3 Ways You Can Select Morally Justified Jewellery

Not everyone appreciates a polished piece of finery, and that’s OK. But for those who love a good sparkle or go ditzy for diamonds, shopping for jewellery is like a religious experience. Jewellery is used for all kinds of occasions. Weddings are the perfect example. Yet jewellery items are also traditional for Baptism, retirement or simply to treat yourself.

Whatever you think of the purchase of precious metals and stones, there is something to be said about the popularity of such extravagance. For example, the global diamond industry alone is worth $80 billion annually. At the same time, almost 1,000 tonnes of gold is sold due to an average increase in demand of 13% year on year. But, unfortunately, because of the high value of such items, there exists a shady part of the industry that is fraught with fraud, theft and conflict.

Digital Measurement Equipment

Each type of precious metal stone has within them specific characteristics that determine its value. Diamonds, for example, are measured using four measurements; carat, scintillation, brightness and fire. A specially trained eye can select some of these, but precise measuring equipment is almost always required. 

For example, Presidium Instruments manufacture a wide range of jewellery measurement devices. Some are analogue, and some are digital. For example, a digital refractive index meter can give you a precise reading. At the same time, a gem computer gauge will assess the weight and, therefore, carat of a diamond. A carat is equal to 0.200g or ⅕ of a gram.

Source Sustainable Products

Mining for such exuberant materials and gold and diamonds is big business. Because of the extreme value of such materials, unscrupulous companies dig mercilessly without regard for the harmful environmental impact their venture will create. Gold mining is also known to be particularly negative. Entire communities can become displaced, drinking water contaminated, and habitats destroyed. Therefore, it is a moral responsibility to source sustainable jewels.

It can be challenging to know how your materials are produced. Still, brands that sustainably source precious metals and gemstones always inform you of their methods on their website and in brochures. For example, some of the best brands for sustainable jewellery include Lack & Berry, Matilde and Monica Vinader. Standard methods include using recycled material, fair trade practices and eco-friendly production.

Know Where Your Material Comes From

In addition to sourcing a sustainable collection, it would help if you also made an effort to determine how your precious materials are sourced. For example, the entire world is aware of so-called “Blood Diamonds”. Yet, the practice of exploiting poor workers to dig in diamond mining operations for little or no pay under inhumane conditions continues today.

In many developed nations, ownership of a conflict diamond is illegal. Still, it isn’t only diamonds that are sourced from conflict. You can determine whether you own a conflict stone or diamond by simply tracing the provenance of such items. For example, in the United States, a reputable dealer will present you with a certificate awarded by the Gemological Institute of America. This certifies the carat, cut, colour and clarity. The GIA is the global standard. 

*This is a collaboration post