Are high quality simulants carving a new niche in the jewelry industry?
Diamond simulant jewelry has been around for a long time and has an established place in the market. The difference here is the use of high quality diamond simulants set in hand crafted up-market settings using 18K gold and other precious metals. In the luxury market this is the gap that we fill very successfully. Over the last few years there has been a lot of talk about conflict diamonds/ blood diamonds and even though a lot has been done to control this, consumer confidence has suffered. More and more people feel a moral obligation and diamond simulants are the compromise that they are looking for. Look at where the fur industry is today and how well accepted faux fur has become. Consumers have a lot of power, and some diamond supply companies are well aware of this which has led to some positive moves being made.