What to Call a Man-made Diamond?

A “synthetic” gem material has essentially the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as a natural gem. But most consumers really don’t understand the difference between a synthetic and one that simply imitates the “look” of a natural gem. I have never liked the term synthetic because the public, in general, doesn’t understand it. Even some people in the trade don’t understand it. A synthetic diamond is a diamond. It’s just manufactured by man, as opposed to created by nature.

There should be a better way of accurately and clearly describing a synthetic gem material without using terms that are misleading to tradespeople, and especially to consumers. I don’t like the now-approved use of the term “cultured” diamond (even though the terms man-made, lab-grown, or synthetic must precede it or be preceded by it) because it doesn’t clearly describe the essence of the material. I have always liked the term “laboratory-grown” because it clearly discloses that the material is not natural, yet doesn’t identify it in a negative light. I’m less inclined to use the term “lab-created,” but it does seem better than the word synthetic.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the sale and promotion of man-made materials. Yet many are afraid of the reality of laboratory-grown diamonds, even though we’ve lived with man-made synthetic colored gemstones for a century or more. The key is to call a gem material what it is, and to refuse to misuse terms or mislead the public. Doing anything less is an embarrassment to our trade. Moreover, it is fraud.

Leverage Positive Attitude

Attitude isn’t everything, but it sure means a lot.

Over many years in leadership, I have found that most of a person’s success hinges on attitude. I’d rather have a person with a great attitude and lesser aptitude than one with great aptitude and a poor attitude…. [read more]

Here are a few Business & Life Tips to think about…..

Business Tips:

• Your best potential customers are your already satisfied customers. Cater to them, service them, extend your brand to them. Do it all.
• A key to leading is to be brave enough to take measured risks that stretch your operation without jeopardizing your business.
• Don’t wait to get to ‘perfect’ in your project. You can’t afford perfect, nor can your clients. What you want is excellence.

Life Tips:

• Giving up is easier than sticking with it. The easy way is seldom the best way. Don’t quit on yourself. Don’t give up.
• Age is often a matter of how you think. Many of the great feats of humankind have come from people in the last third of life.
• If you want to be superior in your field of endeavor, you need work at it. There is no substitute for hard work.

Tags: Advice, Business Development, Business Tips, Character, Ethics, Integrity, Knowledge, Life Tips, Reputation, Responsibility, Sales, Values