Diamonds are often seen as the ultimate symbol of love, luxury, and commitment. But have you ever stopped to wonder if everything you’ve heard about earth-mined diamonds is true? Let’s break down some common myths about earth-mined diamonds and take a look at what’s really going on in the world of sparkle and shine.
Myth #1: Diamonds Are Super Rare
Hold up—did you know diamonds aren’t as rare as they’re made out to be? Sure, they’re shiny and stunning, but when it comes to rarity, there are plenty of other stones that beat diamonds out. Think tanzanite or alexandrite, which are far rarer than your average diamond. Plus, diamond production has been so high that we have more diamonds in circulation than we’ll ever need, making mining them unnecessary.
Myth #2: You Should Spend Two Months' Salary on a Diamond
Who made this rule? Oh, right—diamond moguls! This myth was created to get you to spend more. The truth? You don’t have to spend your entire savings on a diamond ring. Buy what feels right for you—your love, your budget. And guess what? Lab-grown diamonds are just as beautiful (if not better) and cost a lot less than their earth-mined counterparts. Win-win!
Myth #3: Diamond Mining Helps Developing Countries
Sounds good on paper, right? Unfortunately, this one’s a bit of a sad reality. Countries with natural resources like diamonds often end up with less economic growth, not more. The wealth from diamond mining doesn’t trickle down to the local communities who suffer under harsh working conditions. And when the mine runs dry, those jobs disappear. So much for the economic benefits.
Myth #4: The Kimberley Process Guarantees Conflict-Free Diamonds
The Kimberley Process is supposed to keep diamonds from funding war, but it doesn’t really cover the whole picture. Sure, it stops rebel groups from profiting directly, but it doesn’t prevent the brutal conditions that workers face or the environmental damage caused by mining. A diamond might be labeled “conflict-free,” but the truth is, it’s probably part of a much bigger problem.
Myth #5: Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Just as Bad for the Environment as Mining
Let’s set the record straight—growing diamonds is much less harmful to the environment than digging them up from the earth. Sure, it takes electricity to grow a diamond, but more and more companies are using renewable energy to minimize their carbon footprint. In contrast, mining has irreversible environmental impacts that affect entire ecosystems.
Myth #6: Earth-Mined Diamonds Are Higher Quality
Not always! Earth-mined diamonds are mostly Type Ia, while the most pure, brilliant diamonds—Type IIa—make up just 2% of diamonds in the market. And guess what? All lab-grown diamonds are Type IIa, meaning they’re brighter, purer, and harder than the average earth-mined diamond. If you want a superior diamond without the premium price tag, lab-grown is the way to go.
Myth #7: Bigger Diamonds Are Worth More
Size isn’t everything when it comes to diamonds! While the size of a diamond might seem like the most important factor, its color, clarity, and cut are what really give it value. You can actually save a ton of money by going for a slightly smaller diamond with better color and clarity. Plus, lab-grown diamonds are often a fraction of the price compared to their mined counterparts, offering you a sparkling gem for much less!
The Bottom Line
Diamonds, whether from the earth or lab-grown, are beautiful. But when you take a closer look, it’s clear that earth-mined diamonds come with a hefty price—both in cost and ethical implications. Lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable, affordable alternative that don’t compromise on quality or beauty, and they’re a great way to make sure your love shines as brightly as the future you want to build—without the environmental or social impact.