Here at London DE we have always placed a lot of importance on our business practices and sourcing our famous gemstones in an ethical manner. This approach has continued and evolved as the London DE group has grown, especially at Sylvera.
The Importance of Stone Sourcing
Understanding the importance of ethically sourced gemstones is crucial for any conscientious jewellery company. Before explaining how we source our own diamonds and emeralds, it's important to understand how unethical gemstones have deeply affected the jewellery market.
The most starkly negative example in the gemstone trade is that of conflict diamonds. Often known as 'blood diamonds,' these are gemstones mined in war zones and sold to fund armed conflicts, such as international wars, civil wars, insurgencies, or other illicit operations. The presence of these diamonds in the market not only perpetuates violence but also undermines legitimate mining operations where local workers depend on mining for their livelihood under fair conditions.
At London DE, we recognize that removing these gems from our supply chain does more than just prevent our direct involvement in global conflicts. It also helps us take a stand against the cycle of violence and exploitation that plagues certain mining industries. We actively avoid any diamonds or gemstones sourced from conflict zones or regions known for human rights abuses.
Moreover, by steering clear of these unethical sources, we aim to foster a more transparent, accountable gemstone market. Our stringent sourcing criteria mean that we only engage with suppliers who adhere to similar ethical standards, ensuring that every gemstone we use can be traced back to a source that respects both the environment and human rights.
In addition to actively removing our capital from unethical gemstone extraction, London DE also contributes to the development of higher standards in the countries we source from, especially in Colombia. We work with local communities and governments to improve working conditions and promote sustainable economic growth, ensuring that the benefits of gemstone extraction are felt by the people who need them most.
This holistic approach not only aligns with our core values but also reassures our customers that the beautiful pieces they purchase are free from the taint of ethical compromise. Through responsible sourcing, we help to cultivate a healthier, more ethical jewellery market globally.
The Kimberley Process: A Cornerstone of Ethical Diamond Sourcing
One of the ways we ensure that all of our gemstones are sourced ethically is by following the Kimberley process. The Kimberley Process was initiated in response to the public outcry over the civil war in Sierra Leone, which was extensively funded by the sale of conflict diamonds. These diamonds, mined in war zones, were previously sold freely on the global market, with profits going directly to fund armed conflicts and perpetuate human suffering. The need for a system to oversee the diamond trade became painfully evident.
Established in 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a collaborative effort between governments, the diamond industry, and civil society organisations. Its primary aim is to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds, also known as "blood diamonds," into the mainstream rough diamond market. The process involves stringent requirements for member countries to ensure that any diamond crossing their borders is conflict-free. This includes a requirement that governments certify that all rough diamond exports are produced through legitimate mining and sales activities and are not used to fund violence.
The Kimberley Process has been instrumental in reducing the global trade of blood diamonds significantly, with estimates suggesting that conflict diamonds now represent less than 1% of the international market. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of the certification schemes and rigorous tracking methods employed, which follow diamonds from the mine through to the point of sale to ensure transparency and accountability.
Through the Kimberley Process, companies like Sylvera can more confidently assure customers that their diamond purchases are not contributing to global conflicts. This process has not only been crucial in curtailing the flow of conflict diamonds but has also promoted broader ethical standards across the diamond industry, encouraging a shift towards more responsible sourcing practices globally.
How London DE Counters the Use of Unethical Gemstones
At London DE and Sylvera, our commitment to ethical sourcing involves a proactive stance against all forms of unethical gemstones in our supply chain, as well as following best practices like the Kimberley process. Simply avoiding conflict diamonds—the notorious gems that finance violent conflicts—is just the starting point. We aim to ensure that every gemstone we use, whether diamond or emerald, is extracted and processed under conditions that uphold the dignity and rights of all workers involved.
Our rigorous selection process means that we meticulously vet every source, requiring detailed documentation and verifiable proof that our strict standards are met. We actively exclude gemstones from countries where labour abuses are widespread and documented. For instance, despite the rich diamond reserves in Zimbabwe, Angola, and Russia, these countries have been noted for labour violations and substandard working conditions, which do not align with our ethical values. As such, we do not source any gemstones from these areas.
Furthermore, Sylvera implements a comprehensive due diligence process. This involves on-the-ground assessments conducted by our teams or trusted third-party auditors who inspect mining operations. These assessments are not one-off; they are part of an ongoing review process to ensure continuous compliance with our ethical standards. This diligence extends to environmental practices and the broader social impact of mining operations, ensuring that the communities around our sourcing areas benefit rather than suffer from their natural resources.
In addition to avoiding regions with poor labour practices, Sylvera strives to support positive initiatives within the gemstone industry. We engage in partnerships with local and international organisations to foster sustainable mining practices. This includes investing in community projects that improve living conditions, provide educational opportunities, and promote healthcare initiatives in mining regions.
By implementing these comprehensive strategies, Sylvera is not only countering the use of unethical gemstones but is also setting a benchmark for responsible sourcing within the jewellery industry. We believe that our meticulous approach to ethical sourcing not only ensures the quality and integrity of our gemstones but also reflects our commitment to global human rights and environmental sustainability.