The public’s fascination with “real” natural mined diamonds has declined somewhat as various groups began raising awareness of the role these gems play in funding repressive and devastating wars. Even when diamonds are “conflict free,” it’s clear that working conditions in mining operations are far from salubrious.
What can you do to avoid contributing to exploitation? Buy ethically-sourced, recycled, or lab-grown stones. Gems in the latter category are chemically and qualitatively identical to mined gems, but they aren’t tainted by questionable supply chain issues that contribute to global conflict.