While natural diamonds symbolize timeless luxury for many, a prominent British designer, Anabela Chan, champions a different narrative, finding greater value in jewelry crafted from laboratory-grown gems and recycled metal derived from cans.
Expressing her rationale behind the unconventional choice of materials, Chan highlighted witnessing the challenging working conditions in diamond mines as a catalyst for her innovative approach. “These are some of the most precious and valuable commodities in the world, that just didn’t make any sense to me,” she shared from her boutique in Knightsbridge, London.
Chan’s designs uniquely integrate lab-grown diamonds, recycled aluminum sourced from cans, and pearls cultivated through regenerative farming methods. While specific sales figures remain undisclosed, Chan’s company noted a substantial surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in her recognition with the “Game Changer” award at the British Luxury Awards in November.
According to insights from Edahn Golan Diamond Research & Data, the market for lab-grown jewelry has experienced consistent annual growth rates of 20%, propelling global profits to an estimated $15 billion. This influx of new market entrants has led to a decline in selling prices for lab-grown diamonds, compelling brands to differentiate themselves, particularly through innovative jewelry design.
Joshua Braman, head of diamonds at Pandora, a major retailer of lab-grown diamonds, emphasized the expanded potential for creativity in jewelry design facilitated by lab-grown gems.
Furthermore, sustainability emerges as a crucial point of distinction. Chan’s commitment extends to collaborating with suppliers utilizing technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions, thereby converting an environmental negative into a positive. “Effectively taking something negative and turning it into something positive,” Chan affirmed, underscoring her brand’s sustainability ethos.
The convergence of science and artistry in jewelry design, as exemplified by Chan’s pioneering vision, signifies a shift in the industry towards ethical sourcing, innovation, and sustainability, resonating with a growing segment of conscious consumers.
