JULIE'S BLOG | WHY ETHICAL IS BETTER VALUE

As a jewellery designer specialising in creating unique bespoke rings I’m very keen on the ethical sourcing of the gold, diamonds and other gems I use.

Clients are often more concerned about how much something will cost than how it is produced, and many jewellers don’t even mention ethics. (They don’t want to question the credentials of their other jewellery, OR damage their profits.) But if people REALLY knew what went on, they would be more concerned about how their diamonds, emeralds, gold, rubies and sapphires got to their fingers.

What most people DON’T realise is that it can actually be more cost-effective to source ethical gems.

This ring is made with recycled gold and contains Canadian diamonds and Chatham lab created Emeralds - with the same physical, chemical and optical properties as the ones that come out of the ground. It also has the clarity of top quality mined Colombian Emeralds AND no questionable labour practices are involved. What’s more – it’s a lot less costly.

I designed this ring for myself when my husband wanted to give me a ring for our anniversary. Emeralds are my favourite stone but good ones are expensive and it is difficult to know how they have been produced - I for one don't want to wear a ring containing stones mined by children. He was also thrilled, because it didn't cost as much as he had been expecting.

So for anyone who wants something special and different, who may or may not worry about children going down mines, but who does worry about the household budget, good quality Lab Created gems could be the answer.

WHAT'S THE THE NEXT STEP

Not every jeweller will offer you the option of ethically sourced stones and, as is always the case with any gemstone, getting the right advice is key. This is not something you will find ready-made or on the High Street, so a bespoke commission is the only wway to get what you really want.

Commissioning a bespoke ring may seem daunting at first, and it may take you out of your comfort zone, but with the right advice you can get it right.

Find out more about How to Commission a Bespoke Ring

RESEARCH RESOURCES

There's a lot to know - I have written a book on the subject of engagement rings, and it covers many of the questions anyone commissioning a bespoke ring should ask.

It is available on Amazon in print and Kindle versions, but you can Browse all Chapters Online here

OR

just Download the Chapters which interest you

HELP IF YOU NEED IT

There is a lot of information to digest, more than you would expect, but then a special ring is a significant purchase.

If you would like some help translating all your ideas into a ring she'll love, you can start the ball rolling with an initial call to me at our Walton on Thames Studio on 01932 918189 or get in touch Get in Touch to arrange a no-obligation chat.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.