1. Dear Ms. Schmitt, I am delighted to welcome you as an expert on lab-grown diamonds as our interview partner. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Thank you so much, Ms. Zaiser, for the invitation to this interview and for your interest in my work. My name is Katharina Schmitt, and I am the co-founder and CEO of DIAVON – one of the first German companies specializing in the production and distribution of sustainably produced lab-grown diamonds (MANUFAKTURDIAMANTEN®) and high-quality jewelry. Sustainability is at the heart of our philosophy, and we rely on innovative, transparent processes to offer our customers ethically produced, CO2-neutral lab-grown diamonds (LGDs). Our goal is to enrich the luxury market with a conscious alternative while simultaneously having a positive impact on the environment and society.
2. What has your professional background been so far and what personally motivated you to work in the lab-grown diamond industry?
I originally come from the natural diamond industry and have been working with natural diamonds since 2014. During this time, I founded my own fine jewelry studio and designed exclusive pieces. It quickly became clear to me how urgently the industry needs sustainable change. The lack of transparency, fairness, and sustainability was the decisive reason for me to co-found DIAVON – a brand that combines the luxury of tomorrow with responsibility, transparency, and ethics. It's a cause close to my heart.
3. What path does a man-made diamond take before it shines in the finished piece of jewelry?
We source the roughs for our handcrafted diamonds directly from two innovative producers. Firstly, from Diamond Foundry, the world's first company to be certified climate-neutral, producing exclusively with 100% hydropower. We have these roughs cut and polished in India, working with partner companies that demonstrably guarantee fair working conditions. Secondly, we collaborate with a visionary, young Indian company that uses solar energy for its production.
We guarantee a transparent supply chain without intermediaries and place great value on fair working conditions, fair wages, and the advancement of women in our factories. Only after careful examination and confirmation of these standards do we certify our LGDs with the "MANUFACTURED DIAMOND" seal. We affectionately call our stones "Lab Born Diamonds"—born to make a difference.
4. It is often claimed that lab-grown diamonds are more sustainable than natural diamonds. Is this true, or what actually makes a lab-grown diamond sustainable?
In our view, a lab-grown diamond is only sustainable if it is produced using renewable energy. It is crucial that its brilliance is in no way inferior to that of a natural diamond, which is why the cutting and polishing process is of particular importance. Our customers should be able to enjoy their jewelry for a long time and pass it on to the next generation – sustainably and responsibly.
5. Are all lab-grown diamonds on the market 'sustainable' simply because they are grown in a laboratory?
Not every LGD is automatically sustainable. For us, it's crucial that production uses renewable energy, ensuring no negative environmental impact. In contrast, natural diamonds still present many problematic aspects: in the countries where they are mined, value chains are often opaque, working conditions are frequently unfair, and the legal framework is uncertain. Our LGDs offer a transparent, ethical, and environmentally friendly alternative.
6. Another argument in favor of lab-grown diamonds is their ethical purity. How do you ensure that the entire supply chain is ethical and sustainable?
It is a personal priority for me to regularly inspect the working conditions in the diamond cutting and polishing facilities – directly on site. Thanks to my many years of experience in the industry, I have excellent contacts in India and Dubai who help us ensure that our partners share the same values as we do. DIAVON stands for responsibility, fairness, and transparency, and I am tirelessly committed to ensuring that our "6 Cs" (+ CONFLICT-FREE & CLIMATE-NEUTRAL) – the values that are truly important to us – are upheld at every stage of production. One of our partners is already SMETA-certified and is continuously working to optimize its ESG report to meet all 17 criteria. I am proud that we can offer not only sustainable but also ethically sourced diamonds.
7. What is your company's position on the CO2 footprint of lab-grown diamonds compared to natural diamonds?
Our position is clear: Compared to natural diamonds, LGDs have a significantly better CO2 footprint, especially when produced using renewable energy. At DIAVON, we are consistently committed to sustainable energy sources, such as hydropower in the production of our diamonds at the Diamond Foundry.
Furthermore, we are continuously working to improve our environmental footprint. One example of this is keeping transport routes as short as possible and using environmentally friendly logistics solutions. We believe that every measure counts and are constantly looking for new ways to make our production processes even more environmentally friendly. For us, sustainability is not just an aspect, but the fundamental principle that influences every decision at DIAVON.
8. What should I, as an end customer, pay attention to when choosing a piece of jewelry with lab-grown diamonds?
If you are considering a piece of jewelry containing LGDs, there are some important points to consider to ensure that it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and ethically sourced:
1. Energy source : Check whether the LGD was manufactured using renewable energy.
2. Supply chain transparency : Ask about the origin of the diamond and the entire supply chain. Reputable suppliers provide insight into the origin of the raw material, the manufacturing process, and the working conditions of the companies involved.
3. Certification : Ensure the diamond is certified. Major certifications, such as those from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute), guarantee that the diamond meets high standards for quality and authenticity.
4. Fairness and working conditions : Check whether the provider demonstrably guarantees fair working conditions and fair wages. Companies that take social responsibility seriously will usually communicate this openly.
5. Longevity and Quality: An LGD should be in no way inferior to a natural diamond. Examine the diamond's quality, especially its brilliance and cut. A good diamond will remain beautiful for a lifetime and may even be passed down to future generations.
9. What is your view on the future of lab-grown diamonds in the jewelry industry? Do you believe they will one day dominate the market?
The future of LGDs in the jewelry industry is extremely promising. Given the increasing demand for sustainable and ethically produced luxury goods, I see great potential for these diamonds. Younger generations, in particular, are increasingly valuing transparency, sustainability, and responsibility – values that lab-grown diamonds embody.
I believe that LGDs will play an important role in the jewelry market and potentially challenge the traditional market in many areas. Especially in a world where more and more consumers are seeking alternative, conflict-free options, we offer a clear and compelling solution.
Whether they will completely dominate the market depends on many factors, such as widespread acceptance, product quality, and technological advancements. Nevertheless, I am convinced that they will increasingly set the standard and capture a significant share of the global diamond market. LGDs are the future of the diamond market – from an ethical, environmental, and economic perspective.
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