September,30 2026 | Written By Akratijewelsinc
September,30 2026 | Written By Akratijewelsinc
In almost every conversation I have with retailers about natural vs. lab-grown gemstones, which one should actually be taking pride of place on your displays? There is not right or wrong, but there is a better and more straightforward way of thinking.
Gemstones are, of course, normally found underground, formed slowly over the course of thousands or even millions of years, and mined, cut, and polished into their final shape. Lab-grown gemstones go through a similar formation process but in the course of weeks and in the controlled conditions of a laboratory; thus, the two gemstones have very similar chemical compositions. The main difference between the two is the source of formation, and that is where most of the confusion around the topic tends to start.
There is a certain appeal to natural gemstones that can’t quite be replicated by lab-grown alternatives, and this is the main reason why wholesale natural gemstone jewelry still enjoys a healthy amount of interest despite competing directly with its cheaper alternative. Some customers may care to know that they are buying something with scarcity behind it, something that has been around a few million years before finding its way to the retailer’s display, whether it makes any sense or not. Natural gemstone jewelry wholesale also has a higher resale and value potential, particularly with the higher-value stones like sapphire or ruby, where rarity is a major factor.
This doesn’t mean that lab-grown gemstones are somehow worse but rather that they offer a solution to some of the issues the natural alternatives face. Lab-grown gemstone jewelry is a safer option in terms of quality consistency, sourcing predictability, accessibility, and overall affordability, making it a great choice for retailers that want to offer more options for the younger and budget-savvy customers.
Sustainability is another topic that often comes up in relation to lab-grown gemstones, as the alternative offers a better environmental footprint, free from the ethical and ecological issues connected to mining operations. Whether this is important for the buyer or not is a separate discussion.
Pricing is usually the main factor when it comes to making the final decision for most of us in the industry. Lab-grown gemstones tend to have much lower prices than anything natural, ranging anywhere from 50 to 70% lower, depending on the type of gemstone. This kind of difference can be extremely important with regard to wholesale gemstone jewelry and matters of price margins, especially on bigger stones where natural alternatives would simply have a final price that is unreasonable for the everyday customer.
This may come as a surprise to some of you, but lab-grown gemstones are exactly what they say they are, with nothing being fake or lower quality about them in terms of tangible attributes such as durability or hardness. In most cases, the visual differences would not be noticeable in the slightest to an untrained eye, with the difference between the two mostly stemming from the importance given to scarcity, grading specifics, and overall resale value potential. Things are not really as black and white when it comes to the differences between the two production methods, but the overall statement still stands.
As mentioned above, when it comes to the question of natural vs. lab-grown gemstones, you need to consider your customer first and foremost. If your store favors statement pieces, heirloom jewelry, or simply higher-end products, natural gemstone jewelry is almost definitely the way to go. If the retailer favors a younger following that cares more about the product at hand with regard to price and design, lab-grown gemstone jewelry wholesale can enjoy excellent sales potential. Many stores simply carry both and leave the choice up to the customer.
Always ask them specifically if the stones are natural or man-made, and never take anything at face value. If necessary, have them clarify and record these specifics. Always check the price to see if it's within your expectations for the type of gemstone you are getting, and also ensure your wholesale gemstone jewelry supplier is not misinforming you in any way about where the gemstone has originated from. A trustworthy manufacturer will hold their ground on every point mentioned above.
At Akrati Jewels, we deal with both types of retailers: those that specialize in natural stones and those that offer lab-grown alternatives. Therefore, this is not a dilemma for us as we know exactly what our clients need before we start preparing a single sample. Being a gemstone jewelry manufacturer, we make sure to keep track of whether the jewelry we produce has gemstones that are natural or man-made. We provide wholesale sterling silver gemstone jewelry collections in both types or decide which category you want to focus on as a retailer.
As mentioned above, there really is not a definitive right or wrong when it comes to the matter of natural vs. lab-grown gemstones. Natural gemstones tend to hold better appeal when it comes to rarity and overall prestige, while lab-grown alternatives are more reliable in terms of quality, availability, and affordability. The choice mostly stems from the importance given to the individual qualities by the retailer, and most us in the industry tend to fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.
A: Natural gemstones are created in the earth, while lab-grown gemstones are made in a professional lab environment.
A: The general appearance of lab-grown gemstones is similar to their natural counterparts, and even as far as tangible properties like hardness and durability, there is no difference; only the source of the materials and the typical price tendencies.
A: At Akrati Jewels, we deal with both types of retailers, and it depends on the customer base; natural stones are perfect for higher price points, whereas lab-grown alternatives are better suited for more design- and price-focused customers.
A: It costs 50-70% less on average than gemstones that are mined, though lab-grown is cheaper on average, regardless of gemstone type, than stones that are mined.
A: Retailers should always inquire from the manufacturer if the stone is natural or lab-made and should seek any documentation or certification to verify doubt.
