Emerald, being quite sought after, has generated interest in their synthetic manufacture. There are quite a few successful methods for making them too. Most methods start off with a clear Beryl seed which is then built upon. The most successful method can cause an emerald to grow at a rate of up to a millimeter a month (.039in), which is pretty impressive considering the huge passage of time necessary for natural growth. These synthetic emeralds are well suited to a range of jewelry applications, with lab created emerald rings becoming more popular as consumers search for an alternative to the ubiquitous diamond.
Unlike other manmade gems, there are few, if any differences in the properties of emeralds produced via synthesis. Companies are however compelled by the laws of most countries to have an honest policy about how the emeralds are obtained.
Unfortunately, aside from their beauty and their adornment applications, emeralds offer little in the way of mainstream industrial use. Shards from the cutting of the raw gems are sometimes used as seed crystals for growing new pieces. In medieval times, emeralds were thought to have useful alchemical properties, a stance supported only by mysticism and not by real facts. In modern times, a rich lore still remains surrounding emeralds and they frequently appear in fantasy fiction.
The UV light testing method, used to determine the origin of diamonds, does not work with emeralds as not all natural Emeralds are UV inert. Also, many of the synthetically made emeralds are UV inert themselves.
In jewelry, manmade emerald is a wonderful new option for crafters, who are looking to provide superior quality products at a lower cost. For everyone but those who are part of the ‘purist’ movement, synthetic emeralds are a win/win scenario. Consumers can look forward to a steady supply of lower cost and dazzlingly beautiful Emerald jewelry in years to come.
On a side note, many of the worlds most notable natural emeralds are found in South America. Emeralds grow in hexagonal crystals, which can help you figure out what you are looking at if you are ever lucky enough to find one out in the wilds.