In his book Glitter & Greed: The Secret World of the Diamond Cartel, Tom Zoellner discusses the rise of lab-grown diamonds in the UK.
Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds that are created in a laboratory, rather than mined from the Earth. They are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds, but they are typically much less expensive.
The UK is one of the leading markets for lab-grown diamonds. In 2018, the UK accounted for 15% of global lab-grown diamond sales. This is due in part to the fact that the UK has a strong ethical jewelry market, and consumers are increasingly looking for alternatives to mined diamonds.
The rise of lab-grown diamonds has put pressure on the diamond cartel, which is a group of companies that control the global diamond trade. The cartel has tried to suppress the sale of lab-grown diamonds, but it has been unsuccessful.
In 2018, the diamond cartel filed a lawsuit against the UK jeweler Brilliant Earth, alleging that Brilliant Earth was misleading consumers about the nature of lab diamonds uk. However, the lawsuit was dismissed by the court.
The future of lab-grown diamonds in the UK is uncertain. However, it is clear that lab-grown diamonds are here to stay. As consumers become more aware of the ethical and environmental issues surrounding mined diamonds, the demand for lab-grown diamonds is likely to continue to grow.
The Ethical Considerations of Lab-Grown Diamonds
In addition to the price difference between lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds, there are also some ethical considerations to take into account when making your choice.
Diamond mining is a very destructive industry, and it has been linked to human rights abuses and environmental damage. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are a more ethical option. They are not mined, so they do not contribute to the environmental and human rights problems associated with diamond mining.
If you are concerned about the ethical implications of your jewelry purchase, then lab-grown diamonds are a good option. However, if you are looking for a rare and valuable gemstone, then mined diamonds are the better choice.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Where to Buy Lab-Grown Diamonds in the UK
There are a number of retailers in the UK that sell lab-grown diamonds. Some of the most popular retailers include:
Brilliant Earth: Brilliant Earth is an online retailer that sells a wide variety of lab-grown diamonds.
James Allen: James Allen is another online retailer that sells lab-grown diamonds. 77 Diamonds: 77 Diamonds is a UK-based retailer that sells lab-grown diamonds.
Diamond Foundry: Diamond Foundry is a lab-grown diamond manufacturer that also has a retail store in London.
When choosing a retailer, it is important to do your research and make sure that the retailer is reputable. You should also ask about the retailer’s return policy in case you are not happy with your purchase.