Lab-Grown vs. Reclaimed Diamonds: Which Is More Ethical?
Diamonds are one of the most sought-after precious stones in the world. They have a long association with wealth, luxury, and prestige across the globe. But they also raise ethical concerns about sustainability. There has been a growing trend towards lab-grown and reclaimed diamonds in recent years. The lab-grown vs. reclaimed diamonds conversation is an interesting one that deserves our attention.
Inclusive, sustainable, loving practices are at the heart of my work at Ringed. To that end, I use recycled metals and reclaimed stones whenever possible for my workshops and custom pieces. My goal is for you to feel the love when you’re in the Ringed studio in Portland, OR: love for yourself and love for our earth and its inhabitants. Reach out for more information or to book your custom experience.
Lab-Grown vs. Reclaimed Diamonds: Defining the Terms
Natural diamonds form deep within the earth under intense pressure and heat and require mining to unearth. Reclaimed diamonds are natural stones that were previously in jewelry or other objects before being extracted and repurposed.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are manufactured stones. Labs use a process that simulates the conditions under which natural diamonds form, creating a product virtually identical to a natural diamond. Lab-created stones have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and hardness as natural diamonds.
Natural diamonds arise from geological processes that take millions of years, making the stones rare, difficult to mine, and valuable. Reclaimed diamonds are often less expensive than natural gems but retain their beauty and durability. Lab-grown diamonds require only weeks or months to create and are generally cheaper than natural or reclaimed diamonds.
Which Is More Ethical?
The diamond industry has come under attack in recent generations due to questions of ethics. And the conversations around this topic are multifaceted and complex. There is no perfectly ethical solution, but we can make informed choices to best align with our goals and values. Here are some talking points to consider when choosing stones for your ring or other jewelry.
Mining for natural diamonds, especially by large-scale companies, is often a destructive process that involves excavating large areas of land, displacing wildlife, and producing large amounts of waste and pollution.
Additionally, the miners and laborers generally work in dangerous conditions for pay that is below the poverty level. In the 1990s, the ethics became even more complex as so-called blood diamonds or conflict diamonds began funding violent wars in Central Africa.
Despite these issues, the natural diamond industry is a significant employer, providing at least some income in areas where work is hard to find. Around ten million people work for diamond operations worldwide Boycotting or banning natural diamonds absolutely impacts these workers and their livelihoods.
Reclaimed diamonds have a much smaller environmental and human resource footprint than natural stones, as they do not require new mining. The impact of extracting, preparing, and resetting a second-hand diamond doesn’t compare to the effects of mining new stones.
Lab-grown diamonds don’t appear to be as environmentally damaging as natural mining. However, they still require significant energy for production and have a higher carbon footprint than reclaimed diamonds.
With machinery running 24/7, labs consume incredible amounts of fuel. Some reports show that one lab-grown carat requires the same amount of energy as an average US home uses in nearly nine days. By contrast, a reclaimed diamond only requires the energy needed to ship it to its next destination.
The environmental impact isn’t the only consideration with lab-created gems, however. About 56% of lab-grown diamonds come from China. Given China’s terrible human rights record, severe pollution issues, and harmful working conditions, supporting their lab-grown diamond industry carries many ethical concerns.
Clearly, choosing a diamond requires us to ponder and consider significant issues. Environmental and human rights concerns are part of the diamond industry no matter which way you opt to go: lab-grown, reclaimed, or new.
The Ringed Choice
Creating stunning rings to celebrate love of any kind is my passion. But I recognize that the jewelry industry includes many ethical dilemmas. I am committed to providing the most conscientious options possible for my custom and workshop clients.
Historically and today, the diamond and jewelry worlds are full of human rights violations and ecologically destructive practices. Unlike some previous generations of jewelers and metalsmiths, we are now acutely aware of these issues and can make our choices accordingly.
To that end, I use only recycled metals in my studio, and I source them from an eco-conscious refinery. I also use reclaimed and vintage stones to best align with my values and those of my clients. When purchasing mined stones, I partner with ethical sources that support fair pay and safe working conditions. At every turn, I offer transparency regarding the materials used in the Ringed studio.
If you are ready to purchase or create your dream ring, let’s chat. My unique workshops are ideal for engagements, weddings, or any other big milestone you want to celebrate. They are also perfect for anyone who wants to show themselves some love just because! I can’t wait to meet you and see what we can create together. Contact me today to get started.