The Role of Lab-Grown Diamonds in Reducing Conflict Diamonds

What Are Conflict Diamonds?

Conflict diamonds, often called blood diamonds, are rough stones mined in war zones and sold to fund armed conflict. These diamonds became widely known during the 1990s and early 2000s, with brutal conflicts in Sierra Leone, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo tied directly to the trade [Wikipedia].

 In response to international pressure, the Kimberley Process was launched in 2003. It’s a global certification scheme meant to stop conflict diamonds from entering the market. The process has over 80 participating countries and was seen as a big step forward when it started. But over time, its weaknesses have become clear.

 One of the main criticisms is that the Kimberley Process has a narrow definition—it only addresses diamonds used to fund rebel movements, not those tied to human rights abuses, corrupt governments, or environmental harm [Time]. It also relies heavily on self-reporting and lacks independent oversight, which opens the door for diamonds from unethical sources to be certified as “conflict-free.”

 In 2011, the NGO Global Witness, which helped create the Kimberley Process, publicly pulled out of the initiative. They said it had failed to stop diamonds linked to violence and abuse, especially in countries like Zimbabwe [Global Witness].

 So while many diamonds are technically “certified,” that doesn’t always mean they’re ethically sourced. And that’s a key reason why consumers and retailers are looking for better options.

Why the Industry Is Looking for Alternatives

 Even with certifications in place, the diamond industry hasn’t shaken off its ethical concerns. For many consumers, especially younger buyers, a “conflict-free” label isn’t enough. People want transparency—not just where a diamond was mined, but how it was handled, who profited, and what kind of impact it had.

 The Kimberley Process doesn’t cover those details. It doesn’t stop diamonds tied to worker exploitation, environmental harm, or corrupt regimes from entering the market. That’s why trust in traditional sourcing methods has started to erode.

At the same time, awareness is growing around the environmental damage linked to diamond mining. Open-pit mines can displace entire communities and damage ecosystems. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, reports of unsafe working conditions and child labour have pushed buyers to ask harder questions.

Retailers are feeling that pressure too. More companies are being asked to show proof of ethical sourcing. And in many cases, they can’t. This has opened the door to alternative supply chains—especially lab-grown diamonds, which offer more control, traceability, and fewer unknowns.

The Rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds

 Lab-grown diamonds aren’t new, but their role in the jewellery industry has changed fast. What started as a niche product is now a serious part of the market. And for buyers who care about ethics and sustainability, they’re becoming the go-to choice.

These diamonds are made using two main methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). Both recreate the conditions that form diamonds underground—but inside a lab. The result? A real diamond. Same chemical structure. Same look. No mining involved.

Lab-grown diamonds avoid most of the ethical issues tied to traditional sourcing. There’s no forced labour, no funding of armed conflict, and far less environmental damage. Production still uses energy, but in many labs that energy is renewable. Some companies now even publish lifecycle assessments of their diamonds, showing emissions and resource use.

Visually and physically, there’s no difference. They’re graded the same way as mined diamonds (cut, clarity, colour, carat) and certified by the same labs, like IGI or GIA.

Prices are lower too—often 30–50% less than a mined equivalent. That makes them more accessible, especially for buyers who want quality without supporting questionable practices.

Impact on Conflict Diamonds

 Lab-grown diamonds don’t just offer an ethical option—they reduce demand for mined stones entirely. And that’s where the real shift happens.

When buyers choose lab-grown, they’re removing money from supply chains that may be linked—directly or not—to conflict zones. Even if a specific diamond isn’t from a war-torn area, the industry as a whole is shaped by global demand. Less demand for mined diamonds means less pressure to extract them from risky or unregulated regions.

Reports from industry analysts, like Bain & Company, show that lab-grown diamonds are gaining market share each year. In 2023, lab-grown stones made up roughly 10% of global diamond jewellery sales—and that number keeps growing. More choice means more people can opt out of murky supply chains without sacrificing quality.

The effect is especially strong in markets where ethical sourcing matters. In the US, UK, and here in Australia, many buyers are already shifting toward lab-grown. That puts pressure on the traditional diamond industry to clean up its act—or lose relevance.

And while lab-grown diamonds won’t stop every unethical practice overnight, they are changing the conversation. They give people a way to buy consciously and push the industry in a better direction.

The Australian Context

In Australia, the jewellery market is witnessing a notable shift as consumers increasingly opt for ethical and sustainable choices. Lab-grown diamonds have gained significant traction, reflecting a broader global trend towards responsible consumption.

This growing preference is exemplified by the success of companies like Cullen Jewellery, a Melbourne-based retailer specializing in lab-grown diamonds. Founded in 2016, Cullen Jewellery has expanded to multiple cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. The company reported a 400% year-on-year revenue growth in 2023, aligning with the global lab-grown diamond market’s projected value of USD 59.2 billion by 2032. [Forbes Australia]

Similarly, The Moissanite Company (TMC), established in 2021 by Brisbane couple Makayla and Tom Donovan, transformed a $10,000 investment into a $10 million enterprise within a few years. TMC’s focus on affordable, lab-grown diamond jewellery has resonated with Australian consumers seeking ethical alternatives.

Established jewellers are also adapting to this trend. Bartlett Master Jewellers, a family-owned business in Townsville with a 50-year history, now offers lab-grown diamonds alongside traditional options. This approach caters to the evolving preferences of their clientele, emphasizing transparency and education about diamond choices. [Financial Times]

The increasing availability of lab-grown diamonds in Australia reflects a broader consumer shift towards sustainability and ethical sourcing. As awareness grows, more Australians are choosing these alternatives, influencing the local market and encouraging retailers to align with these values.

 Conclusion

 Conflict diamonds exposed one of the darkest sides of the jewellery trade. And while efforts like the Kimberley Process tried to fix it, the reality is more complicated. Many buyers no longer trust the label “conflict-free” to mean what it should.

Lab-grown diamonds offer a clearer path. They don’t rely on dangerous mining practices. They don’t come from war zones. And they let buyers support transparency without compromising on quality.

In Australia and globally, more people are choosing with their conscience. The shift to lab-grown diamonds is reshaping the industry—not just as a trend, but as a long-term move toward cleaner sourcing and better standards.

For those who care where their diamonds come from, that shift matters.