The report shows that couples are searching for vintage and antique rings, gold jewelry, pearls, and colorful pieces.
Another lab-grown poll
I received quite a bit of response from last week’s post concerning consumers’ thoughts on lab-grown diamonds, from both the trade and the people I polled. My article even sparked a more formal poll, on consumer-facing jewelry website PriceScope.
Here’s a response from one survey-taker, who apparently is not very good at keeping track of her valuables: “I’ve known about these for a few years, and I am a big fan. Good way to get some shiny stones without spending a wad of cash! The ethical aspect is nice, too. If given the choice, I would choose lab-grown (or even a really good CZ) to a real diamond for financial reasons primarily ... and also since I wouldn’t trust myself to wear the real deal and run the risk of losing it/them!”
Another respondent mentioned not only the lower cost of lab-grown diamonds but the lower cost of insuring the stone over the long term. Price also came up among the consumers who took the PriceScope poll.
On behalf of those who took my (again, very informal) survey on lab-grown diamonds, I decided to do a quick price comparison of lab-grown and mined diamonds to see exactly how the stones stack up today.
On Friday, a lab-grown, round 1-carat H VS1 diamond with very good cut on the website of Gemesis (now Pure Grown Diamonds) was about 25 percent less than a diamond of the same quality on Blue Nile (keep in mind that these are retail prices; this is a comparison of two loose diamonds being sold online direct to consumers).
Is 25 percent enough, keeping in mind that several of the women I polled did mention that lab-grown diamonds lack the romance associated with mined stones?
I am curious to hear thoughts from the trade. What do you believe is the price tipping point at which consumers willingly will swap their mined engagement ring for a lab-grown stone?
The Latest
He’s remembered as a “font of passion,” leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his craft and community.
The first one will take place next month during the Jewelers of Louisiana’s and Mississippi Jewelers Association’s conventions.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The redesigned boutique features interactive displays and a workshop space for hands-on learning about watchmaking.
There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
A combination of factors is driving growth in the industry despite the precipitous drop in prices across the board.
Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.
The zone’s modernization will enhance and increase India’s jewelry manufacturing capabilities while aiding small and mid-sized businesses.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
The company plans to invest $25 million in marketing initiatives to boost awareness around its namesake and licensed brands.
Optimism about the current state of the economy was offset by anxiety around inflation and the political environment.
The former WJA executive director is MFM’s new managing director.
DDG encourages retailers to educate customers on the positive impact of purchasing natural diamonds.
Highlighting the most iconic Tiffany collections, it’s inspired by the company’s late window designer, Gene Moore.
Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen explore how jewelers can save time and money by using AI to analyze engagement and create content.
The retailer previously turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018.
The Florida store’s owner Miguel Gonzalez is retiring.
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The brand also plans to expand its retail footprint from 138 to 200 stores over the next three years.
One is reserved for a NAJA member, the other for a non-member.
Longtime employees Carie Lehrke and Megan Mattice have received promotions.
Three guests joined National Jeweler and Jewelers of America to discuss trending time periods, spotting reproductions, and more.
Chris Clipper and Robert Lepere join the company with 50 years of combined experience.
The trendy, metallic earrings wink at classic spring colors.
JSA said a man and woman pulled the safe out of an Oakland jewelry store but couldn’t quite get it into their van.
The miner’s March auction generated $19 million.