EXPRESSIONS LEGACY OF SUSTAINABILITY

We believe high-quality jewelry, strong business performance and high ethical standards go hand in hand, and we craft our jewelry with respect for resources, environment and people.

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING

DIAMONDS

Expressions diamonds are sourced with care and consideration. From the moment diamonds are unearthed as rough stones and throughout their journey to polished gemstones, we believe the diamond sector can contribute positive value to the communities it operates within.

We believe our responsible sourcing practices can help promote the protection of human rights, fair and safe labor practices, protection of the environment and ethical business conduct. We also believe that these practices can help create economic opportunity for communities along the diamond supply chain.

COLORED GEMSTONES

Colored gemstones are a vibrant and distinctive choice, and have been sought after for centuries. We strive to offer gemstones sourced in alignment with safe working conditions and environmentally responsible principles. Many obstacles still exist in obtaining information about gemstone mining conditions around the world which makes it challenging to trace some gemstone origins and track the conditions under which they were mined.

By continually working with our colored gemstone suppliers to improve standards and traceability, we strive to promote higher standards for gemstone sourcing to transform dangerous mining conditions and encourage responsible practices. For instance, many of our sapphires originate from Sri Lanka, where miners employ techniques that minimize impact to the environment and operate in small cooperatives that share the costs, labor, and profits from the sale of gemstones.

  • Sri Lanka - Sapphires

    Sri Lanka produces Ceylon sapphires of extraordinary color and quality. Miners in Sri Lanka employ age-old techniques that have been used for thousands of years while minimizing damage to the environment. Government regulations promote the use of low-impact mining techniques as well as remediation of the land after mining is complete. In addition, new ventures must undergo an assessment by environmental groups. Operating in small cooperatives, artisanal miners share the costs, labor, and profits from gemstone sales.

  • Zambia - Emeralds

    Many emeralds originate from mines that actively promote socially responsible practices, have taken steps to minimize their environmental footprint, and contribute to social projects, such as upgrading a hospital clinic and building a secondary school.

  • Australia - Sapphires

    Australia's internationally recognized policies provide more protections to the well-being of mine employees by promoting health and safety in the workplace and providing competitive wages and benefits. Australia protects their nation's ecosystems by following environmental regulations that include land restoration and minimize impact on water quality. Mining companies must pay a fee that is returned after mining is complete when the land meets or exceeds its original condition.

  • Malawi - Sapphires

    The Chimwadzulu Hill Mine in Malawi aims to formalize procedures based on fair trade principles to safeguard workers and the environment. Small scale sapphire mining is only permissible for a part of the year in order to protect local wildlife habitats, streams, watersheds, and groundwater. The mine helps support its seventy workers by offering above-average wages and health care, rebuilding a local medical clinic, and establishing an elementary school. The mine is also a contributor to the local economy and an example of fair trade principles in action.

  • Sea of Cortez - Pearls

    These rare black cultured pearls are cultivated within a peaceful bay alongside the Baja peninsula known as the Sea of Cortez. After nearly being harvested to the point of extinction in the 1930s, Sea of Cortez cultured pearls have slowly begun to resurface. The Sea of Cortez farm is founded, owned, and operated by a collective of marine biologists whose goal is to preserve a rare oyster species and protect its natural habitat. The farm operates consistent with fair labor practices and helps contribute to the local economy of the state of Sonora in northwest Mexico.