The role of gemstone certification in ensuring fair and ethical practices in the industry

It’s a sad fact that the jewellery industry has historically been riddled with reports of hazardous working conditions, destructive mining practices, conflict-driven commerce and exploitation of child labour. Fortunately, responsible jewellery retailers make ethical gemstone sourcing and jewellery production a cornerstone of their business.

Ethics of gemstone mining

In response to concerns for the ecological and economic well-being of these regions, third-party organizations like Fairtrade Gold and the Responsible Jewellery Council provide oversight and certification of ethically sourced gems and metals. The Kimberley Process aims to promote conflict-free diamonds and eliminate conflict diamonds from world markets.

Certification processes address the following areas of concern:

• Regional impacts. Traditional gemstone mining has been carried out at great cost to the land and the people who live in gem-rich areas. Ethical companies invest in the well-being of the communities and environment where the gemstones are sourced. These initiatives may include education, healthcare and projects oriented towards improving the quality of life of people who live in regions impacted by mining.
• Fairtrade and humane labour practices. In the world of gemstones, fair trade practices ensure miners and gem cutters can work in reasonable conditions and receive fair compensation for their work. It includes supporting responsible mining practices and favouring low-impact artisanal and small-scale mining over exploitative large-scale mining operations.
• Transparency and traceability. Accountability is a cornerstone of ethical jewellers. If you want to be sure your gemstone jewellery is responsibly sourced and produced, you can ask for documentation about where it came from. Such documentation may include third-party certifications confirming that the gemstones and jewellery are sourced ethically and responsibly.

Ethical gemstone options

As a consumer, you may feel limited in choice and knowledge when it comes to making ethical jewellery choices. Fortunately, some brands are making the choice easier by taking accountability for the pieces they sell.

• Ethically sourced stones. For a diamond brand that prides itself on documenting each step of the mining and jewellery-making process, you can’t go wrong with My Diamond Story. Another option that ensures your diamonds are conflict-free is the Canadian-mined diamond selection from Glacier Fire.
• Lab-grown gemstones. Lab-grown gemstones are traceable and sustainable. They also tend to be more affordable than gemstones mined from the earth. They have the same physical and chemical composition as mined diamonds but may actually have fewer imperfections. Ben Moss offers a wide selection of jewellery featuring lab-grown diamonds and coloured gemstones.

Jewellery store in Red Deer and Kelowna

For beautiful, affordable jewellery with ethical origins, trust Ben Moss. Our knowledgeable staff can advise you, and you’re sure to find plenty of delightful choices in our extensive inventory. Contact us today for more information or visit one of our many locations across Canada to view our pieces up close.