Mining can have an impact on the environment, so you should check that the metals and stones in the jewellery you buy are responsibly sourced.

Conflict-Free Diamonds

Conflict Diamonds, or “Blood Diamonds” are stones that are produced in areas controlled by rebel forces that are opposed to internationally recognized governments. These diamonds are sold to buy arms or fund civil war.

Conflict Diamonds originate from  Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Blood Diamonds are often produced using forced labour, or stolen from legitimate producers, and  then smuggled into the international diamond market.

The trade can involve bribery, threats, torture, and murder. - Hence the term “Blood Diamonds”

The United Nations developed a certification program called The Kimberley Process to combat this insidious trade. Participating nations are required to certify that all rough diamond exports are produced through legitimate sources.  

All rough diamonds exported from these nations are to be accompanied by certificates.

These certificates state that the diamonds were produced, and exported through legitimate channels.

The certification process follows diamonds through every step of their journey, from mine to retail sale.  

It has significantly reduced the number of Conflict Diamonds reaching international gem markets. The World Diamond Council estimates that 99% of all diamonds are now conflict-free.

Buying from an established jeweller in the UK should ensure that your diamond is legitimately-sourced and conflict free.

Single Mine Origin Gold

Single Mine Origin denotes gold that has been produced by a legitimate mining operation which holds no ties to conflict, where miners are being paid a just wage under secure employment.

SMO strives to ensure that the communities living locally to the gold source benefit from sustainability initiatives carried out by the mining operation. These include programmes relating to education, healthcare, safe drinking water and agricultural prosperity.

All new gold jewellery produced by Aurum designer-jewellers used Single Mine Origin gold.

Recycling Precious metals

Old gold jewellery can be smelted and re-refined.  This removes all impurities leaving only pure precious metal. This is then re-alloyed to produce brand-new bullion, which is can then be used in to produce new jewellery.

Recycling Gold, Platinum, and Silver in this way avoids the environmental impact of mining new metal.

There are bullion dealers that specialise in 100% recycled gold.

Jewellery Remodelling

Remodelling is another way of reusing precious metals and gemstones.

Items of jewellery that you don’t wear can be taken apart, and the materials reused to make new pieces.

It involves un-setting any stones and melting down the precious metal, which is poured to form an ingot, which can then be used to create new jewellery.

The metal and stones from, inherited jewellery can be given a new look, whilst retaining the sentimental value of the original item.