At The Workbench, we believe that beautiful jewellery should be made with care—for both the people who source our materials and the planet. That’s why we only work with trusted suppliers who uphold the highest ethical standards when sourcing our gemstones. Whether you choose a diamond, sapphire, emerald, or any other precious stone, you can feel confident knowing it has been responsibly sourced.
Ethical Diamonds: The Kimberley Process
All our natural diamonds adhere to the Kimberley Process, an international certification system designed to prevent conflict diamonds (also known as “blood diamonds”) from entering the market. This process ensures that diamonds are sourced from conflict-free areas and that the mining practices are legal, ethical, and regulated.
The Kimberley Process tracks diamonds from their origin through every step of the supply chain, guaranteeing that they are not funding violence or unethical labour practices. When you choose a natural diamond from us, you can be sure it meets strict ethical standards.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Sustainable Choice
For those looking for an alternative to mined diamonds, we also offer lab-grown pink diamonds. Because these diamonds are created in a controlled environment rather than extracted from the earth, they do not need to go through the Kimberley Process. Instead, they offer a traceable, conflict-free option with a lower environmental impact.
Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds—meaning they sparkle just as beautifully, without the need for traditional mining.
Ocean Diamonds: A Naturally Sustainable Option
For those looking for an even more sustainable option, we also offer Ocean Diamonds. These natural diamonds are gathered from the ocean floor rather than mined from the earth, making them a low-impact and eco-friendly alternative. Over thousands of years, these diamonds are naturally released from the earth’s mantle and carried by rivers to the sea, where they settle on the seabed.
By choosing an Ocean Diamond, you are selecting a gemstone that has been naturally tumbled by the ocean, requiring minimal intervention to reach its final, polished form. These diamonds are fully traceable, sourced by local divers, and have a much smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional mining.
You can read more about where our Ocean Diamonds come from here.
Responsible Sourcing of All Our Other Gemstones
Our sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other coloured gemstones come from trusted Hatton Garden suppliers who are committed to responsible sourcing. These suppliers work closely with mines that prioritise fair wages, safe working conditions, and legal mining practices.
Unlike diamonds, which are typically mined on a large scale, coloured gemstones are often found in smaller deposits, making large-scale industrial mining less common. Instead, they are typically sourced from small, family-run mines or collected from riverbeds, where nature has naturally unearthed them over time. Our suppliers ensure that these operations are conducted ethically and that the workers are treated fairly. This means you can enjoy the beauty of your gemstone with the peace of mind that it has been sourced safely and responsibly.
Jewellery with a Conscience
We are proud to work exclusively with suppliers who prioritise ethical sourcing and fair working conditions. When you create a piece of jewellery with us, you’re not only designing something unique and personal—you’re also supporting responsible practices in the gemstone industry.
Explore our ethically sourced gemstone collection and craft a meaningful piece that reflects your values. 💎
