MBA Scholarship Journey- Complete!
Happy New Year everyone! It is with great pride and joy that I write my last blog about my MBA scholarship journey. Thank you to those who have followed my story. I completed my MBA on December 2; however, I eagerly awaited my final results, which I received a week ago. I’m very excited to say that I will graduate and am proud of my results. It has been an incredible journey of self-discovery as I recognised (slowly) that I was capable of taking on a Masters degree, and I could juggle this immense gift of learning while working full time, running my business, and being a mother of two boys. We women are pretty amazing. I say this knowing how many of you are doing the same as I am.
My final assignment was a Career-Applied Research Project designed to integrate and apply the knowledge gained throughout my degree. For my research, I explored the environmental impact of synthetic or laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) compared to natural diamonds, including the distinct effects of artisanal and small-scale diamond mining versus large-scale operations by major mining companies.
The vision for RRJ is to create enduring bespoke jewellery through circularity and without mining. I addressed The key business question: “Should Ruby Red Jewellery work with LGDs?” with the sub-question: “Are LGDs truly an environmental alternative to natural diamonds?” This inquiry stemmed from a growing consumer interest in LGDs, particularly since 2015, which surged further with campaigns by major retailers like Pandora and Michael Hill in 2020. Despite their popularity and the pressure to stock them, I had doubts about their sustainability claims, prompting me to conduct a comprehensive investigation for my research project.
Nine laboratories worldwide produce carbon-neutral LGDs, certified by SCS Global Services under five pillars of sustainability: origin traceability, ethical stewardship, climate neutrality, eco-friendly production practices, and sustainable investments. In contrast, most LGD producers, primarily based in India and China, rely on fossil fuels to generate the extreme heat and pressure needed to create these LG diamonds, resulting in significantly higher CO2 emissions than natural diamond mining.
Although less discussed, methane emissions from LGD laboratories pose a serious environmental concern. One laboratory reports emitting 70,000 kg of methane annually. While the exact number of LGD laboratories globally remains unknown due to their rapid emergence, these innovative synthetics are quickly gaining popularity worldwide under the banner of being the environmentally sustainable alternative to mined diamonds.
If you’re seeking an environmentally sustainable LGD, consider an SCS Global Services-certified diamond; you will have to ask for it. Another option is the Grown Diamond Trade Organisation, which develops various levels of sustainable LGDs at different price points, helping US consumers make informed environmental choices.
While Ruby Red Jewellery focuses on circularity—repurposing natural gemstones and diamonds already above ground—clients who prefer LGDs or desire a large, striking stone (their prices are dropping rapidly, so you can go big! However, they’re not ideal for investment!) will have access to responsibly sourced options. I will source an SCS Global Services-certified diamond, as their certification standards are rigorous. In an interview with Katherine Weymouth, who oversees the certification process, I learned they are committed to demanding carbon-neutral production and advancing methane capture and purification technologies. Their work, which spans both natural diamond mines and LGD producers, ensures a trusted and improving standard for sustainability.
Another aspect that concerns me is the millions of carats per year that are currently being produced. With the price of LGDs dropping constantly, will anyone ever repurpose their LGDs, or will they become another disposable product in fashion jewellery?
Apart from that, they are an exceptional product that brings great joy to many worldwide; let’s hope the industry pushes for more sustainable choices, eventually becoming the norm. As for me, I am off to Paris on the 26 January for my graduation at the Cirque d’Hiver. I never thought I’d go and wasn’t even considering it, but my lovely partner told me I had to go; you don’t graduate with an MBA from the College de Paris every day! You don’t have to tell me twice!
I’m thrilled to say that I will be meeting up with the amazing Cassandra Erbs (the other MBA scholarship recipient) at my graduation. We are both from Brisbane and have spoken a number of times but never met, so that will be truly exciting. As far as I know, 12 other members of my cohort will be there, too, so it is going to be a truly joyous occasion!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to WNA, Ducere Global Business School, Navig8 Biz, and all those who have supported me. Have a great and prosperous 2025.
