Why I Avoid Mined Gemstones - and some Ethical & Sustainable Alternatives

As a jeweller, I love creating pieces that not only look beautiful, but also feel good to wear - inside and out. That's why I choose to avoid using mined gemstones in my work. While traditional gems like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies have undeniable allure, the process of mining them comes with some significant ethical and environmental concerns that just don't sit right with me. I feel lab grown gemstones, while more ethical overall, still require chemical process and energy consumption to produce and ship them, that just isn't necessary when alternatives are so readily available. 

Why do I avoid mined gemstones?

Mining for gemstones isn't just about digging up pretty stones, it has a real impact on people and the planet, so here are the main reasons why I steer clear:

1. Environmental Damage - Mining requires massive excavation, leading to deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution. Open cast mines scar landscapes, and chemicals such as cyanide and mercury used in extraction can poison local ecosystems.

2. Questionable Ethics - In many regions, gemstone mining is linked to unsafe working conditions, child labour and even funding conflicts (you've probably heard of 'blood diamonds'). Even with certifications, it can be difficult to guarantee that a stone was mined under fair, safe and humane conditions.

3. Carbon Footprint - the mining industry consumes huge amounts of energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Transporting stones from remote mines to markets only adds to the environmental cost.

With these concerns in mind, I’ve chosen to focus on alternative materials that are sustainable, ethical, and utterly unique.

My Favourite Alternatives to Mined Gemstones

Luckily, there’s no shortage of stunning materials that don’t come with the baggage of traditional mining. Here are some of my favourites:

Surfite

Ever wonder what happens to all that extra resin from surfboard production? Enter surfite! This material is made from the colourful layers of leftover resin that build up in surfboard workshops. Previously discarded and sent to landfill, now valued, cut and polished into vibrant, one-of-a-kind gems. It’s a brilliant way to turn waste into wearable art, and every piece is unique & makes a fabulous gift for surfers, ocean lovers or those who embrace bold colourful jewellery.

Welsh Blue

Welsh Blue isn’t actually a gemstone—it’s a byproduct of the 19th-century iron industry in South Wales. Slag from iron smelting was dumped into rivers, where it has been tumbled in the water for over a century, becoming the smooth, bluish stones that are now, like Leland Blue, highly prized in jewellery. It’s a piece of industrial history transformed by nature into something truly special.

Fordite & Grafite

Also known as “Detroit agate,” Fordite is made from layers of old automotive paint that built up in car factories, particularly in the 20th century, While Grafite is formed from layers of spray paint used in graffiti. In both cases, the layers were hardened, then cut and polished to reveal mesmerizing, colourful patterns. No two pieces are alike, making Fordite and Grafite both beautiful examples of upcycled beauty.

Sea Glass & Sea Pottery

Tumbled by the waves for decades, sea glass and sea pottery are nature’s way of recycling discarded materials. Broken glass bottles and ceramic pieces are smoothed by the ocean, resulting in frosted, jewel-like stones. I regularly volunteer with Keep Wales Tidy and collect all of the sea glass and pottery used in my pieces myself, usually when doing beach cleans. They’re a fantastic choice for eco-conscious jewellery lovers, and each piece carries a connection to history and a little bit of maritime mystery.

 
Why It Matters

By choosing these sustainable alternatives, I can create jewellery that is as kind to the Earth as it is beautiful. It allows me to tell meaningful stories through my designs while ensuring that my work aligns with my values. Plus, each piece made from these materials is completely unique—no two will ever be exactly alike!

If you’re looking for jewellery that combines beauty, history, and sustainability, consider exploring these fascinating alternatives. You’ll get a stunning piece with a story to tell, all while supporting my little ethical and eco-friendly business.