Reasons Why You Should Consider Ethical Diamond Alternatives for an Engagement Ring

Diamonds have long been touted as the best choice for engagement rings. However, more and more people are settling for ethical diamond alternatives like moissanite, morganites, cubic zirconia, and sparkling gemstones like amethysts, rubies, and emeralds. This is because of the questions raised about the ethics of diamonds in the 1990s. Below are a few of these issues.

It is challenging to know if your diamonds are conflict-free

You might have come across the term ''blood diamonds'', also called ''conflict diamonds''. These come from areas where violent rebel groups have taken over mining sites, and the regions are marred by deadly conflicts that have far-reaching effects on their inhabitants. Though the diamond industry introduced conflict-free diamonds from peaceful areas, you cannot fully guarantee that your purchase is not funding a rebel-led civil war.

Diamond mining harms the environment

Diamond mining has a considerate impact on the environment since it involves ripping the earth open and, in some cases leaving land littered with open pits. Some places have introduced artisanal mining as the ethical alternative to industrial mining, but this still has detrimental environmental effects. It, for instance, leaves riverbeds destroyed, and there is often no regulatory body overseeing environmental protection because artisanal mining is mainly unregulated.

Most diamond mines have poor working conditions

When people settle for ethical diamond alternatives, their primary reason is the child labor in most diamond mining sites. Other than child labor, most diamond miners have deplorable working conditions. Most have no access to insurance, optimal health care, or reasonable living conditions. Moreover, physical abuse is sometimes rampant in the mining camps.

Despite your best efforts, you cannot be guaranteed that the diamonds on your sparkly engagement ring are ethical. Your best choice to avoid guilt because of the above and other ethical issues is to get ethical diamond alternatives. This way, you can wear your ring proudly.