The advantages of synthetic stones in costume jewellery

La fashion jewellery is winning over more and more consumers looking for a balance between style, affordability and originality. Unlike fine jewellery, costume jewellery offers far greater creative freedom, while remaining affordable. One of the reasons for this growing success is the use of innovative materials, including synthetic stonesThey have become an essential part of modern jewellery design.

Manufactured in laboratories, synthetic stones faithfully imitate the appearance and physical characteristics of natural stone. natural stoneThey offer an ethical, sustainable and economical solution. They allow designers to create vibrant collections, rich in colour and texture, without compromising on quality or design. Specialist players such as SMV Thailanda manufacturer of lost-wax jewellery for fashion brands around the world, use these materials to create made-to-measure jewellery, adapted to current trends and the expectations of demanding brands.

In this article, we explore the advantages of synthetic stone in costume jewellery, looking at their economic, aesthetic, ecological and ethical advantages - dimensions that are redefining the standards of contemporary design today.

 

 

What is synthetic stone?

Synthetic stones, also known as laboratory stones or created gems, are man-made materials designed to reproduce the physical, chemical and visual properties of natural stones. Unlike imitations, which share only the appearance of natural gems, synthetic stones have a mineralogical composition that is similar, if not identical, to their equivalent extracted from the earth.

Created in a controlled environment, these gems are the fruit of rigorous scientific know-how, enabling a faithful reproduction of a stone's essential characteristics: hardness, brilliance, colour, transparency and crystalline structure. In this, they differ from glass or plastic alternatives which, although visually similar, offer neither the same durability nor the same quality.

The concept of synthetic gemstones is not new. In the early 20th century, the first synthetic gems such as ruby were developed in the laboratory using the Verneuil method, a flame fusion technique. Today, the technology has been perfected with processes such as hydrothermal growth and vapour deposition (CVD), enabling the creation of synthetic diamonds that are virtually identical to natural diamonds.

Synthetic stones are used in many sectors, but they have a special place in costume jewellery, where they allow designers to combine design, quality and affordability. Thanks to their uniformity and wide range of colours, these stones offer immense creative freedom without the constraints and costs associated with mining.

 

 

What is natural stone?

The natural stone are minerals or rocks extracted directly from the earth's crust, without human intervention in their formation. They were formed over millions of years under specific geological conditions combining pressure, temperature and chemical elements. Among the most famous are diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. Each natural stone is unique in its colour, inclusions and composition, making them highly prized gems in both jewellery and top-of-the-range costume jewellery.

These stones are often associated with cultural and symbolic traditions. Some are used for their supposed virtues in lithotherapy, others for their sentimental value or rarity. However, their extraction raises major environmental and ethical issues. Mining can lead to the degradation of ecosystems and precarious working conditions, particularly in developing countries. That's why, in response to growing ecological awareness, natural stones are increasingly being supplemented, or even replaced, by synthetic alternatives in modern collections.

 

 

What is a jewellery stone?

In jewellery, the term stone refers to a hard material, usually mineral, used to adorn jewellery. It can be precious, semi-precious, natural or synthetic. The stone, whether mounted on a ring, pendant or pair of earrings, is designed to enhance the piece, adding colour, sparkle and refinement. Its choice has a direct influence on the style of the jewel, but also on its price, durability and sometimes even its symbolic meaning.

There are different types of stone used in jewellery: precious stones (such as diamonds, sapphires and emeralds), semi-precious stones (such as amethyst, citrine and garnet), ornamental stones (such as jade, onyx and turquoise) and synthetic stones. The development of contemporary jewellery has further broadened the range, with laboratory-grown stones or alternative materials, sometimes recycled or bio-sourced. Whatever their origin, stones remain at the heart of jewellery design, conveying creativity, history and personality.

 

 

Differences between synthetic and natural stone

Although visually very similar, stones created in the laboratory and those produced in nature differ significantly on a number of levels: origin, formation process, composition, price, public perception and environmental impact.

Origin and formation process

The most obvious difference lies in their origin. Natural stones are formed in the heart of the Earth over periods ranging from several thousand to several million years, under the combined effect of pressure, heat and the local geological composition. This long and complex process gives rise to unique gems, each marked by its own inclusions, irregularities and characteristics.

Synthetic stones, on the other hand, are created in laboratories under controlled conditions. Modern techniques, such as hydrothermal growth or the CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) method, enable the same formation conditions as in nature to be reproduced in just a few weeks. The result: visually identical gems that are often more 'perfect' than their natural counterparts.

Appearance and quality

Visually, most synthetic stones are indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. Their purity is often superior, as they contain no inclusions, internal fractures or areas of opacity. This gives them a more uniform brilliance and sometimes greater transparency.

Natural stones, on the other hand, have natural imperfections, which can be seen as defects... or as signs of authenticity and character. Each gem is unique, with its veins, shades of colour and mineral inclusions.

In costume jewellery, this uniformity of laboratory-created stones is a major advantage. It enables the production of perfectly coordinated jewellery, particularly when it comes to setting series of rings, earrings or necklaces.

Cost and accessibility

One of the strongest arguments in favour of created stones is their much more affordable cost. Because the production process is controlled, reproducible and much less costly than mining, the price of synthetic stones remains stable and predictable.

On the other hand, natural stone can be very expensive, due to its scarcity, operating and transport costs, as well as speculation on certain markets. This limits their accessibility to a restricted public.

Result: the costume jewellery or accessible collections can incorporate luxurious-looking gems at a much more competitive price, without sacrificing aesthetics.

Environmental and ethical impact

The exploitation of natural gems is often singled out for its environmental consequences: deforestation, soil and water pollution, dangerous working conditions, etc. Sometimes human exploitation or "conflict stones", financed by armed groups, are also involved.

Synthetic stones get round these problems. Produced without mining, they require fewer natural resources and are not linked to sensitive geopolitical issues. This is one of the reasons why they are appealing to a growing number of ethically-minded brands and consumers.

Summary of the main differences

Manufacturing process synthetic stones

The manufacture of synthetic stones is based on highly technological processes, developed to reproduce the extreme conditions in which gems are naturally formed. These methods make it possible not only to control the quality and appearance of the stones, but also to guarantee repeatable and ethical production.

Flame melting method (Verneuil)

The Verneuil method is the oldest industrial technique for manufacturing synthetic gems, invented in 1902 by French chemist Auguste Verneuil. It is still widely used today, particularly to produce synthetic rubies and sapphires.

Principle :
A metal oxide powder (corresponding to the stone to be produced) is introduced into an extremely hot flame. The material melts, then falls drop by drop onto a rotating rod, where it solidifies into a growing crystal. This process produces a "ball" or raw crystal, which is then cut and shaped.

Advantages :

• Rapid production

• Low cost

• High-purity crystals

Hydrothermal method

Inspired by natural geological processes, the hydrothermal method is used to produce gems such as quartz and synthetic emerald.

Principle :
The minerals are dissolved in an aqueous solution heated at high pressure (over 1,000 bar) inside an autoclave. Under the effect of the heat and pressure, the crystals slowly grow on supports placed in the upper chamber of the autoclave.

Advantages :

• Faithful reproduction of natural conditions

• Suitable for growing complex crystals

• Allows certain natural inclusions to be imitated

CVD - Chemical Vapour Deposition

CVD is a state-of-the-art method used mainly to produce high-quality synthetic diamonds.

Principle :
A carbon-rich gas (such as methane) is introduced into a vacuum chamber. Under the effect of high temperatures and an electric field, the carbon atoms are deposited in thin layers on a crystalline base, gradually forming a diamond.

Advantages :

• Precise control of size and shape

• High diamond purity and clarity

• Suitable for industrial and jewellery use

HPHT - High pressure, high temperature

This method, which competes with CVD, imitates even more closely the formation of diamonds in the earth's crust. HPHT can be used to produce white or yellow diamonds, as well as to modify the colour of certain existing diamonds.

Principle :
A diamond seed is placed in a press with a carbon source. Under a pressure of 5 GPa (50,000 atmospheres) and at a temperature of 1,500°C, the carbon atoms crystallise around the seed.

Advantages :

• Results very similar to natural diamonds

• Large-scale production possible

• Used to create or modify the colour of synthetic stones

Controlled manufacturing for quality jewellery

Thanks to these techniques, manufacturers can offer stones that precisely meet the aesthetic and technical expectations of jewellery designers. Sizes, colours, shapes and purities can be adjusted to suit the needs of a collection or the requirements of a customer.

Specialist companies such as SMV Thailandexperts in lost-wax manufacture, work with international fashion brands to produce bespoke jewellery incorporating these new-generation stones.

 

 

The types of synthetic stones most commonly used in costume jewellery

In the world of costume jewellery, the rise of synthetic stones has made it possible to democratise brilliant, colourful jewellery, which for a long time had been the preserve of the finest jewellers. These laboratory-created gems faithfully reproduce the brilliance, colour and structure of natural stones, while offering a more affordable alternative. Here are the most common types used today in the creation of costume jewellery.

Cubic zirconia (CZ)

La cubic zirconia is one of the most popular synthetic stones. Made from zirconium stabilised by yttrium, it imitates the brilliance of diamonds with great fidelity.

Why it appeals:

• Very good value for money

• Intense diamond-like brilliance

• Easy to produce in different sizes and colours

• Resistant to everyday wear and tear

It is ideal for earrings, rings or necklaces that look luxurious but are affordable.

Moissanite

La moissaniteAlthough of natural origin (rare in nature), it is mainly produced in laboratories for use in jewellery. It is known for its high hardness and exceptional brilliance, sometimes even superior to that of diamond.

Its strengths:

• Hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale (almost as hard as diamond)

• Spectacular lights ("rainbow" effect)

• Cheaper than diamond, but more expensive than zirconia

• Appreciated in fancy or substitute engagement rings

Synthetic rubies, sapphires and emeralds

Coloured gemstones, such as ruby red, the sapphire blue or theemerald green, are highly prized in top-of-the-range costume jewellery. Their synthetic version offers bright, pure colours with perfect visual consistency for mass-produced collections.

Why they are used :

• Possibility of controlling the exact shade (particularly for matching with metals or other gems)

• Fewer internal defects than natural stone

• Easy integration into complex frames thanks to their stability

These stones are particularly popular for necklaces and bracelets with floral, geometric or ethnic motifs.

Synthetic quartz and other coloured gems

Le quartz is another very common stone in costume jewellery. In its synthetic version, it can be used to explore an infinite range of colours (pink, smoky, lemon, etc.) and finishes (transparent, matt, frosted, etc.).

Other stones, such as spinel or the topazare also produced in the laboratory to meet specific needs in terms of style or resistance.

Economic benefits 

One of the most compelling arguments in favour of synthetic stones in costume jewellery is undoubtedly their affordability. These laboratory-grown gems allow brands and consumers to enjoy dazzling jewellery without the high cost of natural stones. There are several key factors behind this advantage.

Lower production costs

Laboratory production of synthetic stones is controlled, rapid and reproducible. Unlike natural stones, which require costly extraction, tedious sorting and sometimes chemical treatment, synthetic stones are created using controlled industrialised processes.

The costs associated with mining, transporting raw materials and processing are thus avoided, resulting in a significant reduction in the final cost. For costume jewellery designers, this means they can offer high-quality pieces at an attractive price, without compromising on aesthetics.

More accessible sales prices

For brands and distributors, the use of synthetic stones means competitive selling prices, encouraging impulse buying and a diverse range of products. Consumers can renew their collections more often, or treat themselves to pieces that are visually close to fine jewellery at a fraction of the price.

Synthetic stones offer a high perceived value at a lower real cost, which is a strategic advantage in a sector where design is as important as the material.

Price stability

The market for natural gemstones is often subject to major fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions, the scarcity of deposits or ethical issues linked to extraction.

On the other hand, the market for synthetic stones enjoys greater stability, because their production can be adjusted to demand and depends on controlled conditions. This predictability is invaluable for brands that want to plan their collections or negotiate clear margins with their suppliers.

Aesthetic advantages 

As well as being affordable, synthetic stones are increasingly winning over designers and consumers for their remarkable aesthetic qualities. Their laboratory-controlled manufacture enables them to achieve levels of brilliance, purity and regularity that are difficult to achieve with natural stones, whose appearance can vary according to deposits and geological conditions.

Exceptional brightness and clarity

Synthetic stones are often visually perfect. Unlike natural stones, they contain no inclusions visible to the naked eye, the tiny internal impurities that sometimes alter the transparency of natural gems. This absence of defects allows synthetic stones to reflect light optimally, increasing their brilliance.

For example, cubic zirconia, widely used as an alternative to diamond, is renowned for its intense refraction, which gives it a fire comparable to, or even superior to, that of diamond under certain lighting conditions.

Variety of colours

Modern processes make it possible to produce laboratory-grade stones in a very wide range of colours, some of which are extremely rare or impossible to find naturally. As a result, jewellers can offer perfectly matched pieces or highly coloured creations without relying on specific deposits.

This offers immense creative freedom, from minimalist collections to the most daring jewellery. Designers can play with colours, shades and sizes without the constraints of traditional sourcing.

Uniform shapes and sizes

Another major advantage is the perfect uniformity made possible by laboratory techniques. Synthetic stones can be calibrated with extreme precision, which is essential for series creations or designs requiring paired stones, such as earrings, pavé rings or symmetrical bracelets.

Brands that manufacture in large quantities benefit directly from this: less waste during assembly, fewer alterations, and ideal visual consistency between each piece.

Ecological and ethical benefits

The growing popularity of synthetic stones in costume jewellery is largely due to the environmental and ethical benefits they offer. While the extraction of natural stones raises many concerns about pollution, human exploitation and deforestation, laboratory-created stones offer a more responsible and sustainable alternative.

Reducing environmental impact

Unlike mining, which consumes large quantities of natural resources, generates waste and disrupts ecosystems, the manufacture of laboratory stones requires less energy and produces less pollution. This is because :

• Laboratory production does not require blasting or excavation of large quantities of earth.

• This prevents contamination of groundwater, a common problem in gemstone mines.

• CO₂ emissions linked to the manufacture of stones in the laboratory are better controlled thanks to technological advances.

This approach is helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the jewellery and meet the expectations of a public that is increasingly sensitive to environmental issues.

An ethical alternative to mining

Many natural stones, particularly diamonds, are associated with human problems, such as armed conflict or precarious working conditions in certain regions of the world. By choosing laboratory-grade stonessIn this way, jewellery designers and consumers avoid the grey areas of traceability and support more transparent practices.

Laboratory-produced stones are traceable from the beginning to the end of their life cycle, making them a reassuring solution for brands concerned about respecting ethical manufacturing practices. This transparency is a major advantage, particularly for young fashion brands or committed designers who want to build a responsible identity.

A choice in line with the values of modern consumers

Today, more and more buyers want to consume differently. Aesthetics are no longer enough: materials must also carry a message. By choosing a piece of jewellery made from laboratory-grown stones, consumers are asserting their desire for change, in line with a more sustainable vision of fashion.

The brands that include these materials in their collections are responding to a dual need: to offer elegant, trendy jewellery, while reducing their ecological impact and respecting strong ethical principles.

 

 

The durability and quality of synthetic stone

One of the most persistent prejudices about laboratory-grown stones is that they are less durable or of lower quality than natural stones. However, advances in manufacturing processes mean that today we can obtain very high-performance gems that are solid, brilliant and suitable for everyday use.

Comparable or even greater hardness

A stone's durability is often measured on the Mohs scale, which assesses its resistance to scratches. On this criterion, several laboratory-produced stones rival their natural equivalents:

• La moissanitefor example, reaches 9.25 on the Mohs scale, just behind natural diamond (10), and ahead of ruby and sapphire.

• La cubic zirconiaAlthough a little softer (8-8.5), it is still perfectly suited to everyday life when properly fitted.

This robustness enables designers to create costume jewellery that retains its sparkle even when worn regularly.

Controlled aesthetic quality

Synthetic stones offer an undeniable advantage: they are manufactured in a laboratory so that their colour, size, clarity and shape can be precisely controlled. The result:

• Fewer inclusions (small internal defects) than in natural stone, which is often more irregular.

• Vibrant colours that can be reproduced identically for consistent jewellery series.

• Consistent brilliance, even on complex parts.

This consistency is particularly valuable in the costume jewellery sector, where visual consistency and perceived quality play a key role in the purchasing decision.

Excellent resistance over time

Unlike certain more fragile or porous natural stones (such as opal or turquoise), laboratory-grown stones are often more resistant to humidity, impact and temperature variations. They require little maintenance, making them ideal for brands that want to offer affordable jewellery that is easy to wear and care for.

Innovation and technology in the manufacture of synthetic stones

The development of laboratory-created gemstones is closely linked to the technological advances of recent decades. From simple imitations in their early days, these laboratory-created gems now benefit from high-precision manufacturing processes that give them properties similar to, and sometimes even superior to, those of natural stones. This technological development opens up a whole new world of possibilities for jewellery designers.

Cutting-edge techniques for top-quality results

Synthetic stones are manufactured using a variety of methods, the most effective of which are able to faithfully reproduce the natural conditions in which they are formed. Two techniques in particular are used:

• CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) This method is used to manufacture synthetic diamonds. It produces high-purity, inclusion-free stones by precisely controlling the growth of the crystal layer by layer.

• HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) This process, which mimics the temperature and pressure conditions of the Earth's mantle, is also used to create diamonds and enhance the colour of certain synthetic stones.

These technologies enable the characteristics of the gems to be adjusted according to aesthetic needs or production constraints.

Tailor-made production for fashion brands

Thanks to innovation, it is now possible to design synthetic stones with specific shades, precise cuts and particular effects (shimmer, iridescence, etc.). This flexibility is ideal for costume jewellery, which relies heavily on the variety of styles and originality of its collections.

Manufacturers can also produce homogeneous series of stones, ensuring perfect consistency on jewellery sold online or in boutiques, while reducing losses linked to the natural variations found in natural stones.

Optimised, eco-efficient production

Modern technologies have also made it possible to reduce energy consumption, waste and production times. Unlike the time-consuming and polluting extraction of natural stones, laboratory production can be automated, calibrated and located closer to the centres of creation.

This not only limits the ecological impact, but also shortens time-to-market, a key advantage for brands that regularly launch new collections.

 

 

Acceptance of synthetic stones in the jewellery industry

For a long time, synthetic stones were seen as simply cheap substitutes for natural stones. But this perception has changed considerably. Today, these laboratory-created gems are no longer reserved for entry-level products or imitations: they are gradually making inroads into all market segments, including the most creative and demanding.

Growing popularity among designers and brands

Many fashion jewellery brands - and even some luxury houses - are now adopting synthetic stones to create collections that are bold, modern and accessible. Their visual quality, durability and chromatic diversity give them the creative freedom that natural stones cannot always offer.

Designers see it as an ideal way of offering consistent designs, in constant colour ranges, without compromising on ethics or style. Both limited editions and permanent collections gain in consistency and regularity.

A change in consumer perception

Consumer demand has also changed. Informed, connected and sensitive to environmental issues, customers are placing more and more importance on the traceability of materials and their ecological impact. Against this backdrop, synthetic stones are emerging as a responsible and rewarding alternative.

Rather than being seen as copies, they are now recognised as considered choices, combining aesthetics and values. This paradigm shift has been amplified by awareness-raising campaigns by major brands, as well as by influencers and stylists who promote ethical jewellery.

Growing recognition in contemporary jewellery

The legitimacy of laboratory-grown stones continues to grow in the world of jewellery. Several trade shows, including JCK Las Vegas, Bijorhca Paris and the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, regularly feature designers who work exclusively with synthetic materials.

Even top-of-the-range sales platforms such as Net-A-Porter and Matches Fashion now offer collections incorporating these materials, proof of their recognition in the sector.

 

 

Synthetic stones have become an essential alternative in the world of costume jewellery. Far beyond their aesthetic appeal, they embody a new design model that is more accessible, more ethical and more in tune with the contemporary expectations of brands and consumers alike.

The result of advanced technological processes, they offer remarkable qualities: visual purity, a variety of colours, controlled cost and exemplary durability. Compared with natural stones, which are often more expensive and come from complex supply chains, laboratory-created stones allow designers to expand their possibilities without compromising on quality or ethics.

From an ecological and social point of view, they meet a growing demand for responsible jewellery, avoiding the problems associated with mining and limiting the environmental impact. They also make it easier to access original, refined pieces, by supporting more sustainable production.

In short, laboratory stones are reinventing the codes of costume jewellery. They are no longer an alternative choice, but a strategic one, at the crossroads of innovation, design and commitment. For any brand wishing to combine style, responsibility and creativity, their adoption is no longer an option, but a matter of course.

FAQ

What is synthetic stone?
A synthetic stone is a laboratory-created gem that imitates the properties of natural stones.

How are synthetic stones made?
Synthetic stones are manufactured using a variety of methods, including flame fusion, hydrothermal methods and chemical vapour deposition (CVD).

Are synthetic stones as beautiful as natural stones?
Yes, synthetic stones can be as beautiful or even clearer and more brilliant than natural stones, because they can be produced without inclusions or defects.

Are synthetic stones cheaper than natural stones?
In general, synthetic stones are cheaper to produce and buy than natural stones.

Are laboratory stones durable?
Yes, some synthetic stones, such as moissanite, are very durable and resistant, rivalling natural stones.

Are synthetic stones environmentally friendly?
Yes, the production of synthetic stone has a lower environmental impact than the mining of natural stone.

Are synthetic stones ethical?
Yes, synthetic stones avoid the ethical problems associated with mining, such as armed conflicts and human rights violations.

What types of synthetic stone are popular?
Popular synthetic stones include cubic zirconia, moissanite and synthetic rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

Are synthetic stones acceptable in luxury jewellery?
Synthetic stones are increasingly gaining acceptance in luxury jewellery, particularly for their quality and ecological benefits.

Where can I buy jewellery with synthetic stones?
You can find jewellery with synthetic stones in many online and physical jewellery stores, specialising in costume and luxury jewellery.