The drive to spend money on luxury items is no longer isolated from the desire to spend money on sustainable and responsibly made items. Increasingly, consumers are demanding that the lovely things in their lives be made with people and the environment in mind. As consumers change the way that they think about luxury items like fine jewellery, the industry is also transforming to respond to these changes.
In this article, we’ll look further at the role that ethical sourcing is taking on in the fine jewellery industry and how to ensure that your values are represented.
What is Ethical Sourcing in Fine Jewellery?
Ethical sourcing in fine jewellery means that the raw resources – diamonds, gems, and precious metals – are attained with due consideration to society and the environment. The entire supply chain needs to be governed by strict criteria. This involves offering fair wages and safe environments to the people who work there, doing no significant damage to the environment, and beneficial to the communities that mine such resources. The aim here is to produce lovely jewellery that doesn’t lead to either exploitation or damage to the environment.
Main Ethical Issues in Fine Jewellery
In terms of luxury jewellery, there are numerous ethical considerations to be made. One of the most prominent ethical considerations surrounds the origins of diamonds and precious gems. The jewellery trade has traditionally been linked to “conflict diamonds” that are mined within war zones to fund conflict. In an attempt to prevent this problem, the Kimberley Process was formed; however, consumers are increasingly demanding higher guarantees that the diamond is conflict-free in origin.
In addition to conflict minerals, one other issue that is paramount to mining activities is the effect that mining has on the environment. Conventional techniques applied in mining activities result in deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution. This has led to an increase in the use of recycled precious metals and laboratory-created diamonds. These are more environmentally friendly since there is no need to engage in further mining activities. Fair labour practices are also essential to ensure that people are treated with dignity.
How Consumers Can Make Informed Choices
As a consumer, you hold tremendous potential to bring change in the industry with educated buying choices. First of all, research various brands in the jewellery sector and ask them questions about sourcing practices. Check if companies are open about sourcing supply chains and if they are traceable to their origins. Many ethical jewellers share such details with customers either on their websites or in retail stores.
Another responsible shopping option is to look for certification. You can look for jewellers who use Fairmined or Fairtrade gold. This means that the gold has been mined and produced with the highest ethical standards. If you are buying luxury unique engagement rings in Australia, you should look for them to be either recycled, lab-created, or come from conflict-free mines. You can create a more ethical and sustainable jewellery industry if you shop from companies who share similar values with you.
A Brighter Future for Fine Jewellery
The sustainable luxury trend is more than just the latest trend; it is a complete change in values. The more that people are made aware, the more that there is a demand for ethical fine jewellery. This will ensure that more companies are committed to the values that come with sustainable luxury. To wear luxury jewellery that has values such as yours means that you wear your jewellery with pride.