Fairina Cheng is Clear Neutral certified: What this means for you

Every piece of jewellery should tell a story. Not just about the person who wears it, but about the world they want to create.

What if your engagement ring could symbolise love and your commitment to a better future?

At Fairina Cheng, we’ve been searching for ethically-produced lab grown diamonds since we first started working with these gems.

And it’s proven difficult.

Diamond growers who specialise in carbon neutral diamonds created with renewable energy are few and far between. Small diamonds (down to those teeny tiny accent stones) aren’t available. And it’s even harder if you’re looking for shapes beyond the standard round brilliant cut.

That’s why we’re so excited to announce that we’re now Clear Neutral certified. Every lab grown diamond we offer, from large to small stones, is carbon neutral.

Here’s how Clear Neutral certification helps you minimise the environmental impact of your jewellery. In this post you’ll learn:

• Why carbon emissions are a big problem with lab created diamonds
• What Clear Neutral certification means
• How emissions are offset
• Why this is important to you

We also answer a range of frequently asked questions about Sustainability Rated diamonds, lab grown diamonds and the different types of diamond certification.

Why carbon emissions are a big problem with lab created diamonds

While lab created diamonds are often marketed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to mined diamonds, the jury is out on whether mined or lab diamonds are more sustainable.

Some reports suggest that the carbon footprint of lab grown diamonds is comparable to, or even higher than, that of mined diamonds. This is due to the significant amount of energy required to create them, which predominantly comes from coal-powered sources.

We’re talking up to 612kg of CO2 to produce just one carat (0.2 grams) of diamond. That’s equivalent to the energy used by a four-person household for a month.

With this in mind, lab grown diamonds are not the environmentally friendly choice they’re often portrayed to be.

What is Clear Neutral certification?

Clear Neutral certification ensures that the carbon emissions generated at every stage of a lab grown diamond's production - from growing to cutting to polishing - are fully offset.

This is achieved through investments in verified carbon reduction projects, such as renewable energy development in countries where the majority of lab diamonds are produced.

Every lab created diamond we sell as of 27 August 2024, no matter what the size, is 100% carbon neutral, helping to minimise your overall environmental impact.

How are emissions offset?

Clear Neutral invests in a range of Verified Carbon Standard Program projects aimed at reducing or capturing carbon emissions, namely:

• Renewable energy projects: Investments in solar, wind and other clean energy sources that help decrease reliance on fossil fuels, like this wind power based electricity generation project in Gujarat, India.
• Community transition programs: Initiatives that help communities transition away from fossil fuel dependency, contributing to lasting sustainability.

Carbon offsets are calculated based on the entire lifecycle of a lab grown diamond, using worst-case scenarios. In many instances, the footprint of your diamond may actually be carbon negative.

Why sustainability credentials are important when it comes to lab created diamonds

Lab created diamonds have become popular among customers who are concerned about the environmental, social, and ethical issues linked to traditional diamond mining.

While choosing a lab grown diamond means you can avoid many of these concerns, their high carbon footprint means they can’t automatically be considered more sustainable.

In fact, the United States’ Federal Trade Commission has cautioned several jewellery brands against the use of unqualified “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” claims in their marketing around lab grown diamond jewellery.

Through our partnership with Clear Neutral, we're addressing a significant environmental challenge in the creation of lab grown diamonds. By reducing their carbon footprint to zero, you can minimise the environmental impact of your purchase and align your jewellery with your values.

What is the difference between a Sustainability Rated diamond and a Clear Neutral certified diamond?

Clear Neutral and Sustainability Rated diamonds both aim to address the environmental and ethical concerns surrounding diamond production, but focus on different aspects of sustainability.

• Clear Neutral certification ensures that the carbon emissions generated throughout the entire lifecycle of a lab grown diamond - from growth to cutting and polishing - are measured and fully offset. This certification guarantees that the diamond has a carbon neutral footprint, achieved through investments in verified carbon reduction projects, compliant with globally respected greenhouse gas crediting programs.
• Sustainability Rated diamonds take a broader approach, taking into account responsible mining or diamond growing practices, fair labour conditions, protection of ecosystems and efforts to reduce environmental impacts. They also focus on transparency in the supply chain and the use of renewable energy. While Sustainability Rated diamonds prioritise ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship, they don’t necessarily guarantee carbon neutrality. Instead, the goal is to promote diamonds that meet high standards of sustainability throughout their lifecycle.

Do we receive a Clear Neutral certificate for the lab grown diamonds you supply?

All the lab diamonds we supply as of 27 August 2024 have their emissions offset by Clear Neutral.

Clear Neutral digital certificates are included for lab grown diamonds with a diamond grading report from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute) or other recognised diamond grading labs. Hard copy certificates can be provided on request, for an additional fee.

Smaller stones that don't come with a Clear Neutral certificate are still accounted for in Clear Neutral’s calculations, and are carbon neutral.

What is the difference between Clear Neutral certification and GIA or IGI certification?

Clear Neutral certification focuses on the carbon footprint of lab grown diamonds. It certifies that all carbon emissions produced during the creation and production of your diamond are fully offset through investments in verified carbon reduction projects.

GIA and IGI certifications focus on the quality and authenticity of the diamond. They provide a detailed grading report that assesses the diamond’s characteristics, including the 4Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. These certifications don’t account for the diamond's environmental impact.

Is my entire piece of jewellery carbon neutral?

While our workshop is powered by carbon neutral energy, your jewellery as a whole cannot be said to be carbon neutral.

Clear Neutral certification applies specifically to the lab grown diamonds used in your jewellery. Other gems and metals, as well as our processes and the processes of our suppliers, are not covered by this certification. We are, however, committed to continuously reducing our overall environmental impact wherever possible.

Depending on your project, we can source gemstones that adhere to top ethical standards in mining, sourcing and cutting. We work closely with suppliers who prioritise responsible practices, rehabilitate their mining sites and can trace their gemstones to within 3km of their origin.

Our gold, silver and platinum come from Sydney-based metal merchants, including Responsible Jewellery Council certified suppliers. While each merchant has a different approach, they all invest in minimising their environmental impact. 100% Australian precious metals, including gold and platinum, can be sourced on request.

What is the difference between lab grown and mined diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. The difference is that lab grown diamonds are created in a lab, while mined diamonds are created by the earth.

Find out more about lab grown diamonds vs mined diamonds.

How can I find the right lab created diamond for me?

Choosing the perfect lab created diamond is about more than cold, emotionless grading systems. It’s about creating a piece of jewellery aligns with your values around individuality, sustainability and love.

We’re here to create jewellery that turns heads, starts conversations and is kinder to the planet.

Book a call or send an email to begin your design journey.