A Guide to Choosing Diamonds

Sustainable, Ethical & Practical Considerations

Diamonds are often the most emotional part of a piece of jewellery — they hold meaning, symbolism, and the promise of being treasured for a lifetime.
But choosing one can feel overwhelming, especially if
you care about sustainability, ethics, and making a
thoughtful investment.

This guide brings together the key things to consider so you can choose a diamond you’ll love,
with clarity and confidence.

1. Start With the Origin: Where Did the Diamond Come From?

Ethical sourcing begins with traceability.
Look for stones with clear documentation on where they were mined, cut, and traded.
Diamonds with full provenance help ensure:

fair labour practices
safe working conditions
minimal exploitation
greater transparency across the supply chain

What to look for:
Kimberley Process–certified diamonds (baseline protection, though not perfect)
Suppliers who provide full origin traceability (mine-to-market)
Independent, conflict-free suppliers with small-scale or community-driven mining partnerships

When working with an independent jeweller, you can often ask exactly where your stone comes from and get a precise answer.

2. Consider Lab-Grown Diamonds for a Lower-Impact Option

Lab-grown diamonds are one of the most sustainable and accessible choices. They have the same chemical structure and brilliance as mined diamonds, but usually:

have a lower carbon footprint
involve no mining
cost significantly less for the same size and quality

They’re ideal if you want beauty, ethics, and value in
equal measure.

Good to know:
Lab-grown diamonds still vary in sustainability depending on how they’re produced — look for suppliers that use renewable energy and adhere to accredited responsible practices.

3. Don’t Overlook Vintage & Recycled Diamonds

One of the most environmentally friendly choices is to use a diamond that already exists.

Recycled or antique diamonds require no new mining and often come with unique charm and character. They can be:

taken from heirloom jewellery
sourced through antique dealers
purchased as recycled stones from ethical suppliers

This option keeps materials in circulation and adds a beautifully personal touch to your ring.

4. Look for Responsible Cutting & Setting

Sustainability doesn’t end at mining — it continues into the crafting stage.

Choose stones cut by skilled artisans in workshops known for ethical labour standards and safe working conditions. Responsible cutting typically results in:

less waste
better brilliance
more thoughtful use of the rough stone

Working with an independent maker also means your stone will be set in small-scale, low-waste environments rather than mass-manufacturing facilities.

5. Understanding the “4 Cs” (Without the Pressure)

A quick, practical refresher and how these choices affect sustainability and value:

Cut

The most important C. A well-cut diamond sparkles more and often looks larger than its carat size. Environmentally, good cutting also minimises waste.

Colour

Most high-quality stones fall between D–H. Choosing slightly lower on the scale (e.g., G–J) is more affordable and often indistinguishable to the eye — a great practical choice.

Clarity

Very few inclusions are visible without magnification. You can often choose SI1 or VS2 and still have a beautifully clean-looking stone.

Carat

Size affects price the most. Consider going just under the major thresholds (0.9ct instead of 1ct) for better value and less material demand.

Ethical tip: A well-cut 0.8ct diamond often appears brighter — and sometimes bigger — than a poorly cut 1ct.

6. Choose Shapes With Sustainability in Mind

Some cuts use more of the original stone than others.
More efficient cuts = less waste.

Low-waste, efficient cuts:
Round brilliant (most efficient, highest brightness)
Cushion cut
Oval

Higher-waste cuts:
Emerald
Asscher
Pear
Marquise

All shapes are beautiful, but if sustainability matters to you, this is a gentle thing to consider.

7. Trust the Certifying Bodies

Reputable certification matters. It ensures you’re getting exactly what you think you’re paying for.

Look for grading from:
GIA (Gold standard)
IGI (Excellent for lab-grown)
AGS (Known for precise cut grading)

A certificate supports transparency and long-term value.

8. The Most Meaningful Choice Is the One That Feels Right

At the heart of sustainability is intention — choosing something with care, thought, and connection. Whether your diamond is lab-grown, vintage, recycled, or traceably mined, the most ethical choice is the one you’ll cherish and wear for decades.

A beautiful diamond isn’t just about brilliance; it’s about feeling aligned with the journey it took to reach you.