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adselwood
When I was a twenty-something, I would have said "give me a jute ring with a knot in it for my engagement!" Well that all changed when, as a thirty-something my sweetheart surprised me with a diamond and sapphire ring on Thanksgiving (on one knee no less!) I have worn that ring constantly, through any and every task, ever since.
Diamonds are durable, that's for sure—but how to love one without the guilt? The conflict around diamonds is deep and greatly troubling.
Luckily, these days there are some sources of Conflict-free ethical engagement rings; companies like Brilliant Earth are a source of diamonds that you can feel better about. They seek to educate their customer about the social and environmental issues affecting the jewelry industry and provide high quality jewelry harvested using socially responsible practices. They have also set up a non-profit fund dedicating 5% of their profits to communities impacted by the jewelry trade. Wood Rings is a very interesting company, which makes rings from precious metal and responsibly managed hardwoods and plants a new tree for every ring sold. Green Karat is a company making wedding rings from recycled gold whose mission is to provide an ecologically and socially responsible jewelry alternative to those who seek change.
Using an alternate gemstone, your Grandmother's ring or buying a vintage ring are other great ideas. Congratulations and happy hunting!
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Yea, glad to see you're continuing to write!
This is a topic I write a lot about on my blog http://www.sparklesmart.blogspot.com. There are a lot of different considerations from a green or ethical standpoint. Another reason to like Green Karat, the company you mentioned above it that they use lab (created) diamonds in some of their pieces which reduces the environmental impact. Some people opt for Canadian diamonds because they are conflict free but there is also the environmental cost of huge mines in some of the few remaining pristine parts of the world. There are also other companies like Ruff & Cut which works in Sierra Leone and uses recycled gold and also factors beneficiation into their prices so a hefty chunk of the price of their pieces goes to nonprofit partners making a difference in the region. There are a variety of companies making a real difference in the way we think about jewelry. Thank you for including this topic on a green blog.
Deidre,
Thank you so much for your-very welcome-insight and feedback on this subject! This is really a place where it is so appropriate to make a thoughtful informed decision. Wishing you well, and Thanks again!
Best,
Lucy