Should You Choose Sustainable Jewellery Over Traditional Mined Diamonds?
- Aarefa | Earth Angel HQ
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 22
In a world that’s waking up to conscious living, the jewellery industry is undergoing a much-needed transformation. Gone are the days when diamonds were simply measured by carats and clarity. Today’s consumers are asking deeper questions—where is my jewellery from? Who made it? And what impact does it have on the planet? If you’re searching for jewellery that aligns with your values without compromising on beauty or brilliance, then choosing sustainable jewellery over traditional mined diamonds is the way forward.
The Problem With Traditional Mined Diamonds
Diamonds have long symbolised eternity, love, and luxury. But beneath their glittering surface lies a history marred by environmental damage, human rights violations, and social conflict.
1. Environmental Destruction
Land degradation: Open-pit and alluvial mining devastate landscapes, destroy forests, and contribute to soil erosion.
Water pollution: Toxic runoff from mining pollutes rivers and drinking water sources.
High carbon footprint: Mined diamonds contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions due to heavy machinery and global transportation.
2. Human Rights Concerns
Exploitation of labour: In several parts of Africa and Asia, miners—including children—work in dangerous conditions with little to no protection or fair pay.
Conflict diamonds (blood diamonds): Some diamonds have historically funded wars and armed conflicts, especially in politically unstable regions.
3. Lack of Transparency
Many diamonds go through complex supply chains, making it difficult to trace their true origins—raising questions about ethical sourcing even when labelled “conflict-free.”
The Rise of Sustainable Alternatives
What is Sustainable Jewellery?
Sustainable jewellery is a response to these challenges. It refers to jewellery that is thoughtfully created using ethical practices and environmentally conscious materials. From sourcing to production, the goal is to ensure minimal harm to people and the planet. At the heart of this movement are materials like lab-grown diamonds and moissanites, as well as precious metals that are responsibly sourced or recycled.
What are Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, but grown in controlled laboratory environments using high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
Properties: Identical to Mined Diamonds & Certified by IGI and GIA
Price: Around 30–50% more affordable than mined diamonds of similar size and quality.
Ethical & Sustainable: Lower carbon footprint, Transparent origins, No human exploitation
What are Moissanites?
Moissanite is a gemstone originally discovered in a meteor crater—now exclusively lab-grown for jewellery due to its rarity in nature.
Properties:
Higher brilliance than diamonds due to a refractive index of 2.65–2.69
Hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale—ideal for everyday wear
Ethically produced and environmentally friendly
Price: Significantly more affordable than both lab-grown and mined diamonds
Ethical & Sustainable: Mesmerising fire and sparkle along with sustainable and affordable luxury
Why Lab-Grown Diamonds and Moissanites are The Better Choice
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are created in controlled environments using cutting-edge technology and are virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. What sets them apart is their traceability, lower carbon footprint, and freedom from the exploitative supply chains often associated with natural diamonds.
Moissanites, on the other hand, are a stunning and highly sustainable gemstone in their own right. Originally discovered in a meteor crater, moissanite is now exclusively lab-grown, making it 100% conflict-free. It has a higher refractive index than diamonds, giving it more fire and brilliance. Moissanite is also more affordable, harder than most gemstones, and extremely durable, making it perfect for daily wear.
Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanites offer a responsible, beautiful, and meaningful alternative to traditionally mined stones—without sacrificing quality or aesthetics.
Why Sustainable Jewellery is the Future
There’s a common misconception that sustainable jewellery is less refined or luxurious. The truth is, some of the most elegant and symbolic pieces today are crafted with sustainability at their core. Choosing sustainable jewellery is not about compromise—it’s about intention. It’s about wearing something that reflects not only your style, but your values. It means investing in:
People: Fair wages, safe labour, and dignified work
Planet: Minimal environmental impact and responsible resource use
Purpose: Symbolism, meaning, and intention behind every piece
Bloomtine: A Conscious Choice in Every Detail
If you’re looking for sustainable demi-fine or fine jewellery in the UK, Bloomtine, a London-based brand, should be at the top of your list. Bloomtine’s pieces are not only breathtaking—they are deeply symbolic, ethically crafted, and designed to last.
All demi-fine jewellery at Bloomtine is made using the finest sustainably sourced sterling silver, 14k gold vermeil, and conflict-free moissanites. Our gold is sourced from certified suppliers in Singapore and Switzerland, ensuring that every step in the process meets the highest standards of transparency and ethical responsibility. Bloomtine’s fine jewellery collection also includes pieces made with lab-grown diamonds and ethically sourced mined diamonds. We ensure that our natural diamonds strictly adhere to the Kimberley Process, a global initiative to eliminate conflict diamonds from the supply chain. All jewellery is designed and assembled in our London studio, allowing us to ensure exceptional quality, originality, and care.
From angel wings that honour loved ones to star-inspired pieces symbolising abundance, Bloomtine’s collections are crafted to speak to the soul. They are perfect for daily wear and for meaningful gifting—whether you're celebrating a personal milestone, a relationship, or simply your own journey.
Bloomtine's Bestselling Pieces:
The Future of Jewellery is Ethical
Jewellery should never come at the cost of someone else’s wellbeing—or the planet’s future. As we move toward a more conscious world, choosing sustainable jewellery is a powerful statement. It’s about beauty that doesn’t harm, sparkle that’s guilt-free, and meaning that lasts forever.
At Bloomtine, we believe that your jewellery should be as thoughtful as it is beautiful. That’s why we create every piece with purpose, passion, and integrity—so that when you wear Bloomtine, you’re not just wearing jewellery. You’re wearing your values.
🛍 Where to Shop Bloomtine's Sustainable Jewellery in UK
✨ In-Person Retail
Wolf & Badger - SOHO London
102 Berwick St, London W1F 0QB, United Kingdom
🥤Pop-Up Dates – July 2025 (London)
Get exclusive discounts, freebies, and meet the team!
📍 31st July – NatWest Bank
💻 Shop Online
Explore the full collection anytime at www.bloomtine.com
You can also find us stocked online at Wolf & Badger, Oxygen Lifestyle, Rackhams, and Immaculate Vegan.
Love,
Bloomtine | Earth Angel HQ
