethical alternative. 

What’s Driving the Change?

Let’s be honest about this: the more affordable price is one of the most compelling reasons shoppers go synthetic. 

Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30% to 70% less than their natural counterparts, even when they’re visually and chemically identical. That means consumers can be more selective with their choices, or go for unique custom lab created diamond rings that fit their preferences.

This makes synthetic gemstones more appealing to younger buyers, so it’s more likely to see these stones offered as engagement or wedding jewelry collections. However, even older adults, who are financially stable, seem to veer towards lab-grown stones.

For them, it’s the environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency that matter. Traditional mining practices are notoriously resource-intensive and tend to require massive land excavation, high water usage, and significant carbon emissions. 

Lab-grown diamonds, for instance, use up to 85% less water and emit up to 95% fewer carbon emissions than mined diamonds. For eco-conscious consumers, this difference matters a lot. Just like consumers are seeking sustainable jewelry alternatives, many are also turning to wellness brands like Noom to support focus, clarity, and mindful decision-making in their daily lives.

Then there’s the dark side of gemstone mining, which includes child labor, dangerous working conditions, and the funding of conflict zones. These issues are not new, and they have plagued the industry for decades. Lab-grown stones, by contrast, offer full transparency of the production process from start to finish. 

Furthermore, today’s consumer knows that price is often driven up by rarity. For instance, some natural gemstones, like tanzanite, are quite rare, which puts them in a higher price bracket than their synthetic counterparts. 

Why Do Some People Still Prefer Natural Gemstones?

As we already mentioned at the start of this article, the natural gemstones market is still in the lead, with solid projections for growth. Many people still prefer to buy a smaller natural diamond or opt for alternatives like tanzanite (a popular substitute), rather than choose anything synthetic.

Why is that?

Natural stones’ perceived rarity, for once. Natural diamonds and colored gemstones are formed over millions of years through geological processes, so there’s only a limited amount. Also, many natural gemstones have small imperfections that make them unique. For some, that deep time connection and one-of-a-kind factor make natural stones feel more meaningful or romantic.

There’s also the investment angle. While synthetic gemstones are ideal for personal use, they typically don’t retain or appreciate the way high-quality natural stones can. Natural stones on an engagement ring or an expensive watch appreciate as time passes so that these items can be both an adornment and an asset.

Lastly, emotional and cultural traditions play a role. In some cultures and families, natural stones carry symbolic importance, whether for religious ceremonies, heirloom value, or beliefs around authenticity and energy. So, even if lab-grown gems are visually identical, they do not offer the same emotional weight.

Simulants vs. Synthetics: Know the Difference Before You Buy

Synthetic gems are chemically identical to their natural counterparts, so they’re not considered fakes by the industry. Gemstone simulants (cubic zirconia or glass), on the other hand, are an entirely different category. 

Simulants are designed to look like gemstones but have no chemical or structural similarity to the real thing. They’re often used in costume jewelry or fast-fashion accessories due to their low price point.

Natural, Synthetic, or Simulants?

If you want jewelry that resists the test of time or reaches the next generation, it’s best to stick with natural vs. synthetic. Simulants are softer and less durable, so they can scratch, cloud, or lose their luster much faster.

They’re great as accessories for an evening night out, but you shouldn’t have them in engagement rings or heirloom pieces. In fact, natural gemstones are still the best option for heirloom pieces.