Sustainable Diamonds 101: Everything You Need To Know About Putting A Ring On It Ethically

You may have plans to e-invite your wedding guests or are thinking of a bridal trousseau by a sustainable couturier but did you think about going green with your wedding ring or bridal jewellery?

From engagement rings to wedding day ornaments, lab-grown diamonds are the latest gems of choice for an eco-friendly couple in love. “The beauty of technology is that it permits you to enjoy something you could never even dream of. Truly, an industry revolution, CVD diamonds turn dreams into reality by offering Type IIa diamonds that belong to the same league as the Koh-i-Noor in the hand of every consumer. At the same time creating a new kind of heritage that can protect the legacy of the diamond yet preserve the planet for a brighter future for all,” says Pooja Sheth, MD and founder of Limelight Handcrafted Diamonds.

Limelight Handcrafted Diamonds

So, we spoke to a few pioneers in the field to know all about making the right choice.

Why is there a need for ethical jewellery?

For many millennial brides and grooms, global issues such as climate change, social unrest and of course, the 'blood diamonds' phenomenon play a big part in making informed choices for their nuptials.

'Sustainable fashion is the way to go! People are slowly but surely, becoming more aware to the world’s need of sustainable and ethical choices (It’s so much cooler!). We noticed that there are very few fine jewellery brands who offer this alarming need. This is where we bridged the gap. Lab-grown diamonds fulfil the need for ethical, elegant and economical jewellery. If you’re getting a timeless, luxury yet affordable piece of fine jewellery that does not bite your moral conscious, then isn’t that a better choice?' says Disha Shah, founder and designer, DiAi Designs.

Diamon Lattice Stack Rings by DiAi Designs

“Women in today’s age make their own choices and decisions. This is very much starting to reflect in the trends in the fashion and jewellery industry where more women are opting for sustainable options - such as the lab-grown CVD diamonds - that allow them to enjoy several luxuries without damaging the planet for the future generations. With women getting economically and socially independent they deserve to celebrate every little achievement and any big success with a girl's best friend - a sustainable diamond,” says Pooja Sheth.

What's the difference?

Sustainable diamonds are no different than natural ones except maybe for the price.

'Lab-grown diamonds are sustainable, more kind to the environment and more competitively priced. The only difference in lab-grown and mined diamonds is the origin or location of it being formed. They are real diamonds and completely genuine. A lab-grown diamond has the exact same chemical, physical and optical qualities as a mined diamond... They also come in the same variations in colour, clarity, cut and carat as mined diamonds so purity isn't an issue,' says Vandana Jagwani, founder, Vandals.

Vandals jewellery

However, the lower price point can often make buyers apprehensive about the legitimacy of the sustainable version of the gemstone. 'The high costs of extraction and trade are eliminated, making lab-grown diamonds 1/3 of the price of a mined diamond. They are a guilt-free and an affordable option, that keeps the luxury aspect intact- making a diamond that is truly forever,' says Disha.

How can you buy your sustainable gemstone?

The buying process remains the same, depending on the 4Cs – colour, cut, clarity and carat. Here are things to keep in mind:

- 'Always get certification for solitaires and clarify the terms and conditions. Beyond that, they should just make sure they are buying it from a reliable and reputed source,' says Vandana.

- 'Educate yourself, read about sustainable diamonds online and be sure of your purchase,' says Disha.

- She adds, 'Buy a diamond with an excellent cut and white colour, to ensure its sparkle.'

- 'CVD diamonds also have resale value. Brands such as ours, backed by one of the largest CVD diamond growers, offer its consumers buyback and 100% exchange opportunities,' says Pooja.