Greenwashing

Greenwashing is communicating a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products are more environmentally sound. Greenwashing is considered an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believing that a company's products are environmentally friendly.

In the jewellery world, claiming that a product is made from ‘70% recycled gold’ is an example of greenwashing.

Fairtrade gold

Gold from mines that are certified by the Fairtrade foundation.  Mines that are certified as Fairtrade must meet and uphold strict criteria such as environmental standards, workers’ rights and conditions.  Miners receive a guaranteed price for their gold as well as a Fairtrade premium.

Close supply chain

A ‘closed supply chain’ is a supply chain that does not allow materials from varying sources to enter it.  In the supply chain of many gemstones, stones from many different mines, areas and countries can become mixed together and the origin becomes unclear.  Gemstones that are part of a closed supply chain will be documented from the mines, through all the various processes until reaching the final customer.

The Kimberley Process

A series of customs measures introduced to stop rough diamonds from areas controlled by rebels from entering the world diamond market.

Conflict diamonds

The Kimblerey process defines ‘Conflict diamonds’ as - 

‘’Rough diamonds mined in an area controlled by insurgent forces whose sale is used to finance anti- government military action’’

Blood diamonds

Any diamond that has been sold to fund war, conflict, persecution, corruption or 

Lab-grown blood diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds that are used in hypersonic missiles.