Lab-Grown Diamonds: Are They Really Better Than Mined Diamonds?

The diamond industry has been mired in controversy for years, with concerns ranging from humanitarian issues to environmental sustainability. In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have surfaced as an ethical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional mined diamonds, with brands eagerly promoting them as the future of sustainable jewellery.

Research indicates that nearly 70% of millennials—who represent the largest segment of the engagement ring market—are open to selecting a lab-grown diamond, primarily due to ethical considerations, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. A Bain & Company report also forecasts that the prices of lab-grown diamonds will continue to decrease, enhancing their accessibility.

Nonetheless, some sustainability advocates contend that the production of diamonds in laboratories is far from sustainable due to the significant energy consumption involved. They propose that, from an environmental standpoint, it may be more prudent to utilise the natural resources currently available. So, what is the reality?

What Is A Lab-Grown Diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories through two primary techniques:

• High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) - This method simulates the natural process of diamond formation by utilising machines to produce extreme pressure and heat, transforming graphite into diamond.

• Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) - This technique involves growing a solid diamond from a hydrocarbon gas mixture on a substrate material.

In terms of physical and chemical properties, lab-grown diamonds are almost identical to their mined equivalents, making them virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. However, their paths from creation to market are quite different.

Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds: The Environmental Impact

When evaluating the environmental impact of diamonds, it's essential to consider both the total energy consumed and its origin. Although laboratories use substantial energy to produce diamonds, their sustainability hinges on whether this energy comes from renewable sources. On the other hand, traditional diamond mining is heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

A 2016 study by Saleem H. Ali, Professor of Energy and the Environment at the University of Delaware, evaluated energy consumption per carat:

• Mined Diamonds: The Argyle mine in Australia utilized 7.5 kWh per carat, while Canada’s Diavik mine used 66.3 kWh per carat. Offshore mining, like De Beers’ Skeleton Coast operation in Namibia, needed 80.3 kWh per carat.

• Lab-Grown Diamonds: The Gemesis lab consumed 20 kWh per carat, and Apollo Diamonds utilized 28 kWh per carat.

Although these figures imply that some lab-grown diamonds require less energy than specific mining operations, Ali warned that these statistics may not present the complete picture. The environmental impact depends on the materials and chemicals used, which are often kept confidential due to trade secrets.

Moreover, mined diamonds do not necessitate chemicals for extraction—only rock crushing and water usage. In contrast, the chemicals involved in lab-grown diamond production are largely unregulated and not publicly disclosed. Without transparency, it becomes challenging to ascertain which method is genuinely more sustainable.

Lab-Grown vs. Mined Diamonds: The Social and Economic Impact

Sustainability encompasses not only environmental aspects but also social and economic dimensions. The traditional diamond industry has a troubling history marked by exploitative labour, conflict financing, and unethical sourcing. However, when mines are regulated and responsibly managed, they can offer significant advantages to local communities.

Numerous mining operations provide employment for thousands, develop infrastructure, and make considerable contributions to local economies. If mining were to cease entirely, these communities could experience severe economic downturns. Initiatives aimed at ethical sourcing, like the Kimberley Process, strive to eradicate conflict diamonds, although critics maintain that loopholes remain.

Conversely, the lab-grown diamond sector—while alleviating concerns related to mining labour—often lacks clarity regarding working conditions, energy sources, and chemical use. A product labeled as “sustainable” does not automatically guarantee its ethical standing.

In the end, there is no definitive answer to whether lab-grown diamonds are genuinely superior to mined diamonds; but the essential factor is transparency. Whether you opt for a mined or lab-grown diamond, understanding its origin is crucial. A responsible jeweller should be ready to share comprehensive details about a diamond’s journey—from its extraction or creation to the design and sale of the final piece.

Instead of presuming that one choice is inherently better than the other, us consumers should prioritise asking the right questions and making well-informed decisions. Sustainability encompasses more than just the material; it includes transparency, ethical sourcing, and long-term effects.

At Scarlet Destiny, we are dedicated to empowering consumers to make ethical and sustainable decisions in fashion. Regardless of whether you select a mined or lab-grown diamond, the ability to make a responsible choice is in your hands.

Love, 

Scarlet Destiny x

[info sourced on ecocult.com, uvm.edu, imperial-consultants.co.uk; All images sourced on pexels.com]