After getting through the historic decline in new marriages in Canada thanks to the pandemic, couples are finding themselves in the middle of a marriage boom. It’s as good a time as any to propose, but part of finding the perfect ring also goes beyond what it represents.
There is a need for more ethically sourced products, especially when it comes to the symbol that will signify the next big step for your love. Because of the demand for jewellery and supply chain issues, it’s more pertinent than ever to ensure that what you’re getting is conscientiously produced. Here are some tips you can use to check your potential engagement ring.
1. Read up on the ethics of the jeweller you’re eyeing
Reputable brands that are transparent and experienced will be open with their ethics, so you should be able to find their practices and beliefs with some research. Take time to look up jewellers that have dedicated websites and information that shows their sourcing. The engagement rings on 77 Diamonds are ethically sourced, and the brand is a great example of how you can still get luxury while having ethical practices front and center.
The founders have noted how important a jewel’s story is and how they commit to standards with responsible sources. They frontload an “improvement approach” to ensure that every jewel comes from a supplier that has gone through rigorous standards approved by international bodies. It’s always a good idea to align yourself with jewellers who share the same commitment to ethical sourcing in the first place.
2. Look for certification
If you’re shopping for an engagement ring, then you already know that actions speak louder than words. The proof you’re looking for can be easily substantiated by official certification. There are a variety of things you can look for, with the most popular being a certificate from the Kimberley Process.
This is responsible for regulation that requires the diamond supply chain to eliminate trade in conflict diamonds. It has also been described by governments as an effort to “increase transparency and oversight” in diamond supply.
You may also want to check if a diamond is GIA-certified. This is usually referred to just to check the grading and legitimacy of a diamond but it also works for ethical purposes as they have strict standards for diamonds they grade.
3. Consider lab-grown diamonds
There is a certain misconception that lab-grown diamonds aren’t “real” or are of lesser quality. This is not necessarily true if you choose the right jeweller. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural ones in their chemical, physical, and optical makeup.
The perceived value only differs because they are not rare, unlike naturally mined diamonds. If you’re willing to make this concession, you remove much of the worry about ethics as they are sustainable and not mired in conflict.
4. Check the country of origin
It helps to know the actual origin of your diamond. After all, the last thing you want is to taint such a gesture of love with a blood diamond. To this day, the industry is filled with diamonds that are mined as part of these controversial efforts.
Time has reported that a packet of diamonds will usually change hands an average of 10 times from its origin country to the end destination. As such, you’ll want to dig a little deeper to find where it was first exported from. If you want to be sure, you can usually ask for a Diamond origin report from a respectable jeweller. Namibia, Canada, Botswana, and Australia are generally safe and known for producing gorgeous ethical diamonds.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
If you want to know more about the origin and journey of the diamond that sits upon the ring you’re looking at, then you should feel free to ask questions. It isn’t offensive or frowned upon to do so as long as you ask with honesty and respect.
Share your pertinent concerns with your jeweller and it will even give you some insight into how transparent they are. It also shows how much a jeweller cares and knows about their craft.
