What are ‘ethical diamonds’?
Mined diamonds have long been revered for their beauty and symbolism, but in recent years, attention has turned more and more to their origin and sourcing. Ethical diamonds, also known as conflict-free diamonds, represent a commitment to responsible mining practices, social well-being, and environmental preservation. As the world strives to be more and more sustainable, climate conscious and socially aware, ethical diamonds are the new standard. Read on for more information about them.
The history of ‘blood diamonds’
The term “blood diamonds” refers to diamonds mined in conflict zones, that are then sold to finance terrorism and armed groups. These diamonds funded violence, human rights abuses, and exploitation, and oftentimes directly caused pain, torture and even death for innocent civilians. Luckily, more awareness of this practice means that more and more countries are working towards eradicating the sale of ‘blood diamonds’, and instead are introducing the sale of fully traceable ethical diamonds.
Ethically sourced diamonds: what sets them apart
Ethical diamonds are sourced with a commitment to human rights and environmental protection. Here’s what sets them apart from non-ethical, mined diamonds:
- Conflict-free: Ethical diamonds are sourced from areas that are free from armed conflict and human rights abuses. Their journey from mine to market is transparent, and all of their movements can be traced.
- Fair labour practices: The miners involved in ethical diamond production work in safe conditions and are paid fair wages.
- Environmental responsibility: Ethical diamonds have less impact on the environment. Sustainable practices carried out by miners of ethical diamonds include; minimizing habitat destruction, water pollution, and carbon emissions.
- Community development: Ethical diamond mining contributes positively to local communities.
- Certifications: Ethical diamonds are accompanied by certifications from reputable organizations that verify their ethical origin, such as the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. By checking their certifications, you can trace the origin of your diamond.
Beyond The Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was founded in 2003, to eliminate trade of blood diamonds. There are also other, similar, organisations, that also help improve mining conditions and are committed to promoting ethical diamonds.
- The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI): Focused on improving the lives of artisanal diamond miners and their communities, and encouraging responsibly sourced stones, as well as metals.
- The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC): An organization that sets standards for responsible business practices in the jewellery supply chain, including diamond sourcing.
Another option to ensure full ethical sourcing and transparency is by opting for lab grown diamonds. These diamonds are simply grown in controlled environments rather than mined from the earth – which allows for a fully traceable supply chain. Lab grown diamonds are oftentimes a more sustainable and planet-friendly option, and they usually cost less per carat than a mined diamond, too.
Want to ensure your diamonds are ethical?
Always ask your jewellery questions about the sourcing of your diamond and ask if there are any certifications that they can show you. Alternatively, opt for lab grown diamonds and gemstones – which are fully traceable and are guaranteed to be ethical and sustainable. The Diamond Store only deals with fully traceable, conflict free natural mined diamonds, alongside our extensive lab grown diamond offerings.
