Our Ethical Sourcing Philosophy

Adaïr's Commitment to Ethical Practices

Adaïr, as a newcomer to the luxury industry, is dedicated to establishing itself with integrity, placing a strong emphasis on ethical practices and ensuring the welfare of all involved in our product production. Recognizing the pivotal role luxury brands play in championing sustainability, leveraging their influence, resources, and capacity to set industry benchmarks, we are committed to aligning with these values. This commitment is evident in our steadfast advocacy for the exclusive utilization of ethically sourced materials in our products.

The Importance of Ethical Materials in Jewelry

An ethical material is sourced and produced in a manner that prioritizes the well-being of people, animals, and the environment across its entire lifecycle. These materials are selected with the goal of advancing social justice, environmental sustainability, and ethical treatment of all entities involved in the production process.

Given the incorporation of precious materials such as gold, diamonds, and gemstones in its products, the jewelry industry assumes a pivotal role in championing ethical, sustainable, and responsible practices across its supply chain. This includes safeguarding human rights, preserving the environment, and meeting the rising demand for transparency and accountability from consumers.

According to our market study conducted in the US in 2023, a significant 91% of consumers prioritize ethically sourced and environmentally friendly practices when making luxury product purchases.

The Journey of Adaïr Fairtrade Gold

The Path to 18K Max Havelaar Fairtrade Certified Gold

After meticulous consideration and consultation with subject matter experts, Adaïr has made the strategic decision to integrate Max Havelaar Fairtrade certified gold into its practices among other approaches such as “recycled gold”, “mercury free gold” or “organic gold”.

We firmly believe that the Fairtrade gold approach embodies our dedication to championing small-scale mining organizations and local communities. It ensures traceability back to the source, showcasing our commitment to transparency and ethical sourcing practices. Know more about different approaches: link.

Presently, approximately 40 registered goldsmiths worldwide are dedicated to using Fairtrade gold, providing assurance for those seeking individual pieces of jewelry. Adaïr proudly stands among the certified goldsmiths of Max Havelaar Fairtrade gold. You can verify our certification by searching for Vaud in the location bar through the following link.

Impact on Miners and Communities

Fair Compensation and Safe Working Conditions

Over 100 million people around the world depend directly or indirectly on small-scale mining. They go underground to search for one of our most prized treasures: Gold. In contrast to large industrial mines, the extraction of gold in small-scale mining is very labour-intensive with a low degree of mechanization and the miners and workers are often exposed to dangerous conditions.

Even though only 10 to 20 percent of the world's gold comes from small-scale mines, this sector provides a livelihood for many people. Accordingly, there is a great need for safer working conditions, fair market access, environmental protection and transparency in trade

Small-scale mining is highly labor-intensive and often barely regulated. The miners and workers are exposed to dangerous conditions during their hard work. In addition, they usually only receive a modest price and live in difficult conditions. Fairtrade is therefore committed to improving the protection of people and the environment in small-scale gold mining.

Fairtrade gold plays a pivotal role in fostering self-determination and sustainability for miners, their families, and communities due to the following reasons:

  • Legal mining organizations formed under Fairtrade protection safeguard miners’ rights and bolster community development.
  • Transparent trading relationships established by Fairtrade eliminate dependence on exploitative middlemen, with the Fairtrade minimum price significantly higher than the rates typically offered to marginalized mines.
  • Fairtrade-certified mines not only benefit from a guaranteed minimum price but also receive a Fairtrade premium of US$ 2,000 per kilogram of gold. This additional income is invested in enhancing operational processes and funding community projects such as schools, water supply, and health centers, fostering long-term personal responsibility among producers.
  • Fairtrade standards prohibit abusive child labor, forced labor, and discrimination, while mandating protective measures such as appropriate clothing and health and safety protocols. Compliance with national environmental laws is mandatory, and the use of chemicals for gold extraction is subject to stringent guidelines.
Diamond and its reflection

Embracing Lab-Grown Diamonds

The Science and Ethics Behind Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds and mined diamonds possess indistinguishable chemical, physical, and optical characteristics, meaning they exhibit the same brilliance, fire, and sparkle. Despite their origin, both types of diamonds offer the same aesthetic appeal and beauty.

However, the key distinction lies in their ethical implications. Lab-grown diamonds are conflict-free because they are created in controlled laboratory environments without the need for mining, thereby avoiding the ethical concerns associated with traditional diamond mining, such as human rights abuses and environmental damage.

An apt analogy is to envision a diamond as a rose: while both can be stunning, a rose cultivated in a greenhouse offers more predictability and control over its growth compared to one grown in a forest, subject to various external factors.

In light of these considerations, our commitment is clear: By exclusively using lab-grown diamonds in our pieces, we uphold our values and ensure that our customers can wear our jewelry with confidence, knowing that it reflects not only timeless elegance but also ethical integrity.

Adaïr's Pledge for Lab-Grown Diamonds from Renewable Energy Sources

Comparison with Mined Diamonds

While lab-grown diamonds offer ethical advantages over mined diamonds, they are not without their environmental challenges. The production of lab-grown diamonds requires significant energy input, particularly in the case of high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. This energy consumption contributes to carbon emissions and other environmental impacts, such as air pollution and resource depletion.

To address these challenges, it is essential for the lab-grown diamond industry to focus on reducing its environmental footprint through innovation and sustainable practices. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, optimizing manufacturing processes to minimize energy consumption, and implementing recycling and waste management initiatives.

Our 2024 Renewable Energy Goal for Diamond Sourcing

Today, while many brands remain vague about their supply chain and sustainability practices regarding lab-grown diamonds, we prioritize transparency with our customers right from the start.

Presently, we employ a multisourcing approach for lab-grown diamonds, given the size of our production. We acknowledge that we cannot guarantee 100% renewable energy adoption in all laboratories where our diamonds are grown at this time. However, our commitment is to exclusively source lab-grown diamonds from facilities utilizing 100% renewable energy by the end of 2024. We pledge to maintain absolute transparency on this matter and provide ongoing communication regarding our progress.

Crafting a Better Future with Adaïr's Ethical Practices

Your Role in Supporting Ethical Sourcing

Everyone can indeed play an essential role in supporting ethical sourcing through their purchasing decisions and behaviors. For instance, individuals can educate themselves, conduct thorough research on brands, inquire about sourcing practices, demand transparency, reduce consumption by opting for quality over quantity, spread awareness, and actively support ethical brands. Each of these actions contributes to fostering a more sustainable and ethical global supply chain.

Join Adaïr in Promoting Sustainable Luxury

Together, we can prioritize ethical sourcing, promote transparency, and champion environmentally conscious practices in the luxury industry. Let's make a difference by making and choosing products that align with our values and contribute to a more sustainable future throughout the luxury eco-system.

Image sources

1. Diamond banner: Unsplash, Edgar Soto: image link

2. Gold grain image: Max Havelaar Fairtrade Gold Switzerland: link

3. Diamond background image: Unsplash, Evie S.: link

4. Renewable energy banner: Unsplash+ In collaboration with Benoît Deschasaux, Image: link

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