SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Weekly QuizApr 03, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
