Are Lab Grown Diamonds More Ethical?

A lab grown diamond is a diamond that has been created in a laboratory setting using advanced technological processes that emulate the Earth’s natural billion-year process. Despite the misguided assumption that they’re fake, lab diamonds are 100% chemically, physically and optically identical to natural diamonds, featuring the same crystalline structure and stunning sparkle. Lab grown diamonds are made using two primary methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Both methods simulate the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth's mantle.

While lab grown diamonds are absolutely as real as a natural diamond, there are different perspectives on the ethical and environmental issues of mined diamonds versus lab grown diamonds. To better understand the impact of both options we need to consider the various aspects involved in their production and distribution.

Lab grown diamonds are generally considered more ethical than natural diamonds as they avoid the environmental and human rights issues associated with some (not all) diamond mining. However, it isn’t that simple – often lab diamonds are created with vast amounts of fossil fuels. Though there are certified eco-friendly lab diamonds with traceable origins and carbon-neutral production available. Read on to find out more about this.

For a more detailed comparison of lab grown and natural diamonds composition, read our guide:

Mined diamonds can have a significant impact on the environment, stemming from the extensive extraction processes required to bring these precious stones to market. Environmental concerns include land disruption, water pollution and carbon emissions. Let’s look at these issues in more detail and understand the broader implications of diamond mining.

Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under high pressure and temperature conditions, taking billions of years to crystallise. Their unique beauty and rarity have long symbolised status, luxury and romance. Diamond dates back centuries, with major deposits discovered in regions like India and, later on, Africa. The discovery of diamonds in Africa, in particular, led to colonial exploitation, involving forced labour, land dispossession and economic extraction that deeply affected local communities. This historical context provides further understanding on the broader controversies surrounding diamond mining.

The diamond mining industry has faced significant ethical and environmental issues. Historically, poor working environments, unfair wages and hazardous conditions were common, but many respected global mines are now committed to creating safer and fairer working environments. Initiatives include building roads, schools and providing employment opportunities for women. Major mining countries like Canada, Australia and South Africa have well-established health and safety standards and working laws. Despite these improvements, unsafe and unfair working standards persist in some regions, varying significantly from country to country.

Diamond mining itself is not inherently unethical; it can encourage local development, provide jobs and support infrastructure, education and a sustainable economy. Areas with diamond deposits are referred to as ‘resource-rich’, offering significant opportunities for economic growth. However, when control of these resources falls into the wrong hands, it can hinder socio-economic development, leading to the ‘resource curse’. Conflicts over ownership and control can arise, with insurgencies using profits to fund wars and violence, rather than benefiting local communities.

Diamond mining can also have negative impacts on the environment and local ecosystems. Mining often involves extensive land clearing and deforestation, leading to habitat destruction and soil erosion. Water pollution is another critical issue; mining operations can contaminate water supplies with harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide, affecting both aquatic life and the health of nearby communities. Overall, the energy-intensive nature of diamond mining contributes to significant carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Implemented by the UN in 2003, the Kimberley Process aims to prevent conflict diamonds, also known as ‘blood diamonds’, from entering the global market – though it doesn’t ensure that mined diamonds are fully ethical and sustainable.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds, ensuring that diamonds crossing borders are certified as conflict-free. Participating countries must comply with strict rules to avoid the importation of unethical diamonds. Today, the 81 countries in the Kimberley Process prevent 99.8% of the worldwide trade of conflict diamonds, meaning a certified diamond bought in the UK is almost certainly conflict-free.

While the Kimberley Process has been instrumental in reducing the flow of conflict diamonds, it has limitations. The scheme primarily focuses on preventing diamonds linked to armed conflict from entering the market, but it does not address broader ethical concerns such as human rights abuses, labour exploitation or environmental degradation that can sometimes be associated with diamond mining.

You may have heard of the term ‘blood diamond’ from the 2006 film of the same name starring Leondardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly. It highlighted the brutal realities of the diamond trade and depicted how diamonds are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict against governments. The film brought global attention to the human rights abuses and unethical practices in the diamond industry, prompting a wider conversation about ethical sourcing and the need for transparency. It also spurred increased scrutiny of the effectiveness of initiatives like the Kimberley Process, encouraging consumers to seek more responsible and ethical jewellery choices.

Ultimately, the UN and other governing bodies must strengthen and uphold their commitments to completely end the trade of unethical diamonds. At Queensmith, we do our utmost to source ethically-produced materials by building relationships with the most reputable and trusted suppliers. We avoid buying secondhand jewellery or diamonds to ensure we can verify the ethical origins of all our diamonds. Providing peace of mind for our customers and maintaining high ethical standards is paramount.

Lab grown diamonds, while more environmentally friendly than mined diamonds in many respects, still impact the environment. How lab grown diamonds are made may mirror the natural process of the Earth, but their environmental footprints differ.

Energy consumption:

• Lab grown diamonds: The production of lab diamonds, particularly through Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) methods, is energy-intensive, often requiring significant electricity likely sourced from fossil fuels. For instance, creating a 1ct lab diamond can consume over 250 kWh. That said, carbon neutral lab grown diamonds can be found at a limited number of jewellers – created partly with green energy and the rest offset, for a net zero carbon footprint.

• Natural diamonds: Diamond mining involves even more energy usage for extraction, transportation and processing. It is estimated that mining a 1ct diamond can use up to 500 kWh, often involving diesel-powered machinery.

Waste and water usage:

• Lab grown diamonds: The creation of lab diamonds generates minimal waste compared to mining. Water usage is also significantly lower, as labs do not require large-scale water displacement or the management of toxic tailings, which are by-products in mining operations.

• Natural diamonds: Mining activities produce substantial waste, including tailings – rock debris left after extracting the diamond. Water usage is extensive too, with large amounts of water – up to 127 gallons per carat – often required to separate diamonds from the surrounding rock and soil.
  

Biodiversity and marine life destruction:

• Lab grown diamonds: With no need for large-scale land excavation, lab grown diamonds have a minimal impact on biodiversity and marine life. The production process is confined to controlled environments, avoiding habitat destruction.

• Natural diamonds: Mining operations frequently result in habitat destruction and soil erosion, threatening local biodiversity and severely impacting wildlife. Harmful chemicals like cyanide are also used, leading to the pollution of water supplies, harming marine life and freshwater ecosystems.
  

The lab grown diamond industry generally offers fairer and safer working conditions compared to some mining operations. Workers in diamond labs benefit from regulated environments, advanced safety protocols and fair wages. While it's important to acknowledge that many well-established and regulated mines have implemented significant preventative measures to ensure safer and fairer working environments, hazardous conditions and exploitative practices can still persist in less regulated mines. This contrast highlights the importance of choosing diamonds from sources committed to ethical standards.

At Queensmith, we recognise that it’s our responsibility to craft ethical engagement rings, ensuring the diamonds and materials we source are produced under ethical conditions. Like many of the world’s industries, the diamond and precious metal industry is not without fault – but we must do our utmost to source ethically-produced materials whilst supporting mining-dependent local economies. Contributing to further positive change is absolutely vital, and we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in the jewellery industry.

While lab grown diamonds are generally more sustainable and ethical than mined diamonds, not all lab diamonds are created equal. A disadvantage of lab diamonds we’ve already highlighted is that a huge amount of power is required to enable their growth – between 250kWh and 750kWh. But carbon-neutral lab diamonds do exist.

Introducing Grown by Queensmith™, our exclusive range of carbon neutral lab grown diamonds that offer the assurance others do not. Produced exclusively for Queensmith by a leading European diamond lab, our diamonds are fully traceable and meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. A 1ct Grown by Queensmith™ diamond uses just half the average UK household's daily energy consumption to create, with each diamond created partly with green energy and the rest offset, for a net zero carbon footprint. Our collection of lab diamonds are Certified Sustainability Rated Diamonds™, verified by the SCS, providing you with the transparency and peace of mind that your diamond has been created, without a doubt, both ethically and sustainably.

Buying an ethical diamond involves researching trusted jewellers and ensuring that the stones you are choosing between have been responsibly sourced and produced. Opt for lab grown diamonds, like those in the Grown by Queensmith™ collection, if you want a fully traceable, carbon neutral diamond that meets the highest standards of ethical practices. Our diamonds not only offer exceptional quality, but also ensure that your purchase contributes to a more sustainable and responsible jewellery industry.

Browse our extensive range of engagement rings in various beautiful designs, styles and colours to find your perfect match. And shop Grown by Queensmith™ lab diamonds to be confident in your ethical, eco-friendly choice, knowing that your diamond is not only grown to perfection but also kind to the Earth.