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A one-carat round pink diamond valued at around $2500, grown in a lab, is being raffled at a local Pink Ribbon event to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.
Local jeweller Greg Holland is providing the diamond. He says the jewel is 100 percent a diamond – there is nothing fake about lab-grown gems.
In nature, a pink diamond is very rare, its colour caused by intense heat and pressure in the earth around it.
In the lab, the same process takes place, with heat and pressure exerted to create a diamond with a pink blush, Greg says.
Gems created in this way are a growing trend, and considered more sustainable as no mining is involved. Greg points out, however, that there is still a lot of energy consumed in creating gems via heat and pressure.
The resulting diamonds, and other precious stones such as sapphires, are more affordable and, if cut well, can be stunning.
Greg meets customers by appointment at CoastLab, so he offered the diamond as a raffle prize for the Pink Ribbon Brunch at Red Beach Surf Club on May 23, hosted by CoastLab CoWorking, Ali Butler – The Social Agent and The Lending Team.
The fundraiser, which includes a number of raffles supported by local businesses, runs from 10.30am-12.30pm. Tickets, which include buffet breakfast, tea and coffee and one raffle ticket, from www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/12187
