Production & Suppliers

How To Source Ethical Gemstones

Gemstones can come with a raft of social and environmental issues, including child and forced labour. This piece, from CO partner The Incorporation of Goldsmiths, provides a quick guide to more ethical gemstone sourcing.

The gemstone supply chain

There are currently no established bodies that trace the gemstone supply chain from mine to market, making transparent ethical sourcing of gemstones more difficult than with diamonds and metals. Gemstones, have complex supply chains because they are usually mined, cut, and sold in different countries.

It is not uncommon to have a gemstone that is traceable to a reputable mine but has been cut elsewhere by workers who endure poor conditions. Another critical issue i…