What are Conflict Free Diamonds?

What Are Blood Diamonds?

Conflict Diamonds, also known as Blood Diamonds, are the diamonds which are mined and sold to finance civil wars and conflicts against legitimate governments. Diamond mining is extremely unethical, with their human rights abuses and exploitation of land.

In the year 1990, the United Nations came up with the term ‘Blood Diamonds’ implying that these beautiful rocks that were mined within war-torn areas and funding civil wars in western and central Africa, which can destroy domestic life for citizens.

The meaning behind ‘Blood Diamonds’

The meaning behind the term ‘Blood Diamonds’ comes from the truth behind them. They are mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflicts against legitimate governments. The dark reality which results in death of thousands of people, causes harm to individuals, communities, and entire nations.

In the past few decades, it has become a global initiative to reduce the sale of blood diamonds, as not only it is known to fuel conflicts in countries such as Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone; but also the sales of the conflict diamonds have contributed to instability and suffering to the entire nation.

If Blood Diamonds are so harmful, how are they legal?

In many countries, blood diamonds do not meet the sourcing criteria outlined by the United Nations, the US’ Clean Diamond Trade Act or the more famously known, Kimberley Process certification and prohibitions.

How do Conflict Diamonds finance conflict

The World Diamond Council reports that conflict diamonds are illegally mined, stolen, and then smuggled by rebel groups. The money from the trade then allows the rebel parties to arm their wars on government, which is an act of terrorism.

'Conflict Free'

The term "conflict-free" focuses on the absence of direct involvement in armed conflicts. Lab Grown Diamonds are considered conflict - free by nature. This is because they are created in controlled laboratory environments using advanced technological processes, rather than being mined from the Earth.

How to get Conflict - Free Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds offer an ethical and sustainable alternative to mined diamonds. They have a significantly lower environmental impact as they do not require large-scale mining operations, which can lead to ecological disturbances and the release of harmful pollutants into the environment. Moreover, lab-grown diamonds eliminate the potential for labor exploitation or human rights abuses often associated with traditional diamond mining.

Lab Grown Diamonds are the future. The new ethical and sustainable alternative to mined grown, blood diamonds. These diamonds are man-made, chemically, physically, and optically identical to earth mined diamonds. However, unliked earth mined diamonds, they are guaranteed conflict free.

At Trellis by Elyana, all our beautiful pieces are curated using high quality lab grown diamonds, set in 18K Gold. 

More about Lab Grown Diamonds 

How are they made?

Lab Grown Diamonds are made created in a controlled environment mimicking the process that naturally takes place below the Earth’s mantle. Lab Grown Diamonds are created through two main methods: High Pressure – High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

• HPHT: This method involved placing a small diamond seed in a carbon rich environment and subjecting it to high pressure and high temperature conditions. The carbon atoms crystalize around the seed, forming a larger diamond.

• CVD: In this method, a thin slice of diamond seed is places in a vacuum chamber, and a mixture of carbon rich gases are introduced. In this process the gasses are ionized, breaking down the carbon atoms, which then settle on the diamond seed and gradually grow to form a larger diamond.

Naturally, diamonds taken millions of years to grow. But, in a laboratory it takes about 2 – 4 weeks to form.

Lab Grown Diamonds are visually, chemically, and optically identical to natural grown mined diamonds. They are graded using the same criteria of the 4Cs: carat, color, clarity and cut.

What makes LGD so special?

Lab Grown Diamonds are increasingly gaining popularity as they are the ethical and sustainable alternatives to mined grown diamonds, providing consumers with more choices in the jewelry market. 

Why are Lab Grown Diamonds the conscious choice? 

Opting for lab-grown diamonds, you can support an industry that is free from the concerns of human rights abuses, conflict financing, and environmental degradation associated with some traditional diamond mining practices. They are the responsible and sustainable alternative.

The creation of lab-grown diamonds require fewer natural resources, reduce land disruption, and minimize the release of pollutants into the environment, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Lab-grown diamonds exhibit exceptional beauty, brilliance, and fire, delivering the same visual appeal and quality as their mined counterparts.

Lab-grown diamonds are typically priced lower than mined diamonds, allowing you to get a larger or higher-quality diamond within your budget and offer a wide range of options in terms of sizes, shapes, colors, and clarities. They are readily available in the market, providing you with a diverse selection to choose from

Lastly, the lab-grown diamond industry promotes transparency, and reputable companies provide certificates and grading reports that verify the authenticity, origin, and quality of the diamonds. This ensures that you can make an informed and confident purchase.

Choosing lab-grown diamonds allow you to enjoy the beauty and symbolism of diamonds while making an ethical and sustainable choice that aligns with your values.

At Trellis by Elyana, we offer our clients high quality lab-grown diamonds, embracing positive energies with ethical and responsible origins.