For a truly ethical engagement ring, look no further than the Earth’s treasures. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to mined diamonds, a ring made from Fair trade certified gold, or a vintage or recycled diamond, you can find an eco-friendly ring for your future bride-to-be. You can find more information about these and other options in our comprehensive guide to ethical engagement rings. Also, be sure to check out our guide to vintage and recycled diamonds – these are just some of the alternatives available.
Blood diamonds
During the Sierra Leone civil war in the 1990s, blood diamonds gained prominence. Rival groups were fighting for control of diamond mining and resulting in human rights abuses, including child soldiers and rape. Eventually, the United Nations began the Kimberley Process, which has helped to put an end to this heinous trade. But who is behind it? And what are blood diamonds? Here are some things you should know.
The Kimberley Process is a certification system set up by the UN for rough diamonds. This scheme aims to control the trade and production of diamonds from member countries. While it was initially praised, it has since fallen short of its aim. Blood diamonds were illegal to produce and trade, and the Zimbabwe government had tortured those involved in their mining. Since these diamonds were illegal, the Kimberley Process is the only way to ensure their safety.
Alternatives to mined diamonds
If your budget doesn’t allow for a mined diamond, you can still make your engagement ring sparkle. There are a number of alternatives, from gemstones to diamond simulants, that will mimic the look of a real diamond without the high price or ethical concerns. Here are three options that might appeal to you. Let’s start with gemstones. They are the most common option, and they’re quite beautiful.
Moissanite is a popular choice for higher-quality synthetic diamond engagement rings. Moissanite resembles a real diamond in many ways. It’s the closest thing to a diamond, but doesn’t have the same durability. When properly cut, it reflects light with excellent sparkle. And because it’s very close in appearance to a real diamond, it can easily pass for one.
Fair trade certified gold
The first ethical certification system for gold Fairtrade Certified Gold is more than just the most luxurious and durable metal on the market. This ethically sourced gold supports small-scale miners while also improving the lives of workers and the environment. It is sourced from mine sites that adhere to the Fairtrade Gold Standard, which is recognized worldwide as best practice. For more information about Fairtrade Gold, click here. Purchasing a Fairtrade gold engagement ring is a great way to support the small-scale miners that are doing an amazing job of protecting the environment and improving the lives of the people they work with.
For a truly ethical option, consider buying a Fairtrade-certified gold engagement ring. Some companies use recycled gold, while others use only Fairtrade or Fairmined gold. While some jewelers sell diamonds sourced from conflict-free mines, they often require a signature upon delivery. You can choose between different styles, including wedding and engagement rings, at the Responsible Jewelry Council website. The RJC certifies fair-trade gold and carries a variety of other ethical options, such as eco-friendly materials and responsible mining practices.
Lab-grown diamonds
When you purchase a ring with a lab-grown diamond, you are supporting an ethical company. You can also get a full appraisal and insurance on your diamond investment. Unlike diamond jewelry, diamond values do not remain the same forever. Even though lab-grown diamonds are more reliable, their qualities are not the same as naturally-occurring diamonds. And just as diamonds don’t have cookie-cookie-cutter shapes, lab-grown diamonds still have a mind of their own!
When choosing the right diamond for your engagement ring, look for one that is certified as ethical. Great Heights is one company that exclusively uses lab-grown diamonds. Their extensive collection of ethical engagement rings allows you to customize your ring by choosing the shape, setting, and budget. Great Heights sources only the highest quality lab-grown diamonds, with ideal two excellent cuts, D-J color ranges, and S12 clarity. Additionally, they guarantee that their diamonds have no visible inclusions.
Vintage or recycled diamonds
Ethical engagement rings don’t have to be made from lab-grown diamonds. Using conflict-free diamonds means your choice is sourced without human rights abuses, child labor, or environmental destruction. Vintage or recycled diamonds are a great option, too. Recycled diamonds come from old jewelry and don’t contribute to new mining initiatives. A vintage engagement ring will still look stunning.
If you want an engagement ring that is eco-friendly, you can look for vintage or recycled diamonds. This option might be a good fit if you’d rather save money in the long run. Although you won’t be able to customize it the way you’d like, you won’t have to worry about conflicting diamonds. Also, you’ll be saving money on shipping. If you’re looking for an engagement ring that’s made entirely of recycled materials, you can check out Etsy. Not only will you find unique engagement rings, but you’ll be supporting a great cause.
Sustainable alternatives to mined diamonds
There are many reasons to use a sustainable alternative to mined diamonds in your engagement ring, including the fact that mining diamonds still have a long supply chain, which increases the costs of production and adds a considerable markup for the end consumer. A good way to go green is to choose a lab-grown diamond. This type of gemstone is produced using renewable energy, which reduces the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.
Conclusion
Considering the environmental and ethical ramifications of mined diamonds can be a challenge. Apart from the financial costs involved, the production process is often violent, with large areas of land being displaced for months to dig out a single diamond. The good news is that there are now sustainable alternatives to mined diamonds that don’t involve the destruction of the environment and can cost as much as 20-30% less than a mined diamond.
