A diamond is meant to represent the ultimate symbol of love. The mining of diamonds has devastating effects on our environment. Not only is mining harmful to our land and oceans, but the industry has also been tarnished by human rights issues and unfair labor practices. Gemifique’s mission is to educate the consumer that they have a lot of influence to end the harmful market of conflict-diamonds.
NOTE: We are sorry to inform you that this brand is currently no longer available in the market. We keep this post available for your reference in case it helps for inspiration, as we showcase social + eco enterprises and impact brands that make a positive difference in the world.
This time we interview Gemifique, a brand that opened a new world for us. We had never heard about eco-friendly lab-grown diamonds. Since the movie “Blood diamonds” educated most of us about the reality behind mined diamonds, these precious stones come with a negative connotation. We are sure that those who are planning to gift someone with a diamond as a demonstration of “eternal love”, please consider acquiring a conflict-free alternative.
Discover how are they made, the benefits of eco-friendly lab-grown diamonds and make sure you share this information with your friends. Together we can stop and influence the conflict-diamonds.
We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did!
What was the tipping point for Gemifique to start as a business of lab-grown diamonds?
Today’s consumers are highly educated and are becoming more socially responsible and environmentally friendly. Consumers are looking for more sustainable products as compared to many years ago, and we knew we could offer a conflict-free alternative for them to consider.
Consumers currently can choose to buy regular mined diamonds that continue to harm our environment, or they can choose to own the same quality diamond which is lab-grown and be ethically and morally minded.
What is the main difference between a Gemifique diamond with the diamonds we are all used to?
There is no structural or chemical difference at all since a diamond is “pure carbon” – The only difference between our product and a mined diamond is their “origin” since ours are made in a laboratory.
Why are the Gemifique diamonds sustainable?
Our diamonds are sustainable since they are eco-friendly and preserve the earth’s natural resources.
In addition, by producing these in a laboratory, we are ensuring that our diamonds are conflict-free.
In reality, they are receiving a larger diamond for the same amount of money they would pay for a smaller mined diamond.
Could you describe what is the impact of the diamond industry, since there’s a dark side for those who collect these precious stones?
The mining of diamonds has devastating effects on our environment. Not only is mining harmful to our land and oceans, but the industry has also been tarnished by human rights issues and unfair labor practices.
So to people who don’t have any background in this industry, what are usually the communities that are impacted the most? Whereabouts are the diamonds mined?
Unfortunately, most of the diamond deposits in Africa are situated in under-developed countries or countries engulfed in political turmoil. Since these countries tend to be relatively poor per capita, these communities are impacted the most, as the wealth of the resources are not distributed equally resulting in a very little contribution to the communities at-large.
And what is the mission of Gemifique in the sense of stopping the impact in the diamond mining?
We are aware that we cannot stop diamond mining in its entirety since this is a global industry that is highly profitable. Our mission is to educate the consumer to let them know that today their opinions matter and that they have a lot of influence to end the harmful market of conflict-diamonds. They have an option to buy a socially responsible product that is the exact same composition as a mined diamond. We are helping the consumer reduce their carbon footprint while knowing that they are contributing to a better future.
The question everybody must be asking once hearing about such an innovative product, lab-grown diamonds. How can this possibly be made and what is the process?
In essence, a diamond is “pure carbon” which is crystallized under immense temperature and pressure. The process itself is not new as attempts have been made to duplicate this process since the 1950s. It is only now that scientists have perfected the complex techniques of replicating the crystal formations deep in the earth’s crust, by doing this in a laboratory.
Currently, the two techniques utilized are High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). At Gemifique, we take great care in not just what we create but how we do it. Our lab-grown diamonds and gemstones are created with superior quality using these processes which are eco-friendly, sustainable processes to better serve the future of our planet.
Who are the people who seek to buy eco-friendly diamonds?
We are appealing to people who are morally and ethically conscious of the reality of the impact of diamond mining on our environment. Many consumers do not know that diamonds are mined not only from the earth but from our oceans.
A diamond is meant to represent the ultimate symbol of love, but today highly educated consumers understand that a mined diamond comes with a negative connotation and would prefer to purchase a conflict-free alternative.
The bonus which they are receiving on top of a conflict-free gem is that they can purchase a diamond with the exact same specifications at a substantial discount. In reality, they are receiving a larger diamond for the same amount of money they would pay for a smaller mined diamond. It is a win-win situation all around for the ethically conscious consumer.
Is there any other sustainable diamond brand in the world, definitely Gemifique seems something unique?
We do have competitors in our industry which we actually embrace, as this is proof that we have an existing market to serve, but we are unique in our approach with our product pricing, craftsmanship and customer service.
People say “a diamond is forever”. Same when it comes to Gemifique diamonds?
Absolutely YES. The slogan “a diamond is forever” is perhaps one of the greatest marketing slogans ever made. It re-enforces the fact that a diamond is the hardest natural substance and is indestructible just like “our love is endless and indestructible”. A Gemifique diamond is also timeless and indestructible!!
What is the process of ordering the diamond rings through your website? Do you sell worldwide?
Our selection process is simple since customers can either purchase a diamond only or can select to purchase a diamond with a gold or platinum setting. In addition, the customer can choose a diamond and then select a setting, or vice-versa, whichever way makes them feel more comfortable. The site is user-friendly, and customers can also speak to a live customer service representative at any time during their experience with the site.
Currently, we only offer our products to U.S. and Canadian residents. We do anticipate expanding our market to other areas in the near future.
Can clients choose from a variety of models or design their own ring?
We have a vast variety of settings to choose from (158 to be precise), and we have yet to come across a client who has not managed to find the perfect model for themselves.
Are there any certifications that Gemifique can provide which should be attached to these kinds of products?
Honesty, integrity, and sustainability are the foundation of all we do. All of our gems are accompanied by an IGI certification so you can buy with complete confidence.
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a world-renowned laboratory so consumers can buy with complete confidence.
If you could write a message on a big wall that the entire world could read, what would it say?
“Let love be your legacy – not your carbon footprint.”
Had you ever hear before of eco-friendly lab-grown diamonds?!
Is there any other similar brand you know or are curious about? Comment below, and we will make it happen!
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