Will the term 'lab-grown diamond' be banned? Learn about the growing diversity of values.

The other day,French Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF)A news story banning the use of the term "lab-grown diamond" and allowing only "synthetic diamond" has been making headlines. We received a question from a customer who saw this news asking, "Are lab-grown diamonds a bad thing?"

First, let me explain the lab-grown diamond that is the subject of this discussion.

Lab-grown diamonds have been gaining attention in recent years. Like moissanite, they are produced in a lab.
Offering a beauty indistinguishable from natural diamonds, it is increasingly popular as an ethical choice that considers environmental impact and mining issues.

However, from the standpoint of "synthetic stones", 「A negative image of "not genuine"There are quite a few people who own them. However, it would be wrong to say that synthetic stones are inferior. As with natural diamonds, beauty is determined by the cut, color, and clarity. And precisely because they are synthetic, they offer the advantages of consistent quality and affordable prices.

Now then　The recent decision by the French authorities is to define lab-grown diamonds as "synthetic stones" (a "synthetic stone" is a type that has a chemical composition, physical properties, internal structure almost or entirely identical to those of a gemstone of the same species found in nature)

So why did this kind of story come up?

In my personal view　Diversity of values in the jewelry industryI think it's because it's been spreading.

Natural diamonds are considered valuable because of their rarity. However, in today's world of increasingly diverse values,More and more people are seeking value beyond rarity.。Lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and other lab-made synthetic stones are gaining attention as embodiments of new values such as environmental responsibility and ethical consumption。

Also, due to advances in technology, more beautiful and higher-quality synthetic gemstones have started to become available on the market.
As a result,　I think today's consumers now have more options to choose from.

Rather than small natural diamonds,More and more people are choosing things that truly make their hearts flutter..

Few of Radian's customers have any objection to the fact that moissanite is not a natural gemstone. Most choose Radian because they are drawn to the high quality　price　and romance of the pure moissanite we carry.　
(Please be aware that, whether natural or synthetic stones, there are some sellers dealing in inferior products, so please exercise caution.）

Changes in consumer values are having a major impact on the natural diamond industry. I think traditional business models are becoming obsolete and new strategies are needed. The recent case in France can be seen as an attempt by the natural diamond industry to differentiate itself from lab-grown diamonds and synthetic stones.

Just　

In a survey of more than 1,000 French people aged 25 and over, UFBJOP said, "83% of French people were able to state the definition of synthetic diamonds and mainly described them as man-made stones." It added, "90% of those questioned understood that these stones are not mined from the earth."
（Source：watch-jewelry-online.com）

So, I think consumers already understand the differences and are choosing jewelry that suits them.

Synthetic stones such as moissanite are expected to continue growing in popularity as an ethical choice that takes environmental impact and mining issues into account. We believe consumers will choose the jewelry that best suits them after understanding the differences. At Radian, we will recommend the ideal jewelry tailored to each customer's values and needs.

Please feel free to contact us anytime.

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