More consumers today pay attention to where their products come from, especially regarding such valuable and emotional purchases as diamonds and other gemstones. This post will discuss ethically sourced gemstones and what that term means.

At Bling Advisor, we know how important it is for our customers to feel good about their jewelry purchases. Our experienced jewelry designers have a passion for creating custom pieces that are as unique as they are beautiful. Each of our ethically sourced gemstones has its own individual characteristics and style, making it easy to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personality and style.

An ethically sourced gemstone is a stone that has been mined, cut, and polished following ethical standards. This includes ensuring that the miners receive a fair wage for their work and that they are not working in dangerous or unhealthy conditions. It also means ensuring that the environmental impact is neutral or positive.

At Bling Advisor, we understand the importance of ethically sourced gemstones. Not only are these gems a beautiful accessory for any look, but they are also an investment in responsible and sustainable practices.

What are the Benefits of Ethical Gemstones?

Every April, people worldwide celebrate Earth Day –  a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet. One way to help the environment is by choosing ethically sourced gemstones over those mined using traditional methods.

The benefits of ethical gemstones are many. Let us mention just a few:

1. The most important benefit of choosing ethical gemstones is that they help to ensure that workers in the gemstone industry are treated fairly and paid decent wages. In an industry where child labor and dangerous working conditions are all too common, ethical gemstones offer a way for consumers to ensure their jewelry is not contributing to these problems.
2. In addition, ethical gemstones are often of better quality than those mined using traditional methods. This is because the mining process is more controlled and monitored, and only the best stones are extracted.
3. Finally, ethical gemstones offer consumers a way to show their support for ethically responsible businesses. By purchasing ethical gemstones, you can message that you care about where your jewelry comes from and how it is made.

Ethical gemstones are often more expensive than those mined using traditional methods. Still, many consumers are willing to pay the extra cost knowing that their purchase is not supporting unethical practices.

Also, remember that the shape of the stone affects its price. 

Where do Ethical Gemstones Come From?

History of gemstones mining

Mining for gemstones has a long and complicated history that can be traced back centuries.

The first gemstone mines were located in India, where workers mined for diamonds and other precious stones. These mines were often owned by wealthy families or corporations, and the workers were paid very low wages.

The dangers associated with working in these mines were constant, and many workers became sick or injured due to their job. As awareness of these circumstances increased, public pressure for change grew.

The birth of ethical gemstone mining

In response, the Indian government passed the “1833 Factory Act” in the early 1900s that mandated better working conditions and higher wages for gemstone miners. This legislation sparked a wave of reform that spread to other countries.

Today, some of the most ethical gemstone mines are located in Canada, Sri Lanka, Africa, Australia, and South America.

What are Some of the Most Popular Ethically Sourced Gemstones?

Some of the most popular ethically mined gemstones include:

• Diamonds are the most popular type of ethical gemstone. They are mined in many countries, including Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Check out our diamond jewelry collection on Bling Advisor!
• Emeralds are mined in countries such as Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Check out our emerald jewelry collection!
• Rubies are mined in countries such as Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Bling Advisor has a wide collection of ruby jewelry. 
• Sapphires are mined in Australia, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar, to name a few. Check out our sapphire jewelry. 

Learn more about the most ethical gemstones around the world.

How Can You Be Sure You’re Buying An Ethically Mined Gemstone?

When purchasing ethical gemstones, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Research the origin of the stone and the conditions under which it was mined. This information should be readily available from the seller. For example, at Bling Advisor, we advocate for ethically sourced gems and materials at affordable prices.
• Be sure to check that the stones you are interested in have been ethically sourced. Look for certification from independent organizations such as the Responsible Jewelry Council or Fairtrade International. This will ensure that the gemstones you purchase meet high standards for social and environmental responsibility.
• Ask questions! If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask the seller for more information. At Bling Advisor, we are always ready to answer your questions and help you find the perfect piece of ethically sourced jewelry.
• When it comes to ethical gemstones, knowledge is power. The more you know about where your gemstones come from and how they are mined, the better equipped you will be to make responsible purchasing decisions.

Reasons to Seek Out Ethical Gemstones

1. Supporting local economies: Ethical gemstone mining operations support the communities where they are located by providing jobs and training. They also often invest in infrastructure projects, such as building schools or hospitals.
2. Respecting human rights: Ethical gemstone miners treat their workers fairly, providing them with safe working conditions and a living wage. They also respect the rights of local communities, respecting their customs and traditions.
3. Protecting the environment: Ethical gemstone miners use environmentally friendly practices, such as using recycled water and minimizing waste. They also often plant trees to offset the impact of their operations.
4. Ensuring fair prices: Ethical gemstone miners sell their stones directly to consumers, cutting out the middleman. This allows them to charge fair prices for their products.

What are Some of the Challenges Faced by the Ethical Gemstone Industry?

The ethical gemstone industry is still in its infancy, and it faces many challenges.

1. The lack of regulation: At present, there are no global standards for what counts as an ethically sourced gemstone. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. It also makes it harder for businesses to track their supply chains.
2. The high cost of ethical gemstones: Because they are often sourced from small-scale miners, they can be significantly more expensive than their non-ethical counterparts.
3. The ethical gemstone industry also faces the challenge of public awareness: many people are not aware of the issues surrounding the gemstone industry, so they are not motivated to seek out ethical alternatives.

The Future of Ethical Gemstones

As awareness of the issues surrounding gemstones mining continues to grow, more companies will likely begin sourcing their stones ethically. This will help ensure that workers are protected and that the environmental impact of mining is minimized.

Get in touch with one of our specialists to get a quote to create a custom piece with an ethically sourced gemstone.

It is also possible that the price of ethical gemstones will drop as more companies begin to source them, making these stones more accessible to consumers.

Whatever the future holds, ethical gemstones offer a way for consumers to ensure their jewelry purchases do not support unethical practices. You can help make a difference in workers’ lives and the environment by choosing ethically sourced gemstones.

Conclusion

So the next time you’re in the market for a piece of jewelry, take a moment to consider the source of the stones. By supporting companies that are transparent about their sourcing practices, you can help to ensure that your jewelry is beautiful AND ethically sourced.