Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Real Diamonds Explained by a Gemologist

A few months ago I got a text from my brother that read, “what is more sustainable, real or lab-grown diamonds”. Since then, I have been pondering this question. I responded to him “I think real..” not being completely confident of my answer, but excited about the possibility of his girlfriend becoming my sister !

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Malyia McNaughton, a Gemologist, who owns an upcycling jewelry business called Made by Malyia. I was able to meet McNaughton at the FIT sustainability conference where she was one of the panelists in a discussion on changes within the luxury space. 

19th Annual FIT Sustainability Conference

While talking with her, I brought up my brother’s question and asked her opinion. Without hesitation, she tells me mined diamonds are 100% better for humans and the planet. She went on to tell me about the fossil fuel reliance and carbon emissions that result from the lab growing process of diamonds. 

Malyia also mentioned that these labs take jobs from local communities that rely on the diamond trade. She was lucky enough to travel a lot and visit some of these towns and meet the local communities that are impacted by the diamond trade. 

While mining for diamonds can be dangerous, this provides jobs to local community members living near the mines. With new technological advancements and more safety measures in place, mining for diamonds can be a good job for members of the local communities. 

So the answer to this every pressing question seems clear to me: Real, mined diamonds are more sustainable and more ethical to purchase. But, what Malyia does is definitely the most sustainable/ethical jewelry practice. 

Malyia McNaughton

Malyia takes old jewelry that is no longer useful to its owner and is able to repurpose the metals and stones to create new pieces. While listening to her speak, I was moved by her passion to create unique jewelry for every individual. 

This started when McNaughton couldn't find a body chain she liked so she decided to make one herself. Sense then, Made by Maylia has grown exponentially, her jewelry is available in stores in NYC and Paris as well as online.

Maylia likes to create jewelry that reflects the beauty and strength of the individual wearing it which is what makes her designs so special. She does custom orders as well and told me about one order where she took a customer's mother's old wedding ring and created a new piece for the next generation so the materials can have a new life.

If more designers started to do what Malyia does with her business, we can help limit the amount of waste that comes from the fashion industry. The reuse of materials is so important to have a more sustainable future.

Thank you for reading !

-AJ

4/21/25