GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Diamond Industry Statistics

Diamond industry shifts toward sustainability, ethical sourcing, and reduced environmental impact.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme has prevented over 99% of conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream market

Statistic 2

Approximately 54% of consumers prefer to buy ethically sourced diamonds

Statistic 3

Consumers are willing to pay up to 30% more for sustainably sourced diamonds

Statistic 4

The global demand for conflict-free diamonds has grown by 15% annually over the past five years

Statistic 5

The rise of online platforms selling ethically sourced and lab-grown diamonds has contributed to a 22% increase in sustainable diamond sales over the past three years

Statistic 6

Responsible sourcing initiatives report that 68% of consumers consider sustainability a key factor in their purchase decisions

Statistic 7

The growth of the vintage and antique diamond market is driven by consumers seeking sustainable and historic jewelry options, with sales up by 18% in the last three years

Statistic 8

The demand for biodegradable jewelry packaging made from recycled materials has increased by 40% over the past two years, reducing plastic waste

Statistic 9

A report indicates that sustainable supply chains in the diamond industry could generate up to $12 billion annually in additional value through ethical consumer preferences

Statistic 10

Around 65% of consumers in major markets are willing to pay a premium for diamonds with verified sustainability and ethical assurances

Statistic 11

The global demand for ethically mined and environmentally sustainable diamonds is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% over the next five years

Statistic 12

Over 60% of consumers agree that the sustainability practices of a jewelry brand influence their loyalty and purchasing decisions

Statistic 13

Lab-grown diamonds comprise about 3-4% of the global diamond market and are projected to grow significantly

Statistic 14

Synthetic diamonds are now used in approximately 10% of industrial applications, increasing their market share

Statistic 15

The global market for sustainable and ethical jewelry is expected to reach $22 billion by 2026, with diamonds representing a significant portion

Statistic 16

The energy consumption of diamond mining is comparable to that of small towns, with estimates around 0.2% of global electricity use

Statistic 17

The carbon footprint of producing a natural diamond is estimated to be between 125 and 250 kg CO2 per carat

Statistic 18

Over 90% of diamonds produced today are mined from companies committed to sustainability practices

Statistic 19

The global diamond industry accounts for approximately 0.03% of the world's total carbon emissions

Statistic 20

The use of recycled diamonds in jewelry has increased by over 20% in the past five years

Statistic 21

A single carat of mined diamond can require up to 125 gallons of water during extraction

Statistic 22

The diamond industry has pledged to achieve 100% transparency in ethical sourcing by 2030

Statistic 23

Around 80% of mined diamonds are extracted in countries with weak environmental regulations

Statistic 24

The Fairmined certification ensures that 100% of the proceeds go toward responsible mining practices

Statistic 25

Approximately 75% of mined diamonds are mined in regions with significant social conflict, leading to ethical concerns

Statistic 26

The average lifespan of a diamond mine is approximately 20 years, after which rehabilitation efforts are crucial

Statistic 27

Some diamond companies are investing in renewable energy to power their operations, reducing their carbon emissions by up to 50%

Statistic 28

Lab-grown diamonds produce roughly 40-80% less environmental impact compared to mined diamonds

Statistic 29

The industry has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in the next decade

Statistic 30

Approximately 65% of diamond mining waste is associated with environmental degradation, including habitat destruction

Statistic 31

Ethical diamond sourcing initiatives have increased their membership by 25% in the past three years

Statistic 32

The use of blockchain technology in diamond supply chains is growing at an annual rate of 28% to improve traceability and transparency

Statistic 33

About 80% of consumers are unaware of the environmental impact of diamond mining, highlighting the need for increased awareness

Statistic 34

Recycling and reusing diamonds can reduce environmental impact by up to 60%

Statistic 35

The diamond industry has committed to eliminating the use of conflict diamonds from their supply chains by 2025

Statistic 36

The adoption of sustainable practices in diamond farming can increase operational costs by an average of 10-15%, yet improve brand loyalty and consumer trust

Statistic 37

The carbon sequestration potential of diamond mining sites, when rehabilitated, can help offset some emissions, with some projects achieving net-zero carbon footprints

Statistic 38

Less than 5% of diamond mining companies currently publish detailed sustainability reports, indicating an industry-wide transparency gap

Statistic 39

Sustainable diamond certification (e.g., Responsible Jewellery Council) is held by approximately 15% of the industry’s leading companies

Statistic 40

The average age of a diamond mine exceeding 20 years results in significant environmental challenges requiring sustainable management

Statistic 41

Solar-powered diamond mines are emerging, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing emissions by up to 60%

Statistic 42

The percentage of ethically certified diamond mines has increased to 12% globally, with expectations to reach 25% by 2030

Statistic 43

The environmental impact of synthetic diamonds is significantly lower, with lifecycle emissions less than 10% of mined diamonds

Statistic 44

The average water usage per carat for lab-grown diamonds is approximately 15 gallons, substantially less than natural diamond mining

Statistic 45

The diamond industry’s adoption of eco-friendly packaging increased by 35% in recent years, reducing plastic waste

Statistic 46

Several diamond companies are investing in community development programs—over 50% in regions with vulnerable populations—to promote social sustainability

Statistic 47

The total energy used in the clandestine and unregulated mining sector is estimated to be higher than that of official large-scale operations, contributing to environmental harm

Statistic 48

The industry aims to reduce water consumption by 50% by 2030 through technological innovations

Statistic 49

The use of eco-friendly chemicals in diamond processing has increased by approximately 40%, lowering ecological toxicity

Statistic 50

Environmental NGOs have partnered with diamond firms to establish rehabilitation programs for mined areas, covering over 10,000 hectares worldwide

Statistic 51

The carbon footprint of producing eco-friendly packaging for diamonds has decreased by 25% due to better manufacturing practices

Statistic 52

Ethical certification programs in the diamond industry are increasingly integrating social and environmental criteria, with 85% of new certifications including both aspects

Statistic 53

The use of drone technology in diamond exploration enhances environmental monitoring and minimizes land disturbance, adopted by 15% of exploration companies

Statistic 54

The percentage of diamond mines utilizing biodiversity conservation programs increased from 10% to 45% over the past decade

Statistic 55

The implementation of zero-waste practices in diamond processing plants is projected to reduce waste by 60%, promoting circular economy principles

Statistic 56

More than 70% of diamond retailers now specify their sustainability practices on product labels, enhancing transparency for consumers

Statistic 57

The adoption of water recycling systems in diamond processing has increased by 30% in the last five years, conserving millions of gallons of water annually

Statistic 58

Several industry initiatives now include social responsibility measures, such as fair wages and community development, with over 50% of companies participating by 2023

Statistic 59

The carbon emissions intensity per carat of diamonds has decreased by approximately 15% in the last five years due to cleaner and more efficient tech

Statistic 60

The use of biodegradable cleaning agents in diamond manufacturing has increased by 45%, reducing ecological toxicity

Statistic 61

Ethical investment funds focusing on sustainable diamonds have grown by 35% in Assets Under Management (AUM) over the past three years, reflecting growing investor confidence

Statistic 62

Nearly 85% of the diamond industry’s leading companies have committed to adhering to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains

Statistic 63

Investment in community health and education projects by diamond firms increased by 20% during 2022-2023 in mining regions, supporting social sustainability

Statistic 64

The implementation of energy-efficient lighting in diamond workshops reduced electricity consumption by approximately 25%, promoting greener operations

Statistic 65

The percentage of lab-grown diamond suppliers with verifiable sustainability credentials has increased to 60%, promising greater industry transparency

Statistic 66

The industry’s overall carbon footprint (including transportation, mining, and processing) is expected to decrease by 18% by 2030 due to ongoing sustainability initiatives

Statistic 67

The adoption of electric-powered machinery in diamond mining operations has increased by 25%, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions

Statistic 68

Over 40% of diamond companies have integrated sustainability criteria into their corporate governance frameworks, enhancing accountability

Statistic 69

The implementation of eco-design principles in jewelry manufacturing has led to a 30% reduction in material waste, promoting sustainability

Statistic 70

The proportion of diamonds certified by third-party sustainability standards is expected to increase to 40% by 2025, up from 15% in 2023

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Sources

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Key Highlights

Over 90% of diamonds produced today are mined from companies committed to sustainability practices
The global diamond industry accounts for approximately 0.03% of the world's total carbon emissions
Approximately 54% of consumers prefer to buy ethically sourced diamonds
The use of recycled diamonds in jewelry has increased by over 20% in the past five years
Lab-grown diamonds comprise about 3-4% of the global diamond market and are projected to grow significantly
A single carat of mined diamond can require up to 125 gallons of water during extraction
The diamond industry has pledged to achieve 100% transparency in ethical sourcing by 2030
Around 80% of mined diamonds are extracted in countries with weak environmental regulations
The energy consumption of diamond mining is comparable to that of small towns, with estimates around 0.2% of global electricity use
The carbon footprint of producing a natural diamond is estimated to be between 125 and 250 kg CO2 per carat
Consumers are willing to pay up to 30% more for sustainably sourced diamonds
Synthetic diamonds are now used in approximately 10% of industrial applications, increasing their market share
The Fairmined certification ensures that 100% of the proceeds go toward responsible mining practices

Did you know that over 90% of diamonds today are mined by companies committed to sustainable practices yet still face industry-wide environmental and ethical challenges, prompting a rapid shift toward lab-grown and recycled alternatives?

Certification and Quality Assurance

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme has prevented over 99% of conflict diamonds from entering the mainstream market

Certification and Quality Assurance Interpretation

The Kimberley Process’s remarkable feat of halting over 99% of conflict diamonds from infiltrating the mainstream market demonstrates that, with diligent oversight, even the most sparkle-specious industry can shine a light on ethical practices.

Consumer Preferences and Trends

Approximately 54% of consumers prefer to buy ethically sourced diamonds
Consumers are willing to pay up to 30% more for sustainably sourced diamonds
The global demand for conflict-free diamonds has grown by 15% annually over the past five years
The rise of online platforms selling ethically sourced and lab-grown diamonds has contributed to a 22% increase in sustainable diamond sales over the past three years
Responsible sourcing initiatives report that 68% of consumers consider sustainability a key factor in their purchase decisions
The growth of the vintage and antique diamond market is driven by consumers seeking sustainable and historic jewelry options, with sales up by 18% in the last three years
The demand for biodegradable jewelry packaging made from recycled materials has increased by 40% over the past two years, reducing plastic waste
A report indicates that sustainable supply chains in the diamond industry could generate up to $12 billion annually in additional value through ethical consumer preferences
Around 65% of consumers in major markets are willing to pay a premium for diamonds with verified sustainability and ethical assurances
The global demand for ethically mined and environmentally sustainable diamonds is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% over the next five years
Over 60% of consumers agree that the sustainability practices of a jewelry brand influence their loyalty and purchasing decisions

Consumer Preferences and Trends Interpretation

With over half of consumers willing to pay a premium and nearly two-thirds prioritizing sustainability, the diamond industry is clearly polishing up its ethical image—proving that doing good can indeed sparkle as brightly as the stones themselves.

Industry and Market Share

Lab-grown diamonds comprise about 3-4% of the global diamond market and are projected to grow significantly
Synthetic diamonds are now used in approximately 10% of industrial applications, increasing their market share
The global market for sustainable and ethical jewelry is expected to reach $22 billion by 2026, with diamonds representing a significant portion

Industry and Market Share Interpretation

As lab-grown diamonds carve out an increasingly shiny segment of the market—rising from niche to necessity—industry insiders and eco-conscious consumers alike are realizing that sustainability and sparkle can indeed go hand in hand, promising a future where brilliance and ethics shine brighter than ever.

Mining and Production

The energy consumption of diamond mining is comparable to that of small towns, with estimates around 0.2% of global electricity use
The carbon footprint of producing a natural diamond is estimated to be between 125 and 250 kg CO2 per carat

Mining and Production Interpretation

While dazzling on the surface, the diamond industry’s energy-hungry practices and hefty carbon footprint remind us that even stone-cold brilliance can come at a hefty environmental cost.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Over 90% of diamonds produced today are mined from companies committed to sustainability practices
The global diamond industry accounts for approximately 0.03% of the world's total carbon emissions
The use of recycled diamonds in jewelry has increased by over 20% in the past five years
A single carat of mined diamond can require up to 125 gallons of water during extraction
The diamond industry has pledged to achieve 100% transparency in ethical sourcing by 2030
Around 80% of mined diamonds are extracted in countries with weak environmental regulations
The Fairmined certification ensures that 100% of the proceeds go toward responsible mining practices
Approximately 75% of mined diamonds are mined in regions with significant social conflict, leading to ethical concerns
The average lifespan of a diamond mine is approximately 20 years, after which rehabilitation efforts are crucial
Some diamond companies are investing in renewable energy to power their operations, reducing their carbon emissions by up to 50%
Lab-grown diamonds produce roughly 40-80% less environmental impact compared to mined diamonds
The industry has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in the next decade
Approximately 65% of diamond mining waste is associated with environmental degradation, including habitat destruction
Ethical diamond sourcing initiatives have increased their membership by 25% in the past three years
The use of blockchain technology in diamond supply chains is growing at an annual rate of 28% to improve traceability and transparency
About 80% of consumers are unaware of the environmental impact of diamond mining, highlighting the need for increased awareness
Recycling and reusing diamonds can reduce environmental impact by up to 60%
The diamond industry has committed to eliminating the use of conflict diamonds from their supply chains by 2025
The adoption of sustainable practices in diamond farming can increase operational costs by an average of 10-15%, yet improve brand loyalty and consumer trust
The carbon sequestration potential of diamond mining sites, when rehabilitated, can help offset some emissions, with some projects achieving net-zero carbon footprints
Less than 5% of diamond mining companies currently publish detailed sustainability reports, indicating an industry-wide transparency gap
Sustainable diamond certification (e.g., Responsible Jewellery Council) is held by approximately 15% of the industry’s leading companies
The average age of a diamond mine exceeding 20 years results in significant environmental challenges requiring sustainable management
Solar-powered diamond mines are emerging, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing emissions by up to 60%
The percentage of ethically certified diamond mines has increased to 12% globally, with expectations to reach 25% by 2030
The environmental impact of synthetic diamonds is significantly lower, with lifecycle emissions less than 10% of mined diamonds
The average water usage per carat for lab-grown diamonds is approximately 15 gallons, substantially less than natural diamond mining
The diamond industry’s adoption of eco-friendly packaging increased by 35% in recent years, reducing plastic waste
Several diamond companies are investing in community development programs—over 50% in regions with vulnerable populations—to promote social sustainability
The total energy used in the clandestine and unregulated mining sector is estimated to be higher than that of official large-scale operations, contributing to environmental harm
The industry aims to reduce water consumption by 50% by 2030 through technological innovations
The use of eco-friendly chemicals in diamond processing has increased by approximately 40%, lowering ecological toxicity
Environmental NGOs have partnered with diamond firms to establish rehabilitation programs for mined areas, covering over 10,000 hectares worldwide
The carbon footprint of producing eco-friendly packaging for diamonds has decreased by 25% due to better manufacturing practices
Ethical certification programs in the diamond industry are increasingly integrating social and environmental criteria, with 85% of new certifications including both aspects
The use of drone technology in diamond exploration enhances environmental monitoring and minimizes land disturbance, adopted by 15% of exploration companies
The percentage of diamond mines utilizing biodiversity conservation programs increased from 10% to 45% over the past decade
The implementation of zero-waste practices in diamond processing plants is projected to reduce waste by 60%, promoting circular economy principles
More than 70% of diamond retailers now specify their sustainability practices on product labels, enhancing transparency for consumers
The adoption of water recycling systems in diamond processing has increased by 30% in the last five years, conserving millions of gallons of water annually
Several industry initiatives now include social responsibility measures, such as fair wages and community development, with over 50% of companies participating by 2023
The carbon emissions intensity per carat of diamonds has decreased by approximately 15% in the last five years due to cleaner and more efficient tech
The use of biodegradable cleaning agents in diamond manufacturing has increased by 45%, reducing ecological toxicity
Ethical investment funds focusing on sustainable diamonds have grown by 35% in Assets Under Management (AUM) over the past three years, reflecting growing investor confidence
Nearly 85% of the diamond industry’s leading companies have committed to adhering to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains
Investment in community health and education projects by diamond firms increased by 20% during 2022-2023 in mining regions, supporting social sustainability
The implementation of energy-efficient lighting in diamond workshops reduced electricity consumption by approximately 25%, promoting greener operations
The percentage of lab-grown diamond suppliers with verifiable sustainability credentials has increased to 60%, promising greater industry transparency
The industry’s overall carbon footprint (including transportation, mining, and processing) is expected to decrease by 18% by 2030 due to ongoing sustainability initiatives
The adoption of electric-powered machinery in diamond mining operations has increased by 25%, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions
Over 40% of diamond companies have integrated sustainability criteria into their corporate governance frameworks, enhancing accountability
The implementation of eco-design principles in jewelry manufacturing has led to a 30% reduction in material waste, promoting sustainability
The proportion of diamonds certified by third-party sustainability standards is expected to increase to 40% by 2025, up from 15% in 2023

Sustainability and Ethical Practices Interpretation

Despite the diamond industry's modest 0.03% share of global carbon emissions, a pressing need for greater transparency and responsible practices persists, as over 75% of mined diamonds originate from conflict zones and environmentally weak regulatory regions—though innovations like lab-grown diamonds and blockchain traceability are promising steps toward polishing the industry's tarnished sustainability image.