US Reporter

The Legacy of Natural Gemstones: What You Should Know

The Legacy of Natural Gemstones What You Should Know
Photo Courtesy: Svetlana Vodolazhskaya (Cosmogem

By: Susan Perk

For many, gemstones are simply an accessory in jewelry pieces, enhancing their appeal and, of course, adding value. Many people may not realize that gemstones, especially natural ones, carry significant value beyond their use in intricately crafted jewelry.

We spoke with Los Angeles-based jeweler Svetlana Vodolazhskaya to discuss what sets natural gemstones apart from synthetic ones and why, despite their higher price tag, natural stones are often considered superior, even though lab-grown gems may look more flawless. Svetlana is the founder of the up-and-coming jewelry house, Cosmogem, which already counts many well-known public figures from the U.S. and Europe among its clientele.

Natural vs. Synthetic: Which Gemstone is Better?

A synthetic gemstone, often referred to as a “nano” stone, is an artificially created material with the same chemical composition as a natural gem. Synthetic gems, produced in laboratories, are incredibly popular in today’s jewelry industry. However, as California jeweler Svetlana Vodolazhskaya explains, it’s a mistake to compare synthetic gems with natural ones.

“Synthetic stones often appear more flawless because they lack any natural imperfections,” says Svetlana. “It’s important to note that these aren’t just cheap imitations; lab-grown gems are created under conditions almost identical to those in nature, yet they aren’t natural. In nature, gemstone formation is the result of processes that can take years. By contrast, synthetic gems are ready in just a few months. Additionally, the affordability of lab-grown gems is due to the ease of production — their ‘mine’ is a lab, not deep within the Earth.”

Svetlana, who works exclusively with natural gemstones, sources her materials from around the globe. She also finds inspiration in listening to various authentic music styles while crafting her jewelry, believing it helps her envision the final piece.

How to Tell the Difference Between Synthetic and Natural Gems

According to Svetlana, the average person would have difficulty identifying whether a gemstone is natural or synthetic just by looking at it. That said, when it comes to enhanced stones or outright fakes, the distinction becomes more apparent. For example, some crystals are treated at high temperatures to achieve a commercially desirable blue-violet color. A professional gemological evaluation is the only way to verify the authenticity of a gemstone or detect any enhancements, she explains.

The Legacy of Natural Gemstones

Humanity has cherished the beauty of natural gemstones for thousands of years, but the formation of these minerals — shaped by processes in mountains, seas, oceans, plants, and glaciers — dates back billions of years. The oldest known gemstone, a zircon over 4 billion years old, was discovered in Australia. The continent is also home to musgravite, one of the rarest gems in the world, with only a handful of known specimens, says Svetlana Vodolazhskaya.

Her preference for natural gemstones stems from her deep love for nature. “Like people, natural gems are creations of the Earth,” she explains. “They are formed through tectonic shifts, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mineral water deposits, and even ancient wood fossils. These factors give natural gems an incredible authenticity. Their imperfections are what make them so appealing — just like human beings.”

At Cosmogem, every piece is handcrafted by Svetlana, from the stone polishing to the clasps, helping ensure that each creation is as unique as the gemstones themselves.

Svetlana Vodolazhskaya’s Gemstone Recommendations

Cosmogem’s collection is filled with exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces. Along with original designs, the combinations of different gemstones — in terms of origin, color, and optical properties — are particularly intriguing. According to Svetlana, the value of a natural gemstone is determined by its beauty, durability, and rarity, though fashion trends also play a role. However, she advises that when selecting a gemstone for yourself, it’s best to trust your instincts rather than follow trends or zodiac recommendations.

“The beauty of a gemstone comes through its color and brilliance. Durability depends on factors such as hardness, fragility, and cleavage. If you want to wear a gemstone piece daily, opt for stronger stones like diamonds, emeralds, lapis lazuli, rose quartz, green aventurine, or amber. Pearls, on the other hand, are notoriously delicate and require extra care both when worn and stored,” Svetlana advises.

 

Published by: Annie P.

(Ambassador)

This article features branded content from a third party. Opinions in this article do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of US Reporter.