WHAT IS AN ETHICALLY SOURCED DIAMOND?

Ethically sourced diamonds are mined, processed, and sold in a way that prioritizes human rights, environmental responsibility, and the wellbeing of local communities. This means miners, cutters, and everyone along the supply chain are paid fairly, treated ethically, and work under safe conditions, with efforts made to reduce environmental harm wherever possible.

Ethical sourcing also considers how diamonds are extracted and processed — including reduced water usage, land reclamation, renewable energy initiatives, and avoiding toxic chemicals. The goal isn’t perfection, but making the most responsible choices available within an inherently complex supply chain.

Does Ethically Sourced Mean the Diamond Is Conflict-Free?

Yes, truly ethical diamonds are conflict-free by default.

What Is a Conflict Free Diamond?

In its purest sense, "Conflict-free" means a diamond that isn't used to fund conflict - think wars, terrorism and rebel movements. Conflict-free diamonds are certified through the Kimberley Process, a certification process developed by the diamond industry to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Most diamonds available today are Kimberley Process certified, and by this definition, would be considered conflict-free.

While the Kimberley Process is a good start, it's often criticized for not being stringent enough. It was created in 2003 and hasn't been updated with a modern geopolitical assessment - there are conflicts all over the world today that weren't happening when the Kimberley Process was created. Take Russia for example - many Jewelers are still claiming Russian diamonds are conflict-free even in the midst of a war. Truly ethical Jewelers will use the Kimberley Process as a starting point and keep asking questions from there.

Keep in mind, conflict free diamonds don't take into account the social or environmental side of truly ethical sourcing. Take oceanic mining for example - while it's considered conflict-free because it's not involved in wars or terrorism, it's also incredibly damaging to the ocean and cannot be considered an ethical choice.

Ethically Sourced vs Fair-Trade Diamonds

'Fair trade' refers to how workers and communities are treated. It means miners, cutters, and workers are paid fairly, are working in safe conditions, and are treated ethically. Many fair-trade diamonds include additional programs that benefit workers and communities like safety training and education.

Ethically sourced diamonds, on the other hand, refer to diamonds that don't harm the environment, miners, or local communities. It's fair-trade plus environmentally responsible practices.

ETHICAL VS CONFLICT-FREE VS FAIR-TRADE DIAMONDS

These labels get tossed around like they all mean the same thing, but they don’t.

Ethical sourcing often requires going beyond certification and asking deeper questions about where a diamond came from and how it was mined.

are diamonds ethically sourced? What Should You Look for to Know Your Diamond Is Ethically Sourced?

If you're looking for an ethical engagement ring or treat-yourself ring, as a baseline, look for Kimberley Process certified diamonds to ensure you're avoiding conflict diamonds.

The next level in ethically mined diamonds is mine to market diamonds, where the stone can be traced back to its original mine with transparency all along the supply chain. These stones are rare - most diamonds go through a complex supply chain of miners, dealers, cutters, distributors, traders, and importers - you can't be sure where that stone originated or the practices of that mine. Mine to market stones are the highest standard in ethical sourcing - it means no unethical practices can be hidden.

Are Canadian diamonds ethically sourced?

Canadian diamonds are widely considered some of the most responsibly sourced diamonds in the world thanks to strict labor protections, environmental regulations, and transparent mining practices.

Canada requires detailed environmental oversight and land reclamation after mining — making its diamonds some of the most traceable and responsibly produced in the industry.

White canadian step cut diamond

Rose cut Canadian diamond ring

Are There Any Differences Between Responsible and Ethically Sourced Diamonds?

We prefer the word 'responsible' over 'ethical'. The meaning of 'ethical' has been diluted thanks to its rampant misuse, plus it doesn't imply any future actions. 'Responsible' on the other hand, means we're responsible to make the most ethical choices in our sourcing decisions, both in terms of human rights and the environment.

It means we have the responsibility to go above and beyond, to continually improve, to ask questions, and dig deeper to find the truth behind our stones.

Are Gem Breakfast Diamonds Ethically Sourced?

Yes! We only work with Kimberley Process-approved vendors, and start asking questions from there. We build strong relationships with our dealers - meet them face to face and extensively vet their sourcing process and supply chain. We only work with vendors who are committed to doing the right thing and for whom ethical sourcing is a non-negotiable.

Recycled diamonds as an ethical diamond alternative

Recycled diamonds are a great alternative to newly mined diamonds - they have the smallest environmental footprint since no new mining or production has to take place. Of course, that stone was mined at some point and carries the environmental impact from its original extraction, but it's much more sustainable to reuse what's already been mined than to mine anew.

It's also kind of romantic to think of that diamond's life story throughout history!