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Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
IndependentsSep 01, 2017
D.C. Retailer Adds Lab-Grown Diamonds to Inventory
The move from Mervis Diamond Importers came in response to increasing consumer demand, though it still remains a niche market for the company.
Mervis Diamond Importers now carries lab-grown diamonds made in Maryland of all sizes and shapes.
Washington, D.C.--Customers asked, and Mervis Diamond Importers answered.
For the first time, the Washington, D.C.-based retailer has added lab-grown diamonds to its inventory at all locations.
The move came in response to consumer demand, and the retailer said it sees the addition of the stones as just another option to offer clients.
Jonathan Mervis, the retailer’s vice president of strategy and client experience, said they had customers asking specifically about the manmade stones and when “it became obvious we couldn't convince them otherwise,” they brought in lab-grown diamonds.
“It’s always been our mission to provide an education and full service experience to our clients, helping each couple find the right diamond for them. Today’s addition of manmade diamonds to our inventory gives our shopper added confidence that she’s seen everything,” Mervis said.
The store said that consumer demand also was steering toward lab-grown diamonds specifically that are “free of conflicts overseas,” so the ones it stocks are created locally in Maryland.
Mervis said he hopes this “Made in America” factor will resonate with their shoppers.
The store’s collection of lab-growns provides a range of shapes and sizes, from 0.70 carats to 3 carats.
Mervis said most of their clients continue to want mined diamonds, and the retailer views the lab-grown market as a niche one.
The amount in their store currently represents about 10 percent of its inventory, he told National Jeweler.
Mervis Diamond Importers has three locations: Washington, D.C.; Tysons, Virginia; and Rockville, Maryland.
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