Women Reshaping the Gemstone Industry | The Truth About Ethical Diamonds & Sustainability

This International Women’s Day, we’re having an honest conversation about lab-grown vs natural Diamonds, ethical sourcing, women in mining, and the future of the gemstone industry.Are lab-grown Diamonds truly sustainable?What happens to mining communities when production shifts to Western labs?Can mining actually empower women and local economies?In this powerful episode, we’re joined by three industry leaders transforming the Diamond and jewellery world from mine to market:💎 Lyssa King – Founder of Diamonds de Canada & Lands Collection, championing Canadian Diamonds and transparent mine-to-market sourcing.🌍 Cristina Villegas – Global sustainability expert and one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Mining.🤝 Esther Finda Kandeh – Executive Director of Women in Mining & Extractives (WoME), Sierra Leone.💠 Lab-Grown vs Natural DiamondsLab-grown Diamonds are rapidly growing in popularity — but what is the real impact?We discuss:• The shift from mining economies to lab production• How developing communities may be affected• The value, rarity, and human story behind natural diamonds• Whether lab-grown diamonds are innovation — or disruption👩‍🏭 Women in Mining & LeadershipWomen make up nearly a third of the mining workforce — yet leadership representation remains low.We explore:• Barriers women face in global mining industries• First-hand stories from Sierra Leone• Why financial inclusion matters• The power of recognising women in extractives🔗 Mine to Market & TraceabilityTransparency is redefining jewellery.From Canada to West Africa, we unpack:• Why cutting out middlemen protects value• Beneficiation and local economic empowerment• Artisanal mining initiatives like Moyo Gems• How traceability builds consumer trust🌱 What Does Responsible Mining Really Look Like?From Canadian environmental standards to community-led artisanal projects, this episode challenges assumptions and explores what ethical mining truly means.This conversation goes beyond headlines — and into the real human impact behind the stones.If you care about:✔ Ethical jewellery✔ Sustainable diamonds✔ Women in business✔ Supply chain transparency✔ The future of miningThis episode is essential viewing.✨ Subscribe for more conversations from across the gemstone and jewellery world.💬 Comment below: Where do you stand on lab-grown vs natural diamonds?🔍 Have a story of your own? We’d love to hear it. Share your gem-hunting tales, discoveries, or family legends with us, and don’t forget to follow along on our socials for more from the world of gems. Instagram: Gemporia (@gemporia) • Instagram photos and videosTikTok: http://bit.ly/4o3KGSeFacebook: Facebook