Diamonds are a girls best friend, so why do I feel so conflicted about them? I want to make an ethical choice and am open to diamond alternatives but can you explain my options?
If that sounds like you, then read on for ethical diamond alternatives!
As you may know, I generally don't use diamonds in my work because for the most part they are unethical. The miners don't get paid well and work under extreme conditions. You've all heard of blood diamonds, etc. And the Kimberley certification process that is supposed to prevent this has many limitations.
My first choice is to use moissanites because they are an ethical and sparkly alternative. They are also MUCH less expensive but just as gorgeous and long lasting.
But I do love ethical, conflict free diamonds and they really make a piece of jewelry come alive (see what I mean?!):
Luckily for those of you that want to add sparkle to your jewelry, but don't want to contribute to the unethical diamond industry, there are some alternatives:
Moissanites
Moissantites are on of the best diamond alternatives and I love working with them. They are grown in a lab because Moissanites in nature are very rare. This means, that they are ethical, environmentally friendly, and for the most part they are a more affordable alternative to a diamond. They are grown in the same way and under the same conditions as they would be found in the earth. They take 2-3 months to grow and they have a more dazzling brilliance than diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Lab Grown Diamonds are in fact real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition and physical characteristics as a diamond that is mined. Just like Moissanites, they are grown in high temperature and high pressure conditions, so they take 3 plus months to grow, rather than years as they would naturally. They make a great ethical alternative to mined diamonds.
Canadian Diamonds
Canadian Diamonds are conflict free and are mined under strict standards (set out by the Canadian Code of Conduct, CanadaMark™, and the Government of the Northwest Territories, designed to protect the Arctic environment, mine workers and local employees). They are found in the Canadian Arctic and are responsibly cut and polished and are amongst the most spectacular diamonds currently available.
I can also recycle your diamonds! Here are custom ear climbers I created using a mix of the customers diamonds and Canadian diamonds:
If you're interested in finding out more about diamond alternatives in my pieces, please do get in touch. I love working with my customers to create heirloom pieces of jewelry that you will treasure forever.
