Kumarbhai Patel, Director, Solitaire Processing Technologies LLP, a firm specialising in colour enhancement of CVD and natural diamonds using HPHT technology, shares his expectations from the IIJS Premiere trade show and sheds light on the industry’s challenges and exciting future prospects for lab-grown diamonds.
Please introduce your company and provide a brief overview of your LGD manufacturing operations and specialisation.
We at Solitaire Processing Technologies LLP do colour enhancement of CVD and natural diamonds using high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) technology. This treatment is an effective tool for changing the colour of natural diamonds, making them colourless, pink, blue, green, yellowish green, or yellow. HPHT process is also done on CVD diamonds which enhances the colour of the diamond by at least one and often more than one colour grade, but the purity remains the same. This process is carried out through latest technology.
What are your expectations from participating in the IIJS Premiere trade show?
Expectations are always high and positive. People are becoming more aware about lab-grown diamonds (LGDs). We are looking forward for a positive response and more business in the coming time.
How would you describe the current market demand for LGDs?
The CVD diamond industry is on a roll – demand is high, not only in India, but internationally as well. This is good news, not only for diamond manufacturers, retailers and exporters, but also for those associated with the diamond trade, directly and indirectly. Accordingly, companies such as Solitaire Processing Technologies LLP are also looking at a bright future ahead.
What are some of the key challenges you face in the LGD market?
The main challenge is the lack of awareness of LGDs, which will be fulfilled in the IIJS Premiere trade show.
Are there any emerging markets where LGD demand is particularly strong?
The CVD diamond industry is on a roll – demand is high, not only in India, but internationally as well.
Where do you see the LGD industry heading in the next few years?
In future, natural and lab-grown diamonds will co-exist in the market, people will have more choices. Initially, there was a problem for people to accept CVD diamonds. However, with knowledge and information, people have started accepting CVD diamonds and with time, they will gain more acceptance.