John Atencio's Sustainable Choice: Lab Gemstones

Renowned for his artfully crafted jewelry pieces, John Atencio has a passion for creativity and ethical design. These unyielding principles inform the way he sources his exquisite gemstones, ensuring that every piece reflects his values and unrivaled skill as an artist. 

Gorgeous and ethically sourced, lab-created gemstones have become an industry trend, as consumers embrace the concept of stunning, sustainable jewelry. Let’s take a look at the many benefits of lab-grown gemstones and see how John incorporates them into his stunning pieces.

What Are Lab-created Gemstones?

Also known as man-made gemstones, lab-created gems have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as their natural counterparts. But unlike natural gemstones, which form over millions of years, lab-grown gemstones are produced over a period of weeks or months. 

The process takes place in controlled laboratory environments, using cutting-edge technologies that replicate the natural geological effects that lead to the formation of gemstones beneath the Earth's surface. Lab-created gemstones are not imitations or diamond simulants, but genuine stones that have been crafted through human intervention. Gorgeous and high-quality, they offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to natural gemstones, which are often mined under environmentally damaging and labor-intensive conditions.

How Are Lab-Grown Gemstones Made?

The process of creating lab-created gemstones involves the use of raw materials with the same chemical composition as their natural counterparts, such as aluminum oxide for rubies and sapphires, or silica for quartz. There are several techniques employed in the creation of synthetic gemstones, with the most common being the Czochralski process, the hydrothermal method, and the flux method. 

The Czochralski process involves melting the raw materials and then slowly pulling a single crystal from the melt, which is then cut into individual gemstones. The hydrothermal method mimics the natural conditions of high temperature and pressure, allowing crystals to grow in a nutrient-rich solution.

In contrast, the flux method involves dissolving the raw materials in a flux, a chemical mixture that promotes crystal growth, and then slowly cooling the solution to allow the crystals to form. Each of these methods can produce high-quality lab-created gemstones that are virtually indistinguishable from their naturally occurring counterparts.

Benefits of Lab-grown Gemstones

Lab-grown gemstones offer a myriad of benefits, with environmental advantages being chief among them. The production of these man-made stones drastically reduces the need for mining, which is known for its destructive impact on the environment. 

Not all jewelers embrace John Atencio’s unwavering ethical standards. When creating his uniquely beautiful jewelry, John maintains a strict adherence to the most stringent social and ethical standards. In addition to offering the highest-quality lab-created gemstones, John is careful to source all of his natural stones from eco-conscious suppliers that prioritize optimal working conditions, while safeguarding the local environment.

In many cases, traditional mining operations can cause deforestation, soil erosion and contamination of water sources, all of which have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and biodiversity. In contrast, lab-created gemstones are produced in controlled environments, significantly minimizing the ecological footprint. Furthermore, the energy and resources required to create these stones are more efficiently utilized, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a more sustainable production process.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, lab-grown gemstones tend to be more affordable than their natural counterparts. Since they are produced using advanced technology and do not require extensive mining operations, the cost of production is significantly lower.

This allows lab-grown gemstones to be sold at more accessible price points, making them an appealing option for a wider range of consumers. In many cases, consumers can enjoy the beauty and durability of gemstones, such as diamonds and sapphires, without the hefty price tag often associated with naturally mined stones.

By opting for lab-created stones, consumers can avoid the risk of inadvertently supporting jewelers who, unlike John Atencio, source their gems from suppliers who engage in ethically questionable activities. Moreover, lab-grown gemstones are produced with greater transparency, providing consumers with a clear understanding of their origin and production process. As a result, the demand for lab-grown gemstones has surged, driving a shift towards a more responsible and sustainable gemstone industry.

Care and Maintenance of Lab-created Gemstones

Just like natural gems, lab-grown gemstones require proper care and maintenance to ensure their beauty and longevity. To clean lab-created gemstones, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soapy water to gently remove dirt, oils and grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, since these can damage the stone's surface. Rinse the gemstone thoroughly and pat dry with a soft microfiber cloth.

Bear in mind that John Atencio provides a gentle jewelry cleaner specially formulated for delicate jewelry pieces. He also offers inspections and complimentary in-store cleaning over the lifetime of your John Atencio jewelry. 

When storing lab-created stones, keep them separated from other jewelry pieces to prevent scratching or chipping. It’s generally best to store each piece individually in soft pouches or compartments within a jewelry box. This prevents abrasions, while keeping them safe from sunlight and extreme temperatures that affect color and luster. 

John Atencio's Lab Gemstones Collection

An eco-conscious legend in the jewelry industry, John Atencio offers a broad selection of artfully crafted pieces, featuring exquisite lab-grown gemstones. Some of our favorites include the celebrated Paloma Collection.

Masterfully crafted with hand-cut lab sapphires, rubies and emeralds, Paloma embodies the essence of elegance, minimalism and depth, reflecting the quintessential craftsmanship of John Atencio. Drawing inspiration from ancient texts, every Paloma creation features gracefully bezel-set diamonds encircled by a gently sculpted structure. 

John also offers an incredible selection of stunning lab-grown diamond pieces, including dazzling tennis bracelets, brilliant diamond studs, and beautifully crafted designer engagement rings to signify your one-of-a-kind love story. 

Shop online or visit one of our many Colorado locations, where our jewelry consultants can help you choose the perfect piece of yourself or that special someone.