In a world where exploitation is still at an unprecedented high, coming across a supplier like Ingle & Rhode is a breath of much needed fresh air.
Built on an ethos of sustainability and ethical values, they offer engagement, wedding and eternity rings as well as a bespoke design service, using products that have all been ethically sourced. Their diamonds and gemstones are all conflict free and each one can be traced back to its mine of origin. They only use Fairtrade or 100% recycled gold and the same goes for their platinum. They also do everything they can to ensure their metals and gems have the smallest possible impact on the environment.
With a huge passion for educating their clients about the dark side of the diamond industry, they are sharing with us today their advice on how to ensure that the rings you buy have been correctly sourced.
Sitting here now looking at my beautiful engagement ring that my husband designed for me, I am praying that the jewellers he used had the same values as Ingle & Rhode. We all need to play our part in making the world a better place and choosing a jeweller that has such a strong focus on ethical values is something I wouldn’t even question, especially after reading this article.
How To Ensure Your Wedding and Engagement Rings Are Ethical
Words by Ingle & Rhode
Getting engaged and getting married are often the most romantic moments in our lives. However, not enough people are aware that the creation of beautiful rings can be synonymous with human rights abuses and environmental damage.
Here, ethical jeweller Tim Ingle reveals the truth behind the diamond trade, and the five questions we should all ask before purchasing a wedding or engagement ring to make sure it’s ethical.
“When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds are particularly problematic. ‘Blood’ diamonds are mined in war-torn countries where conflict is often funded by the diamond trade. Here, diamonds signify worker exploitation and atrocious human rights abuses rather than romance and commitment. Diamond miners are some of the poorest people on the planet and work in extremely dangerous conditions.
“Not only this, but diamond mining has taken a huge toll on the environment across Africa and other parts of the world. In Angola, mining has led to deforestation, soil erosion, and the relocation of local people. Elsewhere, wildlife has vanished, mines have been abandoned and the landscape is now desolate after years of irresponsible exploitation.
“Not to mention the metal band itself, with poorly sourced gold seeing one ring generate as much as 20 tonnes of waste. Other precious metals aren’t far behind.”
This is what those getting engaged or married should ask their jewellers if they’re to ensure their rings have been made to the highest ethical standard:
1. Is the stone conflict-free?
Many jewellers will tell you that their diamonds are “Kimberley-certified” and are therefore conflict-free – but this is not enough. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was introduced in 2002 in an attempt to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds; however diamonds produced in conflict zones are still being smuggled to KPCS regions to be certified. The problem is therefore far from eradicated, and blood diamonds from places like eastern DRC and Zimbabwe are still on the market.
If your jeweller cannot trace a precious stone back to its source, you cannot be certain that it is conflict-free. Kimberley Process Certification is not enough.
2. Can my jeweller tell me exactly where this stone was produced?
If your jeweller cannot trace a precious stone back to its exact source, you cannot be certain that it hasn’t been smuggled from a conflict zone, so you should steer clear.
For example, Ingle & Rhode’s diamonds come only from the Ekati and Diavik mines in Canada where they are mined, cut and polished with due care for the environment and human rights. Many of the larger stones are even engraved. They are all traceable and 100% conflict-free.
3. Where has this diamond been cut and polished?
Despite being conflict-free, many diamonds and other precious stones are still cut and polished in sweatshop conditions, often by children, for well below the minimum wage.
Make sure your jeweller knows your stone’s source, so that you can be sure it has been cut and polished according to strict guidelines.
4. Is the metal either Fairtrade or recycled platinum?
Ask your jeweller if they source certified Fairtrade gold. Workers in Fairtrade certified gold mines receive a guaranteed Fairtrade Minimum Price for their gold as well as a Premium to spend on improving their businesses or on community projects, such as education, clean water and healthcare.
If you’re looking for a platinum ring, unfortunately there is no Fairtrade platinum available at the moment. However, you should ask your jeweller if they can offer recycled platinum. Recycled platinum is indistinguishable from new metal but greatly reduces demand on mines, thereby lessening the impact of unethical mining practices.
5. Where will my ring be made and by who?
Most of the jewellery bought in the UK has been manufactured in countries in Asia. This is a cost saving approach for businesses here, but comes at the expense of working conditions and pay as well as the quality of the finished ring. The best jewellery is not made this way. Your jeweller should be able to tell you exactly where your jewellery was made, and ideally the names of the craftsmen and women who created it. For example Ingle & Rhode only use craftsmen and designers here in the UK so you know your ring hasn’t had to travel miles around the globe.
About Ingle & Rhode….
Ingle & Rhode, based in London, began with David Rhode’s own hunt for an ethically sourced engagement ring back in 2006. He was unable to find a jeweller who could tell him where their diamonds had come from or the conditions under which their jewellery was produced. This experience sparked the idea for a jewellery brand which could do things better. He enlisted the help of his friend, Tim Ingle, and they set about establishing a jewellery company centred on ethics and sustainability. That’s how Ingle & Rhode came to be.
Their focus is on provenance, ethics and sustainability. This mission permeates through everything they do, from how they source their diamonds and how the people who produce them are treated, to how they treat their own customers. They hate the ‘hard sell’ and believe treating their customers with patience and respect. Ultimately, it’s all about trust.
They offer sustainably sourced engagement, wedding rings and eternity rings, as well as offering a bespoke service.
Their diamonds and gemstones are all conflict free, and each one can be traced back to its mine of origin. As for their gold, they only use Fairtrade or 100% recycled, and the same goes for their platinum. They also do everything they can to ensure their metals and gems have the smallest possible impact on the environment. They want to make luxury jewellery as ethical as it possibly can be.
Ingle & Rhode are a member of our Festival Wedding Directory. To read more about their beautiful fine jewellery and the services they can offer you, please visit their listing: Ingle & Rhode | Wedding and Engagement Rings in London
Big thank you to Ingle & Rhode for sharing this article with us today.
