Great Green Idea: Green Jewelry: Earth Friendly Diamonds and Their Origin

Earth Friendly Diamonds and Their Origin

Although diamonds are a very lovely gem, mining them takes a toll on the eco system and results in other damaging consequences. Because of their popularity, over 150 million diamond carats are mined each year. With awareness of the issues surrounding diamonds that relate to labor, mining and the environment, thousands more companies are becoming involved and encouraging consumers to join in their support. The good news is that earth friendly diamonds are readily available and provide consumers with better choices when they shop for precious gems.

Canada is one location that manufactures eco-friendly diamonds. Their diamonds are certified to assure consumers that they come from sources that are conflict free and are mined with the environment as a priority. There are two Canadian diamond mines which harvest the gems. The diamonds in the green jewelry that contain these gems are harvested in an environmentally responsible, sustainable manner. They are governed by the Canadian government as well as tribal groups in the region. Retailers who sell the Canadian diamonds also frequently donate profits to African communities to promote sustainable development in those areas. These efforts are made voluntarily to offer alternatives to purchasing diamonds that are the result of more harmful mining and trading practices.

Due to the severe human rights violations in connection with the diamond industry, several organizations and individuals have formed groups to monitor the ethical standards behind their diamonds and other products.

Fair trade diamonds are being promoted by organizations and individuals to offer honesty, fairness and transparency in the diamond market. Countless retailers offer jewelry that is conflict free and the profits from its sale does not fund human atrocities or war around the world. The eventual goal is that consumers demand fair trade diamonds to dry up the conflict market and to regulate how diamonds are mined, distributed and sold. The tide is turning as progress continues due to promotion and education about this issue.

Eco friendly diamonds can also be purchased from distributors of lab diamonds. Lab diamonds are real gems that are grown in laboratories in a matter of days. Synthetic diamonds have been produced for industrial use for years. Currently, colorless and colored stones and diamonds that are large enough to cut are manufactured and sold all over the world. The diamonds can be mounted in earrings, bracelets, pendants rings and other pieces of green jewelry at a fraction of the cost of mined diamonds. Another eco-friendly way to purchase earth friendly diamonds is to buy pre-owned jewelry from reputable jewelers. This is a money saving idea as well as helpful to the environment.

Buying earth friendly diamonds and other jewelry is one of many ways that people can support the reversal of unfair labor practices and inhumane treatment in areas of the world where the diamonds are mined. In addition, mining practices have led to the stripping of earth's natural resources. As an example, it takes literally tons of earth to mine just one diamond carat. Education about the issues surrounding diamond mining has led to both consumers and the diamond industry working together for effective solutions.