Richa Singh, MD, Natural Diamond Council, India & Middle East: ON A MYTH BUSTING MISSION

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has recently released a comprehensive report aimed at debunking myths surrounding lab-grown diamonds. Richa Singh, Managing Director, delves into the motivations behind the report and highlights key findings that address the distinguishability, sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community contributions of natural diamonds

Q The NDC's 2023 analytical report aims to address myths and misconceptions about the diamond industry. What motivated the NDC to undertake this initiative and release the report at this time?

There are many myths about the modern diamond industry that remain stubbornly pervasive, some of them are a legacy remaining from prior generations, others that have been created more recently. These myths and misconceptions erode trust, and, in the long run, they are harmful – not only to the diamond industry but especially to the communities that most depend upon the positive economic impact of natural diamonds. The objective of this analysis is to bring together reliable third-party data in to one document that provides all in the industry a singular source of reference to be able address these myths. With this analysis, we seek to correct misconceptions and answer questions about the industry, to enhance trust and allow consumers to make informed decisions.

Q The report highlights that laboratory-grown diamonds can be detected from natural diamonds. Could you elaborate on the supporting facts provided in the report regarding the distinguishability of laboratory-grown diamonds?