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Industry Launches New Lab-Grown Association

May 20, 2019 6:00 AM   By Rapaport News
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RAPAPORT... Two jewelry veterans have debuted a group that aims to raise awareness of, and demand for, lab-grown diamonds in the US.

The Lab Grown Diamond Council (LGDC) will introduce new initiatives for the synthetics market, including research services, social media and education about sustainability.

Chris Casey, the former publisher of National Jeweler, will serve as the group’s president, and Michael Barlerin, director of the Silver Institute’s Silver Promotion Service, will be its chairman.

“LGDC has been established to create a unified voice to maximize the growth of lab-grown diamonds,” Casey said last week. “Our intent is to provide members with the tools they need to continue to drive the growth of this revolutionary product.”

Membership in the council is open to all companies active in the synthetics market, or contemplating entry, LGDC noted.

“Many leading companies in the lab-grown market have approached me over the last year regarding the need for focused, research-based messaging on advocacy, communications and education of the unique offering of lab-grown diamonds,” said Barlerin. “The LGDC creates the platform to both develop and deliver on these needs.”

Another group, the International Grown Diamond Association (IGDA), was launched by more than 10 lab-grown-diamond producers in 2016 to represent the sector. It also aims to promote synthetics and educate consumers about them. 

Image: Chris Casey. (Chris Casey/LinkedIn)
Tags: Chris Casey, IGDA, International Grown Diamond Association, Lab Grown Diamond Council, lab-grown diamonds, LGDC, Michael Barlerin, national jeweler, Rapaport News, Silver Institute, Silver Promotion Service
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