ETHICS &
SUSTAINABILITY
Laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical, optical and physical properties and crystal structure as natural diamonds. Like natural diamonds, they are made of tightly-bonded carbon atoms. They respond to light in the same way and are just as hard as natural diamonds. The main differences between laboratory-grown and natural diamonds lie in their origin. Think of it this way: laboratory-grown diamonds are like ice from your refrigerator, while natural diamonds are like ice from a glacier. They are both ice, although their formation stories and the age of each are very different. Click the button below to go to GIA's website to read more about these amazing stones!
We only purchase recycled precious metals, refined from pre-loved jewelry pieces. No mining of new metals means less damage to our planet, and no risk of exploiting the miners and people of third-world countries.
We only purchase colored gemstones when our suppliers can guarantee their origin. Many of our suppliers even give back to artisanal mining communities! We have zero tolerance for exploitation of the miners that unearth these beautiful stones for us to love and enjoy.
Thanks to the Kimberly Process, 99.8% of the world's natural diamond trade is now conflict free in 2022. In April 2003, congress passed a law adopting the Kimberley Process that requires all US diamond retailers to buy diamonds from manufacturers who have documentation warranting that the merchandise was obtained through legitimate channels. We strictly adhere to this policy at Exodus Goldsmiths.