At BYLO, every gemstone we choose has a story. Where it comes from, how it’s formed, and the energy it carries. Understanding the difference between natural and lab grown stones helps you make informed choices about your jewelry.

Natural Stones

Natural stones are formed deep within the Earth over millions of years through heat, pressure, and chemical processes. Every inclusion, color variation, and tiny imperfection is part of their unique fingerprint. They are mined, cut, and polished before being set into jewelry.

Lab Grown Stones

Lab grown stones are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology that replicates the natural growing process. The result is a gemstone that has the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as its natural counterpart but without the mining. Because they can be produced faster and with fewer natural limitations, lab grown stones are typically more affordable and often have fewer inclusions.

At BYLO, we thoughtfully work with both natural and lab grown stones depending on availability and price. This approach allows us to maintain the beauty, quality, and durability of our pieces while keeping our jewelry accessible to a wider range of customers.

Understanding Mohs Hardness

The Mohs hardness scale is a way to measure a gemstone’s resistance to scratching. Developed in 1812 by Friedrich Mohs, the scale runs from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Talc ranks at 1 and can be scratched with a fingernail.
Diamond ranks at 10 and is the hardest natural material known.

The higher the number, the more durable the stone is for daily wear. Mohs hardness is especially important for rings and bracelets, which tend to get more contact and friction throughout the day.

BYLO Gemstones & Their Properties

Here are a few examples of some of the common stones we use at BYLO:

White Sapphire

Mohs Hardness: 9
Details: Durable and brilliant, white sapphires are a natural alternative to diamonds. Their bright, clear sparkle works beautifully for everyday wear.

Pink Sapphire

Mohs Hardness: 9
Details: Ranging from soft blush to deep magenta, pink sapphires are prized for their romantic hue and durability. Perfect for statement rings and daily pieces.

Emerald

Mohs Hardness: 7.5–8
Details: Known for its rich green color, emeralds often have natural inclusions called jardin that make each one unique. They are durable but require more care to avoid chips or scratches.

Ruby

Mohs Hardness: 9
Details: Vibrant red and incredibly durable, rubies symbolize passion and vitality.

Amethyst

Mohs Hardness: 7
Details: A purple variety of quartz, amethyst is loved for its calming energy and regal color. It is durable enough for most jewelry but should be stored carefully to avoid scratches from harder stones.

Moonstone

Mohs Hardness: 6–6.5
Details: Known for its soft glow and ethereal shimmer, moonstone is associated with intuition and balance. It is best suited for pieces that won’t experience heavy daily wear.

Blue Topaz

Mohs Hardness: 8
Details: Bright, refreshing, and clear, blue topaz offers excellent durability with a crisp pop of color. A great option for everyday jewelry.

Pink Tourmaline

Mohs Hardness: 7–7.5
Details: Loved for its warm pink tones, pink tourmaline symbolizes love and compassion. It is durable for regular wear with mindful care.

Citrine

Mohs Hardness: 7
Details: With its golden hue, citrine is associated with joy and abundance. It is suitable for most jewelry styles but benefits from gentle handling.

Aquamarine

Mohs Hardness: 7.5–8
Details: Cool, calming, and ocean-toned, aquamarine is known for its clarity and elegance. Durable enough for everyday wear with proper care.

Natural and lab grown stones may differ in origin, but both offer beauty, brilliance, and lasting quality. By understanding how each is formed — and what sets them apart — you’re better equipped to choose what aligns with your style, values, and budget. At BYLO, we believe transparency empowers confident decisions, and that the most meaningful pieces are the ones that feel right to you.