Are Ceylon Sapphire's
More Ethical Than Diamonds?
Gemma, examining a small lot of mixed Ceylon sapphires.
Table of Contents
- Are Ceylon Sapphires Ethical?
- Do Children Mine Sapphires in Sri Lanka?
- How Can I Know My Sapphire Comes from Sri Lanka?
- Choosing an Ethical Sapphire Is A Commitment to Future Generations
At The Sapphire Merchant, we take our Sri Lankan (Ceylon) Sapphires seriously, as they comprise the majority of our gem collection. We are passionate about the industry's future. We journey regularly to Sri Lanka, and this fascinating land holds a significant place in my heart.
This importance of making ethical choices around precious gemstones has expanded into the sapphire and coloured gemstone industry, with customers, especially socially conscious millennials, wanting assurances that the gemstone they purchase is ethical. Sri Lankan (Ceylon) sapphires are the most sought-after and coveted natural gemstones we have the pleasure of working with. Given our deep respect for the beautiful land of Sri Lanka, we love that they lead the charge in what it means to be ethical in this thriving industry.
It is more crucial than ever to ensure that the sapphires we take from Earth are procured in a sustainable and socially responsible way. Sapphire mining should be conducted in a way that cares for and preserves the land for future generations to enjoy.
The core principle to understanding whether a sapphire or gemstone is ethical or not is that the profits of its operation do not fund or directly support civil wars, terrorist activity, or any other form of conflict.
The Sapphire Merchant adventures directly to the mining source to hand curate our gems, so we deeply understand Sri Lankan sapphires and believe they have the right to bear the ethical tick of approval. Here is why we think a Sri Lankan (Ceylon) sapphire is one of the most ethical gemstone choices you can make.
1. Are Ceylon Sapphires Ethical?
For over 2000 years, sapphires and gemstones have been mined in Sri Lanka and exported worldwide. We know this because the earliest written records mentioning sapphires from Sri Lanka date back to ancient times.
In 543 BC, the Mahavamsa Chronicles was authored by a Buddhist monk named Mahanama. This epic tale of ancient Sri Lanka is written in the style of a poem in the Pali language and documents Sri Lanka's founding and early history, with frequent mentions of precious gemstones.
Later, in 77 AD, in the historically famous book Naturalis Historia, authored by Gaius Plinius Secundus, known as Pliny, described precious gemstones, including sapphires, and noted that they were from the island of 'Taprobane', the ancient name from Sri Lanka. There are further ancient writings that make reference to Taprobane and mention its transparent gems, beryl and amethyst.
Map of Taprobane, Ancient Sri Lanka, 1686
What Makes Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Sapphire Ethical?
Sri Lanka is an authority in gemstone and sapphire mining, and this expertise comes from a long history of mining and export that is unmatched by any other country in modern history.
On the 1st of November 1971, The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) was established in Sri Lanka. Its mission to foster and promote ethical practices and ensure the sustainability and longevity of the country's gem and jewellery industry. Gemstone exports from Sri Lanka to the world bring in 2 billion dollars of income per annum. Today, the NGJA plays a central role in regulating mining and issuing licenses to ensure only authorised individuals and businesses can mine gems. They also inspect and approve all gems leaving the country.
"Iwant you to understand that the island of Ceylon is, for its size, the finest island in the world, and from its streams comes Rubies, Sapphires, Topazes, Amethyst and Garnet." - Marco Polo 1292 AD
2. Do Children Mine Sapphires in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka, in general, has a good standard of living, a robust healthcare system, and a high literacy rate. These factors considerably reduce the likelihood of child labour in a country. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) of Sri Lanka facilitates educational programmes to ensure that miners and workers in the gemstone industry are treated fairly and that labour practices comply with local laws and international standards. Child labour is strictly prohibited in Sri Lanka, (as are female mine workers), and mine owners who breach the law face harsh penalties. Child labour is not part of the industry's culture, which is community-orientated. We travel regularly throughout mining areas in Sri Lanka and have business relationships with many locals working within the gem trade. We have only ever observed teams of men working in the mining areas during our adventures.
Sri Lankan girl smiling at me as I take her photo
Sri Lanka does not allow heavy machinery sapphire mining operations:
When you travel through Ratnapura, the central gem-bearing district of Sri Lanka, small-scale mining operations dot the landscape. Teams of 10-15 men work barefoot as they chew betel leaf. The mining footprint is small, with most operations conducted via small tunnels, shafts or small open pits, keeping the surrounding natural environment intact. Equipment such as jig separators, trommels and sluices can be seen; however, no heavy machinery such as diggers or excavators are permitted. Government regulation states that open pit mines must be revegetated before the operation moves to the next location. This mining style has a low impact on the natural environment, and local wildlife is generally unaffected.
The Sri Lankan Sapphire industry is a family affair:
Sapphire and gem traders in Sri Lanka come from multigenerational gem trading families, with fathers teaching their sons the trade, so it passes on down the family line. Due to the nature of the industry and strict mining regulations, the industry is void of large monopolising companies. The Sri Lankan sapphire industry is entirely run by small family businesses. The sapphire mines and the gemstone trade support whole communities and feed a bustling economy. This is one of our favourite reasons why sapphires from Sri Lanka are ethical. Purchasing a Sri Lankan sapphire supports small business!
One of the world's oldest gem markets - Beruwala Gem Market in China Fort, Sri Lanka
How is trust retained between the sapphire mine owner and his miners?
Sapphires and gemstones are high-value items, so how is trust retained between the miners and the mine owner? Profit sharing is the most common way to negate trust issues. Miners, in many cases, have an agreement to profit share in the mine they work for. This creates high trust between the mine owner and the miners, and when an extraordinary sapphire or gemstone find is made, the team benefits. The mine owner is entrusted with getting the best price for the sapphire, and the miners receive a bonus for the find. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) of Sri Lanka offers support to local communities through various educational programmes that promote worker welfare, ensuring that issues of equity are addressed and that the community as a whole benefits from the lucrative gem trade.
Sri Lanka trailblazes ethical sapphire mining practices:
For a country that is considered a developing nation, Sri Lanka leads the way in ethical mining practices, and governments from other nations that mine for sapphires, such as Madagascar and Tanzania, have attempted to regulate their own industries by applying the rules and regulations that Sri Lanka has trailblazed. Countries like Madagascar and Tanzania still have a lot of work to do before they come close to Sri Lanka's standards. However, Sri Lanka has created a sustainable, long-term industry that complies with international standards and continues to stand the test of time.
3. How Can I Know My Sapphire Comes From Sri Lanka?
There is no hiding the origin of a sapphire; it is easily identifiable by a trained gemologist in a laboratory with the correct equipment. Unlike many diamonds on the market, a sapphire's country of origin can easily be established by a range of testing and by observing the inclusions within the sapphire that can be specific to its geological origin. Here at The Sapphire Merchant, when we certify our sapphires, we always request the laboratory to report the origin so you can make an informed choice regarding whether your sapphire is the most ethical choice.
Who Internationally Regulates The Sapphire Industry?
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the governing body of the coloured gemstone industry, and they are integral to the industry and how it is regulated. GIA has a dedicated team of field gemologists, legends in the industry like Vincent Pardieu, who have dedicated their career to frequenting prospective and working gem mines and documenting all aspects of them: the working conditions, access, soil, environmental impact, and mineral make-ups on the gems found. They liaise with government agencies and mine owners, compiling information, reporting, and publishing papers. There is a great deal of work to be done to protect the environment and ensure that mining conditions and remuneration for work are fair, and GIA continues to raise awareness and ensure transparency around these issues that pertain to ethics.
What is The Kimberley Process, and does it Apply to Sapphires?
The ethical catchphrase has come directly from the diamond industry, which has a history of conflict diamonds, child labour and human trafficking. Since the Kimberley Process was established in 2003, the diamond industry has a higher level of regulation; however, there is scepticism within the industry about whether the Kimberley Process was a clever marketing ploy to cover the problematic diamond sourcing image. The Kimberley Process is a trade regime established to prevent the flow of blood diamonds. The Kimberley Process uses a certification scheme that implements a safeguard on the shipment of rough diamonds, certifying them as conflict-free at the early stage of their journey into the market. This effectively checks the ethical box and works as an assurance to the customer. However, even with the Kimberley Process in effect, it is nearly impossible to pinpoint the true origin of most diamonds that enter the global market. The Kimberley Process is exclusive to the diamond industry and does not extend into the sapphire and coloured gemstone industry.
Is Blockchain Technology Used To Trace Sapphires?
Blockchain technology has the power to ensure gems are ethical by tracking and tracing them, allowing you to make a consumer decision based on the gem's movement from origin to mine to market. Blockchain technology, though in its infancy, would ultimately increase transparency, creating a digital and decentralised ledger following the gem as it moves through the gemstone pipeline. Blockchain innovation for gemstones and jewellery is under development, and if implemented, it would further increase the ethical standard of sapphires and allow for transparency through the supply chain. The primary issue with this technology is its adoption in an industry that is dominated by small businesses.
Ceylon Cornflower Blue Sapphire Pair
4. Choosing an Ethical Sapphire Is A Commitment to Future Generations
At The Sapphire Merchant, we are passionate about pursuing Earth's most extraordinary gemstones and ensuring that every Ceylon sapphire we acquire is a nod towards sustainability, respect for the land, and the well-being of the communities that mine them. Sri Lankan (Ceylon) sapphires are an excellent example of how century-old traditions and modern ethical standards coexist.
When you select a Sri Lankan (Ceylon) sapphire from The Sapphire Merchant collection, you're not only purchasing a breathtaking precious gemstone that took millions of years to form under heat and pressure, but you are investing in a luxury product that has been obtained in an ethical way.
A Sri Lanka (Ceylon) sapphire honours the past, celebrates the present, and paves the way for a more responsible future in the world of fine jewellery.
The Sapphire Merchant is New Zealand's premier precious gemstone retailer and custom jewellery house. We travel to source and hand curate Earth's most exquisite gemstones. Our collection includes aquamarine, emerald, feldspar, garnet, morganite, peridot, ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, tourmaline and zircon. Shop our collection and embark on your journey toward creating a timeless, custom jewellery piece that marks your story.
"The azure light of Sapphire's stone, resembles that of that celestial throne. A symbol of each simple heart, that grasps in hope the better part. Whose life each holy deed combines, and in the light of virtue shines." - Marbodus