What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds?

One question that we get a lot at KIND is: “Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?” 

The answer is a simple, “Yes”. 

In terms of their physical and chemical properties, lab-grown diamonds are indistinguishable from their naturally formed counterparts. They are often chosen by customers as they are believed to be an eco-conscious and ethical option, and often come with a lower price tag. 

So if you’ve been thinking about purchasing a lab-grown diamond, or you’re simply curious as to how they’re made, keep reading to get the rundown on everything you need to know about these dazzling eco-friendly stones, and how we work with them in the KIND studio.

HOW ARE LAB-DIAMONDS CREATED?

As their name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are created in laboratories, rather than produced in the earth. Scientists use tiny carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds, and then use advanced technology to mimic the environmental conditions that natural diamonds undergo – including high pressure and high temperatures. Once the process is complete, lab-diamonds have the same chemical and physical qualities as natural diamonds, making it virtually impossible to distinguish any difference between the two stones.

WHAT TYPE OF DIAMONDS DOES KIND USE AND WHERE ARE THEY SOURCED FROM?

At KIND Collection, all of our precious gemstones, including diamonds, are ethically sourced. This means we have done extensive research into the mines that produce the stones to ensure they are adhering to ethical practices.

Most of the diamonds used in our collection and bespoke designs are sourced from Fair Trade Gemstones, a Fairmined supplier who heroes their female workers within their supply chain. We also source a number of our stones from Ocean Diamonds, which are all accompanied by a Certificate of Provenance that specifies the origin and the coastal area where the gem has been harvested by hand. Their diamonds are retrieved in a responsible manner along the coast of South Africa and Namibia - and we are proud to work with them at KIND Collection. You can learn more about our diamond suppliers, here.

We also source lab-grown diamonds for customers upon request. We work closely with our contact at Madestones in Antwerp, Belgium to source certified lab-grown diamonds, which are all accompanied by a certificate that outlines their authenticity, as well as their labour, environmental and business standards.

ARE LAB DIAMONDS MORE ETHICAL?

In order to compare and evaluate the ethics and sustainability of lab-grown diamonds vs mined diamonds, it is necessary to consider a number of factors, including the energy required to create or mine the stones and the societal impact on the mining communities.

Whilst lab-grown diamonds come at a lower price tag, they usually come with a large carbon footprint due to the energy that is required to produced the stones. Some laboratories that grow diamonds have started switching to solar energy models to lower their impact, so it is important to understand the energy usage of the labs before purchasing the stones.

Another argument in favour of lab-grown diamonds is the reduced risk of mining companies exploiting vulnerable communities. As these diamonds are created in controlled labs, the supply chain is much shorted, which limits the possibility of unethical practices to occur.

However, when mines are managed well, they can be a true source of income for local communities. As mentioned above, KIND only sources natural diamonds from ethical suppliers who are regularly audited and can ensure the safety, fair pay and well being of their workers. These suppliers also provide certificates that allow customers to trace their diamonds back to the mine, so they can feel confident knowing the retrieval of their stone did not come at the cost of the planet or the community.

WHICH DIAMOND SHOULD YOU BUY?

If you are looking to make an ethical choice, the answer is often not as obvious as expected. At first glance, lab-grown diamonds seem like the best option as they are identical to those mined from the earth, but require less energy and resources to create. However, if mined correctly, natural diamonds provide jobs and financial security for certain regions of the world that depend heavily on the mining industry to support their own development.

In our opinion, the most ethical solution is to ensure full transparency behind either type of diamond, so consumers can find out as much as possible about it’s origin. At KIND we are committed to informing our customers about the history of our natural and lab-grown diamonds, so they can make an informed decision when designing their special piece of jewellery. 

If you have any questions about our diamonds (either lab-grown or natural), please don’t hesitate to reach out.