Consumers want to make more conscious choices when buying products, and jewelry is no exception. Some gems are mined and traded without respect for laborers and the environment. Discover the best places to buy ethically sourced diamonds online and shop smarter.
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Does Ethical Sourcing Matter in Diamonds?
Diamonds have always had ethical sourcing concerns. Mining operations to obtain them often involve human rights abuses, child labor, and corruption. Considering the conversation around climate change, their effect on the environment can also be concerning.
One study recommends that the industry generate more awareness of the ethical concerns surrounding diamonds. High-income groups, in particular, are either less aware of moral issues or lack the impetus to find that information.
Some jewelers are also making changes in their sourcing and manufacturing. For example, 59 participants representing 85 countries subscribe to the Kimberley Process, which facilitates legitimate trade in rough diamonds. It ensures that they have not been associated with conflict or rebel movements, protecting human rights overall.
Best Places to Buy Ethically Sourced Diamonds Online
As consumers seek more sustainable jewelry, it’s key to be wary of companies that are greenwashing their production and offerings. Visit the best online platforms to buy ethically sourced diamonds and connect with reputable sellers.
1. Ritani
Ritani is a reputable jeweler that focuses on transparency. You get a detailed breakdown of why diamonds are priced the way that they are to understand how you’re getting high quality at the lowest price. It also prioritizes sustainability by offering ethically sourced and created lab-grown diamonds. Stay tuned for flash sales, where you can get cuts for up to 40% off.
| Key feature | Best deals on ethical lab-grown diamonds |
| Certification | GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute) |
| Review | “I have had a few experiences with Ritani, and every one of them have been excellent. They are extremely responsive, shipping is prompt and some of the best prices for stones. They just resized a ring for me, and as usual, it was excellent service from initial contact until the ring was back in my possession.” |
2. Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth was founded in 2005 to provide ethical and sustainable diamond engagement rings to the market. This compassionate jeweler repurposes materials and applies energy-efficient practices to minimize its carbon footprint. It also has its own fund that donates to communities near mining areas.
| Key feature | Offers diamonds grown with captured carbon |
| Certification | GIA, IGI, GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab) |
| Review | “Brilliant Earth has such a beautiful selection! Their office in Coconut Grove is immaculate, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Website was user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for a less-than-savvy user like me. Quality of the ring I purchased is beyond expectations. I loved the packaging when my ring arrived.” |
3. VRAI
VRAI aims to deliver precious luxury while preserving nature and its ecosystems for the future. Diamonds here are created from crystallized greenhouse gases with zero-emission river energy, which skips mining operations and guilt. You can visit an in-person or virtual showroom or schedule a dedicated appointment with in-house experts.
| Key feature | Schedules you to speak with a diamond expert |
| Certification | In house-gemologists |
| Review | “Had the most wonderful experience at VRAI! We walked in on a Saturday, and everyone was so helpful in finding us someone to work with. Dylan helped me and my husband find the perfect wedding bands! Even after it looked like the one I wanted was sold out everywhere, he managed to find one last one!” |
4. Grown Brilliance
Grown Brilliance creates 100% conflict-free, lab-grown diamonds in a variety of styles. It aims to develop products visually identical to natural stones so you can express your individuality while maintaining your values. All packaging is made from recyclable materials, and it also aims to use 100% recycled gold by the end of 2025.
| Key feature | Free shipping and returns on products |
| Certification | IGI, GIA |
| Review | “I absolutely love GB. They are my go-to jewelers. For my birthday, my husband bought me this beautiful ring, and my wedding set is now absolute perfection.” |
5. Blue Nile
Blue Nile was founded in 1999 and was a pioneer of online jewelry shopping. This leader of artisan rings has also shifted to responsible sourcing to sell 100% conflict-free diamonds. It only works with major and reputable mines within Australia, Africa and Canada. Apart from that, it also deploys a centralized HVAC control system to minimize energy consumption.
| Key feature | Researches mining, refining and manufacturing of suppliers |
| Certification | GIA, GemEx |
| Review | “They were so helpful and explained everything perfectly to someone that had no clue. Made me feel comfortable asking questions, and they genuinely seemed excited for me to be there.” |
6. Melanie Casey
Melanie Casey is a detail-oriented jeweler who specializes in heirloom pieces. While creative, the business strives to practice ethical production and quality assurance. Smaller jewelers in Europe, Hong Kong, and more work on the pieces while stones are cut by professionals whom the owner personally knows. It also grows lab diamonds to provide a variety of options.
| Key feature | Partners with family-owned jeweler teams |
| Certification | GIA |
| Review | “Absolutely stunning jewelry! I love the craftsmanship of the rings, I have always looked for this type of perfectly thin bands and it’s so hard to find. They are so delicate and unique, everyone keeps complimenting them.” |
7. Benz & Co. Diamonds
Benz & Co. Diamonds was founded in 2011 to create handcrafted diamond rings after years of supplying diamonds to the industry. The owners’ experience lends insight into ethical sourcing, which is reflected in its offerings of natural and lab-grown diamonds. You can seek advice from its in-house experts when choosing from both conflict-free categories.
| Key feature | Offers prepurchase guidance and flexible payment options |
| Certification | GIA, IGI, European Gemological Institute (EGI), SCS Global Services |
| Review | “I wanted an upgrade, and this ring is so beautiful, I love it, and the company is great. Anytime I had a question, they emailed me back very promptly!” |
8. Greenwich St. Jewelers
Greenwich St. Jewelers is a women-owned and BIPOC-led business that began in 1976 and delivers customized jewelry for those special moments. Diamonds are sourced from Canada, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, ensuring that miners receive fair wages. Profits are divided to help community infrastructure and sustainable development.
| Key feature | Provides a Lifetime Jewelry Care program |
| Certification | GIA-certified graduate gemologists |
| Review | “My fiancé and I worked with Dana on my engagement ring. Throughout the entire process, Dana was great and easy to work with — helping to address any questions we had and keeping us looped in throughout the entire timeline (which ended up being a super quick turnaround). Highly recommend Dana and the store for any custom jewelry!” |
9. Washington Diamond
Washington Diamond is a family-owned and operated brand that started in 1969 through a passion for fine jewelry. It aims to feature natural and ethically sourced diamonds while keeping the highest standards of craftsmanship. Reclaimed diamonds are also purchased and reused to meet demand without wasting resources.
| Key feature | Exercises diamond reclamation and reuse |
| Certification | GIA |
| Review | “Tom is an excellent jeweler who takes the time to understand his customers’ needs and presents multiple options at different prices. I’ve been going to him for years, and he has always exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend his services — you will not be disappointed!” |
10. Walters & Hogsett Jewelers
Walters & Hogsett Jewelers started in 1980 with dreams of creating luxury jewelry. It is very considerate of its social and environmental impact, ensuring that diamonds are ethically sourced. It also encourages recycling diamonds, gold and other rare metals to preserve the environment and minimize dependency on mining new materials.
| Key feature | Get free quotes for possible repair services |
| Certification | GIA |
| Review | “I had two beautiful bespoke rings made here for my wedding, and they are amazing! Laura was an absolute delight to work with, designing both rings, and made it such a special process. I can’t wait to wear them on the day!” |
What Makes a Diamond Ethically Sourced?
It’s vital to be objective about what makes up ethically sourced diamonds. Consider these factors when looking at different jewelers.
| Transparency and Traceability | The ideal provider will have as much information as possible for consumers about how it practices ethical diamond production. It should also answer any queries surrounding that subject. |
| Fair Labor | For natural diamonds, the miners should work in safe conditions and receive fair compensation. Lab-grown diamond providers should also prioritize fair wages and security. |
| Environmental Responsibility | Ethical diamond production also involves resource conservation and minimal to zero ecological damage. It’s imperative when purchasing natural diamonds, which are subject to environmental degradation. |
| Certification | Independent ratings exist to verify whether jewelry companies are actually enacting conflict-free sourcing, green mining practices and fair labor conditions. Anyone shopping for diamonds should look into these certifications. |
| Additional Efforts | Is a company providing ethically sourced diamonds participating in other efforts to protect laborers or working on environmental reparation? Are they partnering with organizations that have the same goals? |
What’s the Best Way to Buy Ethically Sourced Diamonds Online?
With a list of ethically sourced diamond providers online, you’re already one step closer to attaining them. At this stage, you can pick between different kinds of gems. Opt for mine-to-market diamonds if you prefer something more traditional, but recycled and lab-grown options have also become appealing due to their affordability and minimal impact.
You can also review the certification and standards these jewelers adhere to and the feedback they’ve garnered. Aside from making a compassionate consumer choice, you also ensure you receive a quality product.
Support Ethical Diamonds
Know the best places to buy ethically sourced diamonds online. You can still get a piece of jewelry you love without harming workers or the environment, and supporting these companies can encourage others to follow suit.
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