Gemstones possess a unique ability to awaken something profound within us…
Their mystical allure, rarity and enduring nature have always represented profound mysteries to humanity, often imbued with a divine essence.
This timeless fascination with precious stones is a legacy shared by the world’s major religions:Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam. For our ancestors, gemstones were far more than decorative items; they were amulets and talismans, symbols of protection and fortune, believed to have the power to shape the destinies of those who possessed them.
Precious stones began forming some three billion years ago in the depths of the Earth, and in ancient times, they were discovered almost by chance when they surfaced. Even today, the process of mining coloured gemstones remains largely unchanged from millennia ago, relying on persistence, manual tools, and human endeavour. Each gemstone represents a fragment of our planet’s history, a unique, timeless piece that links us to eternity.
Much attention has been given to sustainability and ethical concerns in fashion, yet it is equally vital to reflect on gemstones, which must also resonate with our values. Here lies the concept of the“ethical gemstone”—gems that captivate not only through their outer beauty but also through the integrity with which they are sourced.
What, then, defines an ethical gemstone?
These are stones extracted, processed, and traded with full respect for human rights and the environment. It’s crucial to understand the distinction between an ethical gemstone and a natural gemstone. The term “natural gemstone” simply means it was mined directly from the earth in its original form, with no human alteration to its composition.
The “ethical gemstone” concept is far more exacting: not only are these gems natural, but they must also be sourced without child labour, under fair and safe working conditions, and with minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, their proceeds must not fund armed conflict or criminal activities, a serious concern in many gemstone-rich regions.
Ensuring a gemstone meets these standards requires knowledge of its origin, the local regulations, and the working conditions at the mining site. In much of the world, mineral and gemstone extraction remains largely unregulated.
Sri Lanka, however, is a pioneer in implementing rigorous regulations to ensure environmentally responsible mining that respects the rights of all workers involved. It is the only country globally where gemstone mining is government-regulated to enforce responsible practices and transparency throughout the supply chain.
When María Moro founded OONA, she envisioned a brand where beauty and quality of jewellerly would harmonise seamlessly with respect for nature and a commitment to social responsibility. Consequently, we use only ethically sourced natural gemstones mined in Sri Lanka, where our workshops and production centre are based. For us, the concept of “responsible luxury” is a core value with in our philosophy.
Consumers play a pivotal role in transforming the gemstone industry. By choosing ethical gemstones and insisting on transparency regarding their origins, buyers can contribute to meaningful, positive change within the sector.
It is a shared commitment—among producers, brands, and consumers alike—toward a fairer, more conscious, and sustainable gemstone market for the future.
UNCOVER OUR ETHICAL TREASURES
OONA Natural Yellow Sapphire Ring Ethically Mined in South Sri Lanka
