The majority of our diamonds and gems are sourced directly from mines in Canada, Botswana, and South Africa. They are often cut in unique shapes by our suppliers in India, who buy rough stones in bulk through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
The supplier of our smaller accent diamonds is also a part of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America, whose mission is to promote the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism in the American marketplace.
Mining gemstones, diamonds, and metals from the earth from different governments around the planet has created human rights issues. As an industry, we've seen a change in truly caring about fair trading and sustainable mining, but as an entire industry, we are at the beginning of being better to the planet and each other.
Midwinter Co. does not own any diamond mines nor are we big enough to have eyes on our stone stock from earth to finger. This explains why we do not certify our stones as conflict-free, ethically sourced, or fair trade even though they are.
The Kimberly Process Certificate Scheme is the best the governments and heads of industry have come up with, and changed 90% of the world's stone exchanging. Honest jewelers will tell you that sourcing is work that is largely based on communication and the trust you built with whom you're working with. Our buyers are selective as to which small businesses, artisans, gemstones, and mining locations of which to work alongside. If in any way it makes you uncomfortable to work with natural stones, we can source and cut Moissanite in a large variety of white/grays/black or intense colors to make your piece with the finest man made stone of the top strength and brilliance!