Ethically Sourced Diamonds

AVAILABLE AT WALTERS & HOGSETT JEWELERS

Diamonds are, without a doubt, the most beautiful and brilliant gemstones and the most sought-after among all. However, when we consider sustainability, their methods of extraction are less than ideal. Because they are natural resources that are created in the depths of the earth, there are many social and environmental impacts. As a result, the demand for ethically sourced diamonds has increased significantly in recent years.

As ethical jewelers, we at Walters & Hogsett Jewelers care about the environment and take our duty very seriously. We understand that our clients also care – we always want you to feel confident about your purchase with us, being assured that we take the steps needed to ensure our gemstones and other materials are ethically sourced.

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MINING PRACTICES AND STANDARDS

For diamonds to be considered ethical, they must adhere to stringent labor and environmental rules. They must also be mined utilizing fair mining practices in terms of salaries and working conditions, the treatment of miners and sustainable mining methods.

The diamond companies we work with employ hundreds of skilled employees and help the community who work in the local supply chain. Additionally, millions of dollars are invested annually in these mining communities to help families, fund local educational institutions, and offer scholarships. Beyond producing exquisite jewelry, our legacy must also involve improving people's lives and creating opportunities for those at every level of our trade.

When it comes to environmental concerns, mining of any kind impacts nature. However, mining companies can lessen their influence on the local ecosystem by adhering to rigorous environmental standards. That's why we choose to work with companies who follow environmental regulations and make efforts to leave less of an environmental footprint.
Fairmined is an initiative whose label certifies gold of responsible origin. They guarantee it is a traceable gold, extracted with the best mining practices aimed at preserving the environment and supporting the development of artisanal and small-scale mining communities. You can learn more about the Fairmined initiative below.

WHERE WE SOURCE FROM

To assure that the diamonds provided to Walters & Hogsett have been acquired from reliable, "conflict-free" sources, we have required both verbal and written guarantees from all of our diamond suppliers for many years. These sources pledge that no one was compromised or hurt by the mining of the diamonds we sell.
We will never knowingly purchase from groups involved in the abuse of human rights. Our sources are held accountable and their methods should be transparent.

They must not use funds to destabilize a legitimate government or support a civil war. In addition, their employment practices must not violate child or labor-forced laws. Human life and well-being is the most precious resource in our supply chain, and our top priority is protecting them.

THE KIMBERLY PROCESS

We follow the Kimberley Process, a certification that demands each shipment of raw diamonds be in a tamper-resistant container and be accompanied by a government-validated certificate.

To explain it better, the Kimberley Process (KP) is a multinational trade regulation that was formed in 2003 in order to stop the flow of conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which enables states to put safeguards in place on exports of rough diamonds and certify them as "conflict-free," is the foundation of this process.

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RECYCLED MATERIALS AND ANTIQUE DIAMONDS

We also encourage the acquisition and recycling of gold, diamonds, and other rare metals. Reusing these materials helps meet the demand for them while maintaining their quality and worth. It's one way we each take personal responsibility for preserving the environment and reducing the impact mining causes. With our custom process, many jobs that come in barely need anything to be sourced, as they use recycled gemstones and materials.

Additionally, many of our reputable suppliers offer recycled metals. These suppliers take in old gold, melt it down and reform it into new fresh materials ready to be used in jewelry again. Choosing recycled gold fully eliminates the need to mine new gold.

WHAT SETS US APART

Eco-friendly: We only sell diamonds, precious metals, and gemstones that have been mined and made with environment and human interests in mind.

Conflict-free: We only work with genuine "conflict-free" sources. These sources ensure that no one was harmed or compromised in any way due to the diamonds we sell.

Quality: With many years of business expertise, we continue to only offer you what you deserve: hospitality, kindness and the highest quality jewelry.

Jewelers of America: We are members of Jewelers of America, the leading non-profit jewelry association in the United States. In order to be accepted, a business must align with their code of professional practices, which can be found here.

Natural Diamond Council: The mission of Natural Diamond Council is to advance the integrity of the modern diamond jewelry industry & inspire, educate and protect the consumer. Requirements for ‘NDC Members’ include commitment to the highest standards of integrity and responsibility in all aspects of their business and at all stages of the value chain, including toward:

• Transparency
• Ethical, sustainable business practices
• Making a lasting, positive impact
• Environmental stewardship
• Promoting the health and well-being of employees

American Gem Trade Association:
The AGTA and its members take pride in working toward a gem industry
that benefits everyone involved. Whether it’s investing in the
communities that produce gemstones, supporting individuals whose lives
have been impacted by the gem trade, or cooperating with foreign
governments to improve working conditions, AGTA members continually work
to hold the gem industry to the highest possible business standards.
You can learn more about AGTA here.

AGTA’s Code of Ethics

Learn more about ethical – and sustainable-sourcing initiatives below:

Learn about the Kimberley Proces

Fairtrade - Gold and Metals

Fairmined Sustainable Pearls

Diamonds Do Good

Jewelers Vigilance Committee

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