Ethical Diamonds and Conflict Minerals
How much is the jewellery market worth?
The Good Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical and sustainability criteria since 2001. The global jewellery market is worth hundreds of billions of dollars and is projected to continue growing, driven in part by rising consumer demand for ethically sourced and sustainably produced pieces. Our Jewellery Ethical Comparison Table gives consumers a clear, independently researched way to compare brands and choose responsibly.
According to a forecast by Fortune Business Insights, the global jewellery market is worth hundreds of billions of dollars and continues to grow year on year. Worth over $300 billion and ever growing, the jewellery market is a hugely profitable sector, made up of globally-famous brands, such as Cartier, Pandora, Tiffany & Co., and Swarovski. But this sector is also an industry made up of smaller, independent jewellery brands, and even individual makers selling their own necklaces, rings and bracelets on sites such as Instagram and Etsy. If you know where to shop (and which brands to shop from), it’s not hard to find ethical jewellery, local makers and jewellery brands with good CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) policies.
As the public, consumers, investors and the fashion press become more and more aware of ethical issues such as Conflict Metals and Fairtrade materials, the demand for ethical jewellery increases, and more jewellery brands become eligible for Ethical Accreditation with The Good Shopping Guide, the standard of sector-shaping ethical conduct.
See our Jewellery: Ethical Ratings and Comparison Table to compare your favourite brands and read detailed reports on each company.
What are ‘Conflict Minerals’ and ‘Conflict Diamonds’?
Conflict Minerals, also sometimes referred to as Conflict Metals, and specifically (when talking about diamonds), Conflict Diamonds. These Conflict Minerals are often mined for in countries where there is war and conflict; the prevalence of Conflict Minerals is particularly reported on in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Conflict Minerals, including tungsten, tantalum, tin and gold are sometimes found in abundance in countries previously ravaged by colonialism and poverty, and so supporting the destructive industries that mine for these minerals and metals is one way that some large, unethical companies contribute to inequality and environmental destruction.
Sometimes, these mines are dangerous, and some have even used or still currently use child labour. Conflict Minerals are present in so many of our day-to-day items, including in our jewellery. The trade generated by mining Conflict Minerals can fund armies, the purchase of weapons, and illegal wars.
It should be noted that these minerals (tungsten, tantalum, tin and gold) are often referred to as Conflict Minerals by default, even if they have been extracted in a country such as Canada. Consumers can check for the label of ‘DRC Conflict-Free’ to ensure that your favourite jewellery brand is not using metals from a war zone. (Use our Jewellery: Ethical Ratings and Comparison Table to see which brands have been involved in trading Conflict Minerals).
Similarly to Conflict Minerals, Conflict Diamonds are sourced from countries where the diamond trade directly or indirectly funds war, terrorism and violence. These are also sometimes colloquially known as ‘blood diamonds’, and this term often refers to diamonds mined in conflict zones, particularly in parts of Africa.
Many jewellery brands have been pressured by consumers, the press, activists, local people affected by conflict, and investors to boycott sellers of Conflict Diamonds. That’s why our Jewellery sector research methodology includes the criteria for Responsible Diamond sourcing.
Brands who have scored well for their Responsible Diamond policies include: Ingle & Rhode, Wilde Fawn, Trendhim, and Pandora. However, jewellery brands who have not provided satisfactory documentation on their Responsible Diamond sourcing include: Swarovski, Tiffany & Co, Cartier and Monica Vinader, amongst others.
‘Fairtrade metals’ and ‘Fairtrade diamonds’
But it’s not just unethical Conflict Minerals that plague the Jewellery sector; aside from the violence involved in trading gold and other precious metals, the gold and diamond mining industry can be destructive to the Environment, Animals and People in other ways too.
The International Fairtrade Certification Mark is probably the most recognisable fair trade scheme in Europe and the UK, and was set up in 2002 to guarantee that a supplier meets the Fairtrade criteria, including policies on labour standards, Fairtrade prices, and giving workers the right to collective bargaining. Fairtrade gold certification specifically ensures that miners receive a fair price for their gold, along with an additional Fairtrade premium invested back into their communities — a direct and meaningful way for consumers to support ethical mining through their jewellery purchases.
What are ‘Fairtrade diamonds’ and why are they important?
Diamonds are precious gems, and are often given as symbols of love. For conscious consumers, therefore, finding diamonds that haven’t been unethically sourced, used forced labour, child labour or caused severe environmental degradation, is important.
For years, communities vulnerable to exploitation, often in developing countries have mined for diamonds in unsafe conditions, though these diamonds are then often sold by huge jewellery brands for thousands, if not millions.
This report from journalist, Petra Cahill, explains how children in Sierra Leone were often found working in informal mines because they are small enough to excavate small spaces in the hunt for diamonds. These children are at constant risk of being caught in a flood, collapse or mud slide.
These informal mines also cause massive environmental destruction, as large spaces of land are cleared for machinery and excavation. Run-off from the mines pollutes the land and water around the site, making it difficult to reclaim this land for agriculture or rewilding.
This is why Fairtrade, ethical diamonds are vital to improve the working conditions for the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Use our Jewellery: Ethical Ratings and Comparison Table to compare which jewellery brands have a Responsible Sourcing policy, and use Fairtrade metals and Fairtrade diamonds in their products.
Lab-grown diamonds, recycled metals and the future of ethical jewellery
One of the most significant developments in ethical jewellery in recent years has been the rise of lab-grown diamonds. Created using advanced technology that replicates the Earth’s natural diamond-forming process, lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds — but are entirely conflict-free and generally carry a lower environmental footprint.
In 2026, lab-grown diamonds have moved from niche alternative to mainstream choice, with major brands including Pandora and SkyDiamond expanding their lab-grown offerings. Recycled gold and silver are also increasingly popular, reducing demand for new mining. When choosing a jewellery brand, look for membership of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) — the leading multi-stakeholder standard for supply chain transparency — or for Fairtrade and Fairmined gold certification. Our Jewellery Ethical Comparison Table assesses brands on these criteria, so you can find the most credibly ethical options at a glance.
So what can conscious consumers do?
By using comparison sites, like The Good Shopping Guide, conscious consumers can choose to shop from jewellery brands that don’t greenwash or make huge profits from unethical gold and diamond mining, forced labour or child labour. Jewellery brands should also ensure that their policies relating to ethical diamonds, ethical metals and Responsible Sourcing are up to date, and published publicly so that they can be held to account over their actions.
Jewellery brands can also seek Ethical Accreditation with The Good Shopping Guide, as a certification that the brand meets our Ethical Benchmark and has considered the Environment, Animals and People in its ethical business practice, ESG and CSR. Cornwall-based jewellery brand, Ethica Diamonds, is an example of an ethical brand that has a Responsible Sourcing Policy, uses Fairtrade materials and has achieved Ethical Accreditation.
Ethical fashion and lifestyle: the bigger picture
Choosing ethical jewellery is one part of a broader commitment to ethical fashion and lifestyle choices. The Good Shopping Guide has been independently rating fashion and lifestyle brands since 2001. Our Ethical Fashion Ratings Table and Ethical Watches Ratings Table apply the same independent research methodology to other accessories and fashion categories where supply chain ethics are equally pressing concerns. For businesses in the jewellery and fashion sector that want their ethical credentials independently recognised, find out more about The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation.
See our Jewellery: Ethical Ratings and Comparison Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
So what can conscious consumers do? What can jewellery brands do to ensure that their products are ethically made?
By using comparison sites, like The Good Shopping Guide, conscious consumers can choose to shop from jewellery brands that don’t greenwash or make huge profits from unethical gold and diamond mining, forced labour or child labour. Jewellery brands should also ensure that their policies relating to ethical diamonds, ethical metals and Responsible Sourcing are up to date, and published publicly so that they can be held to account over their actions.
Jewellery brands can also seek Ethical Accreditation with The Good Shopping Guide, as a certification that the brand meets our Ethical Benchmark and has considered the Environment, Animals and People in its ethical business practice, ESG and CSR. Cornwall-based jewellery brand, Ethica Diamonds, is an example of an ethical brand that has a Responsble Sourcing Policy, uses Fairtrade materials and has acheived Ethical Accreditation.
Click on any jewellery brand name to read a detailed report on its ethics and sustainability. You can visit these brand pages through the Jewellery: Ethical Ratings & Comparison Table as well.
Carat* London, Cartier, Claire’s, Ethica Diamonds, Goldsmiths, Mejuri, Michael Kors, Missoma, Monica Vinader, Pandora, Pearls & Pomegranates, Rox, Serendipity Diamonds, SkyDiamond, Swarovski, Thomas Sabo, Tiffany & Co., Trendhim, Warren James, and Wild Fawn.
What makes jewellery ethical?
Ethical jewellery considers the Environment, Animals, and People at every stage of production. This means using Fairtrade or recycled metals, sourcing conflict-free or lab-grown diamonds, maintaining clear codes of conduct for workers, and publishing transparent environmental policies. As consumer awareness grows, more jewellery brands are being held to account over their sourcing practices. The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table helps consumers identify the most responsible brands available.
What are Conflict Minerals and why do they matter?
Conflict Minerals — including tungsten, tantalum, tin, and gold — are often mined in countries affected by war and poverty, most notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Revenue from these materials can fund armed conflict, weapons purchases, and illegal wars, while some mines rely on child labour and cause severe environmental destruction. Consumers can look for the ‘DRC Conflict-Free’ label to ensure their jewellery is not contributing to these harms.
What are Conflict Diamonds, or 'blood diamonds'?
Conflict Diamonds — sometimes called blood diamonds — are gems sourced from regions where the diamond trade funds armed conflict, terrorism, or violence. Many jewellery brands have faced pressure from consumers, activists, and investors to boycott conflict diamond sellers. The GOOD Shopping Guide includes a Responsible Diamond sourcing criterion in its ratings, with brands such as Ethica Diamonds and Serendipity Diamonds scoring particularly well in this area.
Why are Fairtrade metals and diamonds important?
Fairtrade certification helps ensure that workers in the gold and diamond mining industries receive fair pay, safe conditions, and the right to collective bargaining. Without these protections, vulnerable communities — often in developing countries — face exploitation and unsafe working environments. The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table includes a Fairtrade criterion, allowing consumers to identify brands that use responsibly sourced materials in their products.
What can consumers do to shop for jewellery more ethically?
Consumers can use resources such as The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table to identify brands with transparent and ethical sourcing policies. Choosing brands that use Fairtrade metals, recycled materials, or lab-grown diamonds reduces demand for unethically mined materials. Brands that hold Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide have demonstrated that their practices meet a high standard across the Environment, Animals, and People.
Can jewellery brands be certified as ethical?
Yes — jewellery brands can apply for Ethical Accreditation with The GOOD Shopping Guide, a certification that confirms a brand meets its ethical benchmark and has genuinely considered the Environment, Animals, and People in its business practices. Ethica Diamonds is one example of an accredited jewellery brand, with a publicly available Responsible Sourcing Policy and the use of Fairtrade materials throughout its supply chain.
Is Ethica Diamonds an ethical jewellery brand?
Ethica Diamonds sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table and holds Ethical Accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. The brand receives top ratings across all assessed criteria, including environmental reporting, Fairtrade materials, responsible diamond sourcing, and code of conduct, confirming its position as one of the most responsible jewellery brands available to consumers.
Is Serendipity Diamonds an ethical jewellery brand?
Serendipity Diamonds sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table and holds Ethical Accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. The brand receives top ratings across all assessed criteria, including Fairtrade materials, responsible diamond sourcing, and code of conduct, confirming its position as one of the most responsible jewellery brands currently available to consumers.
Is Trendhim an ethical jewellery brand?
Trendhim sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in environmental reporting, Fairtrade materials, animal welfare, and other key criteria, though there is room for improvement in its code of conduct. If Trendhim were to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices to a wider consumer audience.
Is SkyDiamond an ethical jewellery brand?
SkyDiamond sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in environmental reporting, responsible diamond sourcing, and animal welfare, though there is room for improvement in its code of conduct and Fairtrade rating. If SkyDiamond were to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices to consumers.
Is Monica Vinader an ethical jewellery brand?
Monica Vinader sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in environmental reporting, Fairtrade materials, animal welfare, and code of conduct, though it falls short on responsible diamond sourcing. If Monica Vinader were to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices to a wider consumer audience.
Is Pandora an ethical jewellery brand?
Pandora sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in environmental reporting, Fairtrade materials, responsible diamond sourcing, and code of conduct, though it falls short on animal welfare. If Pandora were to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices to consumers.
Is Swarovski an ethical jewellery brand?
Swarovski sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in environmental reporting, responsible diamond sourcing, animal welfare, and code of conduct, though there is room for improvement in its Fairtrade rating. If Swarovski were to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices to a wider consumer audience.
Is Pearls & Pomegranates an ethical jewellery brand?
Pearls & Pomegranates sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in environmental reporting, responsible diamond sourcing, and animal welfare, though there is room for improvement in its Fairtrade rating and it falls short on code of conduct. If Pearls & Pomegranates were to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Goldsmiths an ethical jewellery brand?
Goldsmiths sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in animal welfare and code of conduct, it falls short on responsible diamond sourcing and there is room for improvement in environmental reporting and Fairtrade. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Mejuri an ethical jewellery brand?
Mejuri sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in environmental reporting and animal welfare, it falls short on responsible diamond sourcing and there is room for improvement in its code of conduct and Fairtrade rating. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Missoma an ethical jewellery brand?
Missoma sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in environmental reporting and animal welfare, it falls short on responsible diamond sourcing and there is room for improvement in its code of conduct and Fairtrade rating. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Carat* London an ethical jewellery brand?
Carat* London sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in animal welfare and responsible diamond sourcing, it falls short on code of conduct and Fairtrade, and there is room for improvement in environmental reporting. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Thomas Sabo an ethical jewellery brand?
Thomas Sabo sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in animal welfare and code of conduct, it falls short in environmental reporting, Fairtrade materials, and responsible diamond sourcing. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Warren James an ethical jewellery brand?
Warren James sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in animal welfare and other criteria, it falls short in environmental reporting, Fairtrade materials, and responsible diamond sourcing. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Cartier an ethical jewellery brand?
Cartier sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in environmental reporting and code of conduct, it falls short in animal welfare, Fairtrade materials, and responsible diamond sourcing. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Rox an ethical jewellery brand?
Rox sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in animal welfare, it falls short in environmental reporting, code of conduct, Fairtrade materials, and responsible diamond sourcing. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Michael Kors an ethical jewellery brand?
Michael Kors sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in environmental reporting and code of conduct, it falls short in animal welfare, political donations, and Fairtrade materials, and has attracted multiple public record criticisms. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Claire's an ethical jewellery brand?
Claire’s sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in animal welfare, it falls short in environmental reporting, political donations, Fairtrade materials, and responsible diamond sourcing, and has attracted public record criticisms. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find significantly more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Tiffany & Co. an ethical jewellery brand?
Tiffany & Co. sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in environmental reporting and code of conduct, it falls short in animal welfare, political donations, Fairtrade materials, and responsible diamond sourcing, and has attracted multiple public record criticisms. Consumers seeking jewellery brands that meet The GOOD Shopping Guide’s ethical benchmark can find significantly more responsible alternatives in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings Table.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.