June 2022 | Lab Grown Magazine

June 2022 | The Lab Grown Diamond Resource Book 24 To advertise call (888) 832-1109 | June 2022 25 ello faithful readers! Wel- come to a special Vegas show issue, and say ‘hello’ to an exclusive interview with Liz Chatelain, President of The MV- Eye, a research division of MVI Marketing, LLC. Chatelain’s recent LGD young adult con- sumer study offers fresh insight and valu- able data – many points previously not published. The March 2022 report targets the aging, but still powerful (and youthful) Millennial buying segment within North America. We’ll learn that demographic’s thoughts and their potential or actual ac- tions towards LGDs overall, and related LGD jewelry mindset. First, for those who follow me monthly, you’ll notice a title change. The new, and now consistent header for my monthly fea- ture stories is “Carbon.” Carbon is essential to all life. It is the fourth most profuse element in the universe, and the second most abundant element in our bodies. In its diamond allotrope state, car- bon is the hardest known substance in na- ture. Yet, carbon also forms graphite, one of the softest materials on the planet. The moment carbon enters a sustainability or eco-friendly conversation, we rush to rid ourselves from it. We long to be ‘carbon neutral,’ attempt to lessen our ‘carbon foot- print,’ and many aim to get certified and qualify for ‘zero carbon emissions.’ This is because carbon is also found in compounds, including carbon dioxide within the Earth’s atmosphere. Hydrocarbons form fossil fu- els such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum. The carbon pro/con assessment reminds me of the pro/con assessment placed upon mined and man-made diamonds. Yet, since diamonds (of any form) would not exist without carbon, and all living things re- quire carbon, it seemed to be the ideal new recurring title. The Perfect Vegas Show Read Liz Chatelain’s 2022 Next Gen Consumer Lab-Grown Diamond Market Research Report was conducted in February and re- leased in March of this year. Entitled, “It Takes a Long Time to Become Young,” the results are formulated through a young adult’s topical view on LGDs, and support- ed with quantitative related findings. These results could assist all parts of the dual diamond supply chain, especially North American retailers – boutiques, gal- leries, independents, and national stores and related buyers. Newfound insight into Mil- lennial’s present diamond attitudes, buying habits and related interests may sway retail buyers, one way or another, when stocking- up for what many are forecasting to be the largest Q4 self-purchasing and gift-giving holiday season yet. You’re most likely reading this during the JCK and Couture shows. If so, this story promises to be a productive breakfast read, or a suggested LGD-focused show recap for your plane ride home. You may access this (and all LGD stories) at www.LabGrown- Magazine.com and you may receive a com- plimentary copy of this publication mailed to you each month by visiting the same do- main under the “subscription” tab. 2022/2023 LGD Market Indicators This year marks the highest count of regis- tered retailers walking the JCK and Couture shows. Many retailers are exhibiting for the first time, while others are making time to cross-compare since hundreds of new LGD booths have appeared at JCK’s 30th anni- versary show. Hats off to @JCKevents for three decades of leadership and counting. LGD market penetration in North America is still below ten percent, whichever study you subscribe to. While that number is grow- ing, it is doing so slowly, and not so steadily. We’ll look at a market indicator snap shot, H NORTH AMERICAN MILLENNIALS MAY STILL ‘ACT YOUNG’ BUT THEY ARE AGING EACH DAY. A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF COUPLES MOVE- IN TOGETHER, DELAY MARRYING , YET CO-SIGN A HOME TOGETHER WHILE EACH IS ON THEIR SECOND AUTOMOBILE PURCHASE PHOTO: TIMMY MCFADDEN, BRITISH PHOTO WORKS USED BY PERMISSION FOR LAB GROWN MAGAZINE JUNE 2022 IISSUE © 2022 MCFADDEN LTD CARBON ON EARTH: THE SOFTEST MATERIALS CREATES THE HARDEST NATURAL DIAMONDS GRAPHITE + + YET CARBON ELIMINATION IS WHAT EVERYONE STRIVES FOR CHART: Norman Greenwood, Earnshaw, Alan Chemistry of the Elements (2nd edition). ~ >>