Why Are Natural Gemstones Still So Popular in Fine Jewelry?
Why Are Natural Gemstones Still So Popular in Fine Jewelry
The beauty of natural gemstones is remains at the heart of fine jewelry, artisan craftsmanship and global history. They are the only type of gem that can be produced by nature; all others, produced in laboratories, only look natural but do not compare to theirs in the way of being collectible or authentic.
Natural gemstones have continued to hold their beauty through time. They have crossed all trends, cultures and generations. Their ongoing appeal and consistency of beauty is based on their authenticity, rarity and historic reference and they cannot be replaced by laboratory sourced materials.
Natural stones reflect the beauty of the Earth's creation, shaped by natural forces and millions of years of time. No two stones are the same; every stone is uniquely defined by geology. Natural stones also have a defined traceable history, cultural value and symbolic meaning—attributes that give natural gemstones their prestige and emotional attachment that is lacking from lab-produced products.
Natural gemstones have long been appreciated and valued by the royal house, collectors and jewelry aficionados as symbols of status, craftsmanship and confirming their authenticity. Their value and connection to one's family and culture demonstrate their importance to an individual and how they continue to be timeless products.
While lab-created stones may have made them more affordable than natural gemstones, they have lost the rarity, natural flaws and organic way they were created: therefore they will never be considered as fine jewelry by educated consumers, investors or those creating a natural legacy.
The natural gemstone will always represent perfect, natural creations and will continue to be considered the very essence of luxury and fine craftsmanship, maintaining the bond between the earth and those who love them.
Reasons for Continued Popularity
Authenticity—Stones formed by nature and time
Natural gemstones were created by nature over literally millions of years—not by humans in a laboratory. Their unique origin from the earth makes them desirable and highlight the earth's true beauty.
Heritage—Historic significance of the stones
Natural gemstones can be traced back through time—from being owned by kings to having been used by royalty, by people of historic and legendary significance and by ancient cultures. This historic connection, along with their emotional, as well as cultural connections, provide value to the stones that lab-produced stones simply cannot replicate.
Rarity—The true aspect of a gemstone
Rarity adds a tremendous value to each stone. Every naturally formed gemstone is a one-of-a-kind creation and therefore will always be unique—however, lab-produced gemstones are identical and can virtually be produced indefinitely, allowing for no exclusivity.
Long-Term Value—Daily Investment
Natural gemstones are a proven long-term investment. Natural gemstones continue to appreciate in value—due to their limited supply and high global demand. The market value of natural gemstones remains stable—making them the best choice for the long-term investor.
The Beauty of Nature—Natural Inclusions
The subtle characteristics of natural gemstones including minor inclusions and slight variations in color, shape and surface texture add to the uniqueness of the stones and represent their unique identity and beauty.
Emotional/Symbolic Connection—Natural Gemstone Heritage
Natural gemstones are increasingly viewed as an element of tradition in your family. Many families pass down their stones from generation to generation, making the sentimental value of their stones even greater than the value derived from their actual market price.
Reasons for Authenticity
The major difference between natural and lab-created stones is their origins (how they were created). Natural gemstones are created through the long, and slow geological processes of the earth under tremendous heat and pressure. Although lab-created stones will continue to be created in factories through replication, lab-created gemstones will never be able to replicate the true characteristics of a naturally formed stone.
Rarity—Unique Geologic Phenomenon: All natural gemstones are finite; therefore, each gemstone is an exceptionally one-of-a-kind treasure. This limited supply and rarity delineate the future marketplace in value.
Unique Inclusions (i.e., crystal fingerprints): Within each natural gemstone there exist imperfections or subtle inclusions—the natural fingerprint of the stone. These imperfections are evidence of the stone's chaotic formation and are therefore characteristics prized by true connoisseurs. In contrast, lab-created stones tend to be too perfect, removing the natural, individualistic beauty of the stone.
Provenance/Certification of Natural Gemstones. Leading gemological laboratories (i.e., GIA, AGS) offer provenance/ certification for natural gemstones traceable origins which contribute to consumer confidence that the stone will hold its long-term investment value.
Historic Connections/Heritage of Natural Stones
Natural gemstones exist as a component of human history, culture and art. The bond between people and natural gemstones cannot be replicated by lab-created stones.
Symbol of Family Legacy. Natural gemstones have symbolized power, status, love and commitment since ancient times and will never change—once again, establishing an ongoing, multi-generational legacy.
The Journey of Natural Stones. By following a natural stone (from being mined to being cut and set into a fine piece of jewelry), you gain a unique perspective on the struggle between humanity and the natural world—the creation of a unique historical moment.
Emotional Value. Buying a natural gemstone is a purchase of a piece of earth’s history providing wearers with an emotional and tangible bond with nature and geologic time that synthetic-made products cannot match.
Investment-Worthy of Natural Stones
Natural gemstones have been consistently referenced as superior stores of wealth and as appreciating assets—especially the finest quality and largest stones.
The industry is undergoing a major change to promote fair trade gems and creating ethical and sustainable mining practices to ensure the legacy of the stone is not hindered by such unethical labor and environmental degradation—but will provide a healthy alternative to the "ethics" arguments that are applied to lab-created stones.
Timeless Style Is Based on Provenance
Within the luxury market for fine jewelry, its timelessness is based on a sense of exclusivity of fine jewelry; exclusively made with natural gemstones will always have timeless appeal because they have an unchangingly authentic source. Natural gemstones represent unique pieces of earth’s beauty and represent an emotional connection to family and culture.
In addition to being leading-edge fashion accessories, natural gemstones are also precious natural heirlooms representing an ongoing commitment to value for generations to come. Promoting natural gemstones means promoting true luxury—valuing truly rare and natural treasures.