NEWS

Ethical Engagement Rings

Jewels are one of nature's most enchanting gifts; they are beautiful, mysterious and rare. None more so than the diamond. For hundreds of years, diamonds have been given as gifts for special events such as engagements, weddings and anniversaries. Traditionally, engagement rings will be set with one or more diamonds and although gold, white gold and platinum wedding rings were once a simple band, they too are increasingly being set with these unique gems. With their increasing popularity and celebrity status, the origins of diamonds have come under scrutiny in recent years. Our conscience now plays an important part in the goods we purchase and as such, fair trade and ethically obtained diamonds are an important part of our purchase of jewellery, helping us enjoy wedding or engagement rings without burden on our conscience. The issue of conflict diamonds came further to the fore when Hollywood joined the fight with the film 'Blood Diamond'.

Conflict diamonds are rough, uncut diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to fund armed conflict aimed at disrupting legitimate governments. However, thanks to the cooperation of world governments, the diamond industry, retail jewellers and non government organisations, The World Diamond Council has successfully introduced a system of certification to which identifies the source of uncut diamonds and therefore prevent the illicit trade of conflict diamonds. Over 45 countries participate in this system and they represent all the nations who have significant diamond trade. None of these countries will accept rough diamonds that have not met the proper certification. So when a diamond reaches its destination to be crafted into classic or contemporary designer jewellery, the diamond manufacturer is free to create pieces with all kinds of precious stones and metals and we are able to make an ethical choice of wedding or engagement rings , when we visit the jewellers or buy online.

After all, rings and jewellery, especially diamonds, should be enjoyed for all the beauty they offer us. For thousands of years, they have mesmerised us with their seductive power. They possess a unique ability to inspire us in life and love, even art and literature. Nothing evokes our strongest emotions quite like a diamond and this is why, for example, classic solitaire engagement rings, with a single beautiful gem at their heart is so popular to express our feelings of love, passion and desire. When you are deciding on a timeless piece of jewellery to mark an engagement or wedding or to celebrate a special occasion, you can be assured of quality but also you will know that your enjoyment is not at the expense of another's hardship. You should feel good about your purchase, ask a friend or family member to recommend a jeweller you can trust and then sit back in delight at the ring, earring or pendant which has filled your life with so much fascination and joy and will continue to do so for all mankind for eternity.