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So, you want to buy a diamond. Perhaps for an engagement ring, a special present, or because you just love sparkles. The reason makes no difference; there is a multitude of choices to pick from. However, there is a big decision to be made. Do you want a naturally mined or lab-created diamond?

Lab-created diamonds have started to dominate the market. They appear identical to mined gems and come at lower prices, along with environmental benefits. But how much better are they for the environment? Let’s examine the basics.

Carbon Footprint: Less Is More

Natural diamonds come from deep underground. Getting them out requires heavy machinery, explosives, and lots of fuel. This means a big carbon footprint.

Lab-grown diamonds are made through two techniques. These methods are HPHT, which stands for High Pressure, High Temperature, and CVD, which stands for Chemical Vapor Deposition. These processes need power, yet the environmental impact varies based on the energy source. A renewable power supply can cut down the carbon footprint. The finest synthetic stones produce just 6 kg of CO2 per carat. This is about a tenth of what mined diamonds create.

Water Usage: Mining vs. Growing

Diamonds and water appear unrelated, but the mining process requires vast amounts of liquid. Natural diamond extraction needs 126 gallons per single carat. That’s like taking a shower for over an hour for just one carat of diamond!

Lab-grown diamonds use way less. On average, it takes 18 gallons per carat. That’s nearly 85% less water used. And if a lab recycles its water, the impact is even smaller.

Land Disruption: A Big Difference

Mined diamonds don’t just come out of the ground easily. Digging a mine means removing tons of earth. The mining of one carat of natural diamonds displaces close to 250 tons of soil. This extraction creates substantial damage to ecosystems along with wildlife or local communities near mining sites.

Lab-grown diamonds? No digging, no giant holes in the ground. They’re made in a controlled environment. No animals or forests are harmed in the process. That’s a win for the planet.

Ethical Impact: A Cleaner Choice

The natural diamond trade raises ethical concerns. Diamond mining led to violent conflicts in previous decades, which resulted in the term “blood diamonds.” Recent regulations improved oversight, yet laborers face dangerous work conditions or exploitation in various mining operations nowadays.

When it comes to lab-grown diamonds, no mining means no conflict. Lab technicians create these gems under conditions that protect workers and offer fair pay rates. If you value ethical product origins, you will find lab-grown diamonds to be the right choice.

Energy Consumption: The Hidden Factor

Here’s where things get tricky. Lab-grown diamonds do require a lot of energy. If the energy comes from coal or other fossil fuels, the environmental impact increases. Some older labs still rely on these energy sources, making their diamonds less sustainable.

The good news? More companies are switching to renewable energy. Solar, wind and hydro-powered labs significantly reduce the carbon footprint. Before buying, check if the diamond company uses green energy.

Waste and Pollution: Who Does It Better?

Mining diamonds creates waste and lots of it. From toxic runoff to displaced earth, it’s messy. Some mines also pollute rivers and harm marine life.

Lab-grown diamonds produce minimal waste. The only byproduct is some carbon emissions from energy use. But since they don’t involve chemicals or mining waste, they’re still a cleaner option.

Cost vs. Sustainability: A Win-Win?

A man-made 2 carat diamond ring such as the collections at Best Brilliance for example, is much cheaper than a natural one. So, you’re saving money while making an eco-friendly choice. That’s a pretty great deal.

Innovation in Diamond Creation: The Future Is Bright

Technology keeps improving. Scientists, along with engineers, keep on trying to discover new methods to create more eco-friendly lab-grown diamonds. A number of companies employ carbon capture systems that convert atmospheric CO2 and turn it into diamonds. Yes, actual air pollution is being turned into sparkling gems!

Another cool advancement? Plasma reactors. These use less energy than traditional methods and help lower the carbon footprint even more. Some companies are even experimenting with recycling old diamonds and repurposing them into new stones.

The future of diamonds looks greener than ever. With these innovations, lab-grown diamonds will only get better for the planet.

Resale Value: What Happens Later?

One thing to consider is resale value. Natural diamonds tend to hold their value over time. Some rare ones even increase in worth. If you ever plan to sell your diamond, a natural one might give you a better return. 

In Conclusion

If sustainability matters to you, lab-grown diamonds are the way to go. They use less water, create less waste, and don’t destroy ecosystems. Their carbon footprint is much smaller, especially if made with renewable energy.

In the end, lab-grown diamonds shine just as bright as natural ones. But with a much lighter impact on the planet. And that’s something worth celebrating!