In 2007, Nelson Mandela expressed concerns about the potential impact of the film Blood Diamond on African economies heavily dependent on natural diamond exports. Before the film’s release, he wrote to Warner Brothers, warning that the movie’s portrayal of conflict diamonds could discourage buyers from supporting legitimate diamond-producing nations in Africa. Mandela stressed the importance of these diamonds for African countries’ economic stability, fearing the film might lead to reduced sales and further harm already struggling communities.
Despite Mandela’s concerns, Warner Brothers did not issue a response. However, Blood Diamond director Ed Zwick acknowledged in interviews that diamonds are vital to many African economies, though he believed these countries were not getting their fair share of the profits. The film’s star, Leonardo DiCaprio, also weighed in, stating that diamonds contribute to social and economic stability in Africa, emphasizing that the film’s message was not to discourage diamond purchases entirely.
In recent years, lab-grown diamond (LGD) companies have ramped up their criticism of the natural diamond industry, often going unchallenged. The reasons for this narrative shift include lingering issues of unethical practices within the natural diamond sector, financial incentives for companies to explore the growing LGD market, and the failure of the natural diamond industry to adequately defend its practices. This vacuum has allowed others, particularly LGD producers, to shape public opinion.
Kimai, a fine jewelry brand promoting LGDs, recently presented its products on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, claiming their diamonds are optically and chemically identical to mined diamonds but without the environmental and ethical drawbacks. However, this narrative often exaggerates the negative aspects of natural diamond mining, ignoring the advancements made by companies such as De Beers in improving labor conditions, environmental conservation, and community development.
LGD companies like Vrai, the retail arm of Diamond Foundry, have targeted De Beers and other natural diamond producers with accusations of environmental destruction and unethical practices. Vrai claims that natural diamonds are abundant and that their prices are controlled by a “foreign mining cartel,” a statement that is not only misleading but factually inaccurate. Natural diamond supplies are depleting, and the so-called cartel ceased to exist decades ago.
What makes these claims even more problematic is that lab-grown diamonds, while cheaper to produce, are sold at high retail prices with little resale value, raising questions about who is really profiting from this narrative.
While LGD companies continue to attack the natural diamond industry, they often overlook the significant contributions that companies like De Beers make to African economies. In Botswana, De Beers has helped transform the country into one of the wealthiest in Africa. Their partnerships with local governments and conservation efforts, such as relocating elephants and protecting endangered species, are a testament to the positive impact natural diamond mining can have.
Mandela himself praised De Beers for its role in supporting African communities, contrasting the false narratives pushed by LGD companies. The LGD industry’s claims of sustainability become even more questionable when considering that some LGDs are used for military purposes, including missile systems and other defense technologies.
The natural diamond industry’s failure to counter these misleading narratives has allowed the LGD industry to dominate the conversation, leaving many in Africa—whose livelihoods depend on diamond mining—at risk. It’s time the natural diamond industry reclaimed its story and addressed the misinformation.
Related articles:
How long does it take to create a lab diamond？
Exploring Why Jewelers Promote Lab Diamonds
10 Reasons Why Natural Colored Diamonds Are the Smart Choice
