Diamonds are a staple of modern society. Whether embedded in one’s engagement ring or even in power tools to increase their durability, they are undeniably prevalent. However, this popularity accumulates at a steep cost for the millions of lives destroyed to maintain it. The diamond mining industry should be replaced with far more sustainable and ethical lab-grown diamonds.

One of the most dire effects of diamond mining is that upon the environment. Such a rigorous and widespread activity does not occur without consequences. “Irresponsible diamond mining has caused soil erosion, led to deforestation, and forced local populations to relocate” (Brilliant Earth). These effects are not merely temporary, either. Soil erosion increases pollution, clogs waterways, and causes loss of fertile land (Ho). In the pursuit of petty, trivial gems, humanity is actively reducing its food supply and biodiversity by destroying precious farm land. This obsession with mined diamonds becomes even more ridiculous, especially when one considers the perfectly suitable alternative.

Lab-grown diamonds are not some futuristic sci-fi technology, nor a gaudy new trend. In fact, the first synthetic diamond was announced in February of 1955 by General Electric (Soha Diamond Co). The technology has been refined to the point that today’s synthetic diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from their mined counterparts. Lab-grown diamonds retain the same components as mined diamonds, making them chemically and visually identical. The only difference is that mined diamonds’ extraction process has irreversible consequences, whereas synthetic diamonds are wholly environmentally friendly.

Though diamonds may be derived from the earth, the mining process affects ecosystems everywhere, including the ocean. “Seabed mining degrades the marine environment, potentially impacting marine species… Some species and habitats are simply not resilient enough to cope with these multiple stresses simultaneously” (Scott). The ocean is constantly under extreme stress: various pollutants are already slowly destroying it, and underwater mining only compounds this damage. This practice is utterly unnecessary, yet humanity continues to murder countless aquatic plants and animals for trivial, aesthetic purposes. We can only suffer by continuing this selfish course: diamond mining must discontinue.

Notwithstanding these cons, many proponents of the practice continue to argue for the validity of diamond mining. Despite the horrors that this mining has wreaked upon the environment, “serious environmental risks, effective regulation and proper planning can minimize diamond mining’s environmental impact” (Brilliant Earth). In a perfect world, diamond mining would be safe and without consequence, as this article states. However, our reality is not perfect, and the megacorporations controlling these processes hold little regard for the environment. “The pollution in rivers due to acid drainage by diamond mines has increased by 36% between 1956 and 2003” (Matthews). There are undeniably negative effects of diamond mining. Some may argue that these corporations could simply change their practices. However, this does not address another vastly prevalent issue within the industry: the use of unethical human labor.

Modern society widely regards diamonds to represent love. Ironically, companies often produce them with cold cruelty. Multinational corporations, disregarding workers and caring only for profit, often utilize the forced and underpaid labor of impoverished children and citizens to meet their quotas.