From Mine to Masterpiece

Once the gemstones are faceted and polished, they are either showcased as individual treasures or incorporated into our exclusive jewelry collections. Each piece embodies the beauty of nature and the skill of handmade artistry.

General Tips & Tricks

At Edenstein, we believe that understanding gemstones is key to appreciating their beauty and true value. In today’s market, most gemstones can be artificially created through advanced synthesis techniques. This makes it increasingly difficult—even for experts—to distinguish between natural and synthetic stones.

Take diamonds, for example. For decades, large corporations maintained a monopoly, artificially inflating diamond prices. But the financial dynamics have shifted. A century ago, producing diamonds required complex Russian-developed multi-axial presses, making the process expensive and inefficient. Today, new low-temperature, low-pressure techniques—similar to 3D printing—allow for cost-effective lab-grown diamonds. As a result, diamonds ranging from 0.1 to 2 carats have become more accessible and affordable.

Different Customers, Different Priorities

Some buyers prioritize sparkle, brilliance, and affordability. These clients often choose synthetic diamonds or diamond alternatives like moissanite or cubic zirconia—both of which are man-made and do not occur naturally in the Earth’s crust.

Others seek the uniqueness and history of natural gemstones. For these clients, minor imperfections—called inclusionsor frost—are signs of authenticity, not flaws. Inclusions form naturally over millions of years and tell a story about the gemstone’s origin and growth. While fractures should be avoided, minor inclusions are often a positive sign, especially in diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.

Sapphires, Rubies, and the Art of Enhancement

Sapphires and rubies—both from the corundum family—are among the most altered and artificially enhanced gemstones on the market. Since 1905, producers have used techniques like flame fusion and flux growth to synthesize these gems. Additionally, low-grade natural stones are often injected with lead glass or synthetic resins to improve clarity and color.

Estimates suggest over 70% of rubies and sapphires on the market have been heated, chemically treated, or are entirely synthetic. Advanced methods can even replicate natural inclusions, such as rutile needles (which create star effects in rubies), making visual authentication much more complex.

Emeralds and Tourmalines: Innovation and Challenges

Historically, emeralds were difficult and expensive to synthesize. Growing an emerald in an autoclave required weeks of high pressure, high temperature, and exact chemical conditions. Today, hydrothermal emeralds can be produced at much lower costs thanks to modern innovations.

Tourmalines, once only heated to improve clarity, are now also being chemically altered in labs. As technology evolves, even these historically « natural-only » gems are being mastered artificially.

Know What You’re Buying

In 2025, nearly every gemstone can be manufactured or modified to mimic nature. That’s why we always advise customers: if a stone seems too perfect—flawless, vividly colored, and especially affordable—it’s likely synthetic or heavily treated.

Large, clear gemstones with intense color and no inclusions, particularly those over 2 carats, are rare in nature. If the price seems too good to be true, question the stone’s authenticity.

Why Inclusions Matter

True gem lovers understand that inclusions can enhance a gem’s value and character. For example:

• « Horse-tail » inclusions in demantoid garnets are prized and rare.

• « Butterfly wing » frost patterns in Kashmir sapphires contribute to their legendary value.

• In emeralds, inclusions are poetically called « gardens » and are part of the stone’s natural beauty.

Some inclusions are mineral traces trapped during growth. Others are negative crystals—tiny voids or « missing bricks » formed during the gem’s crystallization. These micro-cavities don’t lower a stone’s value; they confirm its natural growth in a dynamic environment influenced by time, pressure, and chemistry.

In minerals like tourmaline and beryl, hollow channels are a natural part of the structure and serve as proof of authenticity—not flaws. Unlike lab-created stones, no two natural gems are identical. Their unique flaws and growth patterns are part of what makes them precious.

Edenstein’s Mission: From Earth to Elegance

At Edenstein, our mission is to source natural gemstones directly from the field. We work closely with miners, traveling to the source to hand-select each stone. Every gem has a story—starting with its extraction, continuing through expert faceting, and culminating in a bespoke setting that reveals its brilliance.

We encourage every customer to research the provenance and authenticity of a gemstone. Don’t dismiss stones with minor imperfections—they are often what make a gem truly rare and valuable.

When shopping for high-quality natural gemstones or unique fine jewelry, let Edenstein guide you through a world where beauty, history, and authenticity shine brighter than perfection.