Not that I'm in the market or anything, but an ad for a jewelry company called greenKarat came up in my Gmail and it made me think of an ethical-minded friend who was getting married and requested to her fiance that she would rather wear a cubic zirconia ring than contribute to the whole "blood diamonds" industry. Rightly so (although I'd sooner wear a Cracker Jack ring than something I've always associated with the Home Shopping Network). And of course there are considerations about mining limited natural resources in the name of human vanity. So if you know anyone with knot-tying on the brain, pass this link along.
Their mission statement says:
Throughout history, jewelry has held a special place in the fabric of human culture. Unfortunately, industrial methods of extracting jewelry’s precious metals and gems from the earth damage the land and endanger ecosystems. Further, industrial values frequently reduce the labor component of production to the level of a cog in a machine.
Because of the cultural importance of jewelry, it is impractical to impose an end to its use. Efforts to create startling change rarely achieve significant impact. Long-term progress is realized when consumers internalize new values and infuse them into custom.
Our greater goal at greenKarat is to end destructive gold and diamond mining. We do not, however, strive to force that change through radical activism. While activist organizations play a critically important role in educating and motivating consumers, we believe that widespread and permanent change will ultimately occur through the voice of consumer buying decisions.
Our mission is to provide an ecologically and socially responsible jewelry alternative to those who seek change. We want to help you, in some small way, become part of the permanent solution. Together we can make a difference.
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