Vancouver-based Regal Imports Ltd. is now distributing laboratory-grown loose diamonds alongside its Canadian diamonds under its Hallmark of Quality brand.
Subjected to the same extreme pressure and heat as deep within the earth, man-made or cultured diamonds are physically, chemically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts. Compared to earth-grown diamonds that take billions of years to form, cultured diamonds can be grown in about four days.
Regal Imports president Mel Moss says created diamonds appeal to consumers on an environmental, scientific, romantic, and financial level.
“If you were to find a natural vivid yellow or vivid orange-yellow diamond [comparable to] these diamonds, it would cost a fortune,” Moss said. “Many retailers see this as competition to natural diamonds instead of an addition to what they offer the consumer. This is another option for opening your market to other products.”
Created by Florida-based Gemesis, the stones are mainly vivid yellow in colour due to their nitrogen content and cost about one quarter the price of natural diamonds.
Each diamond is accompanied by a grading report and identification card, and lasered with a tracking number to distinguish it from an earth-grown diamond.
