Ethical gems are gems that have been produced with fair labor practices, ethically sourced materials, and socially responsible methods. Not only are they better for the planet and the people who mine them, but they also ensure that once you’ve purchased your gemstone, it won’t be tainted by scandals or unsafe working conditions. As of 2018,
over $22 billion worth of gemstones were sold globally. That figure has increased further over the last few years. Given the magnitude of the gemstone industry, it is extremely critical to make sure you’re purchasing ethical jewelry.
Emerald
Emerald is an opaque gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl. It's usually colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. It's also often tinted yellow by iron impurities. Emeralds are the birthstone for May, and they're also the official gemstones of Ireland and California.Emeralds have been prized throughout history due to their beauty, durability, symbolism (they symbolize faithfulness), and scarcity. There are only one million carats mined annually worldwide today compared with the 50 million carats produced during medieval times (before modern-day mining methods). No wonder it makes emerald rings the perfect ring for special occasions like engagements. Colombian emeralds are the most famous in the world because their purity and vibrancy are out of the world. You can learn more about
what is a Colombian emerald and what are its properties on this website.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a blue-purple gemstone from Tanzania, Africa. It's known for its durability and clarity, which means that it can withstand wear without losing its color. The name comes from the word zoisite, which was altered to avoid confusion with tsavorite garnet (which also has the same chemical composition).Tanzanite is not only beautiful but also ethical: the stone is mined in Tanzania, and miners are paid fairly for their work.
Malachite
Malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral that occurs in the ores chalcopyrite, bornite, and azurite. Malachite is often found with azurite, goethite, and calamine in various regions around the world.It's considered an ancient stone due to its green color and has been used for over 6,000 years by different cultures throughout history, including Ancient Egypt and China. Because it was mined for thousands of years before being used as jewelry or decorative objects like vases etc., there are no specific markings on how much weight should go into each piece, although most will fall within 3-4 grams per square inch.
Amethyst
Amethyst is one of the most popular stones in the world. But it's not just beautiful and eye-catching. It also has a history that goes back thousands of years.Amethyst is a mineral with a composition of quartz in which all the SiO2 molecules have been replaced by Al2O3. This results in a red-violet color, from which its name is derived (amethystos means “not drunken”). Amethysts can also be white or bluish-violet depending on their composition and level of iron impurities present.Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February (although some may argue this should go to aquamarine instead), which makes sense given that they're both purple!
Kunzite
Kunzite is a pink or violet-colored gem that is a variety of spodumene. It has been known since the late 19th century, but it was not until the 1960s that significant quantities were found in Madagascar. Kunzite is a rare gemstone, though not as rare as some other gems on this list. Kunzite is also known as pink quartz or violet amethyst; however, true kunzite has very little in common with either quartz or amethyst. The hue of kunzite can range from pale lilac to deep purple.Kunzite's softness means that it must be treated carefully during cutting and polishing operations so that no damage happens to the stone structure—and it must be set properly, so there are no stresses on the stone when worn by an owner! This makes kunzite one of the most fragile gems you can buy today (although there are steps you can take during your daily wear routine).
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue-green gemstone that's been treasured for centuries. It's the birthstone for March, and it's also the traditional gift for couples celebrating their 6th anniversary. In addition to its beautiful color, aquamarine has also been thought to bring good luck and happiness, as well as success in love and marriage.
Opal
Opal is a gemstone that is known for its flashes of color. It is a precious stone, and it is formed in the same way as other precious stones, such as diamonds and rubies. The value of opals depends on many factors, including the type of opal (black or white), size, and grade quality.
Morganite
Morganite is a pink-purple gem that, like emerald and tanzanite, is a variety of beryl. It also
belongs to the beryl family (along with aquamarine and heliodor). Morganite gets its name from Tiffany & Co., who named it after their buyer George T. Morgan.Morganite can be found in Morocco, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Ethiopia.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a transparent gemstone and the birthstone for September. It comes in a wide range of colors, from pale blue to deep reds, with shades ranging from grayish to pinkish in between.
Wrapping Up
These gems are ethically sourced. Ethical sourcing is the practice of ensuring that gemstones are mined in a way that does not harm the environment. It's important for gemstones to be ethically sourced because it ensures the survival of the industry, which means you can enjoy these beautiful stones without guilt.If you are looking for ethically-mined gems, we hope this list gives you a good starting point. It is by no means comprehensive, but it provides some of the most popular and readily available gemstones on the market today. Remember that you can always do your own research to find out more about where your jewelry comes from! Good luck on your journey towards ethical fashion!-
