{"id":2390,"date":"2024-02-01T14:15:03","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T18:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diamondadvisor.ca\/?page_id=2390"},"modified":"2024-02-01T14:15:03","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T18:15:03","slug":"the-best-way-to-buy-a-socially-ethical-diamond","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/diamondadvisor.ca\/the-best-way-to-buy-a-socially-ethical-diamond\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way to Buy a Socially Ethical Diamond"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Buying Diamonds the Socially Ethical Way<\/h1>\n

As conscious shoppers, social and environmental considerations have a growing influence on our everyday purchases. From paper straws to reusable bags, we as consumers have the opportunity to become informed buyers and incorporate factors such as product longevity, sustainability, and ecological impact into our decision making process.<\/p>\n

For many, this approach and mindset to shopping extends to diamond buying and shapes how we think about buying a socially ethical diamond.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1706756597920{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1706756068567{padding-top: 0px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”]

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This guide provides an introduction into the social factors of diamond buying and provides options to make an informed choice for a socially ethical diamond purchase. In this guide, we also explore the merits of lab grown diamonds<\/strong> and other ethical purchase options.<\/em><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Ethics of Diamond Mining<\/h2>\n

When thinking about socially ethical diamonds, most consumers tend to think about where a diamond was sourced from, who’s hands they’ve touched, and who’s benefiting from the sale of diamonds. What’s less commonly thought about is the environmental impact that the diamond mining process has. This process has alarming implications due to its destructive nature, but is also one of the best opportunities for change when buying a diamond.<\/p>\n

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Moving Mountains in Search of Rocks<\/h2>\n

It should come as no surprise that diamonds are rare (see Diamond Clarity<\/a> for more info). Their extreme rarity in nature is the reason why they are so sought after and why they command such a high price. As diamond shoppers, we are often unaware of the fact that the diamond mining process displaces tones of earth for every carat<\/a> of diamond found. Given the million carats that circulate and make up our jewelry pieces<\/a>, the amount of earth moved and the manpower required to do so has a huge impact on the earth and our environment.<\/p>\n

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Mining Practices and Standards<\/h2>\n

Mining takes place in diamond mines carved in the earth and is typically done by advanced mining technology which can reach miles into the earth. Diamond mines found around the world differ in their mining practices and their commitment to the environment, labor and trading standards. While some corporations adhere to strict standards, both environmental and ethical, there still exist mines which extract diamonds by hand in troubling conditions. These conditions subject miners (who receive a fraction of the worth) to unsafe conditions and processes which degrade the landscape. The results of these unregulated diamond mining processes is acres of farmable land destroyed and eroded.<\/p>\n

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Environmental Impact of Mining<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Lab Grown Diamonds:<\/strong> A Mining-Free (and Cheaper) Option<\/h2>\n

Lab grown diamonds have emerged in recent years as a great alternative to traditional “natural” diamonds which are mined. Thanks to their growing global popularity and increased availability, price points for lab grown diamonds are below those of natural diamonds. In contrast to natural diamonds, lab created diamonds are created under immense pressure within a laboratory setting and thus requires no mining – no earth is moved and no mining labor is required. This mine-free option provides an attractive opportunity when purchasing a socially ethical diamond.<\/p>\n

Natural vs. Lab Grown Diamonds<\/a> (coming soon)<\/p>\n

Similar to how farm raised fish and wild fish are indistinguishable (without a microscope), so are lab grown and natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds and share all the properties and chemical composition of it’s traditional counterpart. The number of retailers that offer lab grown diamonds continues to grow and includes:<\/p>\n