Are Cultivated Emeralds Grown the Same Way as Lab Diamonds?
The short answer is no. While both are lab-grown, cultivated emeralds and lab-grown diamonds are produced using entirely different technologies. The similarities stop at the concept of creation inside a controlled environment. From there, the methods diverge.
Lab diamonds are typically created using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both rely on carbon as a base and mimic the intense heat and pressure found deep within the earth’s mantle. The result is a carbon crystal identical in composition and performance to a mined diamond. The CVD method, especially, allows for thin-layer growth and precise control over clarity and size.
Emeralds belong to a different mineral class
They’re made of beryl, not carbon, and require water-rich, mineral-saturated conditions to form. This is achieved through hydrothermal synthesis—a technique that simulates natural emerald formation in sealed chambers, often over several weeks. This method uses high temperature and pressure but incorporates fluid chemistry rather than vapor deposition.
In its 2024 bulletin, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) noted that hydrothermal-grown emeralds often contain inclusions indistinguishable from those in natural stones. IGI confirmed that trained gemologists now rely on spectroscopy to identify origin, since visual cues like veils, zoning, and crystal layering are common to both natural and lab-grown emeralds.
Consumer forums reflect growing confusion. On Reddit’s r/EngagementRings and r/Gemstones, users regularly ask whether lab-grown emeralds are “just like” lab diamonds. One response that gained traction read, “They’re not made the same way, and honestly, I like that. Emeralds have soul because of how they grow, even in a lab.”
That idea—emotional resonance through visual imperfection—is at the core of why cultivated emeralds are gaining attention.
Hydrothermal emeralds are not flawless by design
Producers introduce slow cooling cycles and mineral traces that form natural-style inclusions. These features—wispy threads, soft clouding, internal zoning—give the gem character. Brands like Chatham have patented ways to create subtle opacity during growth, mirroring the glow found in high-end Colombian stones.
This authenticity is resonating with buyers
A 2025 survey by the Global Gemstone Sustainability Index found that 64 percent of European and North American consumers preferred untreated gemstones. The same study showed strong interest in lab-created gems that appear natural, especially when paired with full traceability.
Cultivated emeralds align with that expectation. They offer aesthetic realism, consistent quality, and a lower environmental footprint—all while avoiding the harsh chemical treatments common in traditional mining.
Survey: Which gemstone would you choose for everyday wear?
Oily emerald or lab-grown emerald with untreated natural inclusions? Making an informed choice starts with knowing the secrets behind the gemstone. Clarity means more when a gem is clear in every aspect.
