Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability
At Diamonds Above, beauty should never come at the cost of people or the planet. Every diamond we source, every metal we work with, and every decision we make reflects our commitment to responsible, sustainable jewelry practices.
The jewelry industry has a complex history when it comes to sourcing practices. At Diamonds Above, we believe that the story behind your jewelry matters just as much as its beauty. Since 1986, we have held ourselves to the highest standards of ethical diamond sourcing in Austin, working exclusively with suppliers who share our values and can verify the origins of every stone and metal that enters our showroom.
Our approach goes beyond simple compliance. While the Kimberley Process established important baseline protections against conflict diamonds, we recognize that truly ethical sourcing requires a broader commitment—one that encompasses environmental stewardship, fair labor practices, and transparency at every stage of the supply chain. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, and it is the promise we make to every client who walks through our doors.
Pillars of Responsible Jewelry
Every piece at Diamonds Above is backed by our commitment to these four foundational principles of ethical jewelry sourcing.
Conflict-Free Diamonds
Every natural diamond we sell is verified conflict-free through the Kimberley Process and additional supplier vetting. We go beyond minimum requirements by working with suppliers who maintain full chain-of-custody documentation and adhere to the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties.
Recycled Precious Metals
We prioritize the use of recycled gold, platinum, and silver in our jewelry. Recycled metals are chemically identical to newly mined metals but carry a significantly smaller environmental footprint—reducing the need for destructive mining operations and lowering carbon emissions associated with metal extraction.
GIA Certification
We are committed to transparency through independent gemological certification. Our diamonds are graded by GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the world’s most trusted and objective gemological laboratory. GIA certification gives you an unbiased assessment of your diamond’s quality, ensuring you know exactly what you are purchasing.
Sustainable Practices
From minimal packaging made with recycled materials to energy-efficient operations in our Austin showroom, sustainability informs how we run our business every day. We continuously evaluate our practices and look for ways to reduce waste and minimize our environmental impact.
Conflict-Free: The Kimberley Process & Beyond
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003 to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds—rough diamonds used to finance armed conflict against governments. While this international agreement was a landmark step, at Diamonds Above we recognize that responsible sourcing must go further.
Our commitment to conflict-free diamonds includes:
- Full compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for all natural diamonds
- Working exclusively with suppliers who adhere to the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties
- Maintaining chain-of-custody documentation that traces each diamond’s journey from mine to market
- Regular auditing of our supply chain partners to verify compliance with ethical sourcing standards
- Refusing to purchase diamonds from any source where provenance cannot be verified
We believe every client deserves complete confidence that their diamond was mined responsibly, cut fairly, and traded ethically. If you have questions about the origin of any diamond in our collection, our gemologists are happy to share everything we know.
Recycled & Responsibly Sourced Metals
Gold and platinum mining can have significant environmental and social impacts, from deforestation and water contamination to displacement of communities. By prioritizing recycled precious metals, we help reduce the demand for new mining operations while delivering jewelry that is every bit as beautiful and durable as pieces made from newly extracted metals.
Recycled gold and platinum are refined to the same purity standards as newly mined metals. There is no difference in quality, appearance, or longevity—only in the environmental cost of production. When you choose a piece crafted with recycled metals at Diamonds Above, you are making a conscious choice that benefits the planet without compromising on the quality or beauty of your jewelry.
For our custom jewelry designs, we offer the option to use recycled metals as the foundation for your one-of-a-kind piece, and we can even incorporate gold from your existing jewelry through our recasting services.
Our GIA Certification Commitment
Transparency is the cornerstone of ethical jewelry. That is why we rely on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)—the world’s foremost authority on diamond grading—to provide independent, unbiased assessments of our diamonds. GIA does not buy, sell, or trade diamonds, which means their grading reports are free from commercial influence.
Every GIA-graded diamond at Diamonds Above comes with a detailed report that documents the stone’s 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), along with additional characteristics such as fluorescence, symmetry, and polish. This documentation ensures you are making an informed purchase based on objective, standardized criteria rather than subjective claims.
Want to learn more about how diamond grading works? Visit our Diamond Education page for a comprehensive guide to understanding diamond quality and certification.
Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Sustainable Choice
For clients who want the ultimate assurance that their diamond carries zero mining impact, lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling ethical alternative. Created using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process, lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds—but with a fraction of the environmental footprint.
Lab-grown diamonds require no mining, produce significantly fewer carbon emissions, and involve no risk of conflict-diamond contamination. They are graded by the same GIA standards as natural diamonds, ensuring the same quality and transparency you expect from Diamonds Above.
Whether you choose a natural conflict-free diamond or a lab-grown alternative, our gemologists will help you find the perfect stone that aligns with both your values and your vision. There is no pressure and no judgment—just honest guidance tailored to what matters most to you.
Explore Lab-Grown Diamonds →Responsible Business Practices
Our commitment to ethics extends beyond our supply chain and into every aspect of how we run our business.
Fair Pricing
We maintain transparent, honest pricing with no hidden markups or high-pressure sales tactics. Our clients receive straightforward valuations and clear explanations of what drives the cost of their jewelry. We educate rather than upsell.
Local Community
As a family-owned business in Austin since 1986, we are deeply invested in our community. We support local artisans, participate in charitable initiatives, and prioritize building lasting relationships with our neighbors and clients.
Waste Reduction
We minimize waste through recycled packaging materials, digital documentation whenever possible, and responsible disposal of any materials that cannot be reused. Metal scraps and filings from our workshop are collected and recycled.
Lifetime Care
By offering lifetime cleaning, inspection, and maintenance services, we help our clients extend the life of their jewelry rather than replace it. Well-maintained jewelry is sustainable jewelry—pieces that last generations instead of ending up discarded.
Have Questions About Our Sourcing?
Our gemologists are happy to discuss the origin and sourcing of any piece in our collection. Transparency is our promise.