How To Ensure Your Diamond Is Ethical

When proposing to your love, you want to be sure that everything is idyllic; the timing, the place, and most importantly, the engagement ring! The absolute last thing you want to do is bring any negative elements into the mix. The same goes for gifting those diamond stud earrings or that sparkly diamond pendant that you have been eagerly planning to buy for your extra special someone. Ensuring that no suffering is incurred for the jewelry you’re looking to acquire is of vital importance, without a doubt. Below are constructive tips on how to make sure the diamond jewelry you plan to buy is of genuine ethical origin and conflict-free.

Consider Buying Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry.

The most assured way to guarantee that your diamond is conflict-free, without question, is to buy lab-grown diamond jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds are optically and structurally the same as earth-grown diamonds and are more economical and ecologically sustainable to boot. They are, in fact, actual diamonds. Their source is the only element that distinguishes lab-grown diamonds from earth-grown diamonds.

If You Are Interested In Buying An Earth-Grown Diamond, Be Aware Of The Kimberley Process

Despite increased international awareness, conflict diamonds still exist; however, thanks to the implementation of The Kimberley Process, 99.8% of the world’s diamond trade is now conflict-free. Established in 2003, The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was organized by The United Nations with the express purpose of putting an end to unethical diamond mining practices through the regulation of the rough diamond trade, using supply train tracking. Conflict diamonds, also referred to as blood diamonds, are rough trade diamonds used by rebel factions to fund wars in many African countries and exploit human rights. It’s not the actual diamonds that are the issue, but rather the rebels who exploit people and natural resources for their own illegal and destructive gains. To ensure that the diamond you are looking to buy has come from an ethical and conflict-free source that complies with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, ask your jeweler for the diamond's System of Warranties statement.

Ask Your Jeweler For The Diamond's Source

If you decide to go the earth-grown diamond route, be sure to speak with your jeweler about the source of your diamond. Be extra cautious about buying diamonds that were mined from Angola, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Sierra Leone, or The Democratic Republic of Congo; all of which are countries that are notorious for human rights abuses within their diamond trades. In contrast, in the diamond trades of Botswana and Namibia, stringent labor laws and environmental measures have been enforced. Botswana is often considered to be the leader in conflict-free diamonds, thanks to its strict labor laws and environmental safeguards within its diamond trade. Botswana’s government uses its revenue from diamond mining and trading to fund universal primary education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Namibia, with a system referred to as beneficiation, has been able to practically eliminate conflict diamonds. Through beneficiation, Namibia cuts and polishes all the diamonds mined within its borders, ensuring that the trade is legal and ethical. This has also led to increased employment and all-around economic improvement, with diamond workers earning about twice the national average salary. South Africa, one of the main countries that helped launch the Kimberley Process, is now also regarded as a stable, conflict-free diamond source. Canadian diamonds, which were recently discovered during the last century, are mined from the country’s arctic tundra region and are a great ethical option to consider. The Canadian government enforces strict environmental policies and mutually equitable labor agreements, which are beneficial to the region’s indigenous communities. Although it is less ecologically conscious than Canada’s diamond mining practices, Russia’s diamond trade is also conflict-free and helps fuel the economies of northeastern Siberia and its surrounding regions. Russian miners are provided with affordable housing, healthcare, and retirement funds; they also earn as much as twice the country’s average salary. Australia’s ethical diamond mining industry also helps support local economies in rural mining regions. Aligned with the Kimberley Process as well, Australia closely monitors its diamond trade and employs ecologically sustainable mining practices. Under the best circumstances, buying natural diamonds mined from ethical sources funds economic and social prosperity in those respective communities. 

Buy Vintage Or Antique Diamonds

Another feasible option is to buy a vintage or antique diamond. Since diamonds last forever, their age is of no consequence, and they can be cleaned, polished, put into a new setting, and even recut, if necessary. Even if its origin is untraceable, your repurposed diamond would be more environmentally sustainable, and it would not contribute to the diamond mining supply chain since it is not newly mined.

Learn about our commitment to ethically sourced diamonds.