Great changes in the diamond industry in the past century-synthetic diamonds open a new era in the industry
If De Beers' success lies in seizing the historical opportunity of natural diamond exploitation and promotion, then today, we still relish its success, and the diamond industry has ushered in another important historical turning point-artificial diamonds.
First, the new era of the diamond industry
In 2020, when Li Lei and Han Meimei choose an engagement diamond ring, they may encounter many new problems.
They will consider whether to choose synthetic diamond-a kind of diamond made artificially in the laboratory. "Anyway, it seems to make no difference. Why not buy synthetic diamonds? They are much cheaper. " Han Meimei may hesitate. "Although I know that they are all diamonds, the meaning of marriage is different. I still want to buy natural ones. "
With the rapid improvement of the production speed and quality of synthetic diamonds in recent years, such a future is not far away.
20 12 in may, IGI Antwerp research institute detected 46 1 synthetic diamond among 605 diamonds with sizes ranging from 0.30 to 0.70 carats sent by a businessman. However, at the time of purchase, he believed that these diamonds were all natural.
In order to improve the vigilance of the whole industry and remind the industry to pay attention to the screening of synthetic diamonds, IGI chose to inform the major identification laboratories around the world at the first time to share the specific identification methods of synthetic diamonds, hoping to minimize such risks in the identification process.
In just four years, the production capacity of synthetic diamonds has been rapidly improved. According to statistics, in 20 14, the annual output of synthetic diamonds was less than 350,000 carats, accounting for less than 0.3% of the natural diamond output. In 20 15, the annual output of synthetic diamonds surged to 2.3-4.2 million carats, accounting for 2%-3% of natural diamonds. At the same time, the quality of synthetic diamonds is improving year by year. The laboratory has detected the world's largest colorless synthetic diamond, which has been able to achieve 10.02ct, E and E color VS 1. Under the same quality, mining analyst Killary believes that "consumers may turn to synthetic gems, after all, they are 20% to 30% cheaper than natural diamonds on average".
20 16 China international diamond industry summit forum was held in Shenzhen in September, and people from all walks of life discussed "nature &; The trends and challenges of the synthetic diamond market have been discussed all day, and it is the general trend for synthetic diamonds to enter the jewelry market. The whole industry is standing at the crossroads of historical change, and every practitioner is facing new challenges and shocks.
Second, practitioners are faced with new choices.
On the issue of natural diamonds and synthetic diamonds, it is not only consumers who face multiple choices, but also merchants and appraisal laboratories who are directly affected.
1, diamond dealer: natural vs. synthetic?
For many years, diamonds are just needed for marriage, and there is almost no competition from other gems. However, the emergence of artificial diamonds will change the inherent pattern, and competition will come from within the diamond category.
In the early days, natural diamond traders openly boycotted synthetic diamonds and criticized them for taking away "the milk and bread of African people", which was the choice of sticking to natural diamonds. On the other hand, many brands have taken the first step towards synthetic diamonds.
After five generations, Royal Asscher, a traditional diamond cutting and retailer, launched the "Rebel Chique Diamonds" brand on 20 13, which specializes in selling synthetic diamonds. Swarovski, who has always wanted to enter the diamond market, also opened the artificial diamond brand "DIAMA" in the United States on 20 16, and selected some independent high-end jewelry retail stores for sale. They said that "they are not in a hurry to recover the cost, but will wait patiently for the growth of young consumers and want to keep pace with natural diamonds".
De Beers, the pioneer of the traditional diamond empire, never gave up entering this field, which can be described as a representative of two-pronged approach. A few days ago, it was reported in the industry that it wanted to reach a cooperation with Swarovski on synthetic diamonds. Although it has not yet been implemented, the sixth element of De Beers subsidiary, Element Six, was established in 1950s and has been devoted to the research and education of synthetic diamonds.
At present, the booths of synthetic diamond wholesalers and retailers appear frequently in domestic exhibitions, attracting many industries and consumers to stop and consult. According to Morgan Stanley's industry forecast at the beginning of the year, by 2020, synthetic diamonds will account for 15% of jewelry-grade small carat diamonds, and the proportion of large carat synthetic diamonds will also reach 7.5%.
The diamond industry is shifting from pure consumption of natural diamonds to a new stage in which synthetic diamonds participate in market competition. No matter whether merchants choose synthetic diamonds or not, only by actively understanding and adjusting can they better cope with the unfolding new pattern.
2. Evaluation laboratory: a bridge of industry trust
In 1950s, the laboratory and diamond industry experienced the first rapid development. In order to help consumers understand the quality of natural diamonds, the identification laboratory has established a clear 4C identification standard for the industry, which has also laid the development direction of the laboratory in the next few decades. However, with the entry of synthetic diamonds into the market, the laboratory is once again at the crossroads of development: insist on 4C identification of natural diamonds or study the identification technology of synthetic diamonds?
In the past few years, some laboratories have reservations about identifying synthetic diamonds, and only issue identification certificates for natural diamonds, and choose to return diamonds that are uncertain about their naturalness. Some laboratories choose an open attitude, and on the basis of ensuring the accurate identification of natural diamonds, they invest manpower and material resources to deeply study the identification methods of synthetic diamonds.
IGI has always been at the forefront of the industry in the research and identification of synthetic diamonds. Unlike in the past, when the market required laboratories to issue strict 4C certificates according to clear standards, IGI Laboratory believed that "in the new stage of synthetic diamonds entering the market, the focus of identification will shift from 4C to naturalness. Only on the basis of in-depth research and accurate identification of synthetic diamonds can we further ensure the accuracy and reliability of natural diamond identification. "
In order to identify synthetic diamonds, the laboratory is equipped with professional synthetic diamond identification instruments, and the cultivation of professional talents is also very important. At the same time, how to keep pace with the world's top synthetic diamond production technology and update the corresponding identification technology has become a new challenge for the laboratory.
Whether the consumer market accepts synthetic diamonds or not, the appraisal industry is facing major adjustments. If it is the main duty of the appraisal laboratory to implement and maintain 4C standards before, then its attitude and actions towards synthetic diamonds will determine its right to speak in the new era of diamonds.
Third, respond to changes: the industry needs professional jewelry education.
20 15 Seven global natural diamond mining companies jointly established the Diamond Manufacturers Association (DPA), and the corresponding International Synthetic Diamond Association (IGDA) has also been established. Under the general trend of synthetic diamonds entering the market, it is generally believed in the industry that synthetic diamonds will be used as a supplement to natural diamonds on the basis of ensuring the distinction between natural and synthetic diamonds, providing consumers with more choices and expanding the consumption market of diamonds.
Opportunities and challenges coexist in great changes. Consumers, businesses and appraisal laboratories all need to accept a new round of knowledge updating and re-education. Only on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of synthetic diamonds can each practitioner make an accurate judgment on the development of the industry and find the corresponding industry positioning.
After all, the wind is beginning to change.