Synthetic equivalents of natural stones in piercing jewellery
Earrings with synthetic stones or perhaps piercing jewellery with real, natural minerals? This is the choice every body piercing fan faces when considering the purchase of a new sparkler! Although jewellery with natural stones is sometimes considered to be of better quality…, this does not mean that synthetic stones are not up to par!
What are synthetic stones?
Synthetic stones, also sometimes referred to as laboratory or artificial stones, are produced under laboratory-controlled conditions using technologies that mimic the processes used to create natural stones. Although they are not mined from the earth, they can have identical physical and chemical properties to their natural counterparts.
Why are synthetic stones used in piercing jewellery?
Synthetic stones offer many advantages in the context of piercing jewellery. Firstly, earrings with synthetic stones are often more affordable than their natural counterparts, making the ornaments accessible to a wider range of consumers. Furthermore, the production of synthetic stones is carried out with laboratory precision. It is this control that results in stones of excellent appearance and high quality.
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What are synthetic stones made of?
Piercing jewellery with natural stones has a known origin and chemical composition. The minerals used in jewellery are non-toxic, durable and safe to use. But is it the same with earrings with synthetic stones? Synthetic stones are manufactured from different materials, depending on the type of stone being imitated. It is worth noting that the final product undergoes a number of tests. So earrings with synthetic stones do not contain harmful, hazardous or allergenic substances.
The most popular synthetic equivalents
- Diamond – is often replaced by zirconia, a type of crystal from the oxide group; specifically zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Examples of brands producing synthetic diamonds include Moissanite or Pure Grown Diamonds.
- Opal – opal stones can be replicated synthetically using opalites. They can be made from a variety of substances such as glass, resin or other plastics that mimic the opalescence effect of natural opal.
- Pearl – synthetic pearls are produced by inserting a nucleus into a clam or oyster, which induces the process of pearl formation. The resulting pearls have a regular shape and a uniform surface.
- Ruby and Sapphire – these corundum stones are often replicated synthetically, and their synthetic counterparts can be difficult to distinguish from natural ones. Their main chemical constituent is aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), to which other substances are added to obtain the desired colour.
- Amethyst – is a variety of quartz, and its main chemical constituent is silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Under laboratory conditions, it is possible, so to speak, to „grow: such a stone from exactly the same substances, of course under the right chemical and physical conditions.
- Quartz – as with amethyst, it is easily produced from silicon dioxide, subjected to the correct treatment.
Synthetic stones are an attractively priced alternative to natural stone piercing jewellery. Developments in technology for the production of synthetic stones are making them increasingly popular and valued by jewellery enthusiasts, while providing an ethical option for those who care about sustainability aspects.
Check out our range of anodised jewellery; we have many models of earrings (for every fresh and healed piercing) in almost all the colours of the rainbow!