FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
MajorsJun 02, 2015
Helzberg selling lab-grown diamonds in select stores
The test program includes white, pink and yellow stones, which are being sold in Helzberg stores in Virginia, Florida, Arizona and Illinois, among others.
Three pink diamonds grown by Greenville, S.C.-based Scio Diamond Technology in partnership with Renaissance Diamonds; Helzberg Diamonds is now selling lab-grown pinks, along with whites and yellows, at select stores.
New York--Helzberg Diamonds is selling pink, yellow and white lab-grown diamonds from Scio and Renaissance Diamonds in select stores across the country, making it the latest retailer to test the market for man-made diamonds.
When asked for comment and information on the program, Helzberg Diamonds Chairman and CEO Beryl Raff said “This year, Helzberg Diamonds is celebrating 100 years of love. Embracing innovation and change is a part of our rich heritage. Testing lab-grown diamonds, with full consumer disclosure, is only one of many initiatives to give customers choices and seek new ways to best serve them for the next 100 years.”
The lab-grown pinks are all loose, round brilliant diamonds that are either fancy vivid or fancy intense vivid and are 1/2, 3/4, or 1 carat in size.
Renaissance Diamonds Corp. President and CEO Neil Koppel said price points range from $5,000 to $11,000, making the lab-grown stones significantly less expensive than mined pink diamonds of the same size and quality.
Greenville, S.C.-based Scio Diamond Technology Corp. produced the pink diamonds in a joint venture with Renaissance, called Renaissance Created Diamonds. They are being sold to consumers under, and are inscribed with, the Renaissance brand name.
The diamonds are grown using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, and are high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) treated to improve their color. Renaissance cuts and polishes the stones and they are graded by the International Gemological Institute (IGI) in New York.
The test program started in March and is in in-store only; the stones are not being sold online by Helzberg, which has more than 200 stores.
According to Scio, the Helzberg stores carrying the lab-grown diamonds include the locations in the Pentagon Mall in Arlington, Va.; Wellington Green in Wellington, Fla.; Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler, Ariz.; and White Oaks Mall in Springfield, Ill.
Scio CEO Gerald (Jerry) McGuire and Koppel said that Helzberg is selling some lab-grown white and yellow diamonds as well. The whites are a mix of Scio- and Renaissance-grown stones, while the yellow diamonds were all grown by Renaissance.
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming more common as the technology involved in growing them improves.
In addition to Helzberg Diamonds, which is one of the largest remaining specialty jewelry chains in the country and is a member of the American Gem Society, reports have noted that 73-store chain Rogers & Hollands carries lab-grown diamonds.
At the trade
shows in Las Vegas this past week, De Beers, Rio Tinto, Alrosa and other diamond mining companies announced the formation of the Diamond Producers Association, which will focus on maintaining demand for mined diamonds specifically, indicating that the world’s biggest mining companies view man-made stones as a threat.
While the “conflict free” aspect of lab-grown diamonds has been pushed in the past, both McGuire and Koppel said the lower price of man-made stones is what they believe will appeal most to consumers, particularly with colored diamonds, which are rarer and more expensive.
As Koppel put it, “It makes the unaffordable affordable.”
McGuire concurred.
“Consumers might not ever see (pink and yellow diamonds) in their lifetime,” he said, and even if they get the chance to see them, they likely wouldn’t be able to buy them.
“We don’t think we are going to replace mined diamonds. It would be silly to think that. But we do want to give the consumer an alternative.”
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
