| Selecting the perfect ring is already enough stress | | | | re-refined, making it the same quality as newly |
| on its own. And now, with all the issues | | | | mined gold. |
| surrounding conflict diamonds and earth friendly | | | | 4. Go vintage: Consider an antique ring or an |
| mining, we have one more item to add to our | | | | heirloom piece. Its a great way to reuse and |
| checklist to keep our consciences clear. Here's the | | | | recycle valuable jewelry and a sure way to be |
| short list of what you need to think about and | | | | unique! |
| what you can do as a responsible consumer: | | | | 5. Diamond Alternatives: If you are not into |
| 1. Work with the right jeweler: ask around and | | | | diamonds, you can look into Moissanites. Made |
| select a jeweler with care. Find a jeweler that is a | | | | from silicon carbonite, Moissanite can also be |
| trusted source for fair trade diamonds or go | | | | manufactured in a lab and are completely |
| through ethical diamond mining sites. | | | | earth-friendly. Its also easier on the wallet! |
| 2. Get proof that your stone is a conflict-free | | | | It's the 21st century and now, more than ever, |
| diamond: Ask your jeweler about the origins of | | | | we need to be conscious of the decisions we |
| your stone and request a written warranty | | | | make and how they impact our environment. |
| verifying the diamonds source and chain of | | | | Buying jewelry responsibly doesn't have to be |
| custody. Make the simple request of your jeweler | | | | difficult. We must give credit to the jewelers who |
| to provide evidence that they are selling a | | | | make the extra effort to promote eco friendly |
| conflict-free diamond. | | | | jewelry and make it accessible. As for consumers, |
| 3. Consider recycled metals: Did you know that it | | | | with a bit of research and asking the right |
| takes at least 30 tons of rock to make one gold | | | | questions, a small choice to select a conflict free |
| ring? Many gold mines are open pit mines and can | | | | stone or recycled band for your ring can have a |
| be devastating to the environment. Most people | | | | very large impact. |
| don't realize that recycled gold is melted down and | | | | |