Finding conflict-free, ethically sourced engagement and wedding rings is a feat many engaged people may have found difficult to attain until Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg founded Brilliant Earth. Gerstein said she experienced the difficulty of finding conflict-free jewelry that represented her love and values, and co-founder Grossberg was passionate about researching ways responsibly sourced jewelry could benefit developing countries. When the two joined forces to create Brilliant Earth in 2005, a commitment to social change and improvement of labor and environmental standards was cultivated. As Brilliant Earth states, “We believe that high quality, fine jewelry need not come at a great human or environmental cost.”
Explore its high standards
Brilliant Earth takes pride in its jewelry standards by aiming to make jewelry of the highest quality that benefits social and environmental issues, while supporting the economies of communities ravaged by the jewelry industry. Only 0.01% of the world’s diamonds meet Brilliant Earth's standards.
Going above and beyond conflict-free
Instead of following the status quo of what it means to be conflict-free (the only standard being to source diamonds that do not finance civil wars), Brilliant Earth guarantees its diamonds come from pure and ethical sources, and that they’re mined with strict labor, trade and environmental standards.
Diamond mines used by Brilliant Earth are located in Canada, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Russia. Independent agencies monitor the mines in these countries, and many of the mines, such as the ones in South Africa, help fund local entrepreneurs and invest in renewable energy projects. The company also features cultured diamonds, or diamonds grown in laboratories using advanced processes that duplicate natural diamond development, that are chemically and optically indistinguishable from natural diamonds.
Choose recycled metals
Gold mining has a history that involves some destruction of the environment. Brilliant Earth wishes to eradicate the negative impacts of mining by raising demand for recycled metals. The company promotes a fair trade gold system that guarantees fair wages and empowerment to communities. Every piece of jewelry made with recycled metals is identical in quality to newly mined silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Brilliant Earth also works with jewelry that customers recycle, giving credit toward any purchase of equal or greater value.
Buy to give back
In addition to the positive environmental strides Brilliant Earth takes, it's also dedicated to improving mining communities. The company donates 5% of profits toward education, development and environmental restoration.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Brilliant Earth funds a primary school near the Lungudi mine in Tshikapa, Kasai West, which educates kids age 7 to 14 who have had little or no formal education. The Brilliant Mobile School opened in July 2015 with 25 students, and has a socially focused curriculum. This school is the first of eight that will open in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with company hopes that these initiatives will reduce child labor.
Read what others have to say
It’s always a great idea to read what other customers have to say about a company. On Yelp, Brilliant Earth has a 4.5 out of 5 starrating. One customer states that Brilliant Earth, “think[s] of everything and help[s] their customers any way they can.” Another customer stated that, while they had few hiccups, they were “very happy with all three rings that we got from Brilliant Earth.”
Discover personalized, hand-finished artisanship
Every piece of jewelry is examined under 10X magnification, ensuring perfect alignment and a secure set. Brilliant Earth jewelers ensure that all precious metals have zero imperfections and that every gemstone meets strict, quality standards.
Brilliant Earth has three by-appointment showrooms that allow customers to privately view its collection of jewelry. Showrooms are located in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston. Each location features one-on-one sessions with jewelry specialists who offer expertise about custom designs. For those who cannot visit a showroom, Brilliant Earth offers remote consultations over the phone and by email.
Peruse the Brilliant Earth collection
From engagement rings to bracelets, Brilliant Earth has many options for jewelry, no matter one’s age, sex or style. The company features top 20 wedding rings for men, ranging from $550 to $1,490, and women, ranging from $295 to $2,750, on its website, allowing potential customers to see trending pieces. Customers can also create their own gemstone ring, with options ranging from gem style and setting to metal colors and materials.