Surat: Lab-grown diamonds turn rakhis into ornaments

SURAT: The bond between siblings has forever sparkled, but for its own sentimental reasons. Now, when the tie adds the glitter of a precious diamond, Rakshabandhan will lend a special dazzle to the festive spirit.
City jewellers have started to add lab grown (LG) stones to create diamond-studded rakhis which are available between Rs 3,000 and Rs 20,000.
The innovation is not limited just to adding LG diamonds to rakhis, but creating unique customer-friendly designs that can be even worn as pendants and bracelets long after the festival is over.
"Initially, we were not very sure about its success. But once we put it on sale, such rakhis enjoyed a huge demand. Since people do not mind spending a few thousands over a piece of jewellery that serves both the purposes of festival as well as regular wear," said Rajni Chanchad, a LG Diamond jewellery manufacturer.
Normally, rakhis are made from textile or plastic products, but such LG diamond-studded gold rakhis can cost anywhere from Rs 3,000 to Rs 1 lakh. These rakhis can also be sold later like jewellery by city's jewellers as these come with LG diamond certificates. "We have a range of LG diamond rakhis starting from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh and people are loving it. These rakhis have value owing to its multipurpose use," said Dipak Choksi, D Khushalbhai Jewellers.
Till now, the market offered an expensive range of silver, gold, platinum and real diamond rakhis. But thanks to its looks and affordability, LG diamond rakhis have quickly carved its niche in the mid-level market.
"Looking at the demand, I had to place multiple orders in the recent past. Jewellers place small orders since the importance is for Rakshabandhan and stocking rakhis will only block their money. But more and more people are now demanding such diamond-fitted rakhis," said Bharat Radadiya of Gopi Jewellers.