With growing awareness of the environmental and ethical consequences of mining for natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are arguably a girl’s new best friend. Not only does mining cause habitat destruction, deforestation and chemical waste, but the human implications are equally severe, be it displacement, air pollution or poor working conditions.
The first diamonds were mined in India around 4BC, but the industry didn’t reach industrial scale until the 19th century when primary kimberlite pipes were discovered. These natural volcanic rock formations in the earth provided easier access to precious gems. It wasn’t long until jewellery heavyweights like DeBeers, Cartier, Tiffany & Co and Bulgari monopolised mining, making diamonds more accessible and no longer just for Royals and elites.
