I (Sophie, jewelry of Take Shape Studio) started learning about ethical gemstones in 2020 at the Tucson Gem Fair, when a friend pointed me towards the "Ethical Gem Fair" within the larger market. I hadn't yet ventured into the world of fine jewelry, but was there to gather stones for my first collection.
At the time, I didn't know a lot about sustainability within the jewelry industry, but I've always wanted to steer my ship in that direction so I checked out the market. There, I purchased my first ethical sapphires and gained contacts for ethical and sustainable gemstone sellers. The following year during Covid I attended an online presentation by the same group and started to learn a bit more. I now use ethical gemstones in all of my fine jewelry and steer my custom clients to work with ethical stones as well.
The Nitty Gritty!
Ethical gemstones are precious stones that are sourced, mined, and processed in ways that prioritize sustainability, fairness, and transparency. Several key factors contribute to making a gemstone ethical:
Environmental Responsibility
Ethical gemstones are extracted using environmentally friendly methods that aim to minimize the impact on nature and ecosystems. This includes:
- Using sustainable mining practices
- Reducing carbon footprints
- Managing waste responsibly
- Rehabilitating mined land after extraction
- Implementing water recycling and treatment plans
- Utilizing renewable energy sources for mining and cutting operations
Fair Labor Practices
A crucial aspect of ethical gemstones is ensuring fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain. This involves:
- Providing safe working conditions
- Offering fair wages
- Respecting workers' rights to organize
- Prohibiting child labor and forced labor
- Supporting local economies and communities
Traceability and Transparency
Ethical gemstones should have a transparent supply chain where their origins can be traced and verified. This includes:
- Providing detailed information about the gemstone's origin
- Disclosing the conditions under which it was mined and processed
- Ensuring all stages of the process meet ethical standards
Conflict-Free
Ethical gemstones are sourced from areas free from conflict, and their trade does not fund violence, terrorism, or political corruption.
Certifications
Look for certifications that guarantee responsible gemstone sourcing, such as:
- Fair Trade
- Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)
- Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)
It's important to note that while a gemstone may not meet all these criteria, the more of these factors it satisfies, the more ethical it is considered to be. When purchasing ethical gemstones, consumers should ask questions about sourcing and origin to ensure they align with their personal values and standards.