Diamonds and Gemstones With Known Origin: What Is Provenance?
Do your part to build transparency and value in the jewelry industry.
Today’s consumer landscape is growing increasingly focused on transparency, ethical consciousness, and authenticity. It drives their trust. For us as jewelers, that means we have a responsibility to educate ourselves on the importance of provenance when it comes to diamonds and gemstones. But what does this mean? Let’s dive into the significance of a stone’s origin, how it impacts both the industry and the consumer, and how you can leverage this knowledge for future sales.
What Is Provenance and Why Does It Matter?
Provenance refers to the documented history of a diamond or gemstone, detailing its origin, sourcing, and any transformations it has undergone. This transparency fosters trust among consumers by ensuring proper practices and assures a level of quality. For jewelers, understanding and communicating provenance not only builds credibility but also adds value and romance to the jewelry you offer.
Differentiating Between Diamonds and Gemstones With Known Origin
For both diamonds and gemstones, having a known origin provides reassurance on not only the location of origin but also on the freedom from conflict these stones have. Extra steps are taken to document that these stones did not cause human abuse.
The diamond industry has certain blanket protections that are enforced by international initiatives, such as the Kimberley Process. However, gemstones are sourced on a broader scale throughout the world, and the industry is less organized when it comes to sourcing. That makes knowing the origin of a gemstone very important when it comes to determining the stone’s value and uniqueness. For example, knowing whether an Emerald comes from Columbia or Zambia can bear a significant effect on the price. Educating customers on these distinctions empowers them to make informed choices.
Tips for Selling Diamonds and Gemstones With Known Origin
1. Educate Your Customer
As much as customers want information on diamond and gemstone origin, they don’t possess the education and resources that you have. They depend on you. Guide them through what provenance means and how it impacts value.
2. Address Any Concerns
They are bound to have questions. Answer them with confidence, reassurance, and transparency about their purchase.
3. Tell a Story
Origin plays a role in the story you tell with each stone. Tell the tale of the stone’s journey to enrich the buying experience and enhance the value behind the purchase.
Options for Diamonds and Gemstones With Known Origin
CanadaMark® Diamonds
Sourced from the Ekati Mine near the Arctic Circle, CanadaMark Diamonds are natural and untreated diamonds that are carefully tracked from origin to polish. Along with the provenance claim, the mine adheres to strict environmental and social standards. They have a long-standing commitment to protecting the integrity of the land, water, wildlife, and local community.
Known-Origin Gemstones
New to Stuller’s gemstone assortment is a selection sourced from mines across North America. Oregon Sunstones and Montana Sapphires join our Greenland Rubies to add color to any piece, provide confidence in origin, and support local mining communities. We are constantly looking to grow these options with new gemstone types coming soon.
A Future Worthy of Trust
As the jewelry industry continues to evolve, embracing transparency and authenticity becomes paramount. By prioritizing provenance and known origin, you can set a standard for your products based on trust and value. Together, let’s pave the way for a more open and responsible jewelry industry.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amberly Champagne
Assistant Product Manager, Gemstones
Since 2010, Amberly has been immersed in the world of gemstones at Stuller. Combining her experience with her academic backgrounds in Business Management from Louisiana State University at Eunice and gemology at GIA, she hopes to help businesses understand and utilize the rainbow of possibilities the perfect gemstone can bring.