SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
EditorsDec 08, 2010
De Beers steering clear of lab-grown stones
Over the years, rumors have popped up from time to time about mining giant De Beers getting in the business of growing diamonds in a laboratory. The most recent round of rumors that I can recall--and please drop me a...
Over the years, rumors have popped up from time to time about mining giant De Beers getting in the business of growing diamonds in a laboratory. The most recent round of rumors that I can recall--and please drop me a line (michelle.graff@nationaljeweler.com) if you know of more up-to-date reports--came in 2008, with article such as this and this.
So when the story surfaced about lab-grown diamond company Gemesis cultivating decent-sized white diamonds and larger, better quality yellows, it prompted me to ask De Beers if they have any ambitions in the lab-grown arena.
After all, according to this factually questionable blog posted here and here and I'm sure countless other places on the Internet by now, these reports about lab-grown diamonds have "panic brewing" for De Beers. I can't tell who authored this post--or from where they got any of their facts and figures--but that's the way of the Internet. Anybody with a functioning laptop can log in and post entries such as this, which then end up on countless other Web sites, blogs and so-called news sites. This is the kind of stuff about the Internet that really grinds my gears as a journalist, but I digress.
So I asked De Beers what they thought of the Gemesis announcement and if they had any plans for marketing lab-grown diamonds through industrial diamond arm Element Six.
Here's what they had to say: "De Beers has no intention of entering that market," spokeswoman Lynette Gould wrote. "All our research shows that when it comes to diamond jewelry, people overwhelmingly want the real thing."
Their answer clearly indicates that they have no interest in getting into the business of growing diamonds---or least this is what they are telling me on the record right now. And while I don't doubt there is some concern over lab-grown competition, I don't think De Beers or any independent retailers are, or need to be, flipping the panic switch following that Gemesis report.
I think there is room for mined diamonds and lab-grown stones to co-exist in the market. There are going to be consumers who want traditional mined diamonds because they are well, traditional, and because of the beauty and romance tied to the idea of heat and pressure combining over billions of years to create their stone.
Then there are going to be those who are intrigued with the science and innovation involved in growing a
diamond in a lab and also might be attracted to these stones' relatively lower price and lack of thorny ethical issues.
There are still others who'll never own a diamond in their lifetime due to personal style preferences, financial circumstances or the desire to go a different route with their engagement ring, as has been much buzzed about lately with the engagement of Prince William to Catherine Middleton using the late Princess Diana's sapphire ring.
Lab-grown stones simply give consumers another choice and could even bring new diamond consumers to the market, those who are priced out of owning a mined stone of the carat size they desire or turned off by the ethical issues surrounding mined diamonds.
There's no reason for panic to be brewing, at De Beers or anywhere else in the market.
There are still others who'll never own a diamond in their lifetime due to personal style preferences, financial circumstances or the desire to go a different route with their engagement ring, as has been much buzzed about lately with the engagement of Prince William to Catherine Middleton using the late Princess Diana's sapphire ring.
Lab-grown stones simply give consumers another choice and could even bring new diamond consumers to the market, those who are priced out of owning a mined stone of the carat size they desire or turned off by the ethical issues surrounding mined diamonds.
There's no reason for panic to be brewing, at De Beers or anywhere else in the market.
More on Editors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
WatchesJul 01, 2026
Rolex Unveils Clock at Rockefeller CenterThe clock is part of the celebration for the soon-to-open Rolex headquarters on New York City’s Fifth Avenue.
IndependentsJul 01, 2026
Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
WatchesJun 30, 2026
Pokémon Fans Will Want to Catch This New G-Shock WatchThe new watch commemorates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
MajorsJun 30, 2026
Saks Global Emerges From Bankruptcy With New NameThe luxury retailer is now called Exemplar Luxury Group.
CollectionsJun 30, 2026
Jade Ruzzo’s New Collection Embodies the Art of Being a LadyThe “Lady” collection is a new take on old beauty standards with gemstone-adorned hair pins and combs, a compact mirror necklace, and more.
SourcingJun 30, 2026
Blue Nile Introduces Montana Sapphire CollectionThe new line is included in the e-tailer’s curation of jewelry celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
GradingJun 30, 2026
AGS Opens 2026 Recertification ExamAll active members who earned their credential or designation before Dec. 1, 2025, are required to recertify.
CollectionsJun 29, 2026
Briony Raymond’s New Collection Is a ‘Carousel’ of Hard StonesThe new jewelry collection uses a colorful palette of onyx, malachite, tiger’s eye, mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, and coral.
IndependentsJun 29, 2026
Look Inside Lee Michaels’ Revamped Mississippi FlagshipLee Michaels Fine Jewelry is celebrating 30 years in the Ridgeland, Mississippi community.
GradingJun 29, 2026
National Rarities Announces New Gemology ManagerSean Milliner has joined the company.
GradingJun 29, 2026
GIA to Open New London CampusClasses will begin in August at GIA’s new Canary Wharf location.
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
