5 Facts You Should Know About Diamonds and the Environment

5 Facts You Should Know About Diamonds and the Environment :

Did you know that a single diamond can be made from the same amount of carbon emissions as your average car? That’s just one piece of information about diamonds and the environment that you need to know. That’s because diamonds are a unique type of gemstone with very specific properties, habits, and value that make them so popular for both personal usage and as investments. However, the mining process for these stones has also been called into question due to its potential impact on the environment. To help you make an informed decision about your next purchase, here are five important facts about diamonds and the environment that you should know:

 

1. The Diamond Mining Process Has a Significant Environmental Impact

The mining process for diamonds can be very damaging to the environment. In fact, according to a study by the Carnegie Institution for Science, the global diamond industry produces more carbon emissions annually than the countries of Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, or the UK. That’s because the mining process involves digging very deep into the Earth’s surface. In fact, diamonds are formed over millions of years deep within the Earth’s crust. By extracting the diamonds from this far-distant part of the planet, we increase the amount of greenhouse gases emitted as a byproduct.

2. Some Organizations Are Working to Reduce the Impact of Diamond Mining

Fortunately, some organizations are working to reduce the amount of carbon emissions and other forms of pollution produced by diamond mining. The Gem Philanthropy Institute, for example, is committed to finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of producing and sourcing diamonds.

By funding organizations that are working to find more sustainable ways to mine diamonds, the institute is helping to protect the environment for future generations. Other organizations, like the Diamond Development Initiative and the EU-funded Clean Diamonds project, are also working to find solutions to reduce the impact of diamond mining. The fact that these organizations are working to reduce the environmental impact of diamond mining gives us reason to be optimistic about the future.

3. Lab-Created Diamonds Are Another Option

While all diamonds have the same chemical structure and chemical properties, they are not all created equally. Some diamonds are naturally more rare than others. Investors who are concerned about the environmental impact of diamond mining often look for lab-created diamonds. Lab-created diamonds are man-made diamonds created in a lab. They have the same chemical composition as natural diamonds, but are easier to create in large quantities.

Because lab-created diamonds can be created in such large quantities, they are much less environmentally damaging to produce. You can tell if a diamond is lab-created by looking for an “l” on the stone’s certificate. If a diamond has an “l,” then it’s lab-created.

4. Finding Out How Responsible a Diamond Seller Is Can Be Difficult

One of the biggest challenges with diamonds is that it can be difficult to tell how responsibly a particular seller sources their diamonds. Because diamonds are mined in many different countries around the world, each with its own unique regulations, finding out exactly how responsible a particular seller is can be challenging.

However, there are some steps you can take to try to determine how responsibly a particular seller sources their diamonds. One option is to check the Responsible Jewellery Council’s (RJC) online directory. This directory connects you with a variety of diamond sellers who have agreed to follow environmentally responsible sourcing practices. Another option is to check the diamonds’ Kimberley Process certificates. If a diamond has a Kimberley Process certificate, it means that the diamond’s country of origin has been verified.

5. The Bottom Line: It’s Up to You To Decide What’s Right for You

The bottom line is that diamonds are a beautiful gemstone that can be a wonderful addition to many people’s lives. However, it’s important to be aware of their potential impact on the environment before making a purchase. That’s why it’s important for consumers to educate themselves about diamonds. Knowing how the diamond mining process works, how to identify responsibly sourced diamonds, and what lab-created diamonds are can help you make a better-informed decision when it comes to your next diamond purchase.