Elite Traveler Summer 2024

THE SUSTAINABILITY ARGUMENT

“There are about 10 million people in the world whose livelihoods depend on natural diamonds,” said Kellie, noting that when a diamond is mined in a particular country, and sold, the government keeps a good percentage of the pro fi t to use toward infrastructures and the communities. “Approximately 80% of the value of a rough diamond stays within the region [where] it’s been found. People should be able to feel good about a purchase of a natural diamond because it makes the mining communities much stronger. Through the income in the region to the governments, they can build roads, schools, and other infrastructures.” Kellie notes that environmental and wildlife protection comes into play in these regions. “I don’t know if there is another industry that does what this industry does in terms of the level of economic and environmental provisions that diamond mining does for the local communities.”

Initially, supporters of lab-grown diamonds felt they were jumping on a sustainability bandwagon because production companies vowed to o ff er consumers peace of mind — promising that their purchase would align with their ethical and environmental values. But that might not exactly re fl ect what is happening. Conscientious consumers should be aware that not all lab-grown diamonds are created in sustainable environments. While Lightbox is using 100% renewable wind power energy, many other producers are in countries such as China or India, where they are leaving a huge carbon footprint due to their production methods. “We have a very low total emission. It is 30 grams of C02 per carat, which is extremely low, and we are on target to be carbon zero by 2030,” said Borde. “But not all labs are equal. We see some growers in India with more than 10 times the level of emissions

that we have. Some are 300 grams of C02 per carat.” To put that into perspective, Borde says that in its Portland facility, the company produces approximately 250,000 carats per year. “We have to be just as transparent as the natural diamond businesses in order to ensure our customers are informed.” For those who feel the natural diamond industry is not sustainable, there is an entirely di ff erent picture. While natural diamonds are mined from the earth — like every other mineral we use — main mining companies are using sustainable practices, employing the Kimberley Process to prevent con fl ict diamonds from coming into the mainstream, closing mines and recovering the land so there is no evidence that they had been there, and promoting health, education and vital jobs in the mining communities.

This image A lab-grown diamond in the rough, ready to be cut and polished Right Dior Délicat 18-karat white gold and natural diamond earrings are designed to emulate the feminine lightness of lace. Price on request, dior.com

Lightbox Constellation ring in 14-karat gold set with 1 carat of round brilliant-cut lab-grown diamonds

Photos Lightbox