You've heard of lab-grown diamonds, right? Well, get ready to be blown away by their equally stunning: lab-grown blue sapphires. 

Yes, you read that right! One of the most prized navaratnas, the Neelam or Blue Sapphire is also being artificially created for a fraction of the price and there's literally no difference! 

So, whether you're a sapphire aficionado or just love a bit of luxury, you're going to want to hear more about these incredible stones. 

Read on…  

How Long have Lab-grown Blue Sapphires Been Around? 

Believe it or not, scientists have been crafting stunning sapphires in labs for over a century! Since the mid-1900s, they've perfected the process, creating gemstones that are virtually identical to their natural counterparts. So, while nature has had millions of years to create its masterpieces, humans have cracked the code to replicate them in a fraction of the time.

Well so we can say, while nature has had a head start, human ingenuity has caught up on the way and made the process even better!

Natural Vs. Lab-Grown Blue Sapphires

Natural blue sapphires are formed in deposits ranging from six to eighteen miles underground  over millions of years under intense heat and pressure. These gemstones are mined from select locations around the world and their rarity and beauty have made them coveted for centuries. However, their formation process often results in inclusions or imperfections that contribute to their unique character.

Lab-Grown Blue Sapphires, on the other hand, are the brainchild of modern science, replicating nature's process in a controlled environment. This method allows for the creation of sapphires with exceptional clarity and consistent color. While they lack the historical allure of their natural counterparts, they offer stunning beauty at a more accessible price point.

So, why settle for second best when you can have the best of both worlds: jaw-dropping beauty and budget-friendly prices? 

How Are Lab-Grown Sapphires Created?

Now that you know the basic differences, let’s take a look at the methods used to create these in the labs. 

Lab-created sapphire manufacturing involves two methods: the Melt process or the Flame process and the Solution process: 

1. Melt Process (Flame Process)

The Melt Process is essentially the art of turning powder into precious gems. Aluminum oxide powder, the main ingredient for sapphires, is subjected to intense heat until it melts into a liquid form. This molten material is then carefully cooled and solidified into a crystal structure. While efficient, the Flame Fusion process can sometimes result in sapphires with visible growth lines or imperfections. However, advancements in technology have significantly improved the quality of these lab-grown stones.

There are two primary techniques within the melt process:

• Verneuil Process: A popular variation of the melt process, the Verneuil method involves dropping powdered aluminum oxide through an oxygen-hydrogen flame to create a sapphire rod. This technique allows for larger sapphire crystals to be grown. 

• Czochralski Process: A more advanced method, the Czochralski process uses a seed crystal as a starting point. The molten aluminum oxide is slowly cooled and pulled upwards, forming a cylindrical sapphire crystal. This method often results in higher quality sapphires with fewer imperfections.
  
  

2. Solution Process

• Hydrothermal Synthesis: 

Imagine recreating the intense heat and pressure of the planet's core in a laboratory! That's essentially what happens in this method. By replicating Earth's natural gem-forming conditions, scientists cultivate stunning sapphires in a controlled laboratory setting by using Hydrothermal synthesis. Minerals are subjected to these extreme conditions, and with the help of a seed crystal, sapphires begin to grow. 

While this method results in sapphires with exceptional clarity and consistency, it's important to note that natural sapphires often contain unique inclusions that add character to the stone.

While the hydrothermal process mimics nature, other methods focus on creating sapphires through crystallisation.

• Flux-Growth Method: 

Involves dissolving sapphire components in a flux (a chemical solvent) and allowing them to crystallize over time. This method often results in sapphires with inclusions similar to natural stones, but generally in smaller sizes.

• Flame Fusion Method: 

This technique melts sapphire materials into a molten state, which is then cooled to form a sapphire crystal. It's known for producing larger sapphires but often with visible growth lines and imperfections.

Is Lab grown Blue Sapphire better? 

Lab-grown sapphires are more than just budget-friendly; they're a conscious choice. By opting for a lab-grown stone, you're reducing your carbon footprint and supporting sustainable practices. Plus, you get to enjoy the same dazzling beauty without the guilt!

It's like having the best of both worlds: stunning style and a clear conscience.

But in case you're someone who - 

• Value rarity and exclusivity or 
• Are looking to astrological and metaphysical benefits 
  
  

Go for the mined sapphires. However, if you're up for some stunning Blue Sapphire jewellery Angara offers an amazing collection of both natural and lab-grown options! Explore, lab grown blue sapphire rings, lab grown blue sapphire earrings, lab grown blue sapphire necklaces and customise each piece to your heart's content! 

Well, we won’t keep you waiting any longer. Go ahead, take a look at our top picks from our website and get customising right away! 

FAQs

1. How long does it take to grow a lab blue sapphire?
Lab-grown sapphires typically take a few weeks to several months to grow depending upon the method used. 

2. Are lab-created blue sapphires less expensive than natural blue sapphires?
Yes, lab-created blue sapphire comes at a fraction of cost of a mined Sapphire of the same quality. 

3. Do lab-grown blue sapphires have the same sparkle as mined blue sapphires?
Well, same and beyond! Advances in technology have led to lab-grown sapphires with exceptional clarity and color, often surpassing the quality of many natural stones.