A Tale of Two Diamonds: Navigating the Complex Carbon Footprints of Natural and Lab-Grown Stones
The debate between natural and lab-grown diamonds is increasingly focused on sustainability, with both sectors promoting their environmental credentials. But just how green is each option? Government and industry groups are stepping up efforts to clearly define sustainability standards for both types of diamonds, recognizing that the issue isn't as straightforward as it seems.
Synthetic diamond producers have long marketed their products as a greener, ethical alternative to mined diamonds. Meanwhile, natural diamond miners counter that these claims oversimplify or misrepresent reality. They argue that lab-grown diamonds aren't entirely "mining-free," since essential elements like reactor materials still require mined resources.
According to the Natural Diamond Council's recent Diamond Facts report, comparing natural and lab-grown diamonds isn't straightforward: “Each diamond type has diverse production methods, geographic locations, energy sources, productivity levels, and sustainability approaches.”
Environmental consultancy firm Sphera emphasizes that the carbon footprint of lab-grown diamonds can differ drastically, depending on the manufacturing methods and energy sources used. For instance, a lab-grown diamond made using renewable energy with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology could produce as little as 17 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) per carat. However, the same diamond created in a non-carbon-neutral factory in India, which heavily relies on coal power, might generate up to 260 kilograms CO2eq per carat.
Mining companies also vary significantly in their sustainability commitments. While industry giant De Beers has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, another major player, Rio Tinto, has set a goal for 2050.
Given these complexities, providing consumers with clear, reliable sustainability information has become increasingly critical—and challenging—for the diamond industry.