July 2022 | Lab Grown Magazine

July 2022 | The Lab Grown Diamond Resource Book 12 To advertise call (888) 832-1109 | July 2022 13 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. Publisher Zev Oster Manager David Oster Features Writer Dan Scott Graphics / Production Kim Kennelly LabGrownAds@gmail.com Advertising & Sales LabGrownMagazine@gmail.com Circulation 23,000 Magazines Printed &Mailed Monthly Distributed at Show Bins PO Box 683 Pomona, NY 10970 T: 888-832-1109 F: 212-257-7056 www.LabGrownMagazine.com Find us on A division of Zev Don’t Isolate Independence; Celebrate Unity. You’re about to read a bit of history most are unaware of. This cornerstone of American data is also attached to a critical word - one that diamond industry should especially embrace. One powerful word that started with a date. On July 2nd, 1776, the United States Congress voted in favor of American public independence. Why then, do we celebrate Independence Day each July 4th ? It’s because it took two legendary days after Congress voted for independence for delegates from thirteen colonies to adopt the Declaration of Independence . Imagine the heated battle of words needed to be resolved to forever frame the United States of America. From 1776 to the present, people of all backgrounds and beliefs gather. Each warm July eve, we sit in lawn chairs and on blankets to experience the rocket’s red glare, and the fireworks bursting in air. Massive parades and concerts draw bumper-to-bumper crowds while family barbecues bring us back home. Independence Day is not about celebrating alone. How ridicules would it be if everyone kept to themselves on the fourth? But when we group together, it has less to do with independence and more to do with unity . Independence couldn’t build America standing on its own, unity did. The diamond industry thrives on unity. We form local chapters of Diamond Clubs, click glasses at diamond award ceremonies, and support many a non-profit diamond council or association together. Yet when the same diamond professional follows the same profitable and passionate success path, we don’t typically join them. We seem to block each other more frequently than breaking into a unified stride. I’m referring, of course, to the lab-grown diamond and mined diamond independent “sides.” Some think the “diamond vs. diamond” feud has run its course. Others think we’re just getting used to two different types of diamonds selling, in some cases, side-by-side. Yet the reality is we are not unified, and now more than ever, we need to be. The FTCs Green Guides are due to be revised this year. Similar, in ways, to the FTC’s Jewelry Guide , this Federal document means more focused Federal laws and regulations around carbon. This year’s changes include new guidance (laws) on marketers’ use of sustainability certifications. This Green Guide revision will speak to materials and energy sources and how they must be proven to be “renewable,” if we are to use that term. You’ll soon read headlines touting “carbon offset” claims and hear terms like “carbon credits” pointing to people taking sides. Which side of the tug-of-war rope will you grab? May I suggest you don’t “tug- of-war” at all; it’s a muddy game, after all. The diamond industry doesn’t need any more mudslinging, yet mudslinging is sliding right toward us. A new, highly acclaimed, independent diamond documentary was the talk of the Sundance Film Festival. Renowned diamond figure heads literally star in this top- rated anti-diamond film. One critic called Blood Diamond “a sail boat of a film compared to the Titanic nature of this anti-diamond doc-u-drama: Five stars!” Showtime has purchased the pay-per-view rights with plans for a September release. Paramount Pictures, vva’ parent, is said to be negotiating local theatre distribution. Be warned, the film’s trailer is as scandalous as they come – for mined and man-made diamonds alike. We won’t mention the film title or director as to not give it any more media exposure. For now, Dan Scott offers a retail-focused treat. A two-part story that features many of our reader base: Independent, North American retail jewelry owners. Communicating to over one hundred U.S.-based mom and pop jewelry doors, this month’s feature focuses on the top 5 does and don’ts of diamonds, LGDs, that is. For those that want to be included, it’s not too late. Part two is due in August, so reach out to Dan if you wish to anonymously participate. His contact information is at the end of his story. In closing, join us in celebrating Independence Day with great American pride, but remember, unity is what’s holding us all together.