Custom diamond engagement ring by LOFT.bijoux. Check out for more of our pieces in Portfolio
Why do we work only with natural diamonds at LOFT.bijoux? It’s my personal choice. I did two Instagram lives about lab diamonds some time ago, you can find them in the videos.
Briefly, lab diamonds just don’t align with the values at LOFT.bijoux. I want to create true heirlooms—unique, with personal stories. This uniqueness doesn't just come from the jewelry itself but from everything behind it: how it’s made, and of what materials. I can’t make myself believe that I can create them from material mass-produced industrially in factories.
I don’t have anything against lab diamonds, only against how many jewelers choose to sell them. I see their great potential in designer fine jewelry, where you can now go absolutely crazy about designs without thinking that it needs to be timeless, as the material is so cheap. You don’t need to be afraid anymore and can (and should) push the boundaries of the design to new heights.
I’m really against greenwashing. Many companies are selling labs now as “changing the industry for the better,” but I don’t see how exactly it changes for the better through the production of industrial quantities of cheap labs in China and India (where around 85-90% of lab diamonds are made), with enormous consumption (and emissions) of coal-based electricity at the plants producing 30-40,000 carats per month. Everything is then cut in India (like 95% of all world diamonds are).
I’m very much open to any fact-based discussion and look forward to learning more if there’s something different. So far, on all the professional conferences and events I regularly participate in, I couldn’t get any data confirming the ecological and sustainability part.
I think the true “changing the industry for the better” lies in increasing transparency in the supply chains, professional ethics towards clients in sharing information without completely transforming it for marketing purposes, and of course, dealing and not closing the eyes to the remaining existing problems in the industry.
Custom diamond ring by LOFT.bijoux. Check out for more of our pieces in Portfolio
Indeed, while the majority of diamond production in the world is done by large companies under great supervision of governments and regulators (~30% in Canada, ~30% in Russia, ~20% in Africa; numbers vary every year), just check how much it has transformed for better the economy of producing countries, like Botswana. There are still around 15-20% of artisanal mining, where approximately 1% is the most dangerous part in the war & conflict zones. But these are not purely diamond problems, unfortunately. More than 10 million people depend on the industry, mostly in regions where you don’t have the luxury to choose if you want to be an artist or a manager.
I see its problems very well, but I also see the steps that can be done to make it better, even by small players in the industry. My personal steps include looking for the best suppliers, who source, in turn, from responsible companies; looking for traceable diamonds (mostly possible for Canadian diamonds); looking for antique pieces where we can re-set the old mines and old cuts.
I would LOVE to have a conversation with someone who disagrees with me but has facts and data. I would love to learn more. Please, share what you think in the comments!
Gemmologist and founder of LOFT.bijoux, Olga Leclair
We'll be happy to answer all your questions about diamonds, find you a perfect gemstone and transform it into an exquisite piece of jewelry at our Montreal-based atelier. Global shipping available. You can book your appointment online or contact us for any questions at info@loftbijoux.com
