Editor’s Note
This article examines the pivotal forces reshaping the diamond industry in 2025, from the enduring influence of traditional mining giants to the rapid rise of lab-grown alternatives and new sustainable technologies.

The global diamond industry in 2025 is increasingly shaped by the interplay between traditional mining giants—like Anglo American De Beers—and the rapidly emerging lab-grown diamond sector. While De Beers remains a dominant force in natural diamond mining and trade, the rise of lab-grown alternatives, advances in mining technology, and the entrance of new regions—notably Alberta, Canada—are catalyzing a more sustainable and evolving industry landscape.
This moment reflects a hybrid future—where traditional mining is balanced with lab-grown innovation, and where new diamond frontiers are being unlocked through advanced exploration technology and a commitment to responsible practices. In this blog, we explore the pivotal roles of De Beers lab grown diamonds, Anglo American De Beers, and the diamonds Alberta sector in defining the next era of gemstone production and trade.
Anglo American De Beers has historically been synonymous with natural diamonds—leveraging deep geological expertise, vast infrastructure, and a global distribution network. The company’s longstanding operations span across Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa) and Canada, directly supporting the worldwide supply of high-quality gemstones.
How Anglo American De Beers Continues to Lead Natural Diamond Mining
✔ Extensive Operations: Multi-continental mines in Botswana, Canada, South Africa, and Namibia.
✔ Advanced Infrastructure: World-class logistics, processing plants, and branding platforms.
✔ Geological Expertise: Decades-long investments in exploration and extraction research.
✔ Market Influence: Major supplier to both luxury and industrial diamond segments.
✔ Sustainability Leadership: Increasing efforts toward reduced environmental impact and transparent sourcing.
De Beers “remains a dominant force,” but dynamics are shifting. Changing consumer preferences, rising demand for ethically sourced diamonds, and technological advancements are pushing the group to actively adapt and innovate throughout the value chain.
The rise of the lab-grown diamond sector is among the most significant trends shaping the industry landscape into 2025 and beyond. Lab-grown diamonds offer consumers affordable options, transparent provenance, and reduced environmental impact. This evolution is notably pertinent for De Beers—whose Lightbox brand represents a strategic move into the lab-grown market.
De Beers Lightbox: A Dual Strategy for the Modern Market
💎 Positioning: Lightbox offers affordable, certified lab-grown diamonds—primarily as fashion jewelry rather than direct substitutes for natural diamonds.
🔗 Brand Separation: Maintains clear distinction from the De Beers’ heritage “bridal” and “investment-grade” lines.
💡 Consumer Appeal: Targets younger, value-driven demographics prioritizing traceability and sustainability.
🌱 Environmental Advantage: Significantly reduced carbon emissions and resource use versus traditional mining.
🚀 Market Growth: 2025 projections suggest up to 15% global market share for lab-grown diamonds.
By maintaining robust natural diamond mining operations while embracing alternatives through Lightbox, Anglo American De Beers exemplifies the balancing act now required to retain relevance in a hybrid future market.
| Aspect | Lab-Grown Diamonds (Estimated 2025) | Natural Diamonds (Estimated 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Volume | 15–20 million carats | 110–120 million carats |
| Carbon Emissions (per carat) | ~5–15 kg CO2 | ~55–110 kg CO2 |
| Market Share (%) | ~15% | ~85% |
| Average Price per Carat (USD) | $600 – $1,200 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Major Producers | Lightbox (De Beers), Diamond Foundry, ALTR | De Beers, Alrosa, Rio Tinto, Dominion |
| Adoption in Alberta | Potential adoption (likely in the future if Alberta labs are established) | Emerging; Alberta set to boost Canadian diamond output by 5% |
| Environmental Impact | Lower; no habitat destruction, water usage minimal | Higher; land disturbance, water/energy use |
| Traceability & Certification | Digital/automated certification | Traditional certification; more complex traceability |


