Discover how the jewelry world is being transformed by the mass production of lab-made diamonds and their environmental advantages. Explore the sustainability claims and marketing strategies of man-made diamonds. Learn about the process of growing diamonds using the chemical vapor deposition method and the significantly lower carbon emissions of lab-grown diamonds.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Lab-grown diamonds are reshaping the jewelry world by offering similar properties to natural diamonds at a lower price.
Lab-grown diamonds are marketed as sustainable, but consumers should inquire about the energy sources and wastewater management practices of producers.
Deep dives
Lab-grown diamonds disrupting the jewelry industry
The mass production of laboratory-made diamonds is reshaping the jewelry world, disrupting an $87 billion global industry. Lab-grown diamonds are marketed as sustainable, with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to mined diamonds. They offer similar optical and physical properties to natural diamonds but at a much lower price. This affordability has attracted a new and younger audience, leading to a surge in lab-grown diamond sales.
The process of creating lab-grown diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are created using either the chemical vapor deposition method or the high pressure, high temperature method. The process involves recreating the atmospheric conditions under which diamonds form naturally. The lab-grown diamonds are produced in a matter of weeks, far quicker than the thousands of years it takes for natural diamonds to form. The stones are cut and polished to completion, taking around 7 to 9 working days.
Sustainability claims and challenges
Lab-grown diamond producers claim sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and the recycling of gold and silver for settings. However, not all lab-grown diamond producers adhere to sustainability practices, with some relying on fossil fuel energy. Consumers are urged to inquire about energy sources and wastewater management. The rise of lab-grown diamonds is challenging the traditional diamond industry, causing resistance and disrupting established supply chains.
A few years ago you could have assumed all diamonds had been dug out of the ground – but now it’s true that some of them have been created, at unbelievably high temperatures, in just a matter of weeks.
In the first of two Business Daily programmes about the evolving diamond market, Lesley Curwen heads to the glamorous jewellery district of Hatton Garden in London – to see how the jewellery world is being re-shaped by the mass production of laboratory-made stones.
We hear from India how they’re created in temperatures as hot as the sun - and talk to one of the world’s biggest jewellery brands about why they are using only man-made diamonds.
We also look at claims that man-made diamonds are the green and ethical choice.
(Picture: Tweezers holding a diamond. Credit: Getty Images)
Presenter: Lesley Curwen
Producer: Barbara George
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode