Earth made, ethically mined: The untold sustainability story of natural diamonds
There is something eternally poetic about a natural diamond. Born deep within the earth over billions of years, shaped by immense pressure and time, each gem is a crystallised testament to nature's artistry. With their incomparable brilliance and timeless allure,
natural diamonds
have long been the chosen emblems of love, legacy, and triumph, adorned by queens, passed down through generations, and treasured in cultures across the world. They are not merely ornaments, but heirlooms of history.
In recent years, however, the diamond narrative has shifted. Many consumers have been led to believe that artificial alternatives are a cleaner, more responsible choice. While technological or lab-grown diamonds may offer affordability, the assumption that all natural diamonds come at a social or ecological cost is increasingly being challenged by responsible industry leaders.
According to a 2023 analytical report by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), titled Diamond Facts: Addressing Myths and Misconceptions About the Diamond Industry
1
, 'Laboratory-grown diamonds may not always be as sustainable as some claim. The manufacturing process, which lasts a few weeks, is energy-intensive, requiring temperatures similar to 20% of that of the Sun's surface. Over 70% of laboratory-grown diamonds are mass-produced in China and India, where 62% and 74% of grid electricity is generated from coal.'
Leaders of change: Mines and markets
Innovative companies around the world are integrating blockchain technology to ensure full traceability of diamonds—from mine to market. Countries such as Canada, Botswana, and Namibia are widely regarded as pioneers in ethical diamond production. Botswana, in particular, stands out for its model of diamond-led development, reinvesting a substantial portion of its diamond revenues into public infrastructure, healthcare, and education, demonstrating how resource wealth can empower rather than exploit.
What Is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)?
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is an international initiative launched in 2003 to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds—rough diamonds used to finance armed conflict against legitimate governments, particularly in parts of Africa.
Certification System:
Every shipment of rough diamonds exported from a participating country must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate, confirming the diamonds are conflict-free.
Membership:
The KPCS includes over 80 countries, representing the vast majority of the global diamond trade. It involves governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society organisations.
Reform and new beginnings
Leading market players are at the forefront of this movement, procuring and offering only ethically sourced and sustainably mined natural diamonds. These are stones that carry not only natural brilliance but a provenance rooted in fair labour, ecological care, and community upliftment.
In response to international outcry, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003 to stem the flow of conflict diamonds, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards ethical sourcing.
What makes a diamond ethical?
An ethically sourced natural diamond typically meets several key criteria:
Conflict-free certification
Responsible mining practices that minimise environmental damage
Fair labour conditions, including safe working environments and living wages
Community reinvestment, ensuring mining revenues benefit local populations
Sustainably mined diamonds also prioritise land reclamation, carbon neutrality, and low-impact water usage, signalling a departure from exploitative, traditional extraction methods.
References:
https://www.naturaldiamonds.com/in/diamond-facts-info/diamond-facts-full-report-2/
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