February is most commonly known as the month of love, it´s also the time of year many South African couples get married as the weather is fabulous this time of year. With this in mind, the liveeco team thought we´d bring you some ideas on how bring some econess into your wedding plans, specifically ´the ring´. For some people, diamonds are the classic symbol of romance, love, and commitment. For others, diamonds symbolize a legacy of violence because they are mined in ways that threaten the environment and people in their path.
We at the liveeco believe in choosing diamonds that are socially and environmentally responsible if you choose to buy one. Another great way to lower the impact of a diamond is to go vintage. That is truly a thing of beauty! Check out our suggestions for finding your perfect, conflict-free diamond, just in time for Valentine´s Day.
Go Vintage
The most eco-friendly diamond you can wear is an old one. By adopting great-grandma´s ring as your own, you´re reusing materials and preventing further damage from mining. Aren´t lucky enough to inherit a diamond? There are many jewelers who sell beautiful antique and vintage pieces. The cost of a vintage ring is usually comparable to that of a new ring.
Recycle
If you find a vintage diamond that you like, don´t worry if you´re not crazy about the setting. You can have it re-set in a style that is more to your taste. Some jewelers even offer “recycled” diamond jewelry. They do the work of hunting down beautiful, used stones and then turn them into modern jewelry.
Canadian Diamonds
If you´re not going vintage, the next best choice is to look for certified, conflict-free diamonds. Canadian mines have become the major source for conflict-free diamonds over the past few years. Look for diamonds that are certified through the GCCD or CDCC programs. Reliable brands include: Polar Bear Diamond, Arctic Fox, Northam Diamonds, or Polar Ice. To find out more about the certification process or other brands, visit the Conflict-Free Diamond Council.
Namibian Diamonds
Some respected retailers have also started selling conflict-free diamonds from Namibia. If you´re interested in buying Namibian diamonds, make sure that the jeweler you work with can certify that these diamonds were mined according to strict ecological and labor standards. Brilliant Earth and Precious Earth are good retailers to try.
Man-made Diamonds
If the title “man-made diamond,” brings to mind cubic zirconia, clear that image away. A man-made diamond is a real diamond that just happens to be grown in a lab, using conditions that mimic those in the natural world. Man- or lab-made diamonds are ecologically sound, humane, and less expensive than naturally-occurring diamonds. Because of their clarity and saturation, they are an especially good option for anyone interested in the colored diamonds that are so popular now. Gemesis and Apollo diamonds are well-known brands.
Brilliant Earth
Brilliant Earth is a jewelry retailer that is committed to using conflict-free gems and ecologically sound materials. At Brilliant Earth, you´ll find Canadian, Namibian, and lab-made diamonds that can be set in recycled gold bases. They offer classic, elegant styles like the Halo Ring. Even better, they donate 5% of all of their profits to African communities that have been impacted by the jewelry trade.
Green Karat Jewelry
Green Karat is committed to providing “ecologically and socially responsible jewelry.” They accomplish this by using recycled gold and recycled or man-made diamonds. Their Sonnet earrings are made with recycled white diamonds set in recycled gold.
Source: The Huffington Post
The liveeco team
