Lab-grown diamonds versus mined diamonds. Which is better for the planet?
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Earlier this year, I got engaged. A moment full of love, excitement, and, of course, a ring.
But it didn’t take long for my joy to give way to curiosity. What was the story behind this diamond? How did its journey to my finger impact the planet?
Diamonds have long been symbols of commitment, but they also carry a heavy environmental and ethical weight. However, lab-grown diamonds are advertised as a more sustainable alternative to mined stones. But are lab-grown diamonds truly the environmentally friendly option they’re marketed to be, or do they come with their own environmental baggage?
Most mined diamonds come from a handful of major producers: Botswana, Russia, Canada, and South Africa. Botswana, in particular, has transformed its diamond industry into a cornerstone of national development, using its revenues to fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, the story of diamonds is not solely one of prosperity. In countries such as Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, diamond mining has been associated with forced labour, unsafe working conditions, and the financing of armed conflict. Hence the term 'blood diamonds'. While initiatives such as the Kimberley Process aim to keep conflict diamonds out of the global market, enforcement has been inconsistent, and issues with traceability persist.
Lab-grown diamonds are primarily produced in industrial hubs in China, India, Canada and the United States, though some manufacturing also occurs in Europe and Singapore. China and India dominate the market due to lower production costs and high energy availability, often relying on fossil fuels. US and European producers are increasingly reliant on renewable energy to power diamond production, allowing for significantly reduced environmental impacts. However, where a lab-grown diamond is produced, and the energy sources used, plays a crucial role in determining its sustainability.
Diamond mining is an environmentally disruptive process. Extracting just one carat of a natural diamond displaces more than 1,000 tonnes of rock and soil, permanently altering landscapes. The environmental toll includes deforestation, habitat destruction, and soil erosion. Open-pit mines, such as those in Russia, can scar ecosystems for decades, while marine mining off the coast of Namibia disturbs delicate seabed environments.
Mining operations are also water-intensive, using millions of litres annually for processing ore. In water-scarce regions like southern Africa, this can strain local water supplies and harm communities. Then there’s the carbon footprint. Mining contributes an average of 160 kg of CO₂ emissions per carat, though this figure varies depending on the energy source. Mines in Canada, for example, often use diesel generators due to their remote locations, increasing their emissions.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled settings using two main methods: High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both replicate the extreme conditions under which diamonds form naturally, although much faster and within months, instead of millions of years.
The energy required for these processes is significant. When powered by fossil fuels, lab-grown diamonds can emit up to 511 kg of CO₂ per carat, exceeding that of mined diamonds. However, when renewable energy is used, emissions drop dramatically to below 100 kg of CO₂ per carat, making them a more sustainable choice. Many U.S. and European producers now rely on renewables, and some companies are working toward carbon neutrality by offsetting emissions or optimising energy efficiency.
Water is another area where lab-grown diamonds outperform their mined counterparts. While diamond mining consumes vast quantities of water, lab-grown diamonds require relatively little. Cooling equipment during production is the main source of water use, and responsible manufacturers are adopting recycling systems to minimise waste. Still, lab-grown diamonds are not without environmental impact. Their production requires rare materials, such as high-purity carbon and certain metals, which have their own supply chain challenges.
The ethical implications of diamond mining have long been a concern. Although the Kimberley Process has reduced the flow of conflict diamonds, reports of human rights abuses and unsafe labour practices persist, particularly in smaller, unregulated mines. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, avoid these issues entirely. They are produced in controlled environments with no reliance on manual labour or exploitation. For consumers concerned about ethical sourcing, lab-grown diamonds offer a more transparent and traceable option.
However, the shift away from mined diamonds isn’t without consequences. In countries like Botswana and Namibia, diamond mining revenues support social services and economic stability. A mass transition to lab-grown diamonds would have implications for these economies, raising questions about the broader social impact of the shift.
An often-overlooked alternative is recycled diamonds, essentially pre-owned stones. These diamonds require no new mining or energy-intensive production, making them the most environmentally friendly option. While they lack the novelty appeal of newly produced gems, their sustainability credentials are unmatched.
The sustainability of diamonds on the market depends on their journey. Lab-grown diamonds made with renewable energy offer a path to significantly reducing the environmental impact of the industry, with lower carbon emissions and less water use. Mined diamonds, though steeped in cultural and economic significance, come with undeniable environmental and ethical challenges.
The diamond industry is rapidly changing. Advances in renewable energy, consumer demand for transparency, and a growing interest in alternative choices show that change is possible.
By making thoughtful choices, whether it’s supporting renewable-powered lab-grown diamonds, opting for recycled stones, or pushing for greater accountability in mining, we can create a more sustainable and responsible future.
While diamonds may symbolise eternity, but they can also reflect progress and innovation. The sparkle on your finger can be more than beautiful. It can represent a commitment to a brighter, greener and more ethical future.