How to Find Ethically Sourced Jewellery
When buying jewellery, it's important to be aware of the ethical implications of your purchase. With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few tips on how to find ethically sourced jewellery:
What Does Ethical Jewellery Mean?
Ethical jewellery is made with consideration for the environment and the people involved in the creation process. It considers the full life cycle of the piece, from raw materials to finished product, and ensures that everyone involved is treated fairly.
There are a few key things to look for when choosing ethical jewellery:
1. Research the Jeweller
When looking for ethical jewellery, it is important to research the jeweller. Ask questions about where they source their materials from and how they ensure that their labour practices are fair. If a jeweller cannot answer these questions to your satisfaction, it is best to look elsewhere.
There are a few ways to research a jeweller. One is to look for online reviews. Another is to ask family and friends for recommendations. You can also look for certification labels that tell you if a jeweller meets certain ethical sourcing and manufacturing standards.
One of the most reputable jewellery brands is Larsen Jewellery — a great option for finding ethically sourced jewellery.
2. Speak to the Jeweller Before Purchasing
If you're looking for ethically sourced jewellery, it's important to speak to the jeweller before making a purchase. Ask about the materials' origins and how the piece was made. Jewellers should be able to tell you about the provenance of their products and should be able to provide documentation to back up their claims.
If a jeweller is unable or unwilling to provide this information, it's best to look elsewhere. Many reputable jewellers sell ethically sourced jewellery, so there's no need to support those who can't or won't be transparent about their products.
3. Avoid Jewelleries From Areas of Conflict
When sourcing your jewellery, it is important to avoid products that may have been sourced from areas of conflict. Conflict diamonds, for example, are diamonds that have been mined in areas controlled by rebel groups who are fighting against recognised governments. These diamonds are often used to finance wars and other acts of violence.
If you are unsure about the source of a diamond, you can ask the jeweller for a certificate of origin. This document should state where the diamond was mined and whether it comes from a conflict zone. You can also check the website of the Kimberley Process, an international initiative to stop the trade in conflict diamonds, to see if a particular diamond is certified as conflict-free.
4. Only Buy From Reputable Stores
When buying jewellery, it's important to only purchase from reputable stores. Not only will this ensure that you're getting high-quality products, but you can also be confident that the jewellery has been ethically sourced.
There are a few ways to tell if a store is reputable. First, check to see if the store is a member of a professional jewellery association, such as the Jewelers of America or the Gemological Institute of America. These organisations have strict ethical standards that members must adhere to.
Ask the store staff questions about where the jewellery comes from and how it is produced. A reputable store should be able to tell you where their products are sourced and what type of labour standards were used in the production process.
5. Source of the Materials
When finding ethically sourced jewellery, it is important to know where your piece comes from. For example, many big-name jewellery retailers may sell conflict diamonds. These diamonds have been mined in areas of conflict, where the money made from their sale goes towards funding violence.
The best way to avoid conflict in diamonds is to buy from brands certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). The RJC is an organisation that ensures its members uphold the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility in the jewellery industry.
6. Check the Companies Policies
The first step when looking for ethically sourced jewellery is to check the company's policies. Many companies will have a statement on their website or marketing materials about their commitment to ethical sourcing. If the company does not have a statement, you can contact them directly and ask about their sourcing practices.
When considering a company's policies, there are a few key things to look for:
- - A commitment to sourcing conflict-free diamonds and gems
- - Commitment to using recycled materials
- - The commitment to fair labour practices
If a company does not have policies in place to meet these criteria, it may not be ethically sourcing its jewellery. However, it is important to remember that even companies with ethical policies may not be perfect.
In Summary
The best way to find ethically sourced jewellery is to buy from sustainable and certified brands, do your research, and ask questions.
When shopping for jewellery, it is important to be aware of the industry's ethical and environmental issues.
Unfortunately, the majority of jewellery on the market today is produced in an unethical manner, often using child labour, conflict minerals, and environmentally destructive mining practices.
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