In recent years, artificial stones such as moissanite and synthetic diamonds have attracted attention as being environmentally friendly.Famous actor Leonardo DiCaprio has also invested in a synthetic diamond manufacturing company in Silicon Valley.In addition, many celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Emma Watson, and Duchess Meghan wear synthetic diamonds, and ethical/sustainable jewelry and fashion are popular overseas as a fashion trend.
Are synthetic gemstones such as moissanite and synthetic diamonds really more environmentally friendly than natural diamonds?
In conclusion, it can be said that synthetic gemstones are overall more environmentally friendly than natural diamonds (this is just my personal opinion)However, there are some mines that mine natural diamonds with due consideration to environmental issues.
◼️What exactly is ethical and sustainable?
Diamond has the following problems
- Conflict Diamond
- Working environment/child labor
- Environmental issues
1. Conflict Diamonds
Speaking of conflict diamonds, the famous movie "Blood Diamond" starring Leonardo DiCaprio is famous, but here is a brief explanation. Then, the story is about how diamonds are used as a source of funds to purchase weapons in a conflict area, and many people are killed as a result.Child labor is also common, and the worst thing is that children are brainwashed with drugs and turned into child soldiers.Most of the conflict areas are in Africa
Nowadays, the extreme environment like this movie has disappeared, but it is not zero.Additionally, there is currently a system called the Kimberley Process that certifies that diamonds are not conflict diamonds.An international certification system implemented in January 2003, participating countries are prohibited from importing or exporting rough diamonds from conflict areas without a Kimberley certificate.Imports from countries not participating in the Kimberley Process are also prohibited.Such diamonds are called conflict-free diamonds.
However, there is a problem with the Kimberley Process, as it only certifies rough diamonds and is not tracked after they are cut.In addition, a certificate is not issued for each individual rough stone, but for one box (for example, one box containing 10 rough stones), so it is important to know where each rough stone actually came from. It is said that it is difficult to trace
It is also said that conflict diamonds can easily sneak into the market because diamonds pass through many channels, including intermediaries, import/export companies, and cutting factories, before reaching the market.Furthermore, although only officially recognized mines are allowed to excavate diamonds, there are many unofficial mines, and the diamonds are easily available on the market.Since it is a small substance, it is easy to take it across borders.However, it is also true that the Kimberley Process has significantly reduced the circulation of conflict diamonds.
2. Working environment/child labor
However, even if the conflict diamond outflow is largely resolved, dangerous working conditions, child labor, etc. is not resolved
Most workers do not wear helmets and work with light equipment.Children sometimes die from falling down mines, and many child laborers are employed there for low wages and work around the clock every day.Although it varies depending on the country, there are some environments where you can't earn even 100 yen even if you work all day.
Child labor working in mines is so harsh that the International Labor Organization has recognized it as hazardous labor.
3. Environmental issues
Unearthing natural diamonds requires large-scale mine developmentIt is said that it takes 2.5 million tons of soil to excavate 1 ct of high-quality diamonds.However, an African journalist who appeared on a documentary program about the Kimberley Process said that it takes an average of 5 tons of soil to obtain 1 ct.There is a big difference, but there is no doubt that large-scale mine development will be necessary either way.This has a high possibility of leading to the destruction of the ecosystem, and it is also true that the amount of carbon dioxide emitted and the amount of water used is extremely large.
◼️Do artificial gemstones almost solve the above problems?
Natural diamonds have the above-mentioned problems, but man-made gems like moissanite and synthetic diamonds are not used to fund conflicts, and there is no need to own a mine, so there is no dangerous labor. There is also no child labor.But what about environmental issues?For example, synthetic diamonds are manufactured using HPHT (high pressure and high temperature) or CVD (chemical vapor deposition) growth methods, but it is said that it takes several weeks to produce 1 ct.During this time, a large amount of electrical energy is continuously used, which results in a large amount of carbon dioxide being emitted.Compared to mining natural diamonds, synthetic diamonds may be better for the environment since they require less electrical energy than mining them, but depending on how you look at it, it may be a world of 50 or 100 steps.
By the way, the moissanite we handle at GYPPHY is made from a material (SiC) that is the basis of power semiconductors and is made of the same elemental structure as the moissanite, which we received from a major company and used in surplus. We do not use electrical energy just to make
◼️ Natural diamonds also have ethical diamonds that are good for the environment
Up to this point, you may think that natural diamonds are gemstones that are bad for the environment, but in fact, there are some mines that mine diamonds with consideration for the environment.We also consider the working environment, eliminate child labor, provide non-conflict diamonds through thorough traceability management, and manage resource usage such as electrical energy and water.Although there are not many such mines yet, there are many diamonds that can be purchased with confidence.In particular, some major famous jewelry brands manage the distribution of diamonds from upstream to downstream, so you can rest assured.
This is just my personal opinion, but if you want to buy natural diamond jewelry from a Japanese brand, I recommend EARTHRISE.We are committed to making ethical jewelry down to the smallest detail.HASUNA is also famous for its ethical jewelry brand.The base metal used in both products is *Fairmined Gold, and we are particular about ethical practices, so it may be said that the jewelry is much more ethical than jewelry that just sells synthetic diamonds. This is just my personal opinion)
◼️If you are unsure, it is important to investigate thoroughly.
If you have any concerns about purchasing, we recommend contacting the manufacturer and making sure you are satisfied before purchasing.If you have any questions about GYPPHY, please feel free to contact us (^^)
Make a comment