Prohibition is an unsustainable way of eradicating small-scale informal mining. With initiatives such as the DDI, PDA and GemFair - these aim to help redevelop countries, generate wealth and build infrastructure through education so that communities understand the value of the diamond and can avoid exploitation.

According to experts, the condition in which the rough diamonds are found can be identifiable to its country of origin, which can suggest whether or not a diamond has come from conflict. It has been recorded that Zimbabwe is still facing oppression and human rights violations in the present day as a result of diamonds. The diamond industry under no circumstances should be trading conflict diamonds, those found knowingly trading conflict diamonds should face relevant penalties and sanctions. 

From a geologist perspective, lab-grown and naturally-mined diamonds are atomically and chemically the same. However, lab-grown diamonds are cheaper and don’t disrupt their immediate environment as much as natural diamonds. On the other hand, synthetic diamonds require more energy to replicate the natural environment in which natural diamonds are made, which can have negative environmental impacts. Where possible, renewable energy sources should be used. 

The mixing of synthetic stones and conflict diamonds in the diamond supply chain remains a threat to the integrity of the industry as a whole. With more synthetic diamonds in circulation and the rarity value lost, they face the potential fate of becoming an everyday commodity. Despite this, it could actually have industrial benefits. There is potential for a huge market (worth approximately $1 trillion by 2030) in the diamond transistor / semiconductor industry as diamond is a better alternative to silicone as it can withstand more heat (Garg, 2023). 

While the implementation of the Kimberley Process is positive for the industry, if the diamond does not fund armed forces, there is a loophole where it can be considered ‘conflict-free’, which doesn’t apply to a variety of other humanitarian issues. A plethora of companies within the industry are calling for the KCPS to cover a wider definition of unsustainable practices used to acquire diamonds; for example, the CS3D will allow companies to be held accountable for human rights and environmental impacts.

With the addition of 2C’s: conscience and carbon to the original 4C’s, this suggests traceability is a major role for customers as they become increasingly aware of the implications of the diamond industry. For the diamond industry to show its ethical efforts, traceability through blockchain technology could be the future, to display the intricacies of the diamond supply chain. Customer behaviour can be influenced by providing additional information on the supply chain.

The diamond industry has a role to play in achieving the SDG’s set by the UN. From quality education to decent work and economic growth. Alongside peace, justice and strong institutions and more. 

Authoritative figures within the diamond industry such as De Beers should be held accountable through public-facing human rights and supply chain due diligence reports annually, for example covering their work towards bettering informal alluvial mining.

To make a regenerative circular fashion system a reality within the diamond industry today, recycling and reselling diamonds are the most applicable solutions to contributing towards the 7R’s of sustainability.