What do we mean by ethics in the realm of fine jewelry? What is meant by terms such as fair-mined, sustainable, and responsible when speaking of that beautiful ring, lovely necklace or dazzling bracelet you want to buy? Why does it matter anyway?

Mining for either precious metals or gemstones is dirty,dangerous work that is generally done by poorly paid laborers. Ethical mining means a mine has safety measures to protect the miners and uses processes that do the least environmental damage ,while giving the miners a fair wage. All mining has some negative effect on the environment but it is a matter of degrees. There are different approaches to mining Artisanal mines are small mines worked by a very small group of people with just basic hand tools such as picks and shovels. These mines do the least environmental damage but in order to be an ethical operation must also protect it’s workers and pay them a fair wage. Small scale mining operations may cause more environmental damage but there are those businesses that are working to be more responsible about their impact. Those mines which also have safe working conditions and a living wage for their minersare a good source for both gold and gems. We do not deal with Industrial mines. These are mines which provide the majority of gold and stones on the market. We source only from artisanal and small scale mines that we are able to rely upon to observe the practices and are certified as ethical mining operations.

I have not gone into the details of the damaging effects that sources of precious metals and gems can have on both our environment and the populations that are impacted by min ing . If you would like to know more we are happy to educate you about the various effects that these businesses can have. We will also be happy to tell you about our sources and the organizations working to make the extraction of metals and stones safer for all . We love to tell about the women owned, operated and mined business in Africa where we source some of our stones. Ask questions whether you are purchasing from me or from another jeweler.

I not only source my materials from certified ethical mining operations, but I also only buy stones that have continued the standards of environmental, safety, and wage standards for the artisan who cuts my stones.

I try as best as is possible to abide by ideals to live by in my work as in my life. Thus all materials used in my work are either reclaimed or responsibly and ethically sourced. We are transitioning to using only fair mined precious metals and hope to use only ethically sourced gems. the only exceptions is when we use reclaimed materials. Though a stone from an antique piece of jewelry or gold from the same may not be completely “clean” we are working to phase out these products in the near future to be totally “green” Sourcing and purchasing sustainable, ethically produced stones and metals cost us a bit more but we feel it is worth it for the environment and for the humans who toil to produce these materials. I believe my customers feel as I do and are willing to pay a little more for a higher purpose.