Lab-grown diamonds fit for the Cannes red carpet

Sustainability may be a good conversation, but it is not possible without a variety of complex issues. For any sustainably sourced product, questions arise about how it was produced and whether that process can generally be considered better for the planet than what it was designed to replace.

Lab-created diamonds continue to rank high in that equation. On their surface, lab diamonds eliminate the ethical and environmental issues — especially the impacts of mining on the earth — that consumers are increasingly thinking about when considering a jewelry purchase. But companies that oversee the production of lab-grown diamonds are hyper aware that they, too, need to answer questions, namely: What is the environmental impact of producing lab-created stones versus natural, mined diamonds? To ensure that a lab-grown diamond is a more sustainable option than a natural diamond, consumers are getting smarter about researching the source of those stones and inquire about the steps that lab-grown diamond producers are taking to ensure environmentally friendly procedures and low environmental footprint, such as running a factory on renewable energy.

With a little knowledge, lab-created diamonds can feel like a choice that is both smart and sustainable. Here’s a look at six designs that combine sustainable practices with red carpet style.

Courbet

These Celeste earrings from the Paris-based jeweler feature 1.68 carats of lab-grown diamonds set in 18-karat white gold; price on request, Courbet. com

Smiling Rocks

A lab-grown Asscher-cut diamond is the centerpiece of this solitaire ring crafted from 14-karat white gold; from $4,749 for a 1 carat diamond, smilerocks.com

Oris

Set in a 41.5mm stainless steel case, the bezel and cherry red dial of the new Aquis Date Diamonds are embellished with lab-grown diamonds. The automatic movement features a date at 6 o’clock; $5,500, oris.ch

Jean Dousset

Chelsea Inside Out earrings made of round brilliant lab grown diamonds totaling 2 carats, set in 18 carat white gold; $5,800, jeans set. com

Charles & Colvard

Surrounded by round lab diamonds, lab rubies flank a lab diamond on the Couture Geometric Fashion Ring, set in 14k white gold; $1,329, charlesandcolvard. com

Diamonds of Pandora

This sterling silver sculpted Brilliance bracelet is accented with a single lab-created diamond totaling 0.15 carats. Rosario Dawson and Dakota Johnson have worn the brand at recent events; $500, us.pandora.net

This story first appeared in the May 10 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.