In addition to considering the cut, carat, colour and clarity (the 4 Cs) of diamonds, there are many other things to think about when buying engagement rings… including whether or not the ring is conflict-free.
The term ‘blood diamond’ is not just the name of a movie – it is also the term used to describe diamonds that have been sourced unethically. The outcry of poor mining practices and corrupt warlords who use precious stones to fund crimes against humanity has led to an increase in standards among jewellers luckily, but it is still a good idea to ensure that your ring is certified to be 100% certain that it is indeed conflict-free.
Making Sure That Your Engagement Ring is Ethically Sourced
How do you know whether your diamond engagement ring is ethically sourced? Here are a few ways to check to see whether the ring is conflict-free…
- Check whether it has Kimberley Process certification. Created as a way to end the trade of conflict diamonds, the Kimberly Process was put into place by the UB in 2002. This system outlines the regulations and requirements required by countries to ensure that diamonds are mined and shipped in a humane, authentic way. Every diamond that meets these regulations will be shopped with a Kimberly Process certificate. If one is not provided, you will be unable to confirm where the stone is from and how it was mined, or whether it is sourced ethically.
- Make sure that your jeweller is regulated. Regulations from bodies such as the Mining Charter, which was passed by the South African government in 2008 to give more opportunity to previously disadvantaged people, will also show you whether the jeweller you use adheres to ethical practices. The Diamonds and Precious Metals Regulator will only issue permits to jewellers who comply with these regulations.
- Go with handmade. Another way to ensure that your ring is authentic and made according to ethical standards is to choose handmade over mass produced items. Large scale retailers rely on bulk imports and cheap labour prices, which are not always supportive to local communities or fair trade practices. Handmade rings that are made locally in South Africa, by authorised, certified goldsmiths and jewellers are far more likely to be the real deal. Better still, you will be able to trace the origins of the metal, stone and handiwork very easily, which is seldom the case with retail jewellery.
- Check for diamond certification. You should also be presented with a certificate when buying any item of jewellery that features a genuine diamond. When buying a ring for your engagement, be sure that you have full history and guarantee with purchase. This will provide a warranty, help with insurance and allow you to be sure where the stone comes from.
Now that you have a better idea of what conflict-free engagement rings are all about, you can make your purchase with even greater peace of mind.