While diamonds have fascinated humans for millennia, the mining and sale of diamonds is fraught with ethical and ecological issues. Because of these issues, many people feel uncomfortable supporting the diamond trade. For those with ethical concerns, ethical lab diamonds from companies like Clean Origin offer a more ethical alternative without sacrificing their iconic beauty.
Disadvantages of lab-grown diamonds
One of the primary benefits of lab-grown diamonds is that they are less expensive than natural diamonds. This is because lab-grown diamonds are made up of the same atomic composition as natural diamonds. However, the same is not necessarily true in other ways. Because of this, buyers should be cautious before purchasing a lab-grown diamond.
Another disadvantage of lab-grown diamonds is that they may not hold their value as well as naturally mined diamonds. While natural diamonds might hold fifty to sixty percent of their value when sold again, lab-grown diamonds may only retain 20 to 30 percent of their value. However, this largely depends on the type of diamond and the source from which it is obtained.
Although the price of lab-grown diamonds is much lower than natural diamonds, they still are a good investment. They have a higher resale value and are environmentally-friendly. However, some consumers may find that lab-grown diamonds look fake.
Environmental impact of mined diamonds
Mining diamonds is extremely water-intensive, contributing to the global water crisis. The Buxwaha Bunder mining project alone is estimated to have a water consumption of 16,050 cubic meters per day and the equivalent of 200,000 trees. Additionally, mining for diamonds often utilizes irresponsible mining techniques. These techniques involve exposing unventured land to mining, destroying ecosystem species. Animals are the primary victims.
While mined diamonds are far less expensive than lab-grown diamonds, they do have a negative impact on the environment. Mining diamonds involves using heavy machinery, explosives, and hydraulic equipment to dig deep into the earth. These methods are not only harmful to the environment but also to local human and animal life.
Diamond mining also creates large amounts of mineral waste and air emissions. One carat of mined diamond can emit up to 1.5 billion pounds of air pollution. It also disturbs 100 square feet of land, resulting in 5798 pounds of mineral waste. In addition, mining diamonds disturbs natural ecosystems and renders the land unusable after mining activities have ended. It is also a hazardous profession that often includes child labor and other inhumane conditions.
Cost of lab-grown diamonds
Cost is an important consideration in buying a diamond ring. A lab-grown diamond is much cheaper than a mined diamond. This is due to the fact that it doesn’t go through the mining process, and therefore has fewer hands in its supply chain. Additionally, mined diamonds often result in unethical practices, such as funding violence and exploitation of miners. The Kimberley Process, which was established in 2003, has significantly reduced these problems.
One of the most important things to consider when buying lab-grown diamonds is the diamond’s grading report. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) grades lab-grown diamonds according to color. The color of lab-grown diamonds is graded from D to Z, with D representing the highest color grade. The next two grades are E and F, which are virtually colorless to the naked eye.
While mined diamonds are still the gold standard, lab-grown diamonds are becoming more popular with consumers. Many millennials are choosing lab-grown diamonds over mined diamonds for ethical and environmental reasons. The lower price is another important factor.
Issues with ethical lab diamonds
Ethical Diamonds are an important topic for consumers. While the practice is increasingly accepted in many industries, consumers are still concerned about child labor and other human rights issues. Many diamonds are mined without proper safety equipment and in unsafe conditions. Unregulated mining methods leave workers at risk for accidents, as well as being targeted by powerful groups. Especially in small-scale artisanal diamond mining, workers face the threat of being shot or beaten for illegal work. However, lab-grown diamonds have one advantage over traditional diamonds: they are produced in modern, hi-tech laboratories.
Conclusion
There are also environmental benefits to lab-created diamonds. Compared to traditional diamond mining, lab-grown diamonds require significantly less water per carat. Moreover, they create less carbon emissions than natural diamonds. These benefits make lab-grown diamonds an excellent choice for millennials who are concerned with the environment and want to make a more ethical purchase.
