In recent years, questions have been raised about the ethicality of the gem trade. I have come across some outlandish stories from individuals who clearly have never set foot in a gem mine or lapidary workshop.
The coloured gem industry is quite unique in many aspects, with numerous mining operations being run by small-scale businesses. Personally, I have visited numerous mining operations in Asia over the years and can confidently say that I have never witnessed anything I would deem unethical. Similarly, in lapidaries and gem markets, I have not seen any immoral practices. There has been no evidence of child labour or any form of forced labour.
Labelling a business as being "ethical" implies that competitors who do not use the same label are engaging in unethical practices.
As a small business ourselves, we exclusively work with other small businesses and individuals, some of whom we have had a working relationship going back decades. We avoid dealing with large-scale companies, as some of them attempt to monopolise operations and undermine small-scale businesses and individuals.
We will not use the term “Ethical” or anything similar to market our company, products or services.
Anyone who has visited a gem mining operation will know that without constant and independent monitoring, once a gem has been found and unearthed, it is impossible to guarantee the exact location where the gem originated from. It is common practice for miners and people at the mining operations to buy and sell gems. Even in its rough form, a gemstone may have changed hands more than a few times before it is shown to a trader or taken to market.
By studying the features and inclusions, it is possible to gain an idea of the region where the gem was mined. Mogok rubies are a good example of this. Many Mogok rubies contain inclusions that are unique to that region. Blue sapphires are notoriously difficult (but not impossible) to pinpoint the exact origin of, as many features in these stones are common across different regions.
For this reason, we at Apsara will only offer an opinion on a gem's origin. This is also the standard practice of major gemmology labs worldwide.