Enticing Ethical Jewellery

Posted on: October 18, 2008

When you hear the term “ethical jewellery”, this is basically referring to the moral, social, humanitarian and environmental factors that come into play in the production of jewellery – specifically the mining of diamonds and gold. Before you decide to purchase gold and diamond rings to symbolize your wedding, get the facts about conflict diamonds and gold mining from the following websites:

Brilliantearth.com is an extremely informative website if you’re interested in learning more about the issues surrounding the non-ethical mining of jewellery materials and ways to ensure the jewellery you wear is produced ethically.

If you have your heart set on a natural diamond, consider buying one mined and cut in Canada. Check out: Canadianarcticdiamond.com and put your conscience at ease.

Here are some general tips to consider when looking for ethical jewellery:

• Buy a Canadian diamond. This is your assurance that your diamond is excellent quality and conflict-free.
• Look for fair trade gold and diamond jewellery
• Buy a vintage ring – check out your local vintage vendors or Ebay
• Buy a good quality man-made alternative to diamonds - look into Russian diamonds, Moissanite, Diamond Nexus and Gemesis Cultured Diamonds.
• Buy a ring in sterling silver – producing silver does less harm to the environment than gold
• Buy a ring made from re-claimed or recycled gold and platinum
• Look for assurances that miners for the jewellery you purchase have been paid with fair trade wages
• Try different media – how about a ring made from coconut or wood?
• Buy natural, conflict-free diamond alternatives such as Blue Sapphire, White Sapphire and Emeralds

Some resources to browse:

Gemesis.com

Yoursforever.ca

Touchwoodrings.com

Photo from Gemesis.com