4 Ways Jewelry Supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Fine jewelry can support PEACE AND PROSPERITY for people and the planet
Before I dive in, let’s first explore:
What are the 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)?
The UN Sustainable Development Goals are an urgent call to action by 193 United Nations member countries (developed and developing) to “end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity”.
As we collectively practice small ways (that become big ways) to achieve these goals, we can consciously choose fewer better things that endure.
When it comes to jewelry, investing in responsibly sourced pieces supports climate action. Beyond being ethical, conflict-free, and traceable, this means protecting people, their skills, and the natural environment, be it land or sea.
Below are…
4 ways choosing RESPONSIBLY SOURCED FINE JEWELRY aligns with specific SDGs
1. COLORED GEMSTONES FROM ARTISANAL MINERS
A significant distinction to know about artisanal and small-scale miners is that they are often farmers living in remote areas with limited natural resources. Many of these families mine gemstones part-time using farming tools: hands, shovels, pickaxes, and sometimes compressors.
Decent Work & Economic Growth
When a community is empowered with skills to move towards vertical integration, they do not merely survive, but thrive - in a sustainable way. One program founded by celebrated colored gemstone cutter, Roger Dery, and his family is Gem Legacy. This 501(C)3 provides vocational training, equipment, and other needs.
The short video below provides a glimpse of the many roles that contribute to harvesting colored gemstones from the earth to the market:
Gender Equality
Another reframe is artisanal miners are entrepreneurs - some of which are women, such as Beatrice and Esther!
Along with a group of other widows in East Africa, they run the Precious Women Mine! You can catch a glimpse of them here.
Another example of women entering an industry that has historically been run by men is Virtu Gem: a program founded by women that works with artisanal gemstone mining communities in Malawi, Kenya, and Zambia to expand markets through technology, good practices, and equitable relationships.
As your fine jewelry guide, I can help you source colored gemstones or jewelry from artisinal miners! Book a discovery call.
SHOP JEWELRY WITH COLORED GEMS FROM ARTISANAL MINERS
2. FAIRMINED GOLD
Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations. This mercury-free gold can be traced back to its origin. Not only is there clarity about where it is from, but also the conditions it was mined, ensuring social development and environmental protection.
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
A simple, but powerful way to create resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation is formalizing Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM).
“Artisanal and small-scale mining, a largely informal sector in many countries, won’t go away. Far from it. So rather than pretending the problem doesn’t exist, we need to work with these miners, support them and bring them into the supply chain.”
Among the many benefits specific to Fairmined Gold includes training on safer ways to extract gold from the host material to protect water, people, and the environment. Beyond education, investing in equipment (starting at $100,000) can phase out working with mercury in 1 - 2 years. Because this gradual, holistic approach will initially impact the productivity of the mine, miners are granted a premium (a true cost) to compensate for this as they transition to more ecological practices.
Life Below Water and Life on Land
With Fairmined Gold, mining practices are in place to ensure the safety of groundwater through the eradication or reduction of mercury and cyanide. In cases where cyanide cannot be eliminated due to the compound of the host material, protocols are put in place for use (closed water systems) and disposal, as well as the safety of workers.
Certified Fairmining organizations are currently operating in:
Colombia - Chede, Iquira, La Gabriela
Peru - Cecomip, Cruz Pata, Oro Puno, Macdesa
Equador - Ponce Enríquez
When mining sites are decommissioned, miners are committed to rehabilitating and reforesting the ecosystem.
Learn more about Fairmined Gold in this video:
Curious about the difference between Fairmined gold and recycled gold? Discover a comparison here!
SHOP JEWELRY WITH FAIRMINED GOLD
3. POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED DIAMONDS
Responsible Consumption and Production
As one of the world’s first art forms, jewelry has always been circular!
Choosing post-consumer recycled diamonds, whether they are 4 or 400 years old, is a beautiful way to reimagine an asset that has already incurred a cost in its carbon footprint.
The curated diamonds you see here from Perpetuum Jewels are obtained from origins such as private estates, store trade-ins, and auctions.
The facets of diamonds can tell us a lot about when a diamond was cut. Today diamonds are cut with machines informed by math and science, whereas diamonds before the early 20th century were cut with eyes and hands. By simply looking at facets, many diamonds can be dated well before conflicts across seven African countries and now Russia.
“These materials have already incurred a cost in their environmental footprint as a primary commodity from a non-renewable + extractive industry. The older the jewelry and its gems, the better for its recycling and environmental value as it re-enters the trade.”
Perpetuum Jewels’ Certifications
Perpetuum Jewels is 3rd Party Certified by SCS Global Services, a trusting leader in environmental and sustainability certification and auditing. They work to promote sustainable decision making and policies to safeguard the environment, support workers and communities, and raise the standard of living for all.
Seeking an antique diamond engagement ring or recycled colored gemstone? Let’s connect!
4. TRACEABLE, ETHICAL NATURAL DIAMONDS
Botswana is a vision of socio-economic empowerment. It is a balance where a business operates in partnership with a government and civil society. Investments are made in communities and benefits are shared.
Reduced Inequalities
Among the biggest treasures of Botswana are young minds! From primary school through advanced degrees at global universities, boys and girls are given access to high-quality education.
In an industry that is historically male-dominated, today women are thriving in places that matter. They occupy roles, such as Managing Director, Vice President, Diamond Grader, Diamond Cutter, Safety Instructor, and (ginormous) Truck Operator.
This is also an illustration of how Botswana achieves a full chain of custody through vertical integration that supports the nation and its people.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
When diamonds were discovered in 1967, the government set up structures for an industry that transformed the nation - supporting people and the planet. They also had the foresight to develop other sustainable industries in remote mining communities outside of the diamond industry - and an exit plan for after a mine is closed.
From projects that address food and water scarcity to environmental stewardship through wildlife preserves, Botswana is an example of how diamonds can create positive change for people and the planet.
Diamonds from Botswana are diamonds you can feel good about wearing! There are also other projects (often run by women) in diamond-producing countries that positively benefit artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
DIAMONDS TRANSFORM LIVES IN BOTSWANA
I encourage you to discover how “an industry that is historically contentious can be made to work in favor of people and the planet.”
Diamonds from the Argyle diamond mine in Australia are also diamonds you can feel good about wearing! While the mine closed in 2020, the land is currently being rehabilitated and returned to its traditional owners in collaboration and accordance with their wishes.
SHOP JEWELRY WITH TRACEABLE, ETHICAL NATURAL DIAMONDS
THE ETHICAL DILEMMA OF LAB GROWN DIAMONDS: WHO BENEFITS?
When VC-funded jewelry start-ups talk about being “eco” or “ethical” and their “sustainable” sourcing, do you know what that looks like and who it benefits?
[SPOILER: tech bros and celebrity investors in first-world nations]
While everyone’s values differ, this distinction is very relevant to the conversation - and the decision that consumers make. You can read more on this topic here.
SUPPORTING TECH BROS VS. MINING COMMUNITIES
The diamonds in the fine jewelry you choose can either:
enrich tech bros and celebrity investors whose VC-backed lab-grown diamond and trendy jewelry companies make ethical claims at the expense of third-world nations.
empower men and WOMEN to create sustainable local economies in remote corners of the world...
DECEPTIVE CLAIMS
Creating laboratory-grown diamonds requires an immense amount of energy. Environmental claims are deceptive and often unsubstantiated. When comparing natural diamonds to lab-grown diamonds the data on carbon pollution and greenhouse gas emissions is inconclusive. In 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent warning letters to eight lab-grown diamond and simulant companies regarding their “sustainable”, “eco-friendly”, and “eco-conscious” claims and disclosure.
When such comparative claims are drawn, consider that lab-grown diamonds increase economic benefits for first-world countries at the expense of mining communities in developing countries.
Additionally, lab-grown diamonds are mass-manufactured by vast machines made of steel, which are… mined from the earth! There is also the requirement of graphite and methane for production, which are also... mined.
For the consumer, it is important to know that laboratory-grown diamonds (and synthetic materials such as moissanite) are mass-produced and do not hold their value.
What is it like working with The Brilliant Concierge service?
The most fulfilling part of what I do is guiding people on jewelry gifts that meaningfully symbolize their journey, love story, or milestone.
The Brilliant Concierge is a fun, fluid experience offering peace of mind knowing your gift tells a personal story. It is also perfect for self-gifting!
A recent “quest” for an August birthday gift was particularly joyful, fortuitous, and super darling.
Read on to discover this charming tale...