Recrystallised Sapphires: Understanding the Facts Behind the Marketing

In the complex world of coloured gemstones, it's crucial to approach new terms and marketing claims with a healthy dose of scepticism. Today, we're taking a closer look at "recrystallised sapphires" - a term that has been causing some confusion in the jewellery market. We aim to clarify what recrystallised sapphires really are and why consumers need to be cautious when encountering this term.

What Are Recrystallised Sapphires?

Recrystallised sapphires are a type of synthetic or lab-created sapphire. Despite marketing claims that may suggest otherwise, these are not natural gemstones.  The creation process involves:

1. Crushing natural sapphire rough (often low-quality material with heavy inclusions) into powder.
2. Removing most of the inclusions from the powder.
3. Recrystallising the purified powder under controlled conditions.
4. Cutting and polishing the resulting crystal into a gemstone.

Caution: Marketing vs. Reality

It's important to note that some sellers use the term "recrystallised sapphire" in ways that can confuse customers. Here's what you need to know:

1. Still Synthetic: Regardless of starting with natural material, the end product is a lab-created gemstone. It is not a natural sapphire.
2. Not More Natural: While the process starts with natural rough, the extensive processing means the final product is as synthetic as any other lab-created sapphire.
3. Misleading Terms: Be wary of phrases like "more natural" or "semi-natural" when applied to recrystallised sapphires. These are marketing tactics, not gemmological classifications.

Comparing to Other Synthetic Sapphires

Recrystallised sapphires are similar to other synthetic sapphires in most respects:

• Chemical Composition: Like all sapphires, they are made of aluminium oxide (Al2O3).
• Physical Properties: They have similar hardness, specific gravity, and refractive index to other sapphires.
• Lab-Grown Nature: They are created in a controlled environment, not mined from the earth.

The main difference lies in the starting material and potentially more nuanced colouring due to traces of elements from the original rough. However, this doesn't make them more valuable or more natural than other synthetic sapphires.

Consumer Advisory

When shopping for sapphires, keep these points in mind:

1. Verify Claims: If a seller mentions "recrystallised sapphires," ask for clarification. Ensure you understand that this is a synthetic gemstone.
2. Check Pricing: Recrystallised sapphires should be priced similarly to other synthetic sapphires. Be cautious of inflated prices based on claims of being "more natural."
3. Seek Certification: If the gemstone is expensive and you have no history with the seller, request a gemmological certificate from a reputable lab. This should clearly state if the stone is natural or synthetic. Be wary of certificates from labs that don't have informative websites. Many certification "labs" are set up to support coloured stone fraudulent activity.
4. Understand Value: Remember that synthetic sapphires, including recrystallised ones, are generally far less valuable than natural sapphires of similar quality.

Conclusion

While the process of creating recrystallised sapphires is interesting, it's crucial to understand that the end product is a synthetic gemstone. Don't be swayed by marketing language that suggests these stones are more valuable or more natural than other lab-created sapphires.

As a consumer, your best defence is knowledge. Always ask questions, seek proper certification, and understand exactly what you're buying. Whether you choose a natural or synthetic sapphire, the most important factor is that you're making an informed decision and are happy with your purchase.

Remember, a reputable jeweller or gemstone dealer will always be transparent about the nature of their stones. If you feel confused or misled, it's best to seek a second opinion or choose a different seller.

A Balanced Perspective on Synthetic Gemstones

It's crucial to note that there is nothing inherently "wrong" with synthetic gemstones, including recrystallised sapphires. In fact, lab-created gems can offer several advantages:

1. Ethical Sourcing: Synthetic gems can avoid the potential ethical concerns associated with some natural gem mining practices. (but they can have their own issues with pollution, low pay and health and safety)
2. Consistency: Lab-grown stones often have more consistent colour and clarity than their natural counterparts.
3. Affordability: Synthetic gems typically cost far less than natural gems of similar appearance, making fine jewellery more accessible.
4. Technological Marvel: The ability to create gems in a laboratory is a testament to human ingenuity and scientific advancement.

The key issue is not the existence of synthetic gems, but rather the importance of clear, honest marketing and informed consumer choices. Whether a gemstone is natural or synthetic, its value lies not just in its origin, but in its beauty, durability, and the joy it brings to its owner.

If you're interested in a natural or synthetic sapphire or other gemstone please look through our collection or contact us for a more personal tour.

The UC Team