April / May 2020 - Lab Grown Magazine

April / May 2020 | LG | The Lab Grown Diamond Resource Book 8 To advertise call (888) 832-1109 | April / May 2020 9 Publisher Zev Oster Manager David Oster Advertising & Sales LabGrownMagazine@gmail.com Graphics LabGrownAds@gmail.com Circulation 25,000 Magazines Printed & Mailed Monthly Distributed at Show Bins 30 West 47th Street | Suite 707 New York, NY 10036 T: 888-832-1109 F: 212-257-7056 www.LabGrownMagazine.com DISCLAIMER: Lab Grown Magazine assumes no responsibility for content, articles, or advertisement in publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form without prior written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher reserves the right to edit all articles for clarity space and editorial sensitivities. UncertainTimes As much of the jewelry industry-and indeed industries around the world-shut down, we here at Lab-Grown Magazine would like you, our readers, to know that our prayers are with you and your families for your continued well- being through these uncertain times. The unprecedented health crisis that we are all facing calls for unprecedented mea- sures and, while our staff is working remotely in keeping with recommended social distanc- ing, we are always available by phone or email. And, although face-to-face business may be slowing, the digital age we live in allows companies to effectively communicate in cyberspace, with opportunities to be creative in ways to market their lab-grown gems to customers around the world. Despite the crisis, lab-grown diamonds continue to make news. While the corona- virus has taken the sparkle out of India’s pol- ished mined-diamond exports-which saw a decline of 41% in February 2020-exports of polished lab-grown diamonds saw an increase of 60% during the same month, according to India’s Lab-grown Diamond and Jewellery Promotion Council (LGDJPC). The lab-grown rough material is sourced mainly from China and Singapore and most is polished in Surat, the hub of India’s mined- diamond cutting industry. The majority of India’s lab-grown exports go to the United States, where mega-brands such as Signet Jewellers, Zales, Kay and Jared sell lab-grown diamond jewelry in their stores and online. In other news, a new grading report for lab- grown diamonds has been launched by Gem- ological Science International. GSI notes that its report will not only indicate whether the stone was made using the HPHT or the CVD method, but also whether it has under- gone post-growth treatment, i.e. if it has been enhanced or treated in some way. The feature article in this April issue takes a look at the environmental aspects of lab- grown stones. Claims by certain sellers that LGDs are more “eco-friendly” than mined diamonds have attracted a lot of attention, but as the article points out, the situation is far from simple. Definitely worth the read. So, until the next issue, please stay safe. Zev