Diamond mining is extremely destructive to the environment and in the past, has had dire social consequences. Like any other gemstone and precious mining practices, diamond mining is digging up riverbeds and violating eco-systems across the globe.

A fifth of the world’s diamonds come from riverbeds that are being destroyed on a daily basis. The mining for precious stones and metal like diamonds, causes thousands of acres and habitat to be destroyed, not to mention the creation of huge amounts of waste.

One gold ring requires about five tonnes of water and also generates about 20 tonnes of rocks and debris and some will even require the use of toxic chemicals. The gold mining industry is estimated to be responsible for tonnes of mercury entering the ground on a yearly basis.

Cyanide, another commonly used toxin is also released upon extraction and can pollute our water sources. This toxin is used in the processing of gold ore and arsenic and is something that occurs naturally among gold and silver bearing minerals. Too much of this toxin can harm our waterways.

As wearing jewellery has been entrenched in our culture and has become the norm, no one can expect buyers not to consume the good. It will happen on a daily basis but as a consumer you can do something about the adornments you buy.

When purchasing diamonds, ensure you look for jewelers who are ecologically and socially responsible. There are some jewelers who make an effort to minimize the damage caused on the environment and are committed to treating workers fairly.

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