What are the Different Types of Ethically Sourced and Sustainable Diamonds?

When it comes to jewelry, nothing quite compares to the dazzling sparkle and durability of a diamond. We've all been captivated by their radiance, but our obsession with these precious gems has come at a cost. The negative impact on people and the environment has left many questioning if they are worth it. Luckily, at Bario Neal, we take pride in ethically sourcing all our gemstones, including our diamonds. We believe that responsible sourcing is key to preserving our planet's beauty while ensuring that our customers can enjoy the brilliance of a diamond without any harm in the process.

Looking for the perfect diamond and understanding the sourcing can be overwhelming, but Bario Neal has got you covered! We offer 8 different ethically sourced diamonds, from natural to lab-grown, so there's something for everyone. Let's take a closer look at each source and find the one that matches your values.

Unearthing Ethics: The Importance of Responsible Diamond Sourcing

Did you know that natural diamonds are actually millions of years old? It's true! These precious gems are formed under extreme heat and pressure, making them one of the hardest substances on earth. Unfortunately, the process of diamond mining can also be harmful to both people and the planet. That's why we at Bario Neal are committed to sustainable sourcing and maintaining a fully traceable supply chain. "The diamond world is vast, and while transparency has increased in the industry, we still have a very long way to go," says Suzanne Maruska-Kaplan, Bario Neal's Gemstone & Production Coordinator. 

Bario Neal's commitment to ethical diamond sourcing starts, for lack of a better phrase, at the source. "We take the time to thoroughly vet each supplier we work with in a Provenance interview where we ask a lot of sourcing questions." If you want to learn more about our commitment to sustainability, check out our latest Sustainability Report.

Nature's Treasures: The Allure of Naturally-Mined Diamonds

At Bario Neal, we take pride in our sourcing process and are thrilled to partner with responsible diamond mines to offer brilliant and traceable diamonds for your next jewelry piece. Whether you're looking for an eye-catching Cluster Diamond Ring or an elegant emerald-cut diamond Engagement Ring, we've got you covered.

We work with the Argyle Diamond Mine in Northwestern Australia for our Australian diamonds. This mine strictly adheres to laws on environmental sustainability and fair working conditions. You can proudly wear an Australian-mined diamond, knowing it holds strong values.

Similarly, our Canadian diamonds are ethically mined in the Northwest Territories and protected by a strict Diamond Code of Conduct. This ensures safety for workers, the environment, and local communities. With our Canadian diamonds, you can sparkle confidently, knowing your diamond is responsibly sourced. 

If you're interested in a one-of-a-kind option, consider our raw diamonds. These gems require less human and environmental intervention and are genuinely unique. Just look at this stunning Avens Asymmetrical Raw Diamond with Champagne Ombré Ring! 

Finding ethically sourced melee diamonds can be challenging, but we make it easy. Our newly mined melee diamonds from Australia or Canada are fully traceable, and our recycled melee diamonds avoid the human and environmental impact of mining. Check out our Stellium Diamond Halo Ring to see the melee stones in action. 

Lastly, black diamonds are a unique addition to any jewelry piece, and we've done the work to find a trusted partner. By choosing ethical and sustainable diamond options, you can make a guilt-free purchase and feel good about your choice. You can admire the beauty of responsibly sourced black diamonds in our Linea Black Diamond Studs or the Quince Emerald with Black Diamond Halo Ring. 

Diamonds Reimagined: Second-hand, Recycled, and Lab-Grown Gems

Besides naturally mined diamonds, we offer three alternative options - recycled, lab-grown, and heirloom diamonds. 

Recycled diamonds are a sustainable choice that repurposes old jewelry or unused stock. By choosing recycled diamonds, you're not only getting a beautiful piece of jewelry but also positively impacting the environment. No new mining is required, making it a win-win situation. 

Lab-grown diamonds are an increasingly popular alternative to naturally mined diamonds, as they reduce the environmental harm caused by large corporations. However, it's important to note that when sourcing lab-grown diamonds, not all of them are environmentally friendly. "Lab-grown can also be tricky sourcing-wise because, despite popular sentiment, lab diamonds are not automatically more environmentally friendly than mined just because they aren't being extracted from the earth." Suzanne points out. All of Bario Neal's lab-grown diamonds are sustainably rated carbon-neutral. They shine just as bright as a mined diamond- check out these Burst Cluster Diamond Rings! 

If you have heirloom diamonds, we can reset them into a custom piece. This way, you can honor the past while creating something unique and personal to you. "We love working with post-consumer (reclaimed) and antique diamonds because of the circular economy of the jewelry world. Materials are so valuable that they are never treated as waste." says Suzanne. By doing this, you'll not only be preserving your family's legacy but also avoiding the negative environmental impacts of diamond mining. Are you interested in learning more? Check out this heartwarming heirloom story on our blog. 

Feeling inspired? Visit us virtually or in-store at our Philadelphia or New York locations to find a diamond piece that matches your values. Additionally, if there's a specific origin of diamond you'd like to incorporate in your design, let us know, and we can source it specifically for you! As you explore our collection, remember that at Bario Neal, the beauty of diamonds is not just in their sparkle but in the integrity of their origin