The Advantages Of Lab Created Opals

 

If you're captivated by the vibrant beauty of opals, with their ever-changing play of colours that shift with the light, you might think that natural opals are your only option. However, lab-created opals, also known as synthetic opals, offer many advantages over their natural counterparts, all without compromising on the stunning appearance you love.

In a world where natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce, choosing lab-created opals is a conscious decision to preserve these resources. By opting for lab-created opals, you help reduce the demand for mining natural opals, thereby avoiding the environmental impact associated with mining, such as the use of heavy machinery, transportation, and the pollution they generate. Lab-created opals are produced in a controlled environment using processes that replicate nature, resulting in gemstones that are visually and chemically similar to natural opals. It would take an expert to distinguish between the two.

These cultured gemstones not only have a significantly lower environmental impact, but they also pose no risk to human safety during their production. Lab-created opals typically have fewer flaws and a much smaller carbon footprint than their naturally mined counterparts. For example, Gilson opals, which are made by mimicking natural processes, can be grown in less than a year, whereas natural opals take millions of years to form.

Another benefit of synthetic opals is their affordability. Since lab-created opals bypass many of the middlemen involved in the mining process, they can be offered at a much lower cost than natural gemstones. This allows you to enjoy the iconic opal look, whether in aquatic blue or milky tones, without breaking the bank. And while your lab-created opal jewellery exudes the same luxurious aesthetic as natural opals, it's more easily replaceable—offering peace of mind during travel or other situations where loss is a concern.

Lab-created opals are also more durable than their natural counterparts, thanks to the controlled manufacturing process that enhances their strength. This durability makes them an excellent choice for keepsakes or sentimental gifts that are meant to last a lifetime.

So, the next time you're shopping for a beautiful piece of opal jewellery—be it earrings, a necklace, a bracelet, or another accessory—take a moment to consider where your opal comes from. Rather than overlooking lab-created gemstones, treasure them for what they are: just as precious and stunning as natural opals, but with added benefits for both you and the planet.