1) Buy diamonds that comply with the “Kimberly Process” . It will be stated and you should be able to get documentation that diamonds were not purchased from countries that are financing war and terrorism with the proceeds from diamond sales.

2) Don’t buy items made with coral that is currently being harvested. Items made with vintage coral from old stock or reconstructed jewelry or simulated coral is the ecologically responsible alternative. Coral for jewelry is actually in the sea fan family and they are often collected by raking the bottom, a process very damaging to the sea floor.

3) Buy jewelry made using recycled metals from scrap or reclaimed silver from photo processing.

4) Buy jewelry incorporating vintage parts or from recycled old jewelry.

5) Be aware of any stones that are being mined from countries under questionable circumstances. For example there is presently controversy surrounding rubies.

6) Buy from artisan jewelers. Most artisan jewelers, in contrast to big manufacturers, are more aware of and concerned about the sources of their materials and are more likely to use materials with ethics and ecology in mind rather than just think of the bottom line.

7) Be aware and ask lots of questions. Not just about jewelry but about where all the things you buy come from and at what cost especially human and ecological cost.