What Ethical Diamonds Are Available To Me?

If you’re seeking an ethical diamond (excluding diamond alternatives such as moissanite or other precious stones such as sapphire), there are three options available to you.

Naturally Sourced Diamonds

Naturally sourced diamonds are diamonds that, as their name implies, are mined from the earth. Whilst all mining operations impact the environment around them, there are two exceptional mines from which you can expect not only high-quality diamonds, but more sustainable mining practices. There are two Western Australian mines that offer this: Argyle and Ellendale.

Both of these mines follow strict environmental and employee safety standards and work closely with local indigenous communities.They are also careful to ensure their diamonds are cut in factories with fair employee treatment, and go to great lengths to ensure their diamonds are traceable within the supply chain.

Lab-grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as lab-created or synthetic diamonds, are diamonds that are produced in a laboratory rather than being naturally formed within the earth. These diamonds are created through a process called Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method using a small piece of carbon as a “seed” to get the process started.

Within a laboratory, scientists simulate the natural conditions under which diamonds are formed, allowing them to grow diamond crystals over a period of weeks or months. These lab-grown diamonds possess the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as naturally mined diamonds. making them visually and chemically identical to their natural counterparts. Lab-grown diamonds offer an alternative to mined diamonds and are often considered more sustainable and ethical to their naturally occurring counterparts.

Vintage Diamonds

Vintage diamonds, or recycled diamonds, are diamonds that have been repurposed without losing any of their beauty or quality. These diamonds tend to come from various sources, including antique jewellery, estate sales, or diamond recycling programs.

These diamonds undergo re-cutting, re-polishing, and re-certification processes to ensure their quality and integrity. Choosing vintage or recycled diamonds is often seen as a sustainable and eco-friendly option since it reduces the need for new diamond mining and minimises the environmental impact associated with the extraction and production of new diamonds.

Whilst we do not currently offer vintage diamonds at Argyle Jewellers, we do offer a wide variety of beautiful diamonds from certified sources, as well as custom designs that can incorporate a diamond – vintage or not – that you already own.