September 16, 2024

Case Study: How We Source Sustainable Sapphires for our Engagement Rings

In an industry that relies on any kind of natural resource, issues and concerns about ethical practices and sustainability are always going to be part of the conversation. With modern knowledge about climate change and cultural shifts in ethical consumption, we would be remiss if we did not address this important issue and our commitment to adhering to sustainability and ethical sourcing. For those wondering, Are sapphires ethically sourced?, we strive to ensure that they are.

Even though the gemstone sourcing, mining and jewellery industry has sadly been historically marked with maligned practices, sustainable methods are being practised. Are sapphires more ethical than diamonds? This is a common question, and it depends significantly on the specific methods and practices used in sourcing. Join us on a journey from mine to finger as we unveil the intricate process of creating a blue sapphire engagement ring that's as ethical and sustainable as it is beautiful.

The Ethical Imperative

Today, consumer awareness and demand for ethical products are at an all-time high - sustainability is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. The jewellery industry, with its complex supply chains and varying sourcing standards, often faces challenges when it comes to maintaining ethical practices. Ethically sourced sapphires, like other gemstones, are typically mined under conditions that raise significant concerns around human rights, environmental degradation, and local economic exploitation.

Our mission is to challenge these practices by adhering to rigorous ethical standards and constantly seeking better ways to improve our processes. We believe that every gemstone should be a symbol of beauty and integrity, reflecting both its personal meaning as well as our commitment to responsible sourcing. This case study provides an insight into our journey toward ethical excellence in sapphire sourcing and the meticulous craftsmanship that brings these gemstones to life in our London atelier.

This article will cover how we create an ethical engagement ring by following a blue sapphire’s journey from its origin to your engagement ring. Our unique approach starts with the stone itself, ensuring that every engagement ring is meticulously designed around the specific sapphire or gemstone, resulting in proportional, elegant, and one-of-a-kind designs.

The Sapphire's Tale: From Earth to Atelier

Geological Formation

Sapphires are among the most cherished and rare gemstones in the world, and this is partly due to how they are formed. Deep within the Earth’s crust, over millions and millions of years, aluminium and oxygen atoms combine under intense heat and pressure. Blue sapphires are given their vibrant colour by the presence of titanium in the corundum rock it is formed in.

As rare as these gemstones are, the methods used to extract them can significantly impact local environments and communities. Sapphire deposits are also mostly found in modern-day regions with complex political and economic difficulties and strain compounded by years of exploitation. Their location not only complicates the ethics of sourcing but also the logistics. To answer the question of ‘Are sapphires ethically sourced?’ we’ll have to go on an adventure.

Our Sri Lankan Expedition To Source Ethical Sapphires

In our quest to find ethically sourced sapphires, we took a sapphire mining expedition into the heart of Sri Lanka, a country known for its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and stunning sapphires. Gemstone mining has been practised here for over 2000 years, and has a reputation for leading the way in its sustainable mining practices. Our expedition aimed to explore the reality of sapphire mining, meet the local miners and ensure that the gems we source are ethically mined, with minimal environmental impact and maximum social benefit.

Our adventure began in the gem-rich southwest region of Ratnapura, often called the "City of Gems." Here, we met with local miners who shared insights into their traditional methods of sapphire extraction. Unlike large-scale mining operations, these artisanal mines rely on small teams using basic tools and sustainable techniques, which preserve the surrounding environment and reduce harm to the local ecosystem. It’s a wholly communal effort, each with their role to play; making a pot of chai, digging in the mines or blessing the gem-sifting baskets in the hope of recovering something precious.

We visited an open-pit mine, which like 90% of the mines across Sri Lanka, is a non-mechanised operation. We witnessed firsthand the meticulous process of unearthing sapphires by hand, without heavy machinery or harmful chemicals. Most of Sri Lanka's gems are found in agricultural lands, particularly rice paddies, where alluvial deposits have accumulated over millions of years. These deposits, known locally as illam, consist of gravel washed down from the mountains and deposited in river and lake floodplains. The clay-like consistency of illam makes it easier to extract gems, as they are relatively loose within this material.

At the mining site, numerous small bamboo shafts have been dug, especially in hard-to-reach areas. The depth of the gravel layer varies between 25 and 100 feet, requiring careful, labour-intensive digging by hand - a testament to the miners' dedication and skill.

Once the rough sapphires are unearthed, they go through a meticulous cleaning and sifting process, done mostly by experienced older generations. First, the extracted gravel is washed with water to remove dirt and debris, revealing the precious stones hidden within. The cleaned gravel is then sifted through a series of woven baskets, allowing the miners to separate the heavier, denser gemstones from the lighter materials. This process relies heavily on the experience and skill of the miners, who are trained to recognise the subtle differences in colour and weight that indicate a sapphire. Sapphires aren’t the only gems found here, as gems like amethyst, tourmaline and topaz are also found.

Sri Lanka enforces strict regulations to ensure that mined land is restored for agricultural use. Everyone involved in the mining process, from the tea maker to the mine owner, receives an equal share of the gem's profits. Mining licences are issued for a maximum of two years, and only 5% of mining operations are allowed to use mechanised methods. There is always more to be done, but this is a welcome and inspirational approach.

Our journey was more than just about finding beautiful stones, though. It was an opportunity to connect with the people behind these gems - the miners and their families whose livelihoods depend on this trade. By engaging directly with the community, we forged new relationships and got to experience firsthand what it takes to source these gems.

What Does ‘Ethically Sourced Sapphires’ Mean?

Ethical sourcing goes beyond simply avoiding conflict zones; it means implementing practices that protect local ecosystems, ensure fair wages, and provide safe working conditions. Responsible mining methods prioritise minimal environmental impact, such as reducing land disruption and using water responsibly.

For example, we work with mines that practise sustainable land reclamation, ensuring that the local environment is restored post-mining. Moreover, our commitment to ethical sourcing extends to the people involved to ensure that miners are paid fairly and work under safe conditions, directly contributing to the well-being of local communities.

The Social Impact of Ethical Sapphire Sourcing

Ethical sourcing practices do more than just protect the environment; they also have a profound social impact. Supporting ethical mining helps foster economic growth in local communities, providing stable employment and empowering miners and their families. For many mining towns, ethical practices can mean the difference between poverty and prosperity. 

Crafting Conscious Luxury: The Ring Takes Shape

Once the ethically sourced sapphire reaches our London atelier, it begins its transformation into a unique engagement ring. Our skilled artisans, committed to fair employment practices, take pride in crafting each ring by hand. Every piece is created with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that our jewellery reflects the highest standards of artistry and craftsmanship.

We also use recycled metals in our ring production to further reduce our environmental footprint. By opting for recycled gold and platinum, we minimise the need for additional mining, which is often associated with significant ecological damage. This conscious decision underscores our commitment to creating luxury jewellery that does not compromise on ethics or quality.

Beyond the Ring: Our Broader Commitment

Our journey towards sustainability doesn't stop at the sapphire’s origin or the crafting of the ring. As a certified B Corp jeweller, we are part of a global movement of businesses dedicated to using business as a force for good. This B-Corp certification reflects our commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. We are proud to meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, balancing profit and purpose.

However, we recognise that ethical sourcing is not without its challenges. The jewellery industry lacks universal standards for ethical practices, which can make it difficult to ensure complete transparency. Despite these challenges, we remain dedicated to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing our supply chain, and seeking out new, more sustainable practices.

Join Us on Our Journey to Ethical Excellence

We're excited to have you join us on our journey towards a more sustainable future. When you choose one of our ethically sourced sapphire engagement rings, you're not just getting a beautiful piece of jewellery – you're helping to support responsible practices and make a real difference in the industry.

Take a look at our collection of bespoke sapphire rings and our selection of blue sapphire engagement rings, and feel free to book a consultation with us today. Together, we can find the perfect ethically sourced sapphire to celebrate your special moment.