Jewelry & Watches

While most people still think of diamonds as being created over millions of years deep in the earth’s crust, increasing concern over the environmental degradation that often results from diamond mining is causing more and more people to reconsider the purchase of mined gems. Many are choosing more reasonably priced man made diamonds instead.

A beautifully cut diamond is a joy to behold, and traditionally, it has been a token of love and commitment. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize the impact that mining these gems has on the Earth. It can require the removal of as much as a ton or rock and earth to recover a single one-carat stone. Open pit mining is definitely not a joy to behold. It leaves a tragic and ugly scar upon a once beautiful landscape.

But that is only the beginning. This method of mining damages the local ecosystem greatly and pollutes the surrounding streams and rivers with huge amounts of cyanide and mercury (the products used to free gems from their rock casings). This adversely affects humans and animals alike. Luckily, recent developments in man made diamonds provide an excellent, environmentally responsible option.

Produced in the controlled environment of a lab, “cultured” stones are grown from diamond seeds. These tiny diamond bits are placed in a carbon environment, heated and pressurized, and allowed to grow just as diamonds do in the Earth’s crust (but it takes weeks rather than months). A small amount of electricity is required, but no other resources are necessary. This process does not need cyanide, mercury, or other harmful chemicals. It also doesn’t require tearing apart the earth, nor does it cause humans or animals to suffer, as occurs all too often in diamond mining. Up to four percent of the total mined diamond supply is comprised of conflict or “blood” diamonds, which fund terrorism and war in developing nations.

Even in countries such as Canada, where war and terrorism is not an issue, mining still adversely impacts the environment. Fortunately, Canadians have created much higher standards to protect the environment as much as possible. Monitoring of Canadian mines is continuous and stringent. In an effort to distinguish Canadian stones from others, a microscopic polar bear or maple leaf is inscribed on as many as possible. While this certainly helps identify more eco-friendly natural stones, man-made gems still have the least environmental impact.

Lab grown gems are genuine in every sense: they feature the same brilliance and sparkle of mined gems and are also identical physically, chemically and optically. They are even recognized and graded as diamonds by leading gemological laboratories. Furthermore, while colored “fancy” diamonds are rare in nature and extremely expensive, lab created gems in vibrant shades like pink, green, blue, yellow, and red cost about one-third less than their mined counterparts.

Lab grown diamonds that are gem quality are such a recent development that most jewelry stores don’t yet carry them. Fortunately, these beautiful stones can be purchased online through reputable companies. Whether you are purchasing for yourself or for your socially or environmentally conscious loved one, man-made gems are the perfect choice.

Looking for environmentally friendly diamonds and jewelry? The only diamond producer recognized by Earthshare, JewelNet.com is the premiere provider of man-made diamonds. They offer loose stones and bridal jewelry, pendants and earrings with certified stones in six vibrant colors. Visit the website for a free e-book on Diamond Savings. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services