“In 2003, forty nations signed “The Kimberly Process” – an effort to stem the flow of conflict diamonds. But illegal diamonds are still finding their way into the market. It is up to the consumer to insist that their rind has conflict-free diamonds.” – Blood Diamond (2006)
If you haven’t seen Edward Zwick’s Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Danny Archer, go out and watch it now! How good is it? Take DiCaprio’s best performance over the past two decades, multiply by 10, add in 5 Oscar nominations, and voila.
The movie will leave you asking yourself a question that naturally follows this blog post’s opening quote – how does one insist, or buy conflict-free diamonds?
Fortunately, it is not as difficult as it was 10 years ago. For example, 10 years ago, we didn’t have Eco Market. Now, we do. In our previous post, we talked about how you could send out some really cool eco wedding invitations that not only will wow your invitees, but also have minimum-to-zero impact on the environment.
This post will answer the question of how one can buy eco and ethical jewellery. As the eco movement inspires more and more newly engaged couples, there have been more and more options for beautiful, conflict-free diamonds and fairly mined rings. These rings are not only a symbol of your unity, but also a symbol of your unity with the environment and ethical labour (as well as a symbol of how awesome you two are!). The best bit is choosing an ethical and conflict-free diamond ring is no longer a compromise of style!
The Windsor Ring is an absolutely stunning engagement ring that is set with 48 Canadian (no conflict, unless you count hockey) ethical diamonds. The diamonds surround a 1-carat 7mm by 5mm Oval Ceylon Sapphire (wow, the name alone is sexy!). The ring itself is made with 18-carat Oro Verde fair trade white gold and was designed by Annabel Panes.
Fairly traded and ethical, this is the ring of choice for the conservative gentleman seeking to buy nothing but the sexiest of rings for his loved one.
Sold by Cred Jewelry.
Engraved Court Inner Two Wedding Band
Also sold by Cred Jewelry, this is a ring that has two central engraved lines that encircle a classical court-shape. It can be made with either Ordo Verde white gold or platinum, and can be finished with matte, high polish, or dual-tone.
Recycled 14-carat Yellow Gold Ogham Ring
Produced by Mahaila Jewelry Design, this is a unique ring that is made with recycled gold to yield a 6mm wide, court-shaped ring that can be inscribed with a phrase, message, or name. The inscribed words will then be translated into the ancient Ogham Celtic language, which is known as the “secret language of the poets.”
Can you say “my preciousss”?
The above-mentioned jewelers will be more than happy to treat you to a custom design. Just head on their stores and shoot them a message! They’ll also send you more photos if you’d like. Words may be nice to describe an eco wedding ring or wedding band, but there is no substitute visual imagery!
Want to get your 2 cents in?
Register Sign in Its super fast with facebook too!Register now. Don’t worry it’s free.