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sustainability & responsibility
In contrast to the extraction of metals, neither acids nor mercury are used in the extraction of gemstones. Gemstones are mostly obtained from secondary deposits formed by erosion or sediment shifts. It is important to emphasize that, regarding the environmental impact of gemstone mining, much has changed in recent years. In most countries, large-scale mining with heavy machinery is prohibited.
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In secondary mining activities, drilled pits are refilled, rapidly growing wood is used to stabilize the walls, and deforested trees must be reforested. For colored gemstones, local collaborations are prevalent. Small private businesses, cooperatives, or local family associations extract minerals, thereby supporting the local population. Gemstone cutting, in particular, is a highly respected craft passed down through generations within families. Consequently, such families possess immense expertise that cannot be replaced by machines.
In some countries, there are increased efforts to extend the value chain. For example, the governments of Sri Lanka and Burma have mandated that gemstones found locally must also be cut in the country. Unlike diamonds, colored gemstones rarely involve conflict. Gemstone extraction is widespread and often private, with no concentrations of power as seen in diamonds. This is likely due to the greater variety and the deeper and much harder-to-determine market prices.
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For diamonds, the Kimberley Process was initiated in 2003, where participants commit to adhering to specific conditions and regulations in the trade of gemstones. A significant ecological advantage of gemstones is that they have no expiration date. In contrast to fast fashion, gemstones last forever, do not need replacement, and can bring joy throughout a lifetime.