The Ethics and Transparency of Manmade Diamonds By Bill Boyajian
Growth in the production of synthetic diamonds
in recent years has heralded new considerations for an industry focused
primarily on selling natural, mined diamonds. At least one synthetic
diamond company, Diamond Foundry,
also supported by movie star Leonardo DiCaprio, is claiming that
manmade diamonds are a more ethical alternative than natural diamonds.
Such
claims raise questions about the way synthetic diamonds are currently
marketed and whether it is misleading to present them this way to
consumers. Staunch supporters of “fair trade” diamonds and the millions
of artisanal diamond diggers, whose livelihoods depend on natural
diamond mining, take serious issue with such claims.
Notwithstanding
the need for accurate promotion and marketing of synthetics, an even
more fundamental issue is one of proper identification and transparency
of the product itself. The natural diamond industry has throughout
history been challenged by manmade look-alikes, numerous treatments and
deceptions of the gem, and, more recently, the scourge of “conflict
diamonds,”
To
facilitate greater transparency, leading members of the diamond and
jewelry industry have taken specific steps to protect themselves and the
public. For example, Gabriel & Co. has maintained a serialized tracking system for all of its fine diamond jewelry pieces throughout its many years of doing business.
It’s
a new dawn, and ethical issues need to be managed properly by every
member of the jewelry industry. Every dealer, designer, and retailer
must be responsible and accountable for the use of clear and unambiguous
nomenclature with synthetic diamonds. Ultimately, it is the consumer’s
opinion that counts, and that is why the trade must disclose properly,
describe accurately, and demand equity and ethical behavior in order to
maintain the public’s confidence and trust in diamonds.