GradingJan 14, 2025
GIA CEO, President Susan Jacques to Retire at the End of 2025The grading lab said the search for her successor is underway.
SourcingJun 12, 2019
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.
Chelan County P.U.D. General Manager Steve Wright (left), Diamond Foundry Production President Kyle Gazay and Stemilt Growers President West Mathison at the signing for the power supply contract for Diamond Foundry’s second facility last week.
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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
Policies & IssuesJan 14, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief Several jewelry designers are lending a helping hand to charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
GradingJan 14, 2025
Former SSEF Director Henry A. Hänni DiesA pioneering figure in gemology, he is remembered for his spirit of generosity, curiosity, and joy.
Weekly QuizJan 09, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesJan 13, 2025
Brandee Dallow Elected President of Ethical MetalsmithsThe executive brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role.
IndependentsJan 13, 2025
The Seven Pops Up in Palm BeachThe New York City-based retailer is bringing its curation of jewels to a pop-up shop at Love Binetti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Policies & IssuesJan 10, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires Created by JA and DCA, the fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsJan 10, 2025
Piece of the Week: Elsa Jin’s ‘Mozi’ BroochAdrien Brody received his first Golden Globe while wearing the “Mozi” brooch, which depicts a spill of traditional Chinese calligraphy ink.
CrimeJan 09, 2025
US Customs Seizes Counterfeit Tiffany & Co. JewelsOfficers in Champlain, New York valued the jewels, if genuine, at nearly $30,000.
CollectionsJan 09, 2025
Karma El Khalil’s New Collection is an Ode to the MoonThe “Moonlight Rhapsody” collection is overflowing with gemstones, from raw opal to morganite and spessartite.
Events & AwardsJan 09, 2025
Here Is the 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson Educational LineupThe seminar series covers topics from market trends and colored stone terminology to working with museums and growing an Instagram profile.
SourcingJan 09, 2025
Reena Ahluwalia Unveils New Works in ‘Diamond Trails’ AnthologyThe artist collaborated with industry creatives on the project, which features five fictional stories and five corresponding paintings.
IndependentsJan 09, 2025
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $26K for Children’s Hospital at Charity BallNine jewelers donated jewels for a raffle to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Virginia Commonwealth University.
WatchesJan 08, 2025
Oris Debuts Hot Pink Miss Piggy WatchMiss Piggy shared her thoughts on being fabulous, the importance of accessories, and how to be your own cheerleader.
Lab-GrownJan 08, 2025
Effy Introduces Brand Dedicated to Lab-Grown Diamonds“Promise by Effy” includes fashion jewelry and engagement rings.
IndependentsJan 08, 2025
Haltom’s Jewelers to Close After 130 YearsThe Texas-based jeweler is closing all three locations.
TrendsJan 08, 2025
Zendaya’s Engagement Ring Combines Vintage and Modern ElementsZendaya’s ring, featuring an east-west set elongated cushion-cut diamond, is said to be from British designer Jessica McCormack.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: The Hottest Digital Marketing Trends For 2025Micro-influencers, customer reviews, and shoppable videos are going to be key to getting customers’ attention, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsJan 07, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: January Is for GarnetGarnet is comprised of a group of minerals, giving those with a birthday in January options when it comes to their birthstone.
IndependentsJan 07, 2025
Edge Retail Academy Names 2024 ‘Wag’ Award Winner The annual award, created in memory of business coach William “Wag” Wagner, went to a retailer in Fairfax, Virginia.
MajorsJan 07, 2025
Jewelers for Children Promotes Round-Up Fundraising ProgramRetailers and vendors can ask customers to make a donation by rounding up to the next dollar at checkout.
SourcingJan 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House To Debut Lightning Ridge Opal CollectionThe wholesaler is partnering with Australian brand Cheal Opal on a new offering of calibrated stones.
