Responsible consumers want to avoid purchasing diamonds that have a history steeped in conflict or ecological disasters.
While the jewelry industry has taken positive steps to reduce its dependence on conflict diamonds and mining practices that brutally destroy the environment, Brilliant Earth has taken responsible sourcing further than most retailers.
Brilliant Earth uses recycled precious metals whenever possible, carefully sources its diamonds from conflict-free regions, and offers consumers a choice of natural, lab-made, or recycled diamonds.
Brilliant Earth embodies the values of ethical consumerism, but are its diamonds worth the extra costs?
How Brilliant Earth Compares to Other Fine Jewelers
Consumers that take the time to leave a Brilliant Earth review seem overwhelmingly positive in their satisfaction with the quality of Brilliant Earth diamonds.
Unlike most fine jewelers, Brilliant Earth also offers customers a choice of:
Natural Diamonds—Natural diamonds are formed when carbon atoms are exposed to extreme heat and pressure restructure the graphite’s molecular composition, resulting in a diamond. The pressure needed for diamonds exist a hundred miles or more below the Earth’s surface, but volcanic pipes transport them closer to the surface.
Diamond mining can cause extensive environmental damage, especially in areas without environmental safeguards in place. Brilliant Earth tracks and sources all of its diamonds from conflict-free zones that take appropriate steps to mitigate environmental destruction.
Lab Made Diamonds—Also known as engineered or cultured diamonds, a highly controlled laboratory environment uses technology to duplicate the natural conditions that make diamonds. They are made of the same carbon atoms and exhibit the same chemical properties as natural diamonds. Lab-made diamonds are an economical alternative to natural diamonds and are available in colors that only occur rarely in nature.
Recycled Diamonds—As perhaps the most environmentally-friends and socially conscious option, recycled diamonds have the least impact on the planet and its communities. Recycled diamonds are repurposed instead of mined, but are often recut and polished to meet the market’s needs. Just like new diamonds, you can find recycled diamonds in most carat weights and cuts. Purchasing repurposed diamonds is the most effective way to preserve the environment and protect those living near mining sites.
What determines the value of a diamond?
When searching for fine jewelry, value is often one of the first priorities.
Considering your ideal style, knowing which cut or color of the diamond will accommodate your budget can be equally critical.
Diamonds are priced according to several key factors:
Cut—The cut of a diamond has the most impact on its appearance. The more precise of a cut, the more brilliant a diamond will appear to the eye. For this reason, the cut can have a significant influence on the perceived value of a diamond.
Color—Diamonds come in various hues, ranging from colorless to slightly yellow or light brown. Therefore, depending on the color grading, your diamond may vary in price from those with similar cuts. Rare diamonds tend to be more expensive, meaning that hues like pink, purple, blue, violet, and green will cost more than white or yellow diamonds.
Carat—A diamond is measured by its physical weight in metric carats. The more expensive diamonds tend to also be higher in carat weight. The carat is the most objective element of a diamond’s perceived value.
Clarity—Flawless diamonds are a rare occurrence. Inclusions or blemishes are not uncommon within the internal characteristics of a diamond. While most of these flaws can only be seen under close magnification, these blemishes can still impact the diamond’s quality, and therefore the price.
Most important is selecting a diamond that reflects the personality and style of the wearer.
However, recognizing the elements that make up the value of a stone can be helpful when comparing fine jewelers.
Final considerations
Brilliant Earth diamonds are competitively priced, and their commitment to socially-conscious mining may make all the difference in the eyes of a consumer.
Brilliant Earth is a certified member of the Responsible Jewelry Council, and they donate 5% of net profits to help build brighter futures for those residing in mining communities.
In addition to their public commitment to eco-friendly and socially-conscious diamonds, Brilliant Earth provides its customers with free shipping, 30-day free returns, and lifetime warranties.
This means that while their diamonds make as little impact as possible on the planet, they are also earning customer loyalty by providing quality jewelry.