Welcome to the crossroads where brilliance meets consciousness, and opulence walks with responsibility. 

Here we pose the question: 

Can luxury jewelry be ethical and sustainable?

It's no secret - when it comes to jewelry, we all have a little magpie in us, lured by the glitter and glam. 

But as we don the sparkling treasures from the earth, do we pause to think of their journey from the crust to our cuffs?

At Ben Garelick, we believe in a world where your love for bling doesn't have to mean turning a blind eye to its origins or impact. 

We invite you to join us as we delve into the surprisingly captivating world of ethical and sustainable luxury jewelry.

Because, after all, true luxury is about more than just the carats in your ring or the sparkle in your necklace. 

It’s about knowing your precious trinkets make the world shine brighter, not dimmer. 

Buckle up, folks; we're going on a journey where sparkle meets sustainability!

What is sustainable and ethical jewelry?

What's this buzz about sustainable and ethical jewelry lighting up your social media feeds like a firefly convention?

Sustainable and ethical jewelry, quite simply, is about being cool to everyone and everything involved in that journey.

It's a pledge to respect the earth by sourcing materials in a way that doesn't exhaust natural resources or wreck ecosystems. 

We're talking recycled metals, gems sourced from responsible mines, and pearls that haven't sent any oysters to therapy.

But it doesn't stop at just being Mother Earth's best friend.

Ethical jewelry ensures that every hand that touches your precious trinkets is treated fairly - from the miners digging for gems to the artisans setting your stones.

It guarantees safe working conditions, fair wages, and no child labor.

Ethical and sustainable jewelry is all about adding sparkle to your life without adding shadows to someone else’s. 

Here at Ben Garelick, we’re all about turning that glimmer of a good idea into a blazing reality. 

Remember, when your jewelry tells a story, let it be one of respect, care, and love!

What problems does the jewelry industry face?

Let's strip the glamor and shine for a bit and address the elephant in the room — the challenges the jewelry industry is grappling with.

Overconsumption & Fast Fashion

First up on the chopping block is the "fast fashion" mentality, a beast that's harder to slay than a diamond.

It's all about grabbing the latest, shiniest bauble on the market, wearing it for a hot minute, and then tossing it aside when the next trend comes. 

This cycle of overconsumption feeds a relentless demand for new jewelry, putting undue pressure on our resources and contributing to a mounting pile of discarded trinkets.

Environmental Concerns

Now, let's talk about the big "E" - environmental concerns.

The path from rocky mines to delicate adornments isn't always pretty. 

Mining

Mining, an integral part of jewelry-making, often results in deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.

It’s like an uninvited guest at Mother Nature’s party, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Emissions

And it doesn’t stop there. Jewelry production can release harmful emissions, contributing to air pollution.

Kind of ironic, isn't it? Something so breathtaking could take our breath away, literally.

Wasteful Trends

Lastly, let's not forget the waste that comes from ever-changing trends. It's like a break-up box filled with last season's baubles.

Instead of tears, this one spills over with environmental harm and regret.

We've unveiled the not-so-pretty part of our sparkly industry, but don't lose heart. 

It's always darkest before dawn, and we at Ben Garelick are committed to being part of the solution. 

Social Concerns

We've examined the environmental conundrums, but let's shift our focus to the social concerns haunting the jewelry industry.

Picture a diamond - it’s dazzling, sure, but some of these gems have a history murkier than a tarnished silver necklace.

This leads us straight to our first concern: conflict.

Conflict

Conflict diamonds, often called ‘blood diamonds,’ are mined in areas controlled by armed groups looking to fund their military actions. 

These gems symbolize power, luxury, and love for some, but they represent hardship, strife, and turmoil for those coerced into mining them.

It's like a plot twist in a Hollywood movie, but this one isn’t winning any Oscars.

Child Labor

Next, we step into an even more chilling scenario - child labor.

Imagine young hands that should be holding school books, instead burdened with picks and shovels. 

It's a heartbreaking reality that hammers home the importance of ethical sourcing.

Human Displacement

Finally, let's talk about human displacement.

In the jewelry industry's rush for gold and precious stones, communities often get uprooted, leaving their homes and livelihoods behind.

It's akin to moving your grandmother's favorite heirloom to make room for a flashy new gadget. But a million times worse.

We're shedding light on these issues not to dampen your love for jewelry but to help you make informed choices. 

As we continue this journey, remember knowledge is as priceless as the finest diamond. 

Stick with us; there’s more to uncover!

So what can I do?

You've been patient with us through the dark side of the glitz. 

Now, let's move on to your role in this grand opera. 

What can you, a glamorous jewelry aficionado, do to tip the scales toward ethical and sustainable fashion?

Buy Less, Buy Better

First, adopt the 'buy less, buy better' mantra.

It's like selecting a life partner—choose fewer but high-quality pieces that'll stand by you for a lifetime.

Make every jewelry purchase count.

Don’t just go for a fleeting trend; choose timeless elegance instead.

Only Buy Ethically Sourced Gems

Next, let’s get picky with our gemstones.

As vigilant as a hawk scouting for its prey, seek out ethically sourced gems.

It’s not just about wearing a beautiful piece but feeling beautiful about where it came from.

Buy Lab Grown Gems

Thirdly, consider lab-grown gems. They're almost identical twins of naturally mined gems—just as glamorous but born under a microscope.

Perfect if you’re more a science lab than a gold mine.

Look for Brands with a Transparent Supply Chain

Lastly, hunt for brands that boast transparent supply chains. It’s like getting an all-access backstage pass to the journey of your jewelry.

From earth to showroom, every step should sparkle with honesty. 

Certified Sustainability Diamonds

Diamond lovers, we present the gem of the future: Certified Sustainability Rated Diamonds. 

This isn’t just a regular rock but a beacon of ethical and environmental responsibility, just the kind of sparkle that Gen Z and Millennial-conscious consumers seek.

Straight from the heart of the SCS-007 Jewelry Sustainability Standard, these diamonds are as much about substance as they are about style.

With the most stringent performance benchmarks, this certification is as multifaceted as the gems it applies to, covering natural and lab-grown diamonds.

What sets these diamonds apart? 

Well, let's dissect this sparkling gem into its five pillars of achievement. Picture it like the five sides of a diamond, each one contributing to its overall brilliance:

Verified Origin Traceability: 

Consider it the gem's biography, providing authenticity and transparency from the mine (or lab) to market.

Twelve Principles of Ethical Stewardship: 

The ESG requirements are the diamond’s ethical compass, pointing towards responsible practices.

Verified Climate Neutrality: 

This jewel doesn't just sit pretty; it offsets its carbon footprint, symbolizing your commitment to fighting climate change.

Sustainable Production Practices: 

Imagine a production line that’s as clean as the sparkle of your diamond, leaving no trace on our beautiful planet.

Sustainability Investments: 

It’s not just a gem, but a gesture, helping uplift vulnerable communities and protect our shared home.

This isn’t just about a diamond purchase; it’s about investing in a better future. 

Visit the SCS-007 Website to learn more about this remarkable standard and add a new sparkle of responsibility to your jewelry collection with Ben Garelick!

More Sustainable Certifications

Transparency, you ask? 

Absolutely! 

When shopping for your next dazzling piece, you should look for brands with a transparent supply chain.

It's like peeling back the curtains on a Broadway show, revealing the magic behind the scenes. 

Every step should be crystal clear from mine to market, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

Now, we know what you're thinking. How can I, as a trendsetter, trust the brands? 

Look for relevant certifications - the badge of honor in the jewelry world.

Kimberley Process: 

At Ben Garelick, we appreciate the high standards that the Kimberley Process adheres to in ensuring the reduction of blood diamonds being exported and sold.

With this in mind, we make sure the suppliers we work with adhere to the Kimberley Process and get them to sign on the dotted line so we can assure you that your diamonds are conflict free.

Fair Trade: 

This badge guarantees that the miners and artisans are treated and compensated fairly.

Because fair is only fair, right?

Fairmined: 

This gem of certification ensures that your precious minerals are sourced from responsible artisanal and small-scale mines.

Responsible Jewelry Council: 

Imagine a roundtable of responsible jewelry leaders - that’s the RJC for you, promoting ethical, social, and environmental practices throughout the jewelry supply chain.

Now that you're armed with this knowledge, wouldn't you agree it's just like finding a rare gem in a sea of pebbles? 

Shop with Ben Garelick, where we not only promise glamor but also promise to work toward a future of ethical elegance. 

Shine bright, knowing your sparkle is doing its part for the world!

All That Glitters Can Be Green: Choose Sustainable Luxury

We've dug up the facts and debunked the tall tales, proving that even in this glitzy gig, everything that shines can be eco-friendly someday.

So, ready to embark on this shimmering odyssey with us?

We're eager to have you on board as we steer towards a future that's as sustainable as it is radiant.

And remember, when you slip on a diamond, you're not just wearing a gemstone.

You're making a statement - a radiant badge of your dedication to sustainability and the grandeur of life.

Oh, and guess what - we’re also doing our sustainability part across our business:

Our eco-friendly shipping boxes are printed with Algae ink along with eco friendlypaper tape!

And our shipping is carbon-free - we go the extra mile to ensure we’re helping neutralize emissions that come with shipping your order!

It’s the little things that go a long way in protecting our planet. You can feel proud about shopping (and shipping, wherever you are) with Ben Garelick!

So, are you prepped to discover your flawless twinkle?

Our savvy gemologists at Ben Garelick are all geared up to lead you on this thrilling venture.

Drop by our showroom for a real feel of our collection, or contact us digitally.

We're itching to help you select a diamond that not only sparkles with love but also radiates with honesty.

After all, a sustainable diamond isn't merely a transaction; it's a pledge - to you, those you hold dear, and our shared home, Earth.

So, shall we pledge to add a dash of sparkle to our world?

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.