Ethical jewelry designer and owner of brand Valley Rose Brittany Groshong, delves into the world of lab diamonds and whether they really are the solution to all the problems of the diamond world.
The History of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds were initially created for industrial uses. It wasn’t until many years after their invention that they were used in jewelry. In 2007, lab diamonds became GIA certified and the demand for lab grown diamonds skyrocketed as consumers sought out diamond alternatives – reflecting more conscious consumption.
Environmental Impact of Lab Grown Diamonds
Commercial diamond mining is notorious for its environmental degradation, leading to soil erosion, habitat loss, and water pollution. However, lab-grown diamonds have a significant environmental impact of their own.
Lab-grown diamonds require substantial amounts of electricity to maintain the HPHT and CVD reactors – the majority of which is sourced from fossil fuels. In fact, a study found that lab-grown diamonds consume 2.14 times less energy compared to mined diamonds.
Lab-grown diamonds are often falsely marketed as “mining-free”. But the growing methods rely on mined graphite, methane and hydrogen derived from mining of fossil fuels. These processes result in significant environmental impacts, making sustainability claims a stretch.
The Labor Impact of Lab Diamonds
The growing portion of lab grown diamonds does seemingly present an ethical labor alternative to mined diamonds. In general, lab grown diamond manufacturers can provide a more transparent supply chain as they are produced in controlled environments.
However, the cutting and polishing stages still present significant labor issues as there is much opacity within the lab diamond supply chain. India, where a significant portion of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished, have reported instances of child labor and severe health issues as a result of extreme working conditions.
An Ethical Lab Diamond From The Sky
But what if lab diamonds could be ethically made and also help in the fight against climate change? Since lab diamonds are made from pure carbon, this carbon could theoretically be sourced from anywhere – including the sky.
Aether lab diamonds is a new lab diamond technology that uses carbon sequestered from the atmosphere and transforms it into sparkling diamonds. Not only do Aether Air Lab diamonds tackle climate change, they are also made entirely by renewable energy sources and use ethical labor, making them the first B Corporation certified diamond. This could be a significant environmental advancement in diamond production and be integral in setting a new standard for environmental responsibility throughout the sector.
Closing Thoughts
In general, lab diamonds do offer a lower impact and lower risk of human rights issues, but it is important to distinguish that not all lab grown diamonds are created ethically. Lab diamonds by Aether, made from air pollution, have earned their “ethical” label. Through transparency, consumers can be fully informed, allowing for purchases that align with their values.
If you found this helpful you can learn more about ethical jewelry on www.valleyrosestudio.com.
