Natural vs. lab-grown diamond: myth, marketing, or decision?

At first glance, it seems simple: mining natural diamonds destroys nature, laboratory production is modern and clean. But the reality is more complicated. The ecological, ethical and economic footprint of both options depends on the circumstances – and there is no clear answer. We therefore decided to conduct a study that takes an objective stance on this controversial topic. The customer will not visually recognize the difference between natural and laboratory diamonds – both are physically, chemically and optically identical. The decision is therefore not about appearance, but about origin and personal and financial choices.

What does "ecological diamond" mean?

The main problem with natural diamonds is mining. To produce one carat (a stone about the size of a pinhead), up to 1,000 tons of earth must be moved . This consumes:

• approximately 100–150 kWh of electricity

• up to 4,000 liters of water

• and approximately 2,700 kg of tailings will be generated

An average of 160 kg of CO₂ is released into the atmosphere per cut carat. Add to this the impacts on the landscape, waterways and biodiversity.

Lab-grown diamonds: clean, but not always green

Lab-grown diamonds are created without mining – in a closed environment, using high temperatures, pressure or plasma. They do not take up land, do not produce tailings and use minimal water .

The key problem? Energy.

The production of one carat can consume:

• from 70 to 400+ kWh of electricity ,

• which, when using coal, means up to 500 kg of CO₂ per carat.

And here is the crux of the matter:

Most lab-grown diamonds are produced today in China and India , where over 60–70% of electricity comes from coal . In China, coal still accounts for around 61% of the energy mix, and in India, it even makes up more than 73% . Renewable sources only account for around 30–35% .

Conversely, when using renewable energy, the carbon footprint can be up to ten times lower than that of mined stone. If coal mining is replaced by renewable sources, another question will be what exactly will be replaced, what will be the lifespan of these devices, and how will this renewable source be disposed of sustainably.

Price, value and investment

Diamond prices have been changing in recent years:

• Natural diamonds have seen a price decline of around 18% since 2022 , due to changes in consumer behavior and competition from lab-grown stones. In 2025, corrections have already occurred, which are a prerequisite for further price growth.

• Lab-grown diamonds are typically 40-60% cheaper than natural diamonds and their price continues to fall as supply increases. Their investment value is zero – the market is constantly flooded with new production and their long-term value is not guaranteed. According to our forecasts, the price of lab-grown diamonds will approach the price of cubic zirconia in the next few decades.

  
  

  

  
  

📈 The exception is natural colored diamonds – for example, pink, blue or yellow. They are rare, mined in only a few places in the world and their supply is limited. The prices of these stones often increase , especially for stones from closed mines (e.g. Australian Argyle). Colored diamonds are therefore becoming an investment – not only collectible, but also financial.

Graph showing the price development of colored investment diamonds

At a glance: one carat vs. impact

	Natural diamond	Laboratory diamond
CO2 emissions per 1 carat	~160 kg	40–500 kg (depending on energy)
Electricity consumption	100–150 kWh	70–400+ kWh
Water consumption	500–7,000 liters	<10 liters
Waste rock	up to 2,700 kg	none
Land grabbing	up to 10 m² per 1 carat	minimum (hall)
Price	higher but fluctuating	lower, still decreasing
Investment potential w	✅ mainly colored stones	❌ (practically none)

What about humans? Diamonds are not just carbon

Diamond mining also has a social dimension . In countries like Botswana, Namibia, and Canada, mines are a source of livelihood for entire communities . They help build schools, hospitals, and roads. Diamonds help where there is often no other stable economy.

To prevent the exploitation of people and conflict diamonds, the Kimberley Process , an international system of origin verification, was created. Today, more than 99% of diamonds on the world market are certified as conflict-free .

Lab-grown diamonds provide jobs for technicians, developers, and workers – most often in countries like China, India, or the US. However, production is not linked to specific local communities . The benefit is more technological than social development.

Conclusion? Energy is the key. And conscious choice.

Neither type of diamond is automatically "better."

• A natural diamond has a larger ecological footprint, but it often supports entire regions – and in the case of colored stones, it also increases the value of the invested capital .

• A lab-grown diamond may be more environmentally friendly – but only if it is produced with clean energy.

At DeLoire, we believe that jewelry should carry both value and responsibility. Whether a stone is mined or lab-grown, it is important to know where it comes from – and why we want to wear it in the first place. From the above, it is clear that if our intention is to have a beautiful piece of jewelry and the investment parameter is not important to us, a lab-grown diamond is suitable. If our intention is to have a beautiful piece of jewelry and take into account its sustainable value, it is more appropriate to choose a natural diamond. Our priority is to educate customers so that they are able to make a conscious purchasing decision.

So how do you decide?

• I want to support communities that are directly dependent on mining and processing and have greater potential as value holders → focus on natural diamonds.

• I want beautiful jewelry at a reasonable price → consider a lab-grown diamond.

• I want an investment → consider a colored natural diamond , which has not only beauty but also a value that grows over time. We provide professional advice for this option.