Ethical diamonds are one of the most misunderstood topics in fine jewelry.
“Conflict-free,” “ethical,” “fair trade,” and “responsibly sourced” are often used interchangeably — but they don’t mean the same thing. And in many cases, they’re used in ways that sound reassuring without telling the full story.
In this guide, we break down what ethically sourced diamonds actually are, what industry standards do (and don’t) cover, and how to find a diamond that aligns with your values — without greenwashing or half-truths. Keep reading for:
-
What is a conflict free diamond?
-
What is an ethically sourced diamond?
-
Ethically sourced vs fair trade, conflict-free, and responsibly sourced
-
How and where to find an ethical diamond for ethical engagement rings and sustainable engagement rings
TL;DR: ethically sourced diamonds
Ethically sourced diamonds go beyond being conflict-free. They consider human rights, environmental impact, labor practices, and supply chain transparency. While no diamond is truly “sustainable,” some sourcing practices are far more responsible than others — including Canadian diamonds, traceable mine-to-market stones, recycled diamonds, and carefully vetted suppliers.
What Is a Conflict Free Diamond?
In it's 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.
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.
ARE ETHICALLY SOURCED DIAMONDS ACTUALLY SUSTAINABLE?
It’s important to be honest here: diamond mining is inherently unsustainable and environmentally disruptive. Any claim that diamonds are fully “sustainable” is misleading — and often a form of greenwashing.
What is possible is more responsible extraction. Some mines and suppliers actively work to reduce environmental impact through better land management, cleaner energy use, safer labor practices, and greater transparency. Ethically sourced diamonds use the least damaging practices currently available, not the absence of impact altogether.
This is why we often prefer the term responsibly sourced diamonds — acknowledging that while no diamond is impact-free, some sourcing practices are far more ethical than others.
Does Ethically Sourced Mean the Diamond Is Conflict-Free?
Yes, truly ethical diamonds are conflict-free by default.
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.
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-youself 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, distributers, 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 or Argyle mined diamonds are some of the most ethical diamonds on the planet. Both of these regions are known for their transparent ethical diamond mining practices with strict environmental protection laws and labor standards.
White canadian step cut diamond
Questions to Ask to Ensure a Diamond Is Ethical
- Is this stone certified through the Kimberley Process?
-
Is this stone traceable?
-
Where was this gemstone mined?
-
Does this mine use environmentally responsible mining techniques? Are they required to reclaim the land once mining is completed?
-
Are the miners paid fairly, working in a safe environment, and treated ethically?
-
Who cut this stone? Are the workers paid fairly and treated ethically?
What Are the Differences Between Industrial Mining vs. Artisanal Mining Practices?
Diamonds are mostly found deep in the Earth and require large-scale mining operations to find and extract them. There are some small-scale artisanal diamonds mines, however they're rare in the diamond industry.
The colored gemstone industry uses mostly artisanal mining, so if you're looking for a diamond alternative that's less disruptive to the environment, opt for an ethical sapphire or other colored gemstone.
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.
Where Do Ethically Sourced Diamonds Come From?
You can find ethical diamonds all over the world. The best ethically sourced diamonds are found in Canada as they have stringent labor and environmental regulations and aren't involved in any conflicts.
Are Ethically Sourced Diamonds More Expensive?
A truly ethical diamond like a Canadian diamond or mine to market stone will generally cost more as the price reflects the fair pay of workers all along the supply chain and strict environmental practices.
are conflict free diamonds real diamonds?
Yes! Ethically sourced diamonds are just natural diamonds that have been mined, processed, and sold in a socially and environmentally respsonsible way.
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!
Are lab grown diamonds an ethical alternative?
Lab-grown diamonds are synthetically produced in a laboratory. Just like natural diamonds, lab-made gems can be created ethically or unethically - it's all about the labor standards and environmental practices at that specific facility.
Just like with natural raw diamonds, ask questions to find out how a lab-created diamond is being produced and what they're doing to protect the environment and their workers.
Dive deep into lab-grown vs natural diamonds in our Guide to Lab-Grown Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds →
Searching for an ethical diamond of your own? Browse our buffet of loose diamonds and send us a message anytime if you're looking for something specific!
