For many, diamonds are a symbol of love, long-lasting pieces of jewelery and pure perfection. However, many people that buy diamonds do not inform themselves about the stones' origin. The risk that workers in illegally operated mines were exploited during the extraction process is high. These so-called blood diamonds are then sold for large sums of money in the western world. Synthetic diamonds are therefore said to be a sustainable alternative to the real precious stones.
In the past few years the market has turned eco-friendly jewelry, in other words, sustainable jewelery, constantly growing. Certainly there is also the possibility of obtaining diamonds with a fair trade seal, like the one Responsible Jewelery Council (RJC), or antique jewelry and second hand to buy. But that wasn't enough for researchers: They managed to grow diamonds in a laboratory. The result is what are known as laboratory diamonds or synthetic diamonds.
Source & Copyright by LM Studio
How are natural diamonds actually made?
First of all, about the creation and extraction of natural diamonds: They take a lot of pressure - and a lot of time. Millions of years ago they formed deep inside the earth, many hundreds of kilometers under the earth's crust. With the help of pressure and high heat, carbon atoms form a solid crystal lattice and form rough diamonds.
When volcanic eruptions occur, they are then transported to the surface. In the extinct volcanoes, the controversial mining work comes into play. The diamonds are extracted by opencast or underground mining. Then the rock is crushed in stone crushers and then washed and sieved.
Interesting topic: Ethical Gold: About the Responsibility of the Jewelry Industry
Synthetic Diamonds - Manufacturing and Challenges
From a chemical point of view, diamonds are nothing more than carbon - the element that carbon or graphite is made of. Scientists made this knowledge their own back in the 1950s: They simulated the process in the laboratory and thereby created synthetic diamonds. Laboratory diamonds are also created by high temperatures - with the help of chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These technology Above all, it requires a lot of energy and also leaves behind waste.
Therefore, the laboratories for the production of synthetic diamonds should at least be on environmentally friendly energy sources fall back and Reduce waste or reuse. It is also important to consider that the diamond business is one of the few sources of income, especially for countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Angola. It would therefore make sense to continue to campaign for fair working conditions and wages.
Source & Copyright by KBH Jewels
Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Diamonds
In terms of optics and aesthetics, synthetic diamonds hardly differ from the natural originals. As with the original, artificial diamonds also depend on the right cut and polish. Perfectly processed, an imitated diamond cannot be distinguished from a real diamond with the naked eye.
The demand for laboratory diamonds has increased in recent years due to their higher quality. Even so, the price is only around 70 percent of the price of a natural diamond. Also, the resale value of laboratory-grown diamonds is significantly lower. Therefore, one should pay close attention to a corresponding laboratory certificate when buying.
These trend brands offer synthetic diamonds:
- KBH Jewels
- Lark and Berry
- Ether Diamonds
- Evaluation
- James Allen
- LM Studio
Interesting topic: Capolavoro - a jewelery manufactory through the ages
This is what you should pay attention to when buying sustainable diamonds
1. Beware of the origin of natural diamonds
Miners are often exploited and children are sometimes used for traditional diamond mining. In numerous mining regions, the valuable raw materials have also triggered wars, as groups fight for possession of the precious stones and metals.
It takes a long time before a diamond is created. That is why they are a rarity that has now been exhausted. In addition, diamond mining in many regions is the Environment and agriculture, because they are obtained with the help of soil erosion. Air pollution from dust pollution also plays a major role in this context.
2. Synthetic diamonds are a good alternative for environmentally friendly production
When buying Lab Diamonds, prospective buyers should make sure that they are made with renewable energies, because the energy consumption is immense. The production of Lab Diamonds also generates a lot of waste, but some companies make sure that waste is reduced or recycled. Lab diamonds are much cheaper than natural diamonds from crisis regions, and optically you hardly see any difference
3. Pay attention to certifications and ethical raw materials
In principle, there are also certifications for natural diamonds that ensure a responsible manufacturing process. It is also important to do this ethical precious metals such as recycled goldto put. But not only precious metals and stones, pearls should be sustainably extracted or made from 2nd hand Sources.
