Source of beauty

Finding truly traceable gemstones can still be a challenge in today’s market, but with a socially conscious consumer base asking more pertinent questions, sustainability is stylish — and worth the hunt. To guarantee the sources of their gems, many designers are teaming up with major miners such as Gemfields or Muzo. The latter used New York as a launch pad last year for a modish design collaboration with 24 jewelers, showcasing unusual cuts of its ethically mined emeralds. Other designers put their faith in dedicated ethical gem suppliers such as Colombia Greenhouse, Gemstones Brazil, Nineten48 and Capricorn Gems.

For those who want to remove the mining equation from the debate altogether, setting recycled or antique stones in contemporary designs is becoming an increasingly popular way to pay homage to ethics.

Image: Gemfields