Talking About Green

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but if you know anything about the industry that produces them, you have probably realized that they are not very friendly.  In fact, diamonds come with a cost that goes way beyond what you see on the price tag, as do the many gemstones and precious metals that are used to create the modern jewelry that many of us adore and covet.  Not only does mining cause enormous amounts of damage to the environment; it also leads to human rights abuses in many instances.  So before you buy that gorgeous, polished rock you’ve been eyeing at the jewelry store, it pays to know just where it came from so that you can do more to ensure the pieces you wear are doing less harm.

In terms of mining practices, you might be surprised at the scope of damage they can cause.  It starts when a lode is discovered.  Deposits of precious metals and gemstones are often found embedded in rock, in some cases near water (hence the propensity of panning for gold).  When a strike is found and purchased for the purposes of mining, several environmental mishaps will occur.  First the land gets cleared, meaning trees will be clear-cut to make room for roadways and machinery to move in.  Then holes are drilled or blasted into the earth to create spaces for people and machines to extract the precious ore and rocks.  Often, harmful chemicals are used in the processing of these items and left behind to seep into the ground or water supply, polluting the surrounding area.  Then of course there are tons and tons of waste produced.  And very few companies do cleanup when they’re done.  They simply pack up their tents and move on to the next mining operation, leaving behind massive destruction and toxins that will poison the area for generations to come.

But some companies are making a difference by embracing greener practices when it comes to mining for the gemstones and metals that are used to create their beautiful jewelry.  They utilize chemical-free processes and attempt to return sites to their natural state (or something close to it) when they finish.  Retailers like Zales, QVC, and JC Penney have vowed to support cleaner mining, while others offer jewelry made from recycled metals (and other materials).  But there’s more to this industry than the damage done to the surface of the planet.  Many of these operations also come with a number of dangers for the workers that keep them running.

Aside from the constant danger associated with working under the surface of the Earth (with toxic chemicals), there are also human rights issues at play.  Many of the gemstones and metals that reach the market are not fair trade, which means that workers are paid a pittance for their efforts, or are forced into labor.  In Africa, in particular, conflict diamonds have become an international problem.  Workers may not only be kidnapped and forced to work in the mines, but rival factions often raid these sites, killing everyone present in order to loot their diamonds.

However, many diamond retailers are now willing to submit to certifications procedures that guarantee any items they sell are conflict-free.  So you can do your part to encourage eco-friendly jewelry quite simply.  All you have to do is support companies that offer conflict-free, fair-trade items as well as those that promote greener practices in mining or even used recycled materials as a way to cut back on mining altogether.  You’ll find some gorgeous pieces for your collection and do less harm in the process.

Sarah Danielson is a writer for Adiamor Diamond Engagement Rings where you can find a large selection of loose diamonds, wedding bands, and other fine diamond jewelry.