At the International Diamond Conference in Mumbai, India – August 14th, 2013
On the subject of synthetic diamonds, Mark Brauner, co-chief executive officer (CEO) of the International Gemological Institute (IGI) Worldwide, and Mehmet Can, general manager of HRD Turkey, stressed that synthetic diamonds were here to stay, that distinguishing them from natural diamonds was proving difficult and that some industry certidfication system is needed to identify smaller diamonds as synthetic. "The production of synthetics ahs increased and it will not stop," said Brauner. He noted that a survey done in the United Kingdom found 25% of respndants do not mind synthetic diamonds because they are conflict-free, environmentally friendly and come with a competitive price. "Embracing this product is the only choice the industry has," he said.
Rapaport, September 2013, p77
Martin Rapaport over the past ten years
- Yellow Diamonds Are Hot! "Compared to white diamonds, the supply of color diamonds is more limited and therefore, each stone is more unique. These color diamonds are hot, especially the yellows — both the natural yellows and the new lab-created yellow "cultured" diamonds.
- "Undoubtedly, natural and (cultured) diamonds will co-exist side by side, sharing a rapidly growing market for diamond jewelry."
- Supporting man-made diamonds and speaking to the International Diamond Industry "The formula is very simple: more diamonds, more jewelry, more consumers, more profits."
National Jeweler
If anything, the industry should embrace the man-made diamonds as a brand new product niche — and let's not forget, not an insignificant one. These are not simulants. The cultured yellow diamonds are priced like colorless diamonds of a similar carat weight. If a customer can't afford a natural colored diamond but wants to experiment with the look, why not give her the option?"