Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
New Diamond Foundry Facility To Be Fully Operational by 2020
It is the second production facility for the lab-grown diamond company and is located in Washington state.

Washington—Diamond Foundry is one step closer to the grand opening of its second facility after inking a power supply contract last week.
The San Francisco-based lab-grown diamond company first announced plans for a new “MegaCarat” foundry in Wenatchee, a city in north-central Chelan County in Washington state, on its blog in September 2017.
Known locally as the “Apple Capital of the World,” the Diamond Foundry will have its facility there on three acres in an old packaging plant leased to the company by fifth-generation apple farmers Stemlit Growers.
A Diamond Foundry spokesperson confirmed to National Jeweler Tuesday that production already has begun at the Washington facility but said the recently approved additional hydropower will enable the company to expand.
Last week, Public Utility District commissioners for Chelan County, the county where Wenatchee is located, approved a 10-year power contract with Diamond Foundry, providing up to 19 megawatts of power to the company.
Growing diamonds in a lab is power-intensive, and currently the area doesn’t have the capacity to supply that much power to the plant, so Stemilt Growers has agreed to build a substation, according to the PUD.
PUD officials noted that a substation typically takes 18 months to finish but said the project would be fast-tracked for completion by March 2020.
The facility is expected to be fully operational by then and will bring between 35 and 50 jobs to the Wenatchee area.
Diamond Foundry noted the city’s proximity to a source of hydropower, as it sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers.
“The partnership with Chelan P.U.D. and Stemilt has been seamless, and we are looking forward to continuing the Diamond Foundry mission of growing diamonds with net-zero carbon footprint,” Production President Kyle Gazay said in a statement.
Diamond Foundry is certified as carbon neutral by Natural Capital Partners, a London-based environmental consultancy group, meaning it was found to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The Latest

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.


“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

In her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.





















