When it comes to selecting an engagement ring, the story behind your chosen gemstone is just as important as its beauty and sparkle. With an increased global focus on sustainability and ethical practices, eco-friendly and ethically-sourced gemstones are quickly gaining popularity among couples who wish to make a positive impact on the environment and society. At S. Kind & Co., we are dedicated to creating ethical and eco-friendly engagement rings and fine jewelry handcrafted in New York City with recycled gold or platinum. We believe in supporting responsible mining practices, transparent supply chains, and upholding the highest standards of ethical sourcing.
In the world of gemstones, ethics, and sustainability are vital aspects to consider when making a purchase. Irresponsible supply chains can result in adverse environmental impacts and may even contribute to funding armed conflict or human rights abuses. By choosing ethically-sourced and eco-friendly gemstones for your engagement ring, you are supporting a jewelry industry that prioritizes human welfare and environmental preservation. Before exploring the options available for ethical and eco-friendly gemstones, it is crucial to understand what makes a gemstone ethical and environmentally friendly.
Types of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Gemstones
- Craftsman-Cut Gemstones: Craftsman-Cut Gemstones are sourced from independent and small-scale gem-cutting experts who work directly with artisanal miners and mines that adhere to strict social, environmental, and economic standards. These gemstones are cut as an art and are an excellent ethical choice for those seeking the most scintillating colored gemstones. The cutting process of colored gemstones is often ethically problematic, as it involves grinding the stone down, which produces a lot of silica dust. Prolonged exposure to this dust can cause lung disease, known as silicosis, which can lead to severe health issues or often death. Even today, most commercial and even some gemstones marketed as ethical are cut in unsafe work environments. However, craftsman-cut gemstones are cut in a way that minimizes health risks for the cutter. Craftsman-Cut Gemstones are not only ethically made but are also more sparkly. This is because their cutting process takes more time, with each stone undergoing several levels of abrasive grit, resulting in a technically finer polish.
- Recycled Gemstones: Recycled or repurposed gemstones are stones previously used in jewelry but extracted and reintroduced into the market. By choosing a recycled gemstone, you're helping reduce the demand for new mining and promoting a more sustainable jewelry industry.
- Lab-Grown Gemstones: Lab-grown or synthetic gemstones are an ethical and eco-friendly choice as they require fewer resources and have a significantly smaller environmental impact compared to mining. Lab-grown gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, are chemically, optically, and physically identical to their natural counterparts but are produced under controlled conditions.
- Conflict-Free Diamonds: Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that have been mined and sourced in accordance with the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme, which ensures that the diamonds are not financing conflict.
Choosing an ethical and eco-friendly gemstone for your engagement ring is a powerful way to symbolize your love and commitment while making a positive impact on the environment and people involved in the gemstone industry. By understanding the many types of ethical gemstones you can confidently create a truly unique and environmentally-conscious custom engagement ring that reflects your values.
At S. Kind & Co., we are committed to crafting breathtaking, ethical engagement rings from eco-friendly sources. Let our team help you select the perfect ethical and eco-friendly colored gemstone or diamond to create an engagement ring that embodies your love for each other and the planet. We invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our experts today and begin your journey toward a beautiful, responsible engagement ring.
