Connect with us

Feature

How “green” are LGDs?

Sustainability is a major bone of contention in the ongoing battle between mining companies and LGD/synthetic-diamond producers. The latter have generally pitched their product as a greener alternative to natural diamonds, while the former contend that these claims are exaggerated or even false.

Published

on

Sustainability is a major bone of contention in the ongoing battle between mining companies and LGD/synthetic-diamond producers. The latter have generally pitched their product as a greener alternative to natural diamonds, while the former contend that these claims are exaggerated or even false.

Given the high financial and emotional costs, it’s critical for diamond brands to help consumers discern between what’s green and what greenwashing is. And LGD may not all be as environmentally or socially friendly as they seem.Not all man-made stones have the same carbon footprint, miners argue, adding that descriptions of lab-grown as “mining-free” are untrue, since elements of the creation process — such as the reactor — rely on mined materials.

“It is also not possible to make a simplistic general comparison between natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds,” states the recent Diamond Facts report from the Natural Diamond Council (NDC). “Each category has a range of production processes, geographical locations, power sources, productivity capabilities, and sustainability practices.”

Even the carbon footprint of a given lab-grown diamond can vary wildly, according to environmental, social and governance (ESG) consultancy Sphera. If the producer uses renewable energy, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) stone can generate as little as 17 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) per polished carat, whereas one from a non-carbon-neutral facility in India — where the electric grid is heavily dependent on coal — can yield 260 kilograms per carat.

Truth is, science is simply not able to justify the claim that a lab-grown diamond is netting positive, or even neutral impact on the environment as of today. Like fast fashion, lab-grown diamonds can be made in weeks, or even days, and in unlimited quantities—while it takes billions of years to craft a single natural diamond.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently revising its Green Guides for marketing sustainable goods, and this will likely have an impact on how lab-grown and natural diamond producers present their products. FTC Green Guides explicitly discourages “broad, unqualified general environmental benefit claims like ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly,’ ” as they are “difficult to substantiate, if not impossible.” Perhaps for this reason, the more circumspect lab-grown companies tend to use word sustainable.

Continue Reading
Advertisement JewelBuzz Banner
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted

DiamondBuzz

Jewelbox Expects Festive Momentum as Consumers Embrace Versatile Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery

In an exclusive JewelBuzz interview, Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-founder, Jewelbox, shares insights on festive jewellery demand, evolving consumer preferences, the growing acceptance of lab-grown diamonds and the brand’s latest personalised diamond offering, Signed Diamonds

Published

on

Jewelbox, a contemporary lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, is witnessing an evolving jewellery consumption landscape, with consumers increasingly prioritising versatile designs, personal expression and value. As festive and wedding purchases gain momentum, the brand sees growing opportunities in everyday fine jewellery, gifting and personalised diamond offerings.

In an exclusive interview with JewelBuzz, Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-Founder, Jewelbox, discusses expectations for the current festive season, changing consumer sentiment, the growing appeal of lab-grown diamonds and the brand’s latest festive offering, Signed Diamonds, which brings a personal touch to diamond jewellery.

Jb: What are your expectations with regard to jewellery sales during the current festive season?

Vidita Kochar : Every year, the festive season is a strong period for jewellery consumption, with both gifting and self-purchases contributing to demand. Jewellery continues to hold a unique position in Indian celebrations, but the nature of consumption is evolving. Customers are increasingly looking beyond traditional occasion-led purchases towards versatile pieces that can be worn regularly. At Jewelbox, we expect lab-grown diamond jewellery to benefit from this shift, particularly in categories such as everyday fine jewellery, statement pieces and gifting. We remain optimistic about festive demand and expect to see sustained momentum across our retail and digital channels.

Jb: What is the current consumer sentiment regarding jewellery purchases?

Vidita Kochar: Consumer sentiment towards jewellery remains encouraging, although purchasing behaviour is becoming increasingly discerning. Customers are placing greater emphasis on design differentiation, product quality, versatility and the overall value proposition. There is also a discernible shift towards self-purchasing, with consumers increasingly viewing jewellery as a personal expression rather than an occasion-led purchase. Within this evolving landscape, lab-grown diamonds are finding greater acceptance, particularly among younger consumers who appreciate the ability to access fine jewellery across a wider range of designs and price points.

Jb: Are you launching any festive or wedding collections this season? If yes, please share the details?

Vidita Kochar: At Jewelbox, our focus this season is on offering jewellery that brings together contemporary design, versatility and craftsmanship. Our collections cater to festive celebrations as well as weddings, with designs that transition effortlessly from special occasions to everyday wear.

With changing consumer preferences reshaping the jewellery landscape, versatility, personalisation and design-led offerings are emerging as important purchase drivers.

Jewelbox’s focus on contemporary lab-grown diamond jewellery and innovative concepts such as Signed Diamonds reflects its approach to connecting with the evolving expectations of modern consumers. As the festive and wedding seasons bring renewed opportunities for the industry, the brand remains focused on making diamond jewellery more accessible, expressive and meaningful.

Continue Reading

Trending

JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

We would like to hear from you...

GET WHATSAPP NEWS ALERTS

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x