Beautiful Gems Produced Without Silicosis
We are often asked if there are health and safety issues, like silicosis, in the gemstone supply chain. Sadly the answer is yes. Take a look at the silicosis information available from the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights. You’ll find a number of articles about Silicosis, but beware, it’s awful to read.
However, you can make a difference! We can produce beautiful gemstones safely and responsibly so that everyone is protected. You can help by asking for gemstones that have been faceted in a fair trade cutting workshop.
Columbia Gem House has done a lot of work in this area at their cutting factory. Also, Jagdish Patel of the Peoples Training and Research Centre in Gujarat, India, is doing heroic work on behalf of gem cutters. You can be an important part of the solution by demanding that the gemstones you purchase are faceted safely. Ask your favorite jeweler for gemstones that have been responsibly sourced and cut in a factory that safeguards health and safety.
Every gemstone produced in the Columbia Gem House cutting workshop is faceted safely and responsibly. Therefore, you have plenty of gemstone options to choose from.
You can create change. You are in control, all you have to do is ask.