After working with diamonds for the past 40 years, Tina Tillander is still not tired of them. “There is something special about diamonds – you never get tired of their beauty. The optical properties of diamonds far surpass all other colorless gemstones. When you see a high-quality diamond with your own eyes, you can’t help but admire its beautiful, sparkling fire,” says Tina. Colored gemstones and pearls are subject to fashion trends and other fads, but diamonds have always enjoyed stable popularity, and their desirability has never waned.
But why is the diamond such a coveted gemstone? “The diamond is the hardest substance in the world, and it is the superior jewelry gemstone for pieces that are worn daily, such as wedding or engagement rings. The diamond simply withstands wear. Additionally, the diamond has a brilliance that no other gemstone possesses,” explains Tina. “Also, the imagery and, honestly, the skilled marketing have greatly influenced the desirability of diamonds. They have become the new standard,” adds gemologist Jenny Tillander. “But I dare say that very few women would refuse a diamond.” Tina laughs.
Sustainability discourse
Over the years, the reputation of diamonds has been affected by concerns about their ethics and origins. Today, there are several international agreements that prevent, among other things, the entry of so-called conflict or blood diamonds into the market. However, concerns about the environment, pollution, biodiversity loss, and working conditions remain. Several different alternatives have emerged as solutions to these concerns, such as lab-grown diamonds and diamonds mined using alternative methods. Still, it is not as straightforward that one can say that one diamond is more responsible than another. Atelier Torbjörn Tillander, however, offers a selection of different diamond options, so that everyone can find the right diamond for them. Let’s explore the different options:
Natural Diamonds
Natural, or mined diamonds are diamonds that have formed deep within the Earth’s crust over millions of years under intense heat and pressure. These diamonds are mined from deposits primarily in Africa, Russia, Australia, and Canada. They are brought closer to the Earth's surface by volcanic eruptions, making it possible to mine them. These mining sites are often vast pits, and their negative impacts on nature and the environment cannot be denied. However, diamond mines are a significant source of employment in local communities. Efforts are continuously made to reduce environmental and community impacts through various agreements and standards, such as the Kimberley Process. Many mining companies also aim to restore the natural state or repurpose the area for other activities after mining is complete.
Because natural diamonds are formed by nature, certain diamond qualities are limited in quantity. This makes them special. For many consumers, this uniqueness of their diamond and the connection to nature are important.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds (also known as synthetic diamonds or man-made diamonds) have perhaps been the hottest topic in the gemstone industry in recent years. Many jewelry companies market lab-grown diamonds as an ethical or responsible alternative to natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in terms of durability and optical properties, and their popularity among consumers has been steadily increasing. However, when buying a lab-grown diamond, it’s important to be careful about what you’re purchasing, as not all promises are always verifiable. The production process of lab-grown diamonds also consumes a significant amount of energy, often generated from fossil fuels, since the largest producer countries are China, India, and Russia. Despite promises, lab-grown diamonds are not mine-free either, as their production involves many other mined raw materials, such as nickel, cobalt, and graphite.
When purchasing a lab-grown diamond, it’s also essential to consider the stone’s resale value, as the price of lab-grown diamonds has been steadily decreasing for years. However, as with everything, transparency is crucial, and a lab-grown diamond is a suitable option for many consumers.
Ocean Diamonds
While collecting diamonds from the seabed is nothing new, sea-mined diamonds have become a topic of conversation in recent years. The hype is driven by a company named Ocean Diamonds, which promises that its diamonds are sustainable and ethical, collected from the sea in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Ocean Diamonds are natural diamonds that have made their way to the seabed in the same way as other diamonds: through volcanic eruptions to the Earth’s surface, from where they have traveled down rivers to the sea. The diamonds are “fished” from the waters off the west coast of Africa by divers, and the company claims to know the provenance and journey of each diamond.
The selection of Ocean Diamonds is limited due to the moderate and thus ethical collection volume of diamonds. The found diamonds are often smaller compared to mined diamonds due to their long journey from the Earth's depths to the sea. Like alluvial gems in general, Ocean Diamonds are perhaps the most responsible choice.
Wherever a diamond comes from, one thing is certain: a diamond makes you feel more beautiful! At Atelier Torbjörn Tillander, you will find a wide selection of different diamonds – visit us on Kluuvikatu, and we will be happy to tell you more! You can also browse our selection of diamond rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces!