Diamonds are a symbol of love, commitment, and enduring beauty. However, for many years, the diamond industry has been associated with a dark history of human rights abuses, conflict, and environmental damage. The term “blood diamonds” refers to diamonds that are mined in war zones and sold to finance conflicts against governments, often leading to human rights abuses, including child labor, slavery, and violence.
To make an informed and ethical purchase, it is important to understand the industry and what to look for when buying diamonds. In this article, we’ll discuss ethical diamonds and provide a buyer’s guide to making responsible purchases with the founders of Sanguine Gem Stones, a company that specializes in ethically sourced diamonds.
What are Ethical Diamonds?
Ethical diamonds are diamonds that are sourced, mined, and sold with transparency and respect for human rights, labor standards, and environmental sustainability. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003 to prevent the trade of blood diamonds and ensure that diamonds are conflict-free. However, the KPCS has been criticized for its lack of enforcement and the fact that it only covers rough diamonds, not the entire supply chain. Therefore, it is essential to look beyond the KPCS and consider other factors when buying diamonds.
Sanguine Gem Stones: A Company that Specializes in Ethical Diamonds
Sanguine Gem Stones is committed to providing its customers with ethically sourced diamonds – and it’s also a small business that is female- and minority-owned. Its founders, Kay Chang, JenniVere Song Lee, and Lake Lui, are dedicated to transparency, traceability, and ethical standards. They believe that it is essential to educate consumers about the diamond industry and provide them with a better alternative to blood diamonds – or even to diamonds whose origin is uncertain.
What to Look for When Buying Ethical Diamonds?
When buying ethical diamonds, there are several factors to consider:
- Traceability: The diamond should come with a certificate of origin that identifies the mine where it was sourced. The certificate should be issued by a reputable third-party organization, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI).
- Mining Standards: The diamond should be mined with respect for human rights and environmental sustainability. Look for diamonds that are mined in countries with strict labor and environmental laws, such as Canada, Australia, and Botswana.
- Conflict-Free: The diamond should be free from any association with conflict, human rights abuses, or environmental damage. Sanguine sources diamonds that are certified conflict-free to ensure its customers peace of mind when making purchases.
- Certification: The diamond should be certified by a reputable third-party organization, such as the GIA or IGI. The certificate should include information about the diamond’s characteristics, such as its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
- Transparency: The diamond retailer should be transparent about its sourcing practices and be willing to answer any questions about the diamond’s origin, mining standards, and certification.
Sanguine Gem Stones only works with diamonds that have a clear chain of custody and can be traced back to the source. In addition, they only source diamonds from mines that follow strict mining standards and have a positive impact on the local community, and only use diamonds that are certified conflict-free.
Why Should You Buy Ethical Diamonds?
By buying ethical diamonds, you can make a positive impact on the diamond industry and support responsible mining practices. You can also ensure that the diamond you purchase does not contribute to conflict, human rights abuses, or environmental damage. In addition, buying ethical diamonds can give you peace of mind knowing that you are making a responsible and informed purchase.
About Sanguine
Kay Chang, JenniVere Song Lee, and Lake Lui founded Sanguine Gem Stones to offer a retailer of stunning jewelry that customers can feel good about purchasing. Sanguine is a socially responsible company that gives back to society by donating a percentage of their profits to nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering girls and young women through education and advocacy. Chang, Song Lee, and Lui believe that girls need to be encouraged to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Sanguine Gem Stones is committed to creating a world where girls and young women have equal opportunities and are valued and respected for who they are, and where jewelry lovers from all walks of life can purchase ethically sourced pieces.
Learn more: https://sanguinegemstones.com/