The Ultimate Guide to Chatham Lab-Grown Gemstones
Lily Arkwright has always been committed to ethical practices and sustainability in every creation. Aligning perfectly with these values, we offer a stunning selection of Chatham lab-grown gemstones. These gemstones represent the best in both quality and environmental responsibility. Chatham, recognised as a leader in the creation of premium lab-grown gemstones, has been pioneering these exceptional stones since 1938. Here, we explore the gorgeous range of Chatham gemstones available at Lily Arkwright and all of their unique characteristics.
Lily Arkwright Gemstone Collection
Ruby Engagement Rings
Rubies are known for their passionate and powerful red hues. Symbolising strength, courage, and love, the ruby is a remarkable gem that exudes luxury and prestige. Chatham lab-grown rubies are created from an earth-mined seed of fine Burmese ruby, which is carefully nurtured in a controlled environment rich in chromium, the element responsible for its striking red colour. The meticulous process of growing rubies ensures a gemstone that is identical to a mined ruby, with exceptional clarity and brilliance.
Rubies have always been revered in various cultures for their fiery colour, often associated with life-giving properties and protection from misfortune. As the birthstone for July and the gemstone for the 15th and 40th wedding anniversaries, rubies are a perfect representation of timeless elegance. The ruby’s hardness, coming from the corundum mineral family, makes it a durable choice, ideal for everyday wear. Its striking colour and unmatched durability ensure it will remain a treasured piece for generations to come.
Lily Arkwright Ruby Ring Collection
Emerald Engagement Rings
Chatham's lab-grown emeralds are a true marvel of modern gemstone creation. Starting with an earth-mined seed of the finest Colombian emerald, Chatham carefully cultivates these green beauties in a controlled environment rich in chromium. The result is an emerald with vibrant green hues that rival the most exquisite mined emeralds.
Known for their brilliant colour and clarity, Chatham emeralds are a perfect choice for those seeking a gemstone with both beauty and ethical sourcing.
Emeralds have long been associated with growth, renewal, and rebirth. As the birthstone for May and the gem for the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries, emeralds symbolize hope, love, and vitality. They are also the zodiac gem for Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer. With a hardness of 7.5 -8, lab grown emeralds are stronger and more durable than their mined counterparts.
Lily Arkwright Emerald Ring Collection
Blue Sapphire Engagement Rings
Chatham’s lab-grown blue sapphires are among the most coveted gemstones, offering a brilliant blue colour that exudes both elegance and romance. Blue sapphires, long associated with royalty and aristocracy, are ideal for those seeking a regal and timeless look. These sapphires are made from an earth-mined seed of the finest sapphire, creating a gemstone with an exquisite blue hue and exceptional clarity.
As the September birthstone and the gemstone for the 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, blue sapphires symbolise wisdom, loyalty, and faithfulness. They are a popular choice for engagement rings, as evidenced by the famous 18-carat sapphire ring given to Princess Diana. Chatham’s blue sapphires are available in three different shade options - Light, Medium, and Dark - giving you the chance to customise your ring and choose the perfect tone for you. We use the medium blue as standard as the richness of colour makes for a beautiful piece of jewellery. With a hardness of 9, second only to diamonds, these sapphires are incredibly durable and make for a stunning, long-lasting treasure.
Lily Arkwright Blue Sapphire Ring Collection
Yellow Sapphire Engagement Rings
Chatham's lab-grown yellow sapphire is a radiant gem, evoking warmth, positivity, and joy. This golden-hued stone is symbolic of confidence and optimism, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a vibrant and sunny addition to their jewellery collection. Yellow sapphires are often linked to prosperity and are highly regarded in the world of gemstones for their radiant beauty.
Created from an earth-mined seed of fine Sri Lankan yellow sapphire, Chatham lab-grown yellow sapphires grow in a controlled environment to achieve their beautiful golden hue. These gemstones symbolise truth, fidelity, and sincerity, and are often seen as a symbol of commitment. Yellow sapphires shine as the September birthstone, or alternative to citrine for November, and the anniversary gem for the 7th anniversary. With a hardness of 9, this sapphire is both durable and versatile, perfect for any occasion or daily wear.
Lily Arkwright Yellow Sapphire Ring Collection
Champagne Sapphire Engagement Rings
For those seeking a more unique and sophisticated gemstone, Chatham’s lab-grown champagne sapphire is an excellent choice. This soft pastel blush gem, with its subtle pink champagne hue, is a beautiful alternative to traditional gemstones like morganite or pink diamonds. Champagne sapphires are known for their purity and elegance, and their gentle colour adds a refined touch to any piece of jewellery. An alternative to morganite for 9th anniversary, symbolising warmth, love, and enduring commitment.
The process of growing champagne sapphires in the lab is meticulous, taking about nine months for the crystals to form in the perfect conditions. This gem, with a hardness of 9, is a durable option for engagement rings or everyday wear. The delicate champagne hue, especially when set in rose gold, gives it a timeless and feminine allure. This gemstone, often associated with purity and hope, is ideal for those who desire a gem that’s both beautiful and meaningful.
Lily Arkwright Champagne Sapphire Ring Collection
Pink Sapphire Engagement Rings
Chatham's lab-grown pink sapphire is a strikingly feminine gemstone, radiating serenity and balance. Pink sapphires are perfect for those who appreciate the soft elegance of pastel tones and the durability of sapphire. Known for their serene beauty, these gemstones are often seen as symbols of love, kindness, and harmony.
Chatham’s pink sapphires are carefully grown from a fine seed of Cambodian pink sapphire, ensuring that each gem achieves a perfect balance of clarity, color, and brilliance. With their gentle pink hue, pink sapphires are an excellent choice for engagement rings or special occasions. As the September birthstone and the gemstone for the 5th and 45th anniversaries, pink sapphires are a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate love and commitment. Their hardness of 9 makes them incredibly durable, ensuring that these gems will last a lifetime.
Lily Arkwright Pink Sapphire Ring Collection
Alexandrite Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, known for its remarkable colour-changing properties, is one of the rarest and most coveted gemstones in the world. Under natural light, this gemstone appears green, but in incandescent light, it transforms into a rich purplish-red hue. This fascinating transformation is what makes alexandrite such a unique and desirable gem. Chatham's lab-grown alexandrites offer the same stunning colour-changing properties as their natural counterparts, but with the added benefits of ethical sourcing and affordability.
Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830, alexandrite is a gemstone that has captivated gem enthusiasts for centuries. As the birthstone for June and the gem for the 55th wedding anniversary, alexandrite symbolises change, transformation, and renewal. With a hardness of 8.5, alexandrite is durable and perfect for creating extraordinary, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery.
Lily Arkwright Alexandrite Ring Collection
Aqua Spinel Engagement Rings
Chatham’s lab-grown aqua spinel is a refreshing gemstone with a serene blue hue reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea. As a beautiful alternative to aquamarine, aqua spinel offers a soothing, tranquil colour that looks stunning in any piece of jewellery. With its striking blue tone and excellent durability, rating 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, this gemstone is ideal for everyday wear.
The process of growing aqua spinel in the lab involves creating the perfect environment for the sea-blue crystals to form large and clear. The result is a beautiful gemstone that rivals the colour and clarity of aquamarine, but with the added benefits of responsible sourcing and affordability. Any aqua spinel piece will make a versatile and stunning addition to your jewellery collection.
Lily Arkwright Aqua Spinel Ring Collection
Padparadscha Engagement Rings
The padparadscha sapphire is one of the most exotic and rare gemstones in the world, known for its unique blend of pink and orange hues. Chatham’s lab-grown padparadscha sapphires are created from an earth-mined seed of fine Sri Lankan padparadscha, carefully nurtured to grow into large, clean crystals with perfect colour and clarity. The result is a gemstone that rivals the finest mined padparadscha sapphires, offering a rare beauty that is both vibrant and delicate.
With a hardness of 9, padparadscha sapphires are durable enough for everyday wear, making them an excellent choice for engagement rings or special occasion pieces. Named after the lotus blossom, the padparadscha sapphire is a symbol of peace, enlightenment, and balance, making it a meaningful and extraordinary gem for those seeking something truly unique.
Lily Arkwright Padparacha Ring Collection
Lily Arkwright's collection of Chatham lab-grown gemstones combines luxurious beauty, ethical practices, and sustainability. With their vibrant colours, exceptional clarity, and durability, these gemstones are perfect for creating timeless pieces that can be treasured for years to come. Whether you're looking for the fiery passion of a ruby or the serene elegance of a pink sapphire, you'll find a gemstone that perfectly matches your vision at Lily Arkwright.