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Jewels are symbols of love, dedication and wealth, but they sometimes have a darker side. As consumers we have the power to make choices based not only on price, but also on moral issues. Here are three ethical issues that consumers should be aware of:
1. Conflict Diamonds
Conflict diamonds, aka blood diamonds, were used to fund weapons in several bloody civil wars. The three countries most often associated with blood diamonds are Sierra Leone , the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. An international outcry led the UN to ban its member States from purchasing diamonds from Angola and other conflict areas. When buying diamonds, make sure they have the Kimberly Process certification - a guarantee that diamonds bearing their approval are conflict free.
2. Child Labor & Social Issues
Child labor and child slavery used to be, and too often continue to be, a common practice in the mining, diamond cutting, and the jewelry industry in general. Other social issue associated with jewelry are workers' human and social rights, work safety and fair trade.
This year the Responsible Jewelry Council has published an ethical code and a certification system designed to ensure ethical practices from mining to retail. The certification will help consumers choose jewelry that upholds moral values.
3. Natural Resources
Ivory and coral are prized for their beauty and malleability, but pose a huge threat to animal species. Ivory comes from the teeth and tusks of elephants, hippopotamus, walrus, and narwhal, all of them endangered animals. Coral is found in coral reefs - those teeming colonies of marine life, currently threatened by rising global temperatures and illegal mining. You can avoid participating in this harmful commerce simply by asking for the source of materials in jewels and staying away from ivory and coral.
From the dawn of history jewels have added beauty and meaning to human life. Awareness to moral issues will promote a world where jewels are equally beautiful on the outside and the inside.
