Ethical Jewellery; A Concern for Unique Engagement Ring Designers

One of the reasons, if not the main reason that unique engagement ring designers have been gaining so many supporters in recent years is their desire to be as different as possible from the ‘establishment’, as represented by high-street jewellers. Unlike the often soulless retailers and major commercial chains, these independent designers are artists first and salespeople second, a stance which allows them to keep a tight grip on certain aspects of the trade that may have eluded profit-driven companies long ago.

One such aspect is sustainability, which in jewellery-making terms is mostly represented by what has come to be known as ‘ethical’ or ‘Fairtrade’ jewels. These are the latest in a long list of products and services affected by current western society’s preoccupation with the environment and the well-being of developing nations and people. The importance of tracking the origin of the materials that their pieces are made of is not lost on unique engagement ring designers, which explains the efforts most of them make to ensure their pieces are manufactured ethically.

Definition

The simplest definition of ‘ethical’ or Fairtrade jewellery is jewellery that has been created utilising responsibly sourced materials and through environmentally responsible methods. Most jewellery enthusiasts, as well as the vast majority of industry professionals, are aware of atrocities such as those committed in Africa to obtain what are commonly called ‘blood diamonds’. Simply put, these diamonds are stones sourced in an unethical manner that often involves bloodshed and inhumane conditions, and for a number of years have been causing a commotion across the jewellery world. As such, many unique engagement ring designers, as well as quite a few corporate ones, now strive to make sure that their diamonds in particular are responsibly obtained and do not promote the unethical practices mentioned above.

It may, however, not be enough to make sure that the centre piece diamond is not a ‘blood’ stone. Even if the conditions in the jewel mining industry are often not quite as dire as those experienced in the notorious countries where blood diamond mining is rife, such as Sierra Leone, they are still, most of the time, sub-par and arguably unethical for the majority of workers directly subjected to them. A number of organisations have been working to change this, but unfortunately progress is slow and no diamonds or precious stones sold in the market at this time can be said to be entirely Fairtrade or ethically sourced. It is, however, down to buyers, unique engagement ring designers and commercial jewellers alike to ensure that their rings are created in as responsible a manner as possible, for the sake of the world’s future and the rights of its population.

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose the best and the most unique engagement ring designers in the UK. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.