Why you should go for cultured diamonds over mined is a sponsored post in collaboration with Lark & Berry.
I am definitely a magpie when it comes to all things sparkly, but then who doesn’t love diamonds? On this little corner of the internet there has gradually become a focus on the ethical and sustainable. But what about jewellery? Now that the season of giving is upon us I think it’s a good time to talk about diamonds. I specifically want to discuss cultured diamonds.
I feel like this year in particular people are becoming more aware of that they purchase. They’re also giving more consideration to the impact these decisions have on the environment.
Diamond Mining
Historically diamonds have been mined for, but this comes with a whole set of problems. As well as being incredibly poorly paid, miners must work in incredibly dangerous conditions. They may lack any real safety equipment for a start before you even factor in the risk of injury or even death from landslides or mines collapsing.
It isn’t only the miners who are suffering, it is also the environment. Irresponsible diamond mining practices have lead to soil erosion, deforestation, the re-routing of rivers and construction of dams which has catastrophic effects on the wildlife.
Cultured Diamonds
I think there is a bit of a stigma when it comes to cultured diamonds, that they aren’t ‘the real thing’. But that just isn’t true. So what are the advantages of cultured diamonds?
- Land is not needed and wildlife is undisturbed
- Doesn’t cause water pollution and no chemicals are released
- Grown using 100% renewable energy
- Conflict-free
- Generally purer than mined diamonds because the environment is controlled. Only 2% of mined diamonds are as pure as cultured diamonds.
- The price of these diamonds can be 30% to 50% less than mined diamonds
Cultured Diamonds are actually graded in the same way as mined diamonds with the colour, clarity, cut and carat being assessed. As with mined diamonds, cultured diamonds also come with certificates from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and the IGI (International Gemological Institute).
What actually are cultured diamonds? These diamonds are actually lab-grown using innovative technology. This is done by mimicking the conditions that diamonds grown underground. Because the environment they are grown in is controlled, this is how they are generally purer than mined diamonds.
Lark & Berry
It’s great to see a brand like Larkandberry.com consider the environmental implications of diamond mining and actively raise the profile of cultured diamonds. Lark and Berry has also partnered with the One Tree Planted organisation. They donate five trees to be planted for every purchase made whether that’s through their store or website. The aim is to focus reforestation mainly in Africa where the effects of diamond mining at the worst.
If I ever buy diamond jewellery or got engaged I would rather choose from a range of lab grown diamond engagement rings. I’d rather know that my jewellery had caused no suffering than feel guilty every time I looked down at my hand.
What do you think about cultured diamonds?
