Pandora adds carbon footprint labelling for lab-grown diamonds
New level of transparency empowers consumers to compare climate impact of their diamond jewellery. The carbon footprint of Pandora’s lab-grown diamonds is around 90% lower than mined alternatives.
6 May 2026
PRESS RELEASE
For decades, diamonds have been graded by the traditional 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat. Now Pandora is adding the 5th C, declaring the carbon footprint of every Pandora Lab‑Grown Diamond as part of the product information on pandora.net alongside the traditional four grading criteria.
The carbon footprint covers all emissions from the diamond crafting process: from producing the raw materials used to grow the diamond all the way until it is cut and polished, ready to leave the diamond facility.
As an example, a one carat Pandora Lab‑Grown Diamond has 12.58 kg of CO2e emissions. This is around 90% lower than a mined diamond of the same size.
By adding carbon footprint to the diamond conversation, Pandora gives customers an extra point of comparison and essential insight into the climate impact of their desired diamond jewellery.
“We believe the future is about making diamonds more accessible while giving customers clarity on what they’re buying. We craft our jewellery with sustainability in mind and by introducing the 5th C, we’re empowering consumers to make informed choices,” said Berta de Pablos-Barbier, CEO of Pandora.
CARBON FOOTPRINT COMPARABLE TO A PAIR OF JEANS
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, optically, thermally and physically identical to mined diamonds.
Pandora stopped using mined diamonds in 2021 and is now only using lab-grown diamonds made with 100% renewable electricity and set in jewellery crafted from 100% recycled silver and gold.
This significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the Pandora Lab-Grown Diamonds collection. For example, a 14k gold Pandora Infinite ring with a 1 carat lab-grown diamond has a comparable carbon footprint to a pair of jeans.
PANDORA TO SHARE FINDINGS
The carbon footprints of Pandora’s lab-grown diamonds have been calculated by external life-cycle assessment experts and published in a study verified by auditing firm EY. The study uses best practice methodology and is available on pandoragroup.com.
Adding a 5th C is a response to increasing consumer expectations to sustainability, and Pandora will share its methodology and findings with other jewellery makers to inspire greater transparency across the sector.
“As consumers demand greater knowledge of how their products are made, transparency is becoming a defining force for brands. We are happy to share our learnings with others,” said Berta de Pablos-Barbier, CEO of Pandora.
Pandora Lab-Grown Diamonds are currently available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark with more countries to be added soon.
A one carat Pandora Lab‑Grown Diamond has 12.58 kg of CO2e emissions. This is around 90% lower than a mined diamond of the same size.
Facts about Lab-Grown Diamonds and carbon footprint
- Lab-grown diamonds are created by placing small diamond seeds in a vacuum chamber with carbon‑rich gases. Under controlled pressure and heat, the diamonds grow layer by layer over a few weeks before being cut and polished just like mined diamonds.
- Lab‑grown diamonds have the same carbon structure as mined diamonds, resulting in the same hardness, brilliance and sparkle, as well as the same physical, optical, thermal and chemical properties. Pandora Lab-Grown Diamonds are grown using 100% renewable electricity and set in jewellery made with 100% recycled silver and gold.
- For each piece of diamond jewellery, Pandora displays the carbon footprint of the total diamond carat weight in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e). Calculations are based on a life cycle assessment approach covering all stages of diamond creation until the diamond leaves the diamond facility (“cradle‑to‑gate”). CO₂e represents the combined climate impact of multiple greenhouse gases - including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide - expressed as a single, comparable metric.
- Pandora’s product carbon footprint study was developed by external experts to ensure alignment with recognised standards and transparent methodologies. Download the study here.
- The carbon footprint study follows recognised ISO standards (ISO 14067:2018, ISO 14040:2006, ISO 14044:2006) and has been subject to independent third-party verification through limited assurance by EY.
- A separate study – also carried out by external experts and independently verified through limited assurance by EY – calculates the carbon footprint for selected finished Pandora Lab-Grown Diamond products. Download the study here. The comparison between the 14k gold 1-carat Infinite ring and a pair of jeans is based on data from Carbonfact.
- The emissions of a Pandora Lab-Grown Diamond are around 90% lower than a mined diamond of the same size (based on a 2019 study by the Diamond Producers Association).
ABOUT PANDORA
Pandora is the world's largest jewellery brand, specialising in the design, crafting and marketing of accessible luxury jewellery made from high-quality materials. Each piece is created to inspire self-expression, allowing people to share their stories and passions through meaningful jewellery. Pandora jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries through around 7,000 points of sale, including more than 2,800 concept stores.
Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora employs around 39,000 people worldwide and crafts its jewellery with 100% recycled silver and gold. Pandora is committed to leadership in sustainability and has set out to halve greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030. Pandora is listed on the Nasdaq Copenhagen stock exchange