TWO-THIRDS OF jewelers now inventory lab grown diamonds, up from solely 10 % 5 years in the past. However what do they consider them? In line with the INSTORE 2021 Massive Survey, “it’s difficult.”
Some 56 % of jewelers in the present day agree that “one of the best lab-grown diamond is technically pretty much as good as one of the best mined diamond” however ask a jeweler whether or not the lab-grown varieties are “symbolically” pretty much as good and solely 31 % reply “sure.” A convincing 69 % say “no”.
Then once more, 31 % is a giant enchancment on 17 %, which is what number of jewelers thought that lab-grown diamonds had been as symbolically good in 2016 after we final requested them. Add to that the truth that some jewelers see lab-grown diamonds are the subsequent large factor and it’s clear that the jury remains to be out on the man-made newcomers.
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Jewelers mentioned that “extra stone for [the] similar worth” and environmental issues had been promoting factors, however some additionally fear that each prospects and gross sales workers usually have no idea sufficient in regards to the merchandise – in addition to whether or not environmental claims maintain up and about supply-chain weaknesses.
“Some stones are coming into the market uncertified, which would require retailers to put money into testing expertise,” one jeweler instructed the Massive Survey in a sentiment echoed by others, who added that they don’t wish to put money into a product whose worth is dropping whereas additionally worrying about prospects changing into indignant sooner or later over their lab-grown diamonds declining in worth.
However greater than 60 % of jewelers are stocking lab-grown diamonds in 2021. Evaluate that to 2016, when simply over 10 % had been stocking them. No matter jewelers could really feel in regards to the man-made valuable rocks, it doesn’t appear to be they’re going away any time quickly.
The 2021 Massive Survey was carried out between August and September, attracting greater than 600 nameless responses from house owners of impartial jewellery shops throughout america and Canada. The total outcomes will probably be revealed within the upcoming November subject of INSTORE.
Lab-Grown Diamonds and Jewelers: It’s Difficult initially appeared by way of instoremag.com
