What are fair trade gems?
Independent mining and cutting facilities sometimes designate their products as fair trade because they are sourcing their own materials and may be responsible for the working conditions at that level. These gems can be found through companies like Columbia Gem House www.columbiagemhouse.com – and their correlating jewelry design company – www.trigemdesigns.com. Another resource for such gems is the German site http://www.faire-edelsteine.de. (they respond to inquiries in English) There are currently no gems that have been certified and labeled fairtrade by the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO). www.fairtrade.net. A feasibility study is currently underway to determine whether or not diamonds can be certified by FLO. This might open the door to colored gems.
