Are Lab Diamonds Ethical?

Are lab-grown diamonds more ethical than natural diamonds? There is no simple answer.

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically and optically the same as natural diamonds and can offer excellent quality at a fraction of the price. However, the ethics of diamonds involve more than just cost.

Many lab-grown diamonds are produced in China, where electricity generation has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels which are linked to climate change. Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are mined from the earth and can have significant environmental impacts.

What about blood diamonds? Conflict diamonds were a major issue in the 1990s and early 2000s, leading to the introduction of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003. This scheme has significantly reduced the trade in conflict diamonds, although some critics argue that it does not address all human-rights concerns and does not provide complete traceability for every diamond.

Natural diamond mining also plays an important role in some developing economies. Countries such as Botswana have used diamond revenues to help fund schools, hospitals, infrastructure and other public services. As demand shifts towards lab-grown diamonds, some of this economic activity shifts away from traditional diamond-producing countries to factories in China and India.

Lab-grown diamonds generally have very low resale values because prices continue to fall. Natural diamonds are not investments either, but they typically retain a greater proportion of their purchase price.

Whether you think that lab-grown diamonds are more ethical or that natural diamonds are better, the right choice is the one that aligns with your own values, priorities and budget.  I am happy to make the perfect ring with your diamond of choice.