For common mortals like us, owning diamonds can signify great wealth. We have been led to believe that if we own this unique jewel, we will “look” and even feel wealthy. You would be shocked to hear that diamond sales are worth $80 billion annually. Of course, selling diamond jewelry is a massive business. For others, diamonds are the hallmarks of relationship commitments and signs of love. This is why newlywed couples make jewels of diamonds for each other. While both of these traditions are acceptable and wholesome in their own right, there is something worrisome: The vulnerability of the planet.

Leah / Pexels / While diamonds can be unique assets for some, they add up to the vulnerability of our planet.

You might be wondering what this unique jewel has to do with our planet. Well, you only see the beauty and uniqueness of a diamond in all its glory. What you do not see, however, is the process - the mining of diamonds - that leads to the making of diamonds. There are numerous reports warning that mining diamonds causes deforestation and soil erosion. A recent study found that the process of diamond mining in Africa is adding up to the vulnerability of the planet earth. It gives birth to soil erosion. And the massive deforestation heats up the planet and adds up to climate change. Thus, it is apparent that the process of ‘making’ and mining diamonds adds up to the destruction of our ecosystem.

However, it is essential to note that diamond miners in Africa are taking ‘protective measures’ to save our planet. But reports suggest that these measures are not enough; they suspect that the wage is below the standard rate and the working conditions are not good enough to enhance the process of making diamonds.

Tom / Pexels / The process of diamond mining in Africa includes deforestation and soil erosion - which may lead to the destruction of our ecosystem.

So, is there any way to save this unique jewel called diamond - while also making sure that we do not destroy our planet? Luckily, it turns out that there is an effective alternative.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Thanks to the advancement of science, there is an effective way by which we can retain this unique jewel. Simultaneously, we will not destroy our habitat. And that alternative is a lab-grown diamond.

Judy / Pexels / Lab-grown diamonds are made of crystalized diamonds and look exactly like traditional diamonds.

Unlike ‘traditional diamonds,’ lab-grown diamonds are strictly made in laboratories. Essentially, they do not require the process of mining. Made with crystalized carbon, these diamonds shine and look exactly like the traditional diamonds that are made through diamond mining.

Since these diamonds are strictly made in labs, their impacts on our planet are out of the question. Likewise, worker exploitation - which is commonplace in diamond mining - is also out of question. However, the biggest perk of lab-grown diamonds is that it does not affect our planet. No deforestation, no soil erosion, and no destruction of our ecosystem.

So, if you are conscious about preserving our planet - which you should be - lab-grown diamonds are the best way to kick off. The value is the same, and the ‘look’ is also no different. Thus, there should be nothing to hold you back from opting for lab-grown diamonds and playing your role in preserving our habitat.