New Synthetic Diamond Growing Method Not Meant for Jewelry

Scientists at the Australian National University (ANU) and RMIT University, also in Australia, recently sparked worldwide news coverage when they created two synthetic diamonds with a new method that uses a large amount of pressure rather than of heat.

One of the diamonds created is “the kind found on an engagement ring,” according to an ANU statement, while the other is a Lonsdaleite, a type of diamond found at the site of meteorite impacts.

However, professor Jodie Bradby of ANU’s Research School of Physics tells JCK she doesn’t believe the new method will be used to create gems.

“I don’t think our findings will impact the jewelry or diamond business,” she says via email. “We are targeting the industrial diamond market with the harder-than-diamond material. Our process does not rival the [chemical vapor deposition] technology for regular diamond growth.”

However, if commercialized, the discovery could possibly impact lab-grown diamond companies, some of which also create industrial diamonds.

Standard methods used to grow diamonds in labs require a large amount of heat, equal to that of the sun. The process uses a large amount of energy and casts doubt on some lab-diamond makers’ claims of eco-friendliness.

This new method, which was detailed in the journal Small, can grow diamonds at room temperature, but it uses a large amount of pressure—what ANU described in its statement as “equivalent to 640 African elephants on the tip of a ballet shoe.”

In the statement, Bradby compared the process to the way Superman turned coal into a diamond by crushing it in his hand.

“The twist in the story is how we apply the pressure,” said Bradby in the statement. “As well as very high pressures, we allow the carbon to also experience something called ‘shear’—which is like a twisting or sliding force. We think this allows the carbon atoms to move into place and form Lonsdaleite and regular diamond.”

She said Lonsdaleite has the potential to be 58% harder than regular diamond.

“Creating more of this rare but super useful diamond is the long-term aim of this work,” she said in the statement.

Why Jewelry Retailers Should Fall in Love With Valentine’s Day

ACCORDING TO THE National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend an average of $196.31 for Valentine’s Day. From a dollar amount perspective, this is one of the lower averages spent compared to other Hallmark holidays like Christmas, for which the average household spend in 2019 was $1,496.

This lower average is what stops the majority of retailers from seeing the bigger picture of why they should be promoting this holiday. Doing so will not only drive new customers, but bridal customers at that.

I hear regularly from retailers who are either not planning to promote Valentine’s Day at all, or who are going against the curve to try to sell higher price-point items, which in turn leads to an unsuccessful Valentine’s promotion. These are the most frequent objections I hear to promoting Valentine’s:

“We don’t want to waste time selling $200 items when we can be selling $4,000 engagement rings.”

“$200 items are not our store image.”

“We don’t have customers that spend only $200.”

When I hear these statements, I ask the retail jeweler two questions:

• How do you think the person that buys the $4,000 engagement ring determines which store to buy from?

• Have you considered that the image you have portrayed makes consumers feel they cannot afford to walk into your showroom?

Consider the data below, which could possibly change your mind.

• Ninety-five percent of women who receive an engagement ring received another gift of jewelry within 12 months before receiving the engagement ring.

• Even better, according to George Prout, chief marketing officer at Gems One, 14 percent of male shoppers who are attracted by a marketing program purchase an engagement ring within 12 months.

Jewelers will do well to notice the connection here and start to see the bigger picture: Promoting Valentine’s Day is a pathway to a significant increase in bridal sales and new clients.

This year, make it your goal to have in stock essential price-point merchandise under $200. Have designated showcases that are only filled with products in this price category.

Understand that Valentine’s Day is statistically speaking a lower price-point holiday, so stop going against the curve thinking you are going to sell higher price-point items and focus on what we know sells.

Fine Jewelry And Endless Love Make This Holiday Season Just Perfect

When in doubt think fine jewelry. The trick to mastering gift-giving is generating the feeling of true togetherness and endless love. More importantly, heartfelt jewelry is what she truly wants to take her style to a total put together look while feeling content in a heartfelt place.

You may have already heard she is looking for that special piece, but with the launch of the current product offerings, the game has gone to the level. And if you don’t think she is showing it to all her girlfriends and family, think again. She wears it like a badge of honor that you have taken such sweet thought choose the right gift.

Today, when selecting a gift for that certain someone, men have so many styles of to choose from to make that gift so special. Let it be known that versatile style can be worn at the office, while runnings errands and even to having dinner with friends and co-workers.

If you wish to give a gift that is on trend I would suggest looking into layering gold chains or how to take a simple hoop into style for 2021. At present, jewelry designers and luxury brands alike are having plenty of experimentation by taking simplistic styles of yesterday and redesigning them to adhere to millennials and Gen Z respectively.

It’s always great to have multiple options for these everyday pieces, but it’s time to stand out and take the next step forward into the exciting styles racing into 2021.

So whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or the birth of a better New Year, check out my review below that will make a special gift without burning a hole in your wallet!

This necklace is an elevated yet affordable rendition of the classic pearl trend.

Alexa Leigh:

Alexa Leigh- Alexa Leigh is a high-end jewelry line founded with the notion of creating sentimental value behind pieces with personal significance. Alexa’s vision was to cultivate a jewelry line that could be worn every day and look good at any occasion. The line offers high quality, affordable pieces, including bracelets, anklets, necklaces, rings, earrings, charms, sunglasses/mask chains and more!

Atom&Matter:

Sapphire Star Station Necklace by Atom&Matter Courtesy of Atom&Matter

Atom&Matter-The Sapphire Star Station Necklace launched as part of Atom&Matter’s debut collection and is reflective of the brand’s offering of delicate, celestial-inspired pieces. The necklace is sustainably and ethically handcrafted using recycled silver, plated with either 14K yellow or rose gold vermeil, and features the highest quality white sapphire embellishments. Digital pioneer Bethany Mota launched Atom&Matter out of a desire to form a community of likeminded all linked by something tangible: jewelry, and with every purchase of the brand’s luxurious, yet accessibly priced pieces, a donation will be made to organizations dedicated to the mentorship of young women worldwide.

Catbird:

Catbird-The original close-hugging pearl hoop now shines even brighter, with a sparkling recycled diamond that shimmies and shakes, and floats almost magically.

Charles & Colvard:

14K gold stacker ring featuring moissanite accent stones. Courtesy of Charles & Colvard

Charles & Colvard—Easy and effortless, a simple stackable ring will help anyone capture one of the top trends of the season. This style features two round Forever One moissanite accent stones with a shiny 14K gold band. This is the perfect gift that is stylish and socially responsible.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and wishing you all the best in the stylish New Year ahead.