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Choosing Engagement or Wedding Rings with Responsibly-Sourced Materials

In the world of weddings there's growing interest in responsible sourcing for engagement and wedding ring choices. When it comes to selecting these symbols of commitment, the story they tell goes beyond the sparkle. It's about embracing a conscious connection to the materials used to create your rings, and how they affect our world. So, why and how should couples consider responsible sourcing when choosing their rings? This blog will help you understand the options at G.St and provide a clear path for getting started.
           

1. Discovering Diamonds With a Deeper Connection:

Sustainable choices like post-consumer or antique diamonds means that your stone hasn’t been newly mined. Another option are traceable diamonds that give back to the communities they're mined from adding doing good to the narrative. It's a tangible expression of a commitment, not just to each other but also to the planet. 


If you're unsure of what this all means, meet with a reputable jeweler who can be your guide, empowering you with the best information to make the right choices.

G.St is an award-winning boutique dedicated to informing our clients of the most cutting-edge technologies and responsible sourcing practices available. We're excited to share our knowledge with you, starting with this blog!

       

 

hand wearing engagement rings with natural diamonds

Be confident that at a minimum all of G.St's natural diamonds are responsibly sourced through the Kimberley process, which is a commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain. As technology has advanced, there are new ways to take responsible sourcing a step further...

2.  Understanding Origin

 Greenwich St. Jewelers offers traceable diamonds, from one of four non-conflict countries: Botswana, Canada, South Africa or Namibia. These diamonds come with a traceability report documenting that they are from one of these areas which supply non-conflict diamonds that also support the local communities and economy.

responsible sourcing woman holding tweezers

In 2023 we began carrying DeBeers Code of Origin diamonds, an exciting program certifying that:

a) Your diamond is a natural diamond

b) The diamond rough was discovered in Botswana, Canada, Namibia or South Africa, where it has helped provide jobs, healthcare and education, with a particular focus on programs supporting women and girls

c) Your diamond is conflict-free and meets industry-leading standards

d) Your diamond helped protect the planet through wildlife conservation and our commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030

 You can even see a video of your diamond in rough form using Tracr, a new program that allows you to follow the diamond's journey through blockchain technology. It documents every step of the diamond's journey from mine to consumer, and includes a traceability certificate. The diamond cutter maps the journey of the diamond from rough to final polished diamond. 

Want to discuss more with a specialist? Book an appointment! Write in the appointment notes section if you'd like to view Code of Origin diamonds during your consultation.

3. Reclaimed is Responsible

Another responsible option when it comes to sourcing diamonds is choosing a reclaimed, vintage, or antique natural diamond. Also called post-consumer diamonds, these precious time capsules offer a new life to gemstones with history. This is a great option for someone who wants a natural diamond, but would rather not have one newly extracted from the Earth. The result is not just a ring; it's a story waiting for you to add your next chapter to it. 

Intrigued to learn what these diamonds may look like? At G.St, we carry ready-to-wear rings featuring antique or vintage diamonds with one of a kind charm, handmade by LA-based designer Single Stone. Each ring is completely handcrafted from start to finish using tools that honor the time period the diamonds were cut. The selection is available both online and in-store, and we are the only NYC retailer carrying Single Stone rings.

engagement ring with antique old european cut diamond bezel set
Prefer a different style or custom designed ring? We can source a post-consumer diamond that meets your preferences and help you dream up something one of a kind with our in-house Master Jewelers. Contact us to learn more about getting started.
custom design                                       
 4. Decoding Recycled Metals:
Shopping responsibly isn't just limited to your center stone. Refining existing gold, instead of continually extracting new ore, is an eco-friendly choice. "Recycled metals" might sound like a term straight out of an environmental manual, but it's a crucial aspect of responsible jewelry.
Wedding bands made with recycled gold
Contrary to common misconceptions, recycled gold doesn't appear worn or used.  It undergoes a refining process to maintain the same purity, meaning there will be no detectable visual difference in appearance if you opt for recycled gold - offering couples the chance to combine both beauty and responsible practices. Materials used in-house for repairs, restoration, bespoke jewelry and our G.St brand collections are sourced through verified third-party certified suppliers.

At G.St, we take using recycled metals a step further by utilizing 100% recycled precious metals that are verified by SCS Global Services Certification, a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability standards. Additionally, our partners are members of The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), aninternational oversight organization which verifies companies using responsible ethical and environmental practices throughout their operations.

This gold is used in our G.St Ceremony and Sycamore Studio collections, as well as the custom designs and repair work performed in our workshop.

5. Fairmined Official Gold

Fairmined is an initiative whose label certifies gold of responsible origin. It's a guarantee that it is a traceable gold, extracted with the best mining practices aimed at preserving the environment, and supports the development of artisanal and small-scale mining communities
Fairmined gold responsible sourcing

 

Fairmined precious metals are for everyone who wants responsibly sourced gold and seeks to make a positive economic, social and environmental impact in mining communities.

In addition to receiving a fair price for the gold they produce, the miners receive a premium so that they can continue their process of improvement and development. In 2022 Greenwich St. Jewelers achieved Fairmined Official certification, utilizing this #GoldtoBeProudOf in several of our collections.
Gold to be proud of fairmined gold

 

Our Commitment to Responsible Sourcing:

You can feel confident shopping at Greenwich St. Jewelers with our commitment extending throughout the entire supply chain. Our on-site workshop utilizes certified recycled metals verified by SCS Global Services Certification, an authority in third-party environmental standards ensuring that every step, from sourcing materials to the impact on the environment, is taken with responsibility. 

This gold becomes the soul of our in-house engagement and wedding ring collections G.St Ceremony and Sycamore Studio. Additionally, from bespoke designs to repairs, every piece crafted in their workshop embodies a commitment to the earth. Learn more about our services here.
So, as you embark on the journey of selecting your wedding bands and engagement rings, we welcome curiosity beyond the aesthetics, sharing the story and impact behind your chosen symbols of love. With responsible choices, your rings become not just timeless but also a testament to a shared commitment to a more responsible future.
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