Questions Concerning Greenland Rubies
By B. Earth | June 12, 2009
With many western countries now banning ruby imports from Myanmar due to serious social injustices, the search is on for the next best high-quality source of rubies. Greenland is a rich source of the prized red gems, and a Canadian enterprise called True North Gems is in the process of opening a large-scale mining operation in the southern part of the country. While the mine will likely bring jobs and revenue to the sparsely populated nation, the local Inuit people are concerned about their rights to both the gemstones and the land on which they are found. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: In the News, Mining Issues | No Comments »
Conflict Diamond Expert, Ian Smillie, Walks Away from the Kimberley Process
By B. Earth | June 10, 2009
In the midst of frustration, Ian Smillie, one of the leading conflict diamond experts and key architect of the Kimberley Process, declared his resignation to the Kimberley Process members this past month, declaring the process ineffective. In an eloquently written letter, Smillie states: “when regulators fail to regulate, the systems they were designed to protect collapse.” He goes on to say: “I feel that I can no longer in good faith contribute to a pretense that failure is success, or to the kind of debates we have been reduced to.” Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Company News, Conflict Diamond Issues, In the News | No Comments »
Sign Too Precious to Wear’s Coral Pledge
By B. Earth | June 10, 2009
Coral is a precious natural resource on which much of the earth’s life depends. Unfortunately, it is also being killed and eroded at an alarming rate, posing a threat to all manner of marine life. Corals are suffering from over-fishing, gas exploration, invasive species, pollution, climate change and consumer demand for home décor items and jewelry. Brilliant Earth will not and has not ever exploited this precious resource in our own jewelry, and we encourage consumers to do their part to protect these precious natural resources by refusing to purchase any product made of real coral. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Giving Back, In the News | No Comments »
Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying a Wedding Band
By B. Earth | May 27, 2009
Long after your big day has passed, your wedding bands will remain a visible and beautiful reminder of your shared past, your values, and your dreams for the future. Before you select your wedding bands, read these tips on how to find a wedding ring that fits your taste, ethics and price range.
1. Consider your style. Are you classic, artistic, sporty or modern? Going against your personal grain when selecting a ring might make you regret your choice down the road. You’ll also want to be sure that your wedding band matches the style of your engagement ring. If your engagement ring is modern, look for channel-set or bezel-set wedding bands, possibly with a matte finish. If you have a vintage or antique-style ring, milgrain detailing and bead-set or pavé diamond accents will be beautiful stylistic complements.
2. Consider matched sets. For a truly unified visual impact, a wedding band that perfectly matches the style of your engagement ring can’t be beat. Brilliant Earth offers a variety of matched sets. View our engagement settings and accompanying wedding bands for numerous different style options.
3. Consider relevant cultural or family traditions that might influence your wedding band selections. More ornate designs accented by milgrain or engraved details are a staple in some cultures while plain metal bands are the norm in others. In some traditions, the new bride even receives two wedding bands - score! Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Company News, Customer Qs, Style Watch, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Demand for Action on Nicaragua Gold Mine
By B. Earth | May 27, 2009
Canadian-US mining giant, Goldcorp, plans to close its enormous San Martin gold mine in Honduras at the end of 2009. The Honduran government and numerous independent organizations are now demanding that the company take responsibility for damage the mine has caused to the environment and the health of local communities. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: In the News, Mining Issues, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Diavik Mine Exceeds Standards of Community Support
By B. Earth | May 27, 2009
Brilliant Earth’s environmentally and socially responsible Canadian diamonds are sourced from two specific mines in the Northwest Territory of Canada, one of which is the Diavik Mine. The Diavik Mine maintains high standards of social and environmental responsibility, and plays an impactful role in local community development of the Northwest Territory region. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Company News, In the News, Mining Issues, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Emeralds Funding Taliban Could Enter World Markets
By B. Earth | May 8, 2009
According to reports, the Taliban has recently seized two formerly non-operational emerald mines in Pakistan. It is feared that the insurgents will use the proceeds to purchase mortars, roadside bombs and suicide belts to be unleashed toward war efforts. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: In the News, Mining Issues, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Top Ten Ways to Save on Buying an Engagement or Wedding Ring
By B. Earth | April 30, 2009
It’s tough times out there, but you don’t need to sacrifice your ethics in order to save on your engagement and wedding rings. Here are some tips from our jewelry specialists on how to save a bit of green when shopping green.
1. Opt for one special ring in place of both an engagement ring and wedding band. Look for rings with ornate patterns, unique details, conflict free diamond accents, or a more substantial width to serve as your all-in-one symbol of love and commitment.
2. Instead of giving an engagement ring with a larger center stone, give her multiple bands - each with its own meaning - that she can stack. One for the engagement, one for the wedding, another to symbolize your families coming together….The possibilities are endless!
3. Purchase your wedding bands before purchasing the engagement ring. This way you will both have a ring to wear as a symbol of your love for one another. You will have plenty of time together to design that perfect conflict free diamond ring down the road. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Company News, Customer Qs, Style Watch, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Brilliant Earth’s Virtual Shopping Experience!
By B. Earth | April 29, 2009
Buying diamond jewelry online can be a nerve-wracking experience. You shouldn’t have to worry about what exactly you are going to receive or potential snags in the logistics of receiving your special item. So, for your peace of mind, we’ve built a fantastic new virtual shopping experience on our site. This flash presentation will allow you to experience first hand what it will be like to receive and open your Brilliant Earth shipment. We will show you exactly how your ring will be packaged and how it will arrive at your doorstep. We’ve included detailed images and information on everything you want and need to know, right down to the post-consumer recycled packaging and gorgeous sustainable wooden ring box. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Company News, Customer Qs, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Important New Film: The Money Stone
By B. Earth | April 16, 2009
The Money Stone is a feature-length documentary by Stuart Harmon about the lives of artisanal gold miners, or “galamseys,” in Ghana. The film is currently in the final stages of post-production, and we look forward to seeing it. It follows the lives of three young galamseys who have high hopes for their futures despite their current day reality. They work in exceedingly dangerous and impoverished circumstances that offer little hope of their ever being able to afford to escape, especially with their health intact. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Mining Issues, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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