Selecting the perfect ring is already enough stress on its own. And now, with all the issues surrounding conflict diamonds and earth friendly mining, we have one more item to add to our checklist to keep our consciences clear. Here's the short list of what you can do as a responsible consumer...
1. Your jeweler: select a jeweler with care. Find a jeweler with an independent trusted source for fair trade diamonds or go through ethical diamond mining sites: Brilliant Earth, Pride Diamonds, Leber Jeweler, Tiffany & Co., Erica Courtney
2. Your stone: Ask your jeweler about the origins of the stone and request a written warranty verifying the diamonds source and chain of custody. This will hold the jeweler responsible for their claim of labeling and selling a conflict-free diamond.
3. Consider recycled metals: Did you know that it takes at least 30 tons of rock to make one gold ring? Recycled gold is melted down and re-refined, making it the same quality as newly mined gold. Many gold mines are open pit mines and can be devastating to the environment . Learn more at GreenKarat and for a list of retailers who support responsible gold mining, visit nodirtygold.org.
Stunning yellow diamond set in recycled 18K yellow or white gold, or 90% recycled from GreenKarat.com
4. Go vintage: Consider an antique ring or an heirloom piece. Its a great way to reuse and recycle valuable jewelry and a sure way to be unique!
5. Diamond Alternatives: If you are not into diamonds, you can consider Moissanites. Made from silicon carbonite, Moissanite can also be manufactured in a lab and are completely earth-friendly and conflict-free gemstone. Its also easier on the wallet!
6. Watch Blood Diamond: Not only is it a great film, but it is quite the eye opener, bringing awareness to the dark and often violent side of the diamond industry.
Wow! Très belles photos.
Posted by: Taobao.com china | 12/29/2010 at 06:08 PM