LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The whispers of gem-quality lab-created diamonds started in the mid-to-late 90s, and then in 2003, the industry started buzzing at the prospect of colorless diamonds that could potentially rival those formed in nature. There were heated debates over likelihood of success and impact on industry pricing. Then all was virtually quiet…until now.
Gemesis announced it has achieved a significant industry breakthrough, and through remarkable patented technology, is in full production of lab-created colorless and fancy yellow color diamonds that equal the best quality mined diamonds – the only differentiator is point of origin. In fact, Gemesis colorless diamonds are all certified as Type IIa, the purest type of diamond, which is extremely rare in nature. Less than two percent of the world’s diamonds are Type IIa. A renowned example is the “Elizabeth Taylor Diamond,” formerly known as the “Krupp Diamond,” a 33.19-carat Type IIa diamond that was recently auctioned by Christie’s.”
The excellent color and clarity of these diamonds are the first seen in substantial quantities on a commercial basis, and the company is going direct to consumers with its newly launched e-commerce website (www.gemesis.com).
Gemesis lab-created diamonds are accompanied by grading certificates from the International Gemological Institute (IGI), and are environmentally and socially responsible. As massive diamond mining operations are not in pace with increasing consumer consciousness, Gemesis is proud to offer diamonds grown in a safe, humane, controlled environment using only modest amounts of energy with little environmental impact. As all diamonds are origin guaranteed and fully disclosed as lab-created, any consumer concerns related to “conflict” or “blood” diamonds are also alleviated.
The colorless diamonds are priced according to their overall quality and color, in the same manner as mined; however, these lab-created diamonds offer a tremendous value when compared to mined diamonds with the same characteristics. Gemesis also makes fancy color diamonds accessible to fashion-conscious consumers. Until recently, high-quality fancy color diamonds were only available in mined form. Initially offered in beautiful yellow hues, these rare diamonds have all the brilliance, quality and color of their mined counterparts at an extremely attractive price.
Production can take several months, but the result is individually created diamonds of top quality and value. Working with highly-skilled diamond cutters, polishers and designers as well as leading jewelry manufacturers, the Company has developed its own fine jewelry line. In addition to selling product via its website, which touts a Create Your Own jewelry component, Gemesis will also offer parallel sales through limited retailers that subscribe to the company program – including education, approach and pricing philosophy.
Company research indicated a keen interest in lab-created diamonds based on increasing environmental sustainability mindsets as well as consumers’ ability to positively know the origin of their diamonds. On a larger scale, a recent BBMG Conscious Consumer Report supported the interest Gemesis discovered, citing that two out of three Americans agree that, even in tough economic times, it’s important to buy products with social and environmental benefits. The preceding BBMG report noted that nearly nine in 10 Americans say the words “conscious consumer” describe them well, and they are more likely – if products are of equal quality and price – to buy from companies that…manufacture energy efficient products (90%); promote health and safety benefits (88%); support fair labor and trade practices (87%) and commit to environmentally friendly practices (87%).
Gemesis retained French/West/Vaughan (FWV), one of the nation’s largest independent public relations, public affairs and brand communications agencies, in June 2010 for full-scale integrated marketing services, including research and discovery, brand identity development, banner advertising, pay per click (PPC) management, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and public relations, as well as the design and launch of the company’s e-commerce site and web analytics oversight.
“In light of the entire customer movement toward environmental sustainability, this is the perfect time to bring Gemesis lab-created diamonds direct to consumers,” said FWV President and CEO Rick French. “We feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to help launch this exceptional choice in fine jewelry and look forward to continuing to educate consumers on its beauty, quality and value.”
“Being at the forefront of this industry breakthrough is exhilarating. We are so pleased to be able to make available our lab-created diamonds and jewelry selections,” said Gemesis Diamond Company President and CEO Stephen Lux. “The value proposition to consumers is tangible. It’s not only about price, but about getting the purest and highest-quality diamonds. Add to that environmental responsibility and the ability to unequivocally know your diamond’s origin and we have a very special product offering.”
About Gemesis Diamond Company
Gemesis Diamond Company, a privately-held international organization headquartered in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., is the world’s principal producer of gem-quality lab-created diamonds and jewelry. Available in the purest Type IIa colorless and rare fancy yellow colors, these diamonds possess exceptional cut, color and clarity, as well as identical chemical, optical and physical characteristics of mined diamonds. Gemesis Diamond Company is able to offer consumers individually created diamonds of top quality, as certified by leading independent gemological institutes, at exceptional values. For additional information, please visit www.gemesis.com.
About French/West/Vaughan
French/West/Vaughan is the Southeast’s largest public relations, public affairs and brand communications agency, independent or otherwise. National and international clients represented by the agency include Melitta, Wrangler, Justin Boot Company, RBC Bank and Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants. The agency also offers award-winning advertising, graphic design, media planning and placement, and digital and social media marketing and monitoring services for a wide range of clients. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., FWV also has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Tampa and Dallas. For more information, please visit www.fwv-us.com.
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