The Dark Secret Behind Celebrity Diamonds: 5 Tons of Carbon Emissions
A symbol of love for them… a scar on the planet for us all
September 29, 2025 | By Lauren Mitchell, Sustainability Expert
The dazzling engagement rings worn by celebrities often hide a shocking truth most people don’t know.
One carat of mined diamond = up to 612 kg of CO₂
That means a glamorous 6–8 carat ring — like the ones seen on Hollywood’s red carpet — could carry a hidden footprint of 3.6–5 metric tons of CO₂.
That’s the same as:
- The entire annual electricity use of an average American home
- Burning over 500 gallons of gasoline
- Taking 20+ cross-country flights from New York to Los Angeles
And that’s just the emissions. Add in:
- 57,000 kg of earth displaced per carat
- 500 liters of water polluted
- forests and habitats destroyed
...and suddenly the world’s most glamorous ring looks a lot darker
Why Traditional Diamond Mining Harms the Planet
Diamonds are mined in countries rich in natural deposits: Botswana, Canada, Namibia, South Africa, Australia, and Tanzania. The most common method, open-pit mining, involves removing thick layers of soil and rock to access kimberlite pipes — the volcanic structures where diamonds form.
Other methods include underground mining and alluvial mining from riverbeds or seabeds. While effective, these processes have massive environmental repercussions.
Environmental Consequences:
- Deforestation & habitat destruction: Vast areas are cleared, devastating ecosystems. Mining often disrupts the African savannah, Namib desert, and coastal marine habitats.
- Water and soil pollution: Chemicals and water used in ore processing often contaminate rivers and groundwater, threatening local flora, fauna, and human populations.
- Soil erosion: Removing topsoil leaves land exposed to wind and rain, decreasing fertility and increasing sedimentation in rivers.
- CO₂ emissions: Heavy machinery and processing operations produce significant greenhouse gases. One carat of mined diamond can result in up to 727 pounds of CO₂.
The Scale of Mining:
By 2050, diamond demand is projected to reach nearly 292 million carats, equating to roughly 60 tonnes. With a global market exceeding £68.5 billion, the environmental footprint is enormous and growing.
The Hidden Social Cost: Conflict Diamonds
Beyond environmental harm, diamond mining in some regions of Africa has fueled violence and human rights violations. “Blood diamonds” or conflict diamonds are mined in areas controlled by forces opposed to recognized governments and sold to finance armed conflict.
Local communities endure forced labor, exploitation, and unstable living conditions. Even with the Kimberley Process certification, loopholes and lack of transparency make it difficult for consumers to know the true origin of the diamonds they purchase.
An Ethical Alternative to Traditional Diamonds: Assel & Co
In today’s world, where awareness of the environmental and social impact of diamond mining is growing, there’s an ethical and sustainable alternative — Assel & Co lab-grown diamonds.
Created using innovative technology that mimics the natural conditions of diamond formation deep within the Earth’s mantle, the result is real diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and visual properties as natural ones — but without harming the planet or people.
Assel & Co lab-grown diamonds guarantee:
- The same sparkle, fire, and durability as natural diamonds
- No deforestation, no poisoned rivers, no human exploitation
- Prices 20–40% lower than natural diamonds
- Full transparency: you always know how and where your diamond was created
Why This Matters Now
If even one celebrity-style ring can hide tons of CO₂ emissions, imagine the global damage caused by millions of mined diamonds every year.
Choosing a lab-grown diamond isn’t just about jewelry — it’s about saying:
💍 Love should never leave a carbon scar
Expert Opinion
“A mined diamond of this size can generate up to five tons of CO₂. Assel & Co’s lab-grown stones cut that to almost nothing — with the same breathtaking beauty.”
— Ryan Cooper, Gemologist
Special Offer: Limited Time Only!
For couples ready to embrace the future of luxury, Assel & Co is making the choice even sweeter.
🌿 With every engagement ring purchase over $2500, you’ll receive a FREE diamond wedding band
Two rings. One love story. Zero carbon guilt.
But stock is limited — and demand is rising fast.
