Natural Diamond Supply Crisis and the Shift to 'Ethical Consumption'. Middle East Situation and Ethical Awareness Transform the Forefront of the Jewelry Industry. (Kobe International Jewelry Fair to be held from May 14)

RX Japan G.K. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Executive Officer and President: Takeshi Tanaka) will host the '30th Kobe International Jewelry Fair,' the largest jewelry exhibition in Western Japan*1, for three days from Thursday, May 14 to Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Kobe International Exhibition Hall. Currently, the global jewelry industry is undergoing a historic transformation. Amidst the ongoing instability in the distribution of natural diamonds due to recent global events, the jewelry supply chain demands greater certainty than ever before. In this context, technological innovation has made it possible to stably supply large stones with brilliance comparable to natural diamonds, and changes in ethical values, especially among younger generations, have led to 'lab-grown (synthetic) diamonds' gaining significant global attention as a next-generation option. This exhibition will bring together 'natural stones,' whose immutable value is being re-recognized due to their rarity, alongside 'synthetic diamonds (lab-grown diamonds)' and 'synthetic moissanite,' which are rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. It will be an excellent opportunity to experience the forefront of the jewelry industry, where traditional beauty and new values coexist. Global Situation Hits Hard: Rarity and 'Universal Value' of Natural Diamonds Recent global events have also impacted major processing centers and distribution hubs for diamonds, leading to a global reorganization of the supply chain. In this situation, the rarity of natural diamonds as a 'limited resource' is being re-emphasized, and their value as an asset is also attracting renewed attention. Furthermore, to add further credibility to the rarity of natural diamonds, 'traceability' is currently being established. Utilizing the latest digital technology to clarify 'where the stone was born and what route it took to reach the owner' is becoming a new form of quality assurance for modern natural stones. At the venue, you can interview domestic buyers and wholesalers who provide the highest quality brilliance with assured peace of mind. Towards a New Standard: The Forefront of the Rapidly Growing 'Synthetic (Lab-Grown)' Market Amidst changing supply systems and values, the 'lab-grown diamond' market is expanding at an astonishing speed. While synthetic diamonds have often been associated with industrial use, in recent years, the jewelry market for them has grown rapidly as 'sustainable and high-quality gemstones.' - From 'Expensive Natural' to 'Ethically Clean Synthetic' Especially among Gen Z and Millennials, the criteria for choosing gemstones are shifting from traditional rarity to a new evaluation axis that emphasizes the production process: 'what is the background of the stone and how did it reach me?' - Overwhelming Cost Performance: Lab-grown diamonds, while possessing the exact same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, allow consumers to enjoy maximum volume and brilliance even on a lower budget amidst recent price hikes. They are becoming a 'smart choice' and gaining mainstream acceptance not only in fashion but also in bridal settings. Introducing some 'Synthetic (Lab-Grown)' products exhibited at this fair Lab-Grown Diamonds An ethical and fashionable lineup of 'lab-grown diamonds.' Handling everything from single-stone diamond necklaces to highly designed rings. Company Name: Zara Corporation Synthetic Gray Moissanite 'Synthetic Moissanite' is one of the stones often cited as a similar stone during diamond identification. It can be compared to diamonds in terms of sparkle, rainbow brilliance (dispersion) differences, and refractive index. Company Name: Toyo Loose Lab-Grown Paraiba Tourmaline 'Lab-Grown Gem' born from the inspiration of Paraiba Tourmaline's vivid neon brilliance. It is manufactured by combining garnet with a certain proportion of blue sapphire, achieving a beautiful neon blue hue reminiscent of high-quality Paraiba Tourmaline. With the same chemical composition as the rough stone and retaining the original color of the rough stone, it ethically realizes the beauty of natural stones through lab-grown technology. Company Name: APPLE GREEN DIAMOND INC. Platinum Lab-Grown Diamond 1.00ct Pave Ring [Classic Three-Row Diamond Ring] Diamonds delicately paved, combining luxury and subtlety. The interior features a honeycomb structure that balances strength and lightness, embodying architectural wisdom for a lifetime of brilliance. Company Name: T's Forty Crystal Trio Vancouver-based lab-grown diamond jewelry brand. A notable brand that fuses modern design with the highest quality lab-grown diamonds. The '18K Gold Three-Stone Lab-Grown Diamond Ring' is a highlight.