Gemstone Information

Lab Gemstones

The first lab gemstone was produced in 1902 in Paris, France by a chemist named Louis Verneuil. A gemstone that is grown in a laboratory is not imitation or artificial, and is carefully crystallized over time. It has essentially the same optical, physical and chemical properties as a natural gemstone. Only a trained gemologist can tell them apart.

Natural gemstones are crystals formed by heat and pressure within the earth. A similar heat and pressure environment is created in the laboratory using the same natural elements. This process takes 10 to 14 months to complete.

James Avery selects top quality lab alexandrite, emerald, ruby, and sapphire gemstones from the renowned laboratories of Chatham® Created Gems, maker of today’s finer lab gemstones.

Lab Alexandrite
Named after Alexader II, Czar of Russia, alexandrite was discovered on this ruler’s birthday in the early 1830’s. Alexandrite is the color changing variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. It changes from blue-green in daylight or fluorescent light to red-purple in lamp or candle light. It ranks 8.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The alexandrite is the modern birthstone for the month of June, and the anniversary gemstone representing the 15th and 55th year of marriage.

Lab Emerald
The word “emerald” comes from a sanskrit word meaning “the green of growing things”.

Legends gave emerald the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted. The first known emerald mines were in Egypt, dating back to over 300 B.C. and into the 1700’s. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for emerald, and it was featured in many of her royal adornments. Emerald is the most famous member of the beryl family. It ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The emerald is the traditional birthstone for the month of May, and the anniversary gemstone representing the 20th and 35th year of marriage.

Lab Ruby
Celebrated in the Bible and in ancient Sanskrit writings as the most precious of all gemstones, rubies have been the prized possession of emperors and kings throughout the ages. Ruby's inner fire has been the inspiration for innumerable legends and myths, and to this day, no red gemstone can compare to its fiery, rich hues. Many people associate its brilliant crimson colors with passion and love. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum mineral species. Rubies can only be red, but are offered in various shades such as pink-red, purple-red or a brown-red. It ranks 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The ruby is the traditional birthstone for the month of July, and the anniversary gemstone representing the 15th and 40th year of marriage.

Lab Sapphire
Sapphire, beloved for centuries, is most often referred to as the ultimate blue gemstone, and comes from the mineral corundum. The ancient Persian rulers believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the heavens blue. A gift of a sapphire symbolizes a pledge of trust and loyalty. Sapphire is one of the most durable of gemstones and they come in several colors including pink, white, and orange, but are most noted for their rich blue color. It ranks 9 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. The blue sapphire is the traditional birthstone for the month of September, and the anniversary gemstone representing the 5th and 45th year of marriage. The white sapphire is the modern birthstone for the month of April.

Care and Cleaning of your Gemstones

We recommend removing your gemstone jewelry before any vigorous physical activity to prevent loss or damage to the gemstone or setting. Most gemstones can be cleaned using a soft brush and a mild solution of lukewarm, soapy water. Do not put gemstones in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, and avoid the use of harsh chemical dips. Use only those jewelry cleaners that are made specifically for cleaning delicate gems and pearls. When in doubt, allow a professional jeweler to clean your gemstone jewelry.

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