The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
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.
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
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.”
The Latest
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.