Environmental Practices

Environmental Practices

When you shop at ArtCarved, you can rest assured that our whole process keeps the care of people and the environment at heart. We take part in both the Kimberley Process and the No Dirty Gold (NDG) campaign, both of which shape how we get our gold and diamonds. We are committed to protecting the environment and helping empower the people from whose lands these materials come, so we can provide you beautiful pieces of jewelry and still honor the people and our Earth.


The Kimberley Process

ArtCarved proudly participates in the Kimberley Process when it comes to acquiring the conflict-free diamonds used in our jewelry. The Kimberley Process “…unites administrations, civil societies, and industry in reducing the flow of conflict diamonds – ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’ – around the world.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a four-step process that safeguards and certifies conflict diamonds by:

  • Satisfying ‘minimum requirements’ and establishing national legislation, institutions and import/export controls
  • Committing to transparent practices and to the exchange of critical statistical data
  • Trading only with fellow members who also satisfy the agreement’s fundamentals
  • Certifying shipments as conflict-free and providing the supporting certification

The Kimberly Process has been active since 2000, and its participants in 81 countries are responsible for stemming nearly all the global production of conflict diamonds. But, since even one conflict diamond is too many, the Kimberley Process continues to strengthen its system of warranties with world governments, the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations. The Kimberley Process requires active involvement from all participating members with intersessional and plenary meetings, as well as, monthly teleconferences.


The No Dirty Gold Campaign

The No Dirty Gold Campaign is an international initiative that works to ensure that gold mining operations respect human rights and the environment by educating consumers, retailers, and manufacturers about the impacts of irresponsible gold mining. According to the NDG Campaign, over 20 tons of waste can be generated from the production of one gold ring. As one of the dirtiest industries, gold mining uses cyanide and scars communities and natural landscapes with disruption of ecosystems and displacement of Indigenous peoples. The NDG Campaign works on both ends of the metal supply chain, and with over 100 jewelry and electronics retailers to help endorse the Golden Rules for more responsible metals sourcing.

Developed by NDG, these Golden Rules are a set of criteria provided for more responsible mining and are founded in basic principles of sustainable development and widely accepted international human rights laws.

The Golden Rules hold that mining companies and operations must:

  1. Respect basic human rights outlined in international conventions and law
  2. Obtain the free, prior, and informed consent of affected communities.
  3. Respect workers' rights and labor standards, including safe working conditions
  4. Ensure that operations are not located in areas of armed or militarized conflict
  5. Ensure that projects do not force communities off their lands
  6. Ensure that projects are not located in protected areas, fragile ecosystems, or other areas of high conservation or ecological value
  7. Refrain from dumping mine wastes into oceans, rivers, lakes, or streams
  8. Ensure that projects do not contaminate water, soil, or air with sulfuric acid drainage or other toxic chemicals
  9. Cover all costs of closing down and cleaning up mine sites
  10. Fully disclose information about social and environmental effects of projects
  11. Allow independent verification of the above

From diamonds to gold, ArtCarved does due diligence to make sure that the materials we procure for our jewelry are acquired in safe ways that empower the Indigenous peoples and the environments in which gold is mined and diamonds are found. Get your jewelry from retailers that do the utmost to provide you with pieces that are free from conflict and unscrupulous environmental practices.