Where do you start with choosing your diamond? A girl’s best friend, the rarest stone in the world, the hardest substance on earth, a treasure from the deep, or simply the finest way to say ‘I love you’. All of this and more is true of a diamond. So, when it comes to diamond sourcing we are very particular about the quality and the source of our stones. 

The biggest evolutionary development in the diamond market over the last 5 years, has been the introduction of lab grown or cultured diamonds.  

All the jewellers who are featured on the PeaceGold website will either use natural diamonds or lab grown diamonds in their jewellery collections. 

As PeaceGold we do not take a stance on the virtues of lab grown over natural diamonds, both claims seem to have strengths and weaknesses, rather we want our customers to be aware of the issues and decide for themselves. 

Lab-grown Diamonds 

The Ethical claims surrounding lab grown diamonds. 

1. Conflict-Free Assurance: Lab-grown diamonds are not associated with the issues of “blood diamonds” or conflict diamonds, which are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict. Since lab-grown diamonds are created in controlled environments, there is no risk of contributing to human rights abuses or funding violence. 
2. ⁠Environmental Impact: While diamond mining can lead to significant environmental degradation, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution, lab-grown diamonds generally have a smaller environmental footprint. The process of creating diamonds in a lab typically uses less land and water compared to the extensive mining operations required to extract natural diamonds.  While specific numbers vary widely, estimates suggest that the carbon footprint of lab-grown diamonds range from 0.5 to 2.0 tons of CO2 equivalent per carat produced. In contrast, the carbon footprint of mined diamonds is higher, potentially exceeding 1.5 to 3.0 tons of CO2 equivalent per carat, considering factors like mining, transportation, and processing. 
3. Labour Practices: The diamond mining industry has faced criticism for exploitative labour practices, including child labour and unsafe working conditions. Lab-grown diamonds are produced in factories with regulated labour practices, providing a safer and more equitable working environment for employees. 
4. ⁠ ⁠Transparency: The supply chain for lab-grown diamonds is often more transparent than that of natural diamonds. Consumers can more easily trace the origins of lab-grown diamonds, reducing the uncertainty around ethical sourcing. 
5. Consumer Awareness: As awareness of ethical issues in the diamond industry has increased, many consumers are seeking alternatives that align with their values. Lab-grown diamonds provide an option for those looking to make more responsible purchasing choices. 

Overall, the production and sale of lab-grown diamonds align more closely with ethical consumerism, appealing to individuals who prioritize social responsibility and environmental stewardship in their purchasing decisions. 

The Definition of Lab or Cultured Diamonds. 

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are diamonds that are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes that replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth. These diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. 

There are two primary methods for producing lab-grown diamonds: 

1. ⁠High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT): This method mimics the natural process of diamond formation by applying high pressure and high temperature to carbon. A small diamond seed is placed in a chamber with carbon, and the conditions are adjusted to create diamonds over a period of weeks. 
2. ⁠Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): In this method, a carbon-containing gas is introduced into a chamber where it is energized, allowing carbon atoms to deposit onto a substrate and gradually form a diamond crystal layer. This process can take several weeks to months. 

Lab-grown diamonds are often considered a more ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to mined diamonds, as their production typically involves less environmental disruption and eliminates concerns related to conflict diamonds. Additionally, they can be more affordable than natural diamonds, offering consumers a wider selection and value. 

Natural Diamonds. 

While lab-grown diamonds are often considered more ethical, there are also arguments in favour of natural diamonds from an ethical standpoint. Here are some of the key points: 

1. Cultural and Historical Significance: Natural diamonds have a long history and cultural significance in many societies. They are often seen as symbols of love, commitment, and tradition, especially in the context of engagement and wedding rings. Some consumers value the story and heritage associated with natural diamonds.
2. Economic Benefits to Communities: In some regions, diamond mining provides significant economic benefits to local communities. Responsible mining practices can create jobs, provide income, and support local economies. When managed well, the revenue from diamond mining can fund community development, education, and infrastructure projects.
3. Sustainable Mining Practice Claims: Some companies in the natural diamond industry are adopting more ethical mining practices. Initiatives like the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme aim to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds and promote responsible sourcing. Certain mines are also implementing practices that minimize environmental impact and support local communities.
4. Natural Beauty and Rarity: Many people appreciate the uniqueness and rarity of natural diamonds. Each diamond is a product of millions of years of geological processes, making them distinct and special. Some consumers prefer the idea of owning a natural diamond as a one-of-a-kind piece of art created by nature.
5. Investment Value: Natural diamonds can hold their value over time and may even appreciate in value, depending on market conditions. Some investors and collectors see natural diamonds as a tangible asset, which can provide financial security.
6. Consumer Choice: Advocates for natural diamonds argue that consumers should have the freedom to choose what they prefer. For some, the allure of a natural diamond’s origin and the natural processes that created it outweigh concerns about ethical sourcing.
7. Contributions to Conservation: In some cases, diamond mining companies engage in conservation efforts, such as protecting ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Through responsible practices, they can contribute to environmental preservation alongside their mining activities.
8. Artisanal diamond miners: Whilst the source of lab grown diamonds is the lab or production factory means that the social impact of a responsible diamond is negligible. Diamonds from artisanal sources can have huge benefits to local economies for those whose livelihood is reliant on natural ASM diamond mining. For more information on the specifics of ASM diamonds visit Diamonds for Peace. 

Conclusion. 

While the ethical implications of both natural and lab-grown diamonds are complex and nuanced, these arguments highlight that there are valid points to consider when discussing the ethics of natural diamonds. Ultimately, the decision between the two often comes down to individual values and preferences. 

 

The 4 C’s of diamond grading 

Cut – Diamonds are a force of nature combined with the creative genius of those who cut them. Diamonds are cut to refract the light in the perfect symmetry that refracts the ideal light through the stone. 

Clarity – When we choose our diamonds we always look for stones that are not below a VS1 or VS2 – very slight inclusions that cannot be seen by the naked eye. 

Colour – Colour in diamonds is so important. Customers are looking for that white light refraction or intense sparkle that is synonymous with diamonds.  

Carat Weight. 

The value of a natural diamond is not proportional to the size (carat weight) that you may choose. For example, a 1ct. stone is not twice the price of a 0.50ct. stone. The bigger the natural diamond, the rarer it is, therefore the more expensive it becomes. Prices for lab grown diamonds are a lot more uniform as the production process is more controllable. The price difference between lab and natural diamonds does vary, but in our experience the ratio is illustratively 1 (lab) to 7 (natural).