Mining gemstones, like diamonds, imposes harmful impacts on the environment, especially when it's not well-regulated. That's why the jewelry industry is taking steps to address such valid concerns. Take a look at one of the world's biggest and most popular jewelers, Pandora .
In 2021, it ditched selling mined diamonds in favor of lab-grown ones, which it said, will be made with 60% renewable energy on average. According to a 2021 report, the Copenhagen-based company said it expected their new diamonds to be made with 100% renewable energy upon its 2022 global launch, with the brand promising to use recycled gold and silver in its designs by 2025. In the Philippines, Davao-based jeweler Pristine Paradigm is among the pioneers to make a case for sustainable luxury jewelry by using premium quality lab-grown gemstones.
Pristine Paradigm co-founder Katriana "Yana" Batu always had the twin passion for jewelry and sustainability, tracing back to her childhood when her grandmother's love for jewelry inspired her. Discovering the world of lab-grown gemstones was a turning point for her, as it helped align her commitment to sustainability and entrepreneurial spirit. For Yana, lab-grown gemstones are at par with the quality of natural gemstones, making them a competitive alternative for those looking for sustainable jewelry.
"They're physically, chemically, and optically the same," Yana told GMA News Online. And since lab-grown gemstones are developed in controlled environments, it ofte.