Is it more ethical to cultivate diamonds in the laboratory?

There are many controversies over the sustainability, environmental protection, and ethical aspects of cultivating diamonds in laboratories.

Although many people hold the affirmative answer, the fact is that the production process of cultivating diamonds in the laboratory requires a lot of energy. Although it is difficult to measure the carbon footprint of a diamond, experts have found that most laboratory diamond production processes use a large amount of non renewable energy.

Research by the Natural Diamond Association shows that laboratory grown diamonds emit an average of three times more greenhouse gases than naturally mined diamonds (511 kilograms per carat, compared to 160 kilograms for natural diamonds). However, it is worth noting that this research report was commissioned by a large mining company, and natural diamond mining also has a significant impact on the environment.

When measuring the carbon footprint of a single diamond carat, whether naturally mined or laboratory cultivated, it is influenced by various factors, including the types of instruments used, energy sources, mining methods, and diamond producing countries.

These variables result in significant uncertainty and conflicting information. In fact, such research may produce confusing and inaccurate results, so both natural diamond and laboratory grown diamond producers must strive to continue working towards sustainable production methods.

It is difficult, but not impossible, to achieve zero carbon emissions in diamond production. We will provide customers with a series of diamonds produced through 100% solar energy. For transparency, this will be indicated under the words "Diamond Foundry" on the diamond certificate.

Although sustainability is closely related to the environment, its purpose is to protect human life and well-being. One of the main criticisms of the laboratory cultivation process is that it is not conducive to employment and economic growth in diamond producing countries. Countries such as Botswana have widely benefited from diamond mining. Since the mining started in 1967, Botswana has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and has successfully improved its living standards in education, health and infrastructure.

On the other hand, diamonds grown in laboratories are easier to trace and have greater transparency in human rights and worker conditions compared to natural diamonds.