MajorsJan 09, 2026
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.
EditorsApr 04, 2013
The mysterious new ‘diamond mine’
On March 27, I received a press release from a company called IIa Technologies about its opening of one of the world’s largest diamond growing facilities in the world in Singapore.
Like most releases, it was heavy on flowery language but short on information.Is this new “diamond mine” (as it was so cleverly dubbed) producing colored diamonds in addition to whites? What is the quality of the stones being grown there, the annual production capacity in carat terms, the percentage of gem-quality vs. industrial diamonds being produced?
How does the microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition process (MPCVD) being used in this facility differ from the standard CVD process for growing diamonds? And will the diamonds be marked in some way, as Gemesis diamonds of a certain size are laser inscribed ?
I had many questions about this new facility as, apparently, did fellow journalist Rob Bates. I also received about the same amount of answers, which is to say, zero.
In the meantime, Israeli journalist Chaim Even-Zohar published this article on IIa Technologies. In it, Even-Zohar links this “new” synthetic diamond facility to Gemesis, which I had suspected to be the case and asked the company about directly. But, like my other questions, this never was answered.
All frustrations aside, there is no denying that lab-grown diamonds are making more and more noise in the industry as of late. It will be interesting to gauge retailers’ reactions to these stones in the coming years, starting with the jewelry shows this summer, where there will be at least two companies selling synthetic diamonds.
Here in the United States, we’ve seen Gemesis make a push onto the red carpet, pledge to plant trees for Earth Day and, now, exhibit at the upcoming JCK show, the largest jewelry trade show in the U.S. market.
Gemesis supposedly was scaling back on its wholesale distribution when it launched its website and began selling direct to consumers but apparently the company sees an opportunity in this area.
When asked about its presence at JCK, Gemesis said that it has been “extremely encouraged” by retailer and wholesaler interest in lab-grown diamonds and sees its “targeted trade advertising” (the company had an interstitial on a competitor’s website) and participation in the trade show as a “natural progression.”
In Tucson, longtime gem-grower Tom Chatham debuted the “Eternal Flame” collection, his line of bridal jewelry featuring lab-grown diamonds.
Chatham admits there are some barriers to overcome for lab-grown diamonds in the bridal jewelry realm. He said he knows his collection of synthetic stones break a couple
of “very major, old-fashioned rules about engagement rings,” both in terms of their styling and their story.
It’s harder, he admits, to sell lab-grown diamonds as engagement rings because, as he puts it, you “don’t want to give your fiancée a stone that was made yesterday.”
But he said he thinks his collection will be a success in the long run, adding that the Las Vegas shows will be its “first really good test.”
It’s harder, he admits, to sell lab-grown diamonds as engagement rings because, as he puts it, you “don’t want to give your fiancée a stone that was made yesterday.”
But he said he thinks his collection will be a success in the long run, adding that the Las Vegas shows will be its “first really good test.”
More on Editors
The Latest
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
