SUSTAINABILITY IN JEWELRY MAKING
While sustainability in the fashion industry is dealing mostly with supply chain concerns and overconsumption, the jewelry industry is dealing with yet another element – mining. Precious metals can be recycled. Silver and gold can be easily melted and reformed into a new piece of jewelry but when it comes to buying mined diamonds, the picture darkens as behind the shine there are many human and environmental concerns.
Mining can be a brutal business: It destroys a vast area of land, pollutes waterways and creates a devastating impact on wildlife. Taking place mostly in poorer countries that strive for money, mining makes the battle for resources violent and harmful.
Years ago, the mined diamond industry came under scrutiny with unethical production practices and even though these unethical practices have been significantly reduced, when buying mined diamonds, it is difficult to ensure they are sourced ethically. For that reason, lab-grown diamonds have become the best option for ethically sourced gems. in the last years, consumers are moving away from conventional diamonds, with?nearly 70% of millennials considering buying a lab grown alternative. So, what are these lab-diamonds and how do they make the best ethical options?
