5 Ways to Make Sure Your Engagement Ring is Ethically Sourced
An engagement ring is a unique symbol of a couple’s love. Such rings should be sourced from places that are free from any form of conflict. An ethical engagement ring has a diamond or gemstone sourced from mines that does not;
- exploit workers,
- use forced child labor,
- cause environmental degradation,
- and cause shocking human rights abuses.
An ethically sourced stone is mined, polished, cut and produced with care for the environment and its workers. The following are five ways to ensure your engagement ring is ethically sourced.
1. Buy a vintage, antique or recycled ring
Recycling a ring refines a ring to make it appear new. A second hand or recycled ring is environmental conscious compared to a diamond ring. Recycling a ring takes place when the stone in the engagement ring is refined and rebranded instead of getting a new mined gemstone or diamond.
Remember, for a diamond gemstone to be mined, the soil needs to be removed causing land, air and water pollution. Land and air pollution affects the quality of life of those living near the mines. A recycled diamond ring cannot cause negative social impacts associated with mining, processing, and transportation.
There is a high degree of similarity between a new diamond ring and a recycled ring. You don’t need to worry about the diamond having a vintage look because it has a fantastic appearance especially for wedding bands.
2. Get your ring from an ethical retailer
Most retailers are concerned about the source of the diamond they sell to their consumers. There is a list of ethical ring retailers on most of the online retail platforms. Additionally, you can ask your jeweler for all the background information about the diamond engagement ring you want to buy.
Researching on finer details of your diamond suppliers profile is important. There are mining companies that work with the local community and invest substantially in local communities and practice strict ethical measures in processing and sourcing of diamond and gemstone.
Suppliers need to track each stone from mine to the market. If suppliers don’t buy a diamond from traders who are not members of the professional diamond trade then a clear profile of the traders needs to be established.
Some suppliers are issued with an ethical compliance certificate to guarantee consumers complete peace of mind. Retailers can also inquire from suppliers if they sell man-made gemstone which is not produced under the natural environment.
3. Canadian engagement ring
Canada is a source of the high-quality diamond engagement rings. It’s among the first country one thinks of about diamond. Canadian diamonds are mined under strict labor, environmental laws, and respect to the community living in the area.
There is also an assessment carried out before mining takes place to ensure the local wildlife is also protected. Buying your engagement ring from Canada you’re sure about the source and that it is an ethical ring.
4. Buy an alternative to diamond
Are you thinking of an engagement ring? What is the first thing that comes to your mind if not a big diamond ring? There are many natural and healthy alternatives to diamond-like a Moissanite engagement ring or also known as synthetic diamond.
Moissanite comes from silicon carbide originally found in a crater formed by a fallen meteor. It is rarely found. However, scientists found a way to produce it. Moissanite engagement ring is cost-effective since it is produced in a controlled environment.
Moissanite is a hard sparkling gem-stone which is an ethical alternative to a diamond engagement ring. It’s cultured, cut, polished, and produced under suitable and ethical conditions. Moissanite cost only a fraction of diamond cost and many jewelers consider it a valuable gem-stone to diamond.
5. Propose with an Heirloom engagement ring
An heirloom engagement ring is a ring passed from generation to generation in a family. It is passed down with encouragement and love as it carries a sentimental value.
In case your family owns an heirloom ring reusing it for your engagement ring can eliminate any ethical concerns you may have regarding the diamond industry. You can have the ring reset or re-cut, polished and redesigned to fit your style.
Final verdict
How do you feel putting on an engagement ring which is ethically sourced? An engagement ring sourced from an unethical source makes you feel uncomfortable instead of being happy in your engagement special occasion.
Ethical engagement rings are available in different categories. You can purchase your engagement ring based on your tastes and preferences. However, you have to avoid unethical circumstances when sourcing for an engagement ring.
